Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Offline Evaluation Matters: Investigation of the Influence of Offline Performance on Real-Time Operation of Electromyography-Based Neural-Machine Interfaces

There has been a debate on the most appropriate way to evaluate electromyography (EMG)-based neural-machine interfaces (NMIs). Accordingly, this study examined whether a relationship between offline kinematic predictive accuracy (R2) and user real-time task performance while using the interface could be identified. A virtual posture-matching task was developed to evaluate motion capture-based control and myoelectric control with artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained to low (R2 ≈ 0.4), moderate (R2 ≈ 0.6), and high ( $\text {R}^{\vphantom {\text {D}^{\text {a}}}{2}} \approx 0.8$ ) offline performance levels. Twelve non-disabled subjects trained with each offline performance level decoder before evaluating final real-time posture matching performance. Moderate to strong relationships were detected between offline performance and all real-time task performance metrics: task completion percentage (r = 0.66, p < 0.001), normalized task completion time (r = −0.51, p = 0.001), path efficiency (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), and target overshoots (r = −0.79, p < 0.001). Significant improvements in each real-time task evaluation metric were also observed between the different offline performance levels. Additionally, subjects rated myoelectric controllers with higher offline performance more favorably. The results of this study support the use and validity of offline analyses for optimization of NMIs in myoelectric control research and development.
Equivalent Static Wind Load for Structures with Inerter-Based Vibration Absorbers

Equivalent Static Wind Loads (ESWL) are desired in structural design to consider peak dynamic wind effects. Conventional ESWLs are for structures without control. For flexible structures with vibration control devices, the investigation of ESWL is required. Inerter-based Vibration Absorbers (IVAs), due to the light weight and high performance, gained much research attention recently. This paper established a generic analytical framework of ESWL for structures with IVAs. The analytical optimal design formulas for IVAs with different configurations and installation locations are provided. Subsequently, the solutions to uncontrolled and controlled wind-induced responses are derived based on the filter approach. Finally, the ESWL for controlled structures are presented with a gust response factor approach. The ESWL estimation for a tall chimney controlled by IVAs is illustrated, and the results revealed a significant ESWL reduction effect of the IVAs, particularly for the cross-wind vortex resonance. In the presented framework, the conventional uncontrolled ESWL can be converted to the controlled one with a control ratio. The closed form solution of the control ratio is provided, which enables a quick estimation of ESWL for controlled structures particularly in the preliminary design stage. The presented approach has the potential to be extended to more complex structures and vibration control devices.
Dynamic traffic grooming with adaptive routing in optical WDM mesh networks

In this paper, we propose two novel dynamic adaptive routing grooming algorithms for optical WDM mesh networks using the fixed alternate routing (FAR) approach. The algorithms consider both load balance and resources utilization in the network and use FAR mechanism to reduce computation complexity and transmission delay. The simulation results show that the network performance can be improved significantly by these algorithms.
Remaining forests on the Central Highlands of Madagascar—Endemic and endangered aquatic beetle fauna uncovered

Abstract Madagascar is known for its high endemism and as many as 90% of this unique diversity are forest‐dwellers. Unfortunately, the forest cover of Madagascar is decreasing at an alarming rate. This decrease can also affect aquatic insects, but our knowledge on aquatic insect diversity and distribution on Madagascar are limited. Although the eastern rainforests are considered the most diverse, the Central Highlands of Madagascar also harbors unique microendemic fauna but has been less studied. Here, we analyze the aquatic Adephaga beetle fauna of three remaining protected forests of the Central Highlands. Diversity, abundance, and uniqueness are compared between and within natural forests and surrounding grasslands. At least 15 undescribed species were found, highlighting the Central Highlands as an important area for endemism. The natural forests and the surrounding grasslands differed significantly in species assemblages. Interestingly, the three remaining forests differed in their assemblages with the geographically more distant Manjakatompo Ankaratra having the most unique fauna but also the highest altitude span. By contrast, the species composition was similar between the peripheral zones of each of the three remaining forests. The similarity of the fauna in the peripheral open habitats illustrates how some local forest endemics are replaced with widespread generalists in degraded habitats. Our study shows that the remaining forests of the Central Highlands of Madagascar are important refuges of unique fauna at high risk of extinction.
Coping and Social Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Follow-Up Study among Healthcare Workers in Norwegian Public In-Home Services

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are central and serve in the frontlines when epidemics threaten public health. Thus, certain communities may be hardest hit by these challenges. Interventions supporting HCWs are important, and to develop these, understanding their experiences is essential. Aim: To explore how HCWs in Norwegian public in-home services experienced work during the COVID-19 pandemic over time. Method: A longitudinal qualitative study with two data collections approximately one year apart (2021 and 2022) was performed. Individual interviews were conducted with HCWs. Results: The analysis resulted in six main themes: Changing everything, Redefining ‘necessary tasks’, Distancing and loneliness, Cooperation and coordination, More infections and fewer worries and Lessons for the future. These indicate capabilities and processes, how they are evolving over time, and outcomes. The first two themes focus on the first period of the pandemic, the next two on the ongoing intermediate period, and the final two cover the last period. Conclusion: The HCWs’ narratives have demonstrated their collective coping based on adaptive and transformative capacities. Further, they have enlisted experienced social resilience in their strategies for coping with the COVID-19 challenges.
Support vector machines and kernel-based learning for dynamical systems modelling

Abstract In this paper we explain on different kernel-based approaches that can be taken for dynamical systems modelling, in particular methodologies based on support vector machines. The focus in this paper is mainly on approaches that are characterized by primal and dual model representations, with use of a feature map in the primal and a positive definite kernel function in the dual.
Functional and motor evaluation in a Brazilian Huntington’s disease cohort

