Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neutral point control for multi-level inverters: theory, design and operational limitations

This paper describes the theory, design, and operation of a neutral point voltage control system for a three level inverter drive system. The paper specifically addresses: (1) the mathematical derivation of the neutral point control principle described, defining the operating limits imposed; (2) design of a closed loop control system; (3) and modifications to the control system to enable operation throughout the full range of the drive. Experimental results are provided, and control for a five level inverter is also discussed.
The key genes involved in herpes simplex virus-1 corneal infection-induced acute hepatitis

Background: Viral keratitis is mainly induced by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 infection-induced acute hepatitis associates with immunodeficiency. Related biomarkers have not been systemically identified till now. This study was designed to explore the molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers of HSV-1 infection-induced acute hepatitis. Methods: Microarray dataset GSE35943, including the liver tissues infected by HSV-1 (1, 3, 5, and 7 days post infection) and the corresponding control tissues, was extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using and were clustered using time series expression analysis. DEG-associated KEGG pathways were called using online DAVID tool. Using Cytoscape software, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built and significant network modules were identified. Results: A total of 2909 DEGs grouping into 3 clusters with similar gene expression profiles were obtained. The DEGs were involved in immune-associated functional terms and pathways like natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and antigen processing and presentation. DEGs including PIK3R1, PIK3CD, PLCG2, PTPN6, LCK, RAC2, and PLK1 had higher degrees in the PPI network and 8 significant modules Conclusion: PIK3R1, PIK3CD, PLCG2, PTPN6, LCK, RAC2 and PLK1 were identified to be associated with HSV-1 corneal infection-induced hepatitis, and might be potential clinical biomarkers for the diagnosis of HSV-1-induced hepatitis.
A heart sound segmentation algorithm using wavelet decomposition and reconstruction

A heart sound segmentation algorithm, which separates the heart sound signal into four parts (the first heart sound, the systolic period, the second heart sound and the diastolic period), has been developed. The algorithm uses discrete wavelet decomposition and reconstruction to produce intensity envelopes of approximations and details of the original phonocardiographic signal. The performance of the algorithm has been evaluated using 1165 cardiac periods from 77 digital phonocardiographic recordings including normal and abnormal heart sounds. The algorithm has been shown to perform correctly in over 93% of cases.
NORMAS DRIS E NÍVEIS CRÍTICOS DE NUTRIENTES PARA VIDEIRA ‘NIAGARA ROSADA’ CULTIVADA NA REGIÃO DE JUNDIAÍ-SP

ABSTRACTPreliminary Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms and critical leaf nutrient levels (CLN) for ‘Niagara Rosada’ grape grafted on the rootstock ‘IAC 766’ growing in the region of Jundiai, State of Sao Paulo (Brazil) are presented. DRIS norms and CLN were established from a data bank of leaf nutrient concentration(N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and fruit yield with 116 records. The data bank gets information from fertilizationexperiments and from a field survey comprising four crop cycles. The data were divided into high-yielding (>26 t/ha) and low-yielding (<26 t/ha) subpopulations and norms were computed using standard DRIS procedures. Even with the diversity of cropping conditions, the relationship between the nutrient balance index from DRIS and fruit yield was highly significant (R2 = 0.48, p<0.0001), indicating that part of the variation in productivity of vineyards can be credited to nutritional status of the plants. The CLNs were derived using multiple linear regressions relating to the foliar nutrient concentration with DRIS indices of all nutrients. The CLNs for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were 38.0, 3.0, 11.4, 13.7, and 3.5 g/ kg, respectively.
The Knowledge Gradient with Logistic Belief Models for Binary Classification

We consider sequential decision making problems for binary classification scenario in which the learner takes an active role in repeatedly selecting samples from the action pool and receives the binary label of the selected alternatives. Our problem is motivated by applications where observations are time consuming and/or expensive, resulting in small samples. The goal is to identify the best alternative with the highest response. We use Bayesian logistic regression to predict the response of each alternative. By formulating the problem as a Markov decision process, we develop a knowledge-gradient type policy to guide the experiment by maximizing the expected value of information of labeling each alternative and provide a finite-time analysis on the estimated error. Experiments on benchmark UCI datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A STUDY ON USING REINFORCEMENT LEARNING FOR TEMPORAL ORDERING OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

The temporal ordering of biological samples, with the goal of retrieving the temporal evolution of dynamic biological processes, is an im- portant problem within bioinformatics. As the general temporal ordering problem has been proven to be NP-complete, various approximation and heuristic methods are developed to approach it. Reinforcement Learning is an approach to machine intelligence in which an adaptive system can learn to behave in a certain way by receiving punishments or rewards for its chosen actions. This paper aims to investigate a reinforcement learning based approach to the temporal ordering problem and several variations to this approach, based on Q-Learning. The algorithms are experimentally evaluated on a time series gene expression data set and we provide analysis and comparisons of the obtained results.
Scanner Quality Assurance for Longitudinal or Multicenter fMRI Studies

Introduction The FIRST (Functional Imaging Research Schizophrenia Testbed) Biomedical Informatics Research Network (fBIRN) program is the first-ever large scale, multi-center fMRI study of schizophrenia (http://www.nbirn.net). The fBIRN project will pool fMRI data from each of the 11 participating sites to enable the acquisition of a large and diverse study population in a modest time period. To maintain scanner stability, periodic quality assurance (QA) scans are performed regularly at each of the sites. This report compares measures of image stability across 10 of the participating scanners (comprising 5 1.5T, 4 3.0T, 1 4.0T; Siemens, GE, Picker).
A paradigm for sequential experimentation

Most human factors design problems involve large data spaces with so many factors that a single experiment investigating all of these factors simultaneously is unreasonable. An alternative is the use of sequential experimentation. In this paper, an integrated research paradigm for sequential experimentation is presented. Specific methods and procedures are described for the four steps: planning research strategy, selecting, describing and optimizing design variables. A hypothetical example is provided to illustrate the use of the research paradigm. The usefulness of this overall strategy for sequential experimentation in conducting ergonomics research is discussed.
Domains and lambda-calculi

Preface Notation 1. Continuity and computability 2. Syntactic theory of lambda-calculus 3. D models and intersection types 4. Interpretation of lambda-calculi in CCC's 5. CCC's of algebraic dcpo's 6. The language PCF 7. Domain equations 8. Values and computations 9. Powerdomains 10. Stone duality 11. Dependent and second order types 12. Stability 13. Towards linear logic 14. Sequentiality 15. Domains and realizability 16. Functions and processes Appendix 1: summary of recursion theory Appendix 2: summary of category theory References and bibliography Index.
Collaborative Learning Software for Secondary School: ATutor

In today's world, technology is constantly changing especially in e-learning scope. Consideration must be given to the development of collaborative activities between students and teachers. The aim of the research was to evaluate the usage of ATutor for collaborative learning environment between students and teachers and determine the features and tools from learners and teachers’ view, particularly on Secondary School and Pre University learners’ participation. The instruments used to gather data were interviews, workshop online and a survey, which undertook the completion of two printed evaluation forms for both users after the implementation and usage of the software. The findings gathered and analyzed in Educational Complex of Imam Khomeini in Kuala Lumpur was found to satisfy the involvement of collaborative learning at home. Generally, the respondents were willing to consider Collaborative learning as they planned to do their homework and projects together for better learning effectiveness.
The Novel Method to Reduce Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort after Transurethral Prostate Surgery

an indwelling urinary catheter is defined as a painful urethral discomfort, resistant to conventional opioid therapy, decreasing the quality of postoperative recovery [1]. The indwelling urinary catheter after transurethral prostate surgeries (TPS), especially transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and Holmium laser enucleation of prostate, frequently leads to CRBD in the immediate postoperative period. The mechanism of CRBD is mediated by type 3 muscarinic receptor activation, which increases acetylcholine release and then causes the detrusor muscles of the bladder to contract involuntarily [2]. Therefore, agents with anticholinergic, analgesics including tramadol and paracetamol, antiepileptics such as gabapentin and pregabalin, anesthetics including ketamine and dexmedetomidine have been successfully studied for the prevention and treatment of CRBD [2]. Nevertheless, these drugs when administered, generally can cause some side effects such as facial flushing, dry mouth, blurred vision and sedation. I have carefully read the article published in Investigative and Clinical Urology by Zugail et al [3], and his findings and conclusions are indeed interesting. This article is one of the few reports which addresses the issue of CRBD. We have encountered few papers regarding this medical condition because, to the best of our knowledge, most of the studies which address CRBD using drugs. Their study including 14 patients with TURP has shown that a 50% reduction of the balloon volume leads to a significant improvement in tolerating the indwelling urinary catheter in terms of 10-point visual analogic scale scores (p=0.02) and CRBD grades (p=0.04). The reduction of the balloon volume is safe, fast, not expensive, and non-invasive method for reduce CRBD. It is also practical method with lesser side effects when compared to the usage of anticholinergic and other drugs for postoperative analgesia.
Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for Functional Cortical Plasticity During Development and after Focal Ischemic Brain Injury

x Chapter 1: Introduction and Perspective . 1 1.1 Recovery after ischemic stroke . 2 1.2 Current approaches to stroke rehabilitative therapy . 2 1.3 Animal models of recovery after ischemic injury . 3 1.4 Systems-level plasticity in recovery after focal ischemic injury . 4 1.5 Overview of functional brain mapping . 5 1.6 Cortical maps defined by activity increases during task . 5 1.7 Cortical networks defined by spontaneous activity . 6 1.8 Plasticity in functional cortex organization . 7 1.9 Functional cortical reorganization in ischemic stroke . 9 1.10 Parallels between developmental critical periods and recovery after injury . 11 1.11 Summary of findings . 13 1.12 References . 14 Chapter 2: Sensory Deprivation Following Focal Ischemia Accelerates Remapping and Improves Behavioral Recovery through Arc-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity . 28 2.1 Preface . 29 iii 2.2 Abstract . 30 2.3 Introduction . 31 2.4 Results . 33 2.5 Discussion . 38 2.7 Methods . 43 2.8 Acknowledgements . 50 2.9 Figures . 51 2.10 References . 70 Chapter 3: Early visual experience modulates spatiotemporal relationships in infra-slow activity between distinct cortical regions through an Arc-dependent mechanism 77 3.1 Preface . 78 3.2 Abstract . 79 3.3 Introduction . 80 3.4 Results . 82 3.5 Discussion . 89 3.6 Methods . 96 3.7 Acknowledgements . 101 3.8 Figures . 103 3.9 References . 112 Chapter 4: Electrically coupled inhibitory interneuron networks limit spontaneous activity coupling between distant cortical regions . 123
Combining acoustic signals and medical records to improve pathological voice classification

This study proposes two multimodal frameworks to classify pathological voice samples by combining acoustic signals and medical records. In the first framework, acoustic signals are transformed into static supervectors via Gaussian mixture models; then, a deep neural network (DNN) combines the supervectors with the medical record and classifies the voice signals. In the second framework, both acoustic features and medical data are processed through first-stage DNNs individually; then, a second-stage DNN combines the outputs of the first-stage DNNs and performs classification. Voice samples were recorded in a specific voice clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital, including three common categories of vocal diseases, i.e. glottic neoplasm, phonotraumatic lesions, and vocal paralysis. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed framework yields significant accuracy and unweighted average recall (UAR) improvements of 2.02–10.32% and 2.48–17.31%, respectively, compared with systems that use only acoustic signals or medical records. The proposed algorithm also provides higher accuracy and UAR than traditional feature-based and model-based combination methods.
Security: A Core Issue in Mobile Ad hoc Networks

Computation is spanning from PC to Mobile devices. The Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) are optimal choice to accommodate this growing trend but there is a problem, security is the core issue. MANETs rely on wireless links for communication. Wireless networks are considered more exposed to security attacks as compared to wired networks, especially; MANETs are the soft target due to vulnerable in nature. Lack of infrastructure, open peer to peer connectivity, shared wireless medium, dynamic topology and scalability are the key characteristic of MANETs which make them ideal for security attacks. In this paper, we shall discuss in detail, what does security mean, why MANETs are more susceptible to security attacks than wired networks, taxonomy of network attacks and layer wise analysis of network attacks. Finally, we shall propose solutions to meet the security challenges, according to our framed security criteria.
Design of a dual-stage actuator control system with discrete-time sliding mode for hard disk drives

This paper considers discrete-time design of a dual-stage actuator control system with sliding mode for hard disk drives. A state estimator based sliding mode controller is designed in the discrete time domain. A design methodology is also addressed to complete the design of the control system. The performance of the proposed sliding mode control algorithm is tested through simulations. Very fast seek in microactuator range is attained while not exciting the microactuator resonance. Through the results of simulations it is demonstrated that the proposed discrete-time sliding mode control system is a very prospective technique for disk drives with dual-stage actuators.
A Fast Document Image Denoising Method based on Packed Binary Format and Source Word Accumulation

In order to perform document image denoising more efficiently and rapidly, we proposed a hybrid method which used the Otsu’s method to initial binary quantization, used two dimensional median filters to reduce the left pepper & salt noises, and performed open and close operators to eliminate the remained noises. Besides, a fast calculation strategy was proposed based on packed binary (PB) format and source word accumulation (SWA). The PB format uses a uint32 word to represent 32 binary pixels, and SWA is capable of directly performing erosion and dilation processes on this format. Experiments demonstrate that the computation time using acceleration is only 18.92% and 18.57% of those not using acceleration for erosion and dilation, respectively. Besides, the denoising method using acceleration is efficient on denoising while keep the quality of thin strokes, and it results in a 17.68% reduction in computation time.
Study protocol for ‘The Project About Loneliness and Social networks (PALS)’: a pragmatic, randomised trial comparing a facilitated social network intervention (Genie) with a wait-list control for lonely and socially isolated people

Introduction Loneliness and social isolation have been identified as significant public health concerns, but improving relationships and increasing social participation may improve health outcomes and quality of life. The aim of the Project About Loneliness and Social networks (PALS) study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a guided social network intervention within a community setting among individuals experiencing loneliness and isolation and to understand implementation of Generating Engagement in Network Involvement (Genie) in the context of different organisations. Methods and analysis The PALS trial will be a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial comparing participants receiving the Genie intervention to a wait-list control group. Eligible participants will be recruited from organisations working within a community setting: any adult identified as socially isolated or at-risk of loneliness and living in the community will be eligible. Genie will be delivered by trained facilitators recruited from community organisations. The primary outcome will be the difference in the SF-12 Mental Health composite scale score at 6-month follow-up between the intervention and control group using a mixed effects model (accounting for clustering within facilitators and organisation). Secondary outcomes will be loneliness, social isolation, well-being, physical health and engagement with new activities. The economic evaluation will use a cost-utility approach, and adopt a public sector perspective to include health-related resource use and costs incurred by other public services. Exploratory analysis will use a societal perspective, and explore broader measures of benefit (capability well-being). A qualitative process evaluation will explore organisational and environmental arrangements, as well as stakeholder and participant experiences of the study to understand the factors likely to influence future sustainability, implementation and scalability of using a social network intervention within this context. Ethics and dissemination This study has received NHS ethical approval (REC reference: 18/SC/0245). The findings from PALS will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops in collaboration with our community partners. Trial registration number ISRCTN19193075
Generalized Viterbi algorithms for error detection with convolutional codes

Presented are two generalized Viterbi algorithms (GVAs) for the decoding of convolutional codes. They are respectively, a parallel algorithm that simultaneously identifies the L best estimates of the transmitted sequence, and a serial algorithm that identifies the lth best estimate using the knowledge about the previously found l-1 estimates. These algorithms are applied to combined speech and channel coding systems, concatenated codes, trellis-coded modulation, partial response (continuous-phase modulation), and hybrid ARQ (automatic repeat request) schemes. As an example, for a concatenated code more than 2 dB is gained by the use of the GVA with L=3 over the Viterbi algorithm for block error rates less than 10/sup -2/. The channel is a Rayleigh fading channel. <<ETX>>
The application of space-time codes in CDMA systems

We consider the application of space-time codes in CDMA systems and develop iterative multiuser receivers for CDMA systems with the combination of turbo coding and space-time block coding. According to the orthogonal structure of space-time block codes, algorithms for separate detection and decoding are derived. The performance of the multiuser receivers is analyzed based on the numerical results.
Coding in the fusiform face area of the human brain

The fusiform face area of the human brain is engaged in face perception and has been hypothesized to play a role in identifying individual faces [29]. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain reveals that this region of the temporal lobe produces a higher blood oxygenation dependent signal when subjects view face stimuli versus nonface stimuli [29]. This thesis studied the way in which fMRI signals from voxels that comprise this region encode (i) the presence of faces, (ii) distinctions between different face types, and (iii) information about nonface object categories. Results suggest that the FFA encodes the presence of a face in one dominant eigenmode, allowing for encoding of other stimulus information in other modes. This encoding scheme was also confirmed for scene detection in the parahippocampal place region. PCA dimensionality suggests that the FFA may have larger capacity to represent information about face stimuli than nonface stimuli. Experiments reveal that the FFA response is biased by the gender of the face stimulus and by whether a stimulus is a photograph or line drawing. The eigenmode encoding of the presence of a face suggests cooperative and efficient representation between parts of the FFA. Based on the capacity for nonface versus face stimulus information, the FFA may hold information about both the presence and the individual identity of the face. Bias in the FFA may form part of the perceptual representation of face gender. Thesis Supervisor: Nancy G. Kanwisher Title: Professor
Study of efficacy of misoprostol in reduced dose via vaginal route in first trimester abortion

Objective: The present study is prospective study of Misoprostol in reduced dose via vaginal route to minimise side effect in first trimester abortion. Materials and Method: 200 mg of mifepristone given orally followed by 400 mg misoprostol intra virginally after 24 hours, and after 24 hrs of vaginal misoprostol 400 mg of misoprostol was given orally. Result: The 140 women were analyzed, 134 of these women had complete abortion after completion of the treatment regimen, and success rate of 95.7% was achieved. Conclusion: Use of400 mg misoprostol vaginally after 24 hours of oral mifepristone, have less side effect and effective result for medical abortion in first trimester abortion. Keywords: Misoprostole, Mifepristone, 1st trimester abortion,