Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Denoising of ocean acoustic signals using wavelet-based techniques

Abstract : This thesis investigates the use of wavelets, wavelet packets and cosine packet signal decompositions for the removal of noise from underwater acoustic signals. Several wavelet based denoising techniques are presented and their performances compared. Results from the comparisons are used to develop a wavelet-based denoising algorithm suitable for a wide variety of underwater acoustic transients. Performances of the denoising algorithm are compared to those of a short-time Wiener filter implementation, and demonstrate that wavelet-based methods are a viable tool for the denoising of acoustic data.
Multi‐Level Sensorfusion and Computer‐Vision Algorithms within Driver Assistance for Avoiding Overtaking‐Accidents

On two-lane rural roads, a large number of overtaking accidents tend to happen. Those cause many serious casualties and fatalities. In many cases, inaccurate assessment of the traffic situation is identified as the major cause. Hence, the development of a driver assistance concept for those scenarios promises a high safety benefit. This paper shows the sensory and data-fusion approach to a system which provides this assistance function. The level of information about the car's environment, which is required for overtaking assistance, depends on the phase of the overtaking maneuver. In early stages, i.e. when the overtaking vehicle is in the situation just before the initial lane change, it is only necessary to get information about oncoming cars in the distance. For late stages in the scenario, i.e. when the overtaking speed is too low, dangerous situations can arise due to the fact that the gap in front of the car to be overtaken cannot be reached any more. In this case, it is necessary to calculate an evasion path, based on the perception of unoccupied space in front of the overtaking car. A fusion of different automotive sensors is proposed in order to cover all parts of the overtaking scenario in the system's perception: Information about independently moving objects in front of the car is gained from a radar-device by exploiting the Doppler shift. Moreover, we employ a CMOS-camera sensor. Different algorithms are run on the camera's video stream: a texture-based free space detector as well as an object detection algorithm. Details of those algorithms are shown in further sections of the paper. The proposed approach fuses object information from raw radar object data and the output of a video based object detection algorithm. As a result of this mid-level fusion, a list of moving objects in the whole range of the targeted field of view is obtained. For the free space part, a typical occupancy grid representation of the front car environment is employed for shorter distances in the field of view. This area is relevant for evasion maneuvers. The grid is filled by the camera free-space detection and is corrected with the known objects from the object- list. Thus, a high-level grid fusion is obtained. In particular, it is shown that the fusion of both sensor inputs is beneficial. First, it is possible to detect oncoming vehicles from a relatively high range with the radar device, whereas secondly, object detection from video frames becomes increasingly difficult for distant cars. In close range, both sensors benefit from the fusion of multiple cues. False positive detections can be filtered out and video object detections allow for an improved estimation of other vehicles' widths. Experimental results on real world data which has been recorded with a typical onboard system will be given in the results section.
Precise Numerical Differentiation of Thermodynamic Functions with
 Multicomplex Variables

The multicomplex finite-step method for numerical differentiation is an extension of the popular Squire–Trapp method, which uses complex arithmetics to compute first-order derivatives with almost machine precision. In contrast to this, the multicomplex method can be applied to higher-order derivatives. Furthermore, it can be applied to functions of more than one variable and obtain mixed derivatives. It is possible to compute various derivatives at the same time. This work demonstrates the numerical differentiation with multicomplex variables for some thermodynamic problems. The method can be easily implemented into existing computer programs, applied to equations of state of arbitrary complexity, and achieves almost machine precision for the derivatives. Alternative methods based on complex integration are discussed, too.
The Eyephone: a head-mounted stereo display

Head mounted stereo displays for virtual environments and computer simulations have been made since 1969. Most of the recent displays have been based on monochrome (black and white) liquid crystal display technology. Color LCD displays have generally not been used due to their lower resolution and color triad structure. As the resolution of color LCDdisplays is increasing we have begun to use color displays in our Eyephone. In this paper we describe four methods for minimizing the effect of the color triads in the magnified images of LCD displays in the Eyephone stereo head mounted display. We have settled on the use of wavefront randomizer with a spatial frequency enhancement overlay in order to blur the triacis in the displays while keeping the perceived resolution of the display high.
An adaptive run-to-run optimizing controller for linear and nonlinear semiconductor processes

This paper presents a new run-to-run (R2R) multiple-input-multiple-output controller for semiconductor manufacturing processes. The controller, termed optimizing adaptive quality controller (OAQC), can act both as an optimizer-in case equipment models are not available-or as a controller for given models. The main components of the OAQC are shown and a study of its performance is presented. The controller allows one to specify input and output constraints and weights, and input resolutions. A multivariate control chart can be applied either as a deadband on the controller or simply to provide out of control alarms. Experimental designs can be utilized for on-line (recursive) model identification in the optimization phase. For testing purposes, two chemical mechanical planarization processes were simulated based on real equipment models. It is shown that the OAQC allows one to keep adequate control even if the input-output transfer function is severely nonlinear. Software implementation including the integration of the OAQC with the University of Michigan's Generic Cell Controller (GCC) is briefly discussed.
Lessons from COVID-19 and the practice of school psychology: opportunity for a changed landscape

ABSTRACT Objective Due to the COVID pandemic psychologists have been required to rapidly adapt to a different type of service delivery to ensure safety of the public and maintain the provision of essential psychological services within schools. In response, telehealth or online counselling became the norm across much of Australia. Psychologists in school settings were required to move many traditional face-to-face psychological services online to continue to support the needs of school communities. This project aimed to identify changes made to the practice of school psychology during COVID, the efficacy of these changes and potential applications within the field post COVID. Method Registered psychologists working in school settings across Australia were invited to participate in an online survey. Fifty-six participants completed questions related to their school psychological practice during COVID, they also completed the Counsellor’s Crisis Self Efficacy Scale, rating their level of confidence to respond in a crisis. Results Results identified a range of technology-informed changes to practice during COVID including greater use of telehealth in provision of service to clients, parents and schools. Respondents reported moderate to high levels of self-efficacy overall in their ability to respond during the crisis, and significant differences according to level of experience were identified. Conclusions Respondents identified potential post COVID changes to practice that represented greater flexibility in modes of service delivery. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on school psychological practice. (2) Benefits of telehealth. (3) Influences on crisis intervention self-efficacy. What this study adds: (1)Technology enabling factors to school psychological practice. (2)Relationship between crisis intervention self-efficacy and experience. (3)Opportunities to change model of service delivery.
On the repeatability of the EMI for the monitoring of bonded joints

We study the feasibility and the repeatability of the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method for the health monitoring of lightweight bonded joints. The EMI technique exploits the coupling between the displacement field and the potential field of a piezoelectric material, by attaching or embedding a piezoelectric transducer to the structure to be monitored. The sensor is excited by an external voltage and the electrical admittance which is the ratio between the electric current and the applied voltage is measured as it depends on the mechanical coupling between the transducer and the host structure. Owing to this interaction, the admittance may represent a signature for the health of the host structure. In this study the EMI method is applied to aluminum joints adhesively bonded. We investigate the repeatability of the proposed method by monitoring the same aluminum components bonded many times using the same adhesive mix, and then by monitoring the same two components bonded several times by means of different adhesive qualities. The results demonstrate that the EMI is repeatable and variations in the admittance signatures are related to the quality (health) of the bond.
How Consistent are Drivers in their Driving? A Driver Training Perspective

This paper describes how the value and effectiveness of driver training as a means of improving driver behavior and road safety continues to fuel research and societal debates. Knowledge about what are the characteristics of safe driving that need to be learned is extensive. Research has shown that young drivers are over represented in crash statistics. The encouraging fact is that novice drivers have shown improvement in road scanning pattern after training. This paper presents a driver behavior study conducted on a closed circuit track. A group of experienced and novice drivers performed repeated multiple maneuvers (i.e. turn, overtake and lane change) under identical conditions. Variables related to the driver, vehicle and environment were recorded in a research vehicle equipped with multiple in vehicle sensors such as global positioning system (GPS) accelerometers, vision processing, eye tracker and laser scanner. Each group consistently exhibited a set of driving pattern characterizing a particular group. Behavior such as the indicator usage before lane change, following distance while performing a maneuver were among the consistent observed behavior differentiating novice from experienced drivers. This paper highlights the results of the study and emphasizes the need for effective driver training programs that focuses on young and novice drivers.
American Cave Diving Fatalities 1969-2007

Fatality records for American cave-diving fatalities (n = 368) occurring between 1969 and 2007 were examined and circumstances preceding each death categorized. Safety rules breached were noted in each case. The number of deaths per year peaked in the mid-1970s and has diminished since. Drowning was the most frequent cause of death, most often after running out of gas, which usually followed getting lost or starting the dive with insufficient gas. Compared with untrained divers, trained divers tended to be older, died at deeper depths and further inside caves, carried more cylinders of gas and more often died alone. Untrained divers were more likely to have dived without a guideline, without appropriate number of lights, and/or without adequate gas for the planned dive. Since running out of gas was associated with the greatest number of fatalities for trained divers, we recommend that gas management rules should receive the greatest emphasis in cave diving courses. Cave divers visit environments with inherent hazards that include flowing water, low or no visibility, a confusing number of possible exits, restrictions,
Effects of a new trench-isolated transistor using sidewall gates

In this structure, the sidewall of the trench is used as an extra channel region. The sidewall gate electrode, which covers the sharp convex corner of the trench, increases the electric field at the channel edge. The advantages of this transistor are excellent cutoff characteristics, a small substrate bias effect, and high reliability (compared with the LOCOS-isolated transistor). The sidewall gate along the channel edge plays an important role in increasing gate controllability and decreasing the electric field at the drain. >
Clinical Application of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Pregnant Women with Assisted Reproductive Pregnancy

Objective This paper analyzes the clinical significance of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal chromosome aneuploidy in the screening of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF) pregnancies. Methods The study subjects consisted of 3163 IVF-pregnant women who underwent NIPT at the Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University and Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang Province from February 2015 to June 2019. Fetal or neonatal karyotype analysis was carried out in high-risk patients, with subsequent follow-up on pregnancy outcomes. Results NIPT results of 3163 pregnant women suggested 20 cases of high-risk fetal chromosome aneuploidy, of which 2185 cases were a single pregnancy. Of the 13 cases of high-risk chromosome aneuploidy in single pregnancies, seven were true positive, and six were false positive according to fetal or newborn chromosomal karyotype diagnosis. Twin pregnancies accounted for 978 cases in which NIPT indicated seven cases of high-risk chromosome aneuploidy; six of these cases were true positive, and one case was false positive according to fetal or newborn chromosomal karyotype diagnosis. The specificity, positive predictive value, and false-positive rate of trisomy 21 syndrome in IVF single embryo NIPT were 99.86%, 62.5%, and 0.14%, respectively. The specificity, positive predictive value, and false-positive rate of trisomy 18 syndrome were 99.95%, 66.67%, and 0.05%, respectively. The specificity of trisomy 13 syndrome was 99.91%, and the false-positive rate was 0.09%. The specificity of trisomy 21 syndrome in IVF twin NIPT was 99.89%, the positive predictive value was 83.33%, and the false-positive rate was 0.11%. The specificity and positive predictive value of fetal trisomy 18 syndrome were 100.00%, and the false-positive rate of it were 0.00%. Sensitivity and false-negative rates were 100% in all cases. Conclusion NIPT is an ideal prenatal test for IVF-pregnant women due to its high sensitivity and specificity in screening for fetal aneuploidy.
Internal Noise Distractions in Lifeguarding

A momentary lapse in supervision can be costly when it comes to lifeguarding. Drowning is quick and quiet and can happen in a matter of seconds so distractions can be deadly. Lifeguards are trained to watch the water and avoid distractions. The biggest distraction causing lapses in supervision is often in their heads. Lifeguards might be looking at patrons in the water, with rescue tube in hands, but not really seeing the patrons in the water due to internal noise. Internal noise is a huge distraction because it is difficult for lifeguards to recognize when they are distracted by internal noise, usually impossible for others to see and a challenge to manage. We define internal noise as thoughts and emotions that distract an individual from a task. This paper presents results from our international survey with 839 lifeguard participants, uncovering the types and frequencies of internal noise that distract lifeguards from their lifesaving job. Distractions are everywhere, especially in a lifeguard environment at pools, water parks, lakes, and oceans. Lifeguards are subject to weather extremes, noise from the immediate environment, and an abundance of other distractions. Focusing on patrons in the water is a lifeguard’s primary responsibility, yet one of the biggest challenges. Distraction is defined as an “involuntary division of attention” (Sen, 1983, p. 53). External distractions are diverting stimuli originating from an individual’s outside environment. Internal noise is far more difficult to recognize and more challenging to manage than external distraction. Internal noise is diverting stimuli from thoughts and emotions that can distract an individual from a task. Internal noise can easily distract a lifeguard from focusing on patrons in the water. At the same time, internal noise often cannot be easily detected. When lifeguards have their eyes on the water, it seems like they are watching the water, both from their own perspectives and from others. Many don’t realize their own thoughts and emotions may blind them from actually “seeing. ” This study explores the degree to which lifeguards report and experience internal noise while on duty (see Figure 1).
Transient Ischemic Attacks Preceding Ischemic Stroke and the Possible Preconditioning of the Human Brain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as transient brain ischemia with temporary neurological deficits. In animal models, prior TIA seems to enhance brain ischemic tolerance to withstand further ischemic events, which might be explained by brain preconditioning. Thus, this review aims to formulate evidence of whether TIAs can induce positive preconditioning and enhance the functional outcomes in patients suffering from subsequent ischemic strokes. Five databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, SAGE, Web of Science, and Scopus), and twelve studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Studies were eligible when comparing patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and previous TIA with those with AIS without TIA. Comparisons included the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission and 7 days from the stroke event, modified Rankin score (mRS), and Trial of ORG 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. Odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe our results using the random effect model. Our results revealed that patients with stroke and prior TIAs had lower NIHSS scores at admission than those without prior TIAs. However, the NIHSS score was not significantly different between the two groups at 7 days. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of mortality. Despite the differences in the admission mRS score groups, patients with prior TIAs had lower mRS scores at discharge.
Manganese Stress Adaptation Mechanisms of Bacillus safensis Strain ST7 From Mine Soil

The mechanism of bacterial adaption to manganese-polluted environments was explored using 50 manganese-tolerant strains of bacteria isolated from soil of the largest manganese mine in China. Efficiency of manganese removal by the isolated strains was investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bacillus safensis strain ST7 was the most effective manganese-oxidizing bacteria among the tested isolates, achieving up to 82% removal at a Mn(II) concentration of 2,200 mg/L. Bacteria-mediated manganese oxide precipitates and high motility were observed, and the growth of strain ST7 was inhibited while its biofilm formation was promoted by the presence of Mn(II). In addition, strain ST7 could grow in the presence of high concentrations of Al(III), Cr(VI), and Fe(III). Genome-wide analysis of the gene expression profile of strain ST7 using the RNA-seq method revealed that 2,580 genes were differently expressed under Mn(II) exposure, and there were more downregulated genes (n = 2,021) than upregulated genes (n = 559) induced by Mn stress. KAAS analysis indicated that these differently expressed genes were mainly enriched in material metabolisms, cellular processes, organism systems, and genetic and environmental information processing pathways. A total of twenty-six genes from the transcriptome of strain ST7 were involved in lignocellulosic degradation. Furthermore, after 15 genes were knocked out by homologous recombination technology, it was observed that the transporters, multicopper oxidase, and proteins involved in sporulation and flagellogenesis contributed to the removal of Mn(II) in strain ST7. In summary, B. safensis ST7 adapted to Mn exposure by changing its metabolism, upregulating cation transporters, inhibiting sporulation and flagellogenesis, and activating an alternative stress-related sigB pathway. This bacterial strain could potentially be used to restore soil polluted by multiple heavy metals and is a candidate to support the consolidated bioprocessing community.
What Language Disorders Reveal About the Mechanisms of Morphological Processing

We addressed an understudied topic in the literature of language disorders, that is, processing of derivational morphology, a domain which requires integration of semantic and syntactic knowledge. Current psycholinguistic literature suggests that word processing involves morpheme recognition, which occurs immediately upon encountering a complex word. Subsequent processes take place in order to interpret the combination of stem and affix. We investigated the abilities of individuals with agrammatic (PPA-G) and logopenic (PPA-L) variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and individuals with stroke-induced agrammatic aphasia (StrAg) to process pseudowords which violate either the syntactic (word class) rules (*reheavy) or the semantic compatibility (argument structure specifications of the base form) rules (*reswim). To this end, we quantified aspects of word knowledge and explored how the distinct deficits of the populations under investigation affect their performance. Thirty brain-damaged individuals and 10 healthy controls participated in a lexical decision task. We hypothesized that the two agrammatic groups (PPA-G and StrAg) would have difficulties detecting syntactic violations, while no difficulties were expected for PPA-L. Accuracy and Reaction Time (RT) patterns indicated: the PPA-L group made fewer errors but yielded slower RTs compared to the two agrammatic groups which did not differ from one another. Accuracy rates suggest that individuals with PPA-L distinguish *reheavy from *reswim, reflecting access to and differential processing of syntactic vs. semantic violations. In contrast, the two agrammatic groups do not distinguish between *reheavy and *reswim. The lack of difference stems from a particularly impaired performance in detecting syntactic violations, as they were equally unsuccessful at detecting *reheavy and *reswim. Reduced grammatical abilities assessed through language measures are a significant predictor for this performance, suggesting that the “hardware” to process syntactic information is impaired. Therefore, they can only judge violations semantically where both *reheavy and *reswim fail to pass as semantically ill-formed. This finding further suggests that impaired grammatical knowledge can affect word level processing as well. Results are in line with the psycholinguistic literature which postulates the existence of various stages in accessing complex pseudowords, highlighting the contribution of syntactic/grammatical knowledge. Further, it points to the worth of studying impaired language performance for informing normal language processes.