Introduction. This study compared the results of motor performance obtained using three clinical scales for the assessment of Huntington’s disease (HD) progression, such as the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), evaluating the motor performances of Brazilian HD participants and Reference Group (RG). Method. This was a cross-sectional, observational quantitative study. Sensitivity and specificity of the MBI and FIM scales were calculated using UHDRS as a reference scale. Results. The mean age at HD onset was 41.6±8.3 years, with a median value of disease time of 11 years. The mean age of the RG (n=22) was 51.5±7.6 years, and the HD group (n=22) 51.5±8.4 years. Females from the HD group were more severely affected in their functional and motor capacities as compared to the RG (p<.001). Conclusions. To the authors knowledge, this is the first study applying the FIM to participants with HD. Therefore, FIM and MBI can be applied to assess the HD functional performance, since when we compared the UHDRS functional sections we observed similar results (p<.01). The FIM and MBI scales are easy to administer and can be used to assess the functional performance of HD patients. Furthermore, they may be effective tools in rehabilitation programs, but further studies of these scales are warranted.
Modulação space vector para inversores alimentados em tensão: uma abordagem unificada

This paper presents a unified approach of the space vector modulation for voltage-source inverters. To demonstrate the proposed unified approach, five fundamental inverters topologies are analyzed, that are: single-phase full-bridge; three-phase three-wire; three-phase four-wire, three-phase four-leg and three-phase three-level inverters. Switching vectors, separation and boundary planes in the inverter output space as well as decomposition matrices and possible switching sequences are derived for each one of these inverters. Experimental results are shown to validate the proposed approach.
POST TRAINING QUANTIZATION IN LENET-5 ALGORITHM FOR EFFICIENT INFERENCE

Ketika model jaringan saraf tiruan menjadi lebih baik , keinginan untuk mengimplementasikannya di dunia nyata semakin meningkat. Namun, konsumsi energi dan akurasi jaringan saraf tiruan sangat besar karena ukuran dan kompleksitasnya, sehingga sulit untuk diimplementasikan pada embedded devices. Kuantisasi jaringan saraf ini adalah sebuah teknik untuk dapat memecahkan masalah seperti mengurangi ukuran dan kompleksitas jaringan saraf tiruan dengan mengurangi ketepatan parameter dan aktivasi. Dengan jaringan yang lebih kecil, dimungkinkan untuk menjalankan jaringan saraf di lokasi yang diinginkan. Artikel ini mengkaji tentang kuantisasi yang telah berkembang dalam beberapa dekade terakhir. Dalam penelitian ini, kami mengimplementasikan kuantisasi dalam algoritma lenet-5, yang merupakan algoritma jaringan saraf convolutional pertama yang pernah ada, dan dievaluasi dalam dataset MNIST dan Fashion-MNIST.
Simple Authentication Method for Vehicle Monitoring IoT Device With Verifiable Data Integrity

This article proposes a new authentication method for vehicular monitoring Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Based on parallel hash chains, the proposed method is suitable for low-power and low-cost IoT devices. Encryption keys are continuously generated on identical parallel hash chains on both the IoT device and the server, removing the need to transmit secret keys over the network. The proposed method only needs two transmission handshakes for each authentication and data transmission. It does not need random number generation on the IoT device, reducing hardware requirements and potential security vulnerability. It minimizes power consumption and data transmission cost while providing mutual authentication of both the server and the device. Other merits of our proposed methods include: it provides device anonymity, allows message authentication, provides database integrity verification, is resistant to transmission loss, and is dynamically adaptable to disturbances in transmission network quality.
New approach to electron beam lithography

We describe a new approach to the lithography of thin films and thin‐film devices. Instead of fully exposing a pattern in, for example, electron beam or ion beam lithography, only the outlines of individual features in the pattern are exposed, leaving the completion of the features to a later processing step which is novel in concept but compatible with conventional processing. This approach can potentially reduce exposure time considerably, reduce proximity effects in the exposure process and reduce electron damage to the substrate. As a specific example we describe a process applicable to electron beam fabrication of chrome master masks for photolithography.
An axiomatic approach to the valuation of cash flows

We model a stream of cash flows as an optional stochastic process, and value the cash flows by using a continuous and strictly positive linear functional. By applying a representation theorem from the general theory of stochastic processes we are able to study this valuation principle, as well as properties of the stochastic discount factor it implies. This approach to valuation is useful in the non-presence of a financial market, as is often the case when valuing cash flows arising from insurance contracts and in the application of real options.
Exploring Intergenerational Communication on Social Media Group Chats as a Cancer Prevention Intervention Opportunity Among Vietnamese American Families: Qualitative Study

Background Families use social media group chats to connect with each other about daily life and to share information. Although cancer is not a frequent topic of conversation in family settings, the adoption of mobile technology in the family context presents a novel opportunity to promote cancer prevention information. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have used private social media group chats to promote cancer prevention information to family members. Objective In this formative study, we investigated how family group chat platforms can be leveraged to encourage colorectal cancer screening, human papillomavirus vaccination, and cervical cancer screening among intergenerational Vietnamese American families. This study aimed to cocreate a family-based communication intervention for introducing cancer screening information in family group chats. We sought to understand family members’ motivations for using group chats, family dynamics and conversation patterns, and group chat experiences and cultural norms for interacting with family members. Methods Overall, 20 audio-recorded and semistructured interviews were conducted with young Vietnamese adults. The study was conducted between August and October 2018. Participants were Vietnamese Americans; aged between 18 and 44 years; living in Orange County, California; had an existing family group chat; and expressed an interest in becoming family health advocates. Data were analyzed using a framework analysis. Results In total, 13 (65%) of the 20 young adults reported having >1 group chat with their immediate and extended family. Preventive health was not a typical topic of family conversations, but food, family announcements, personal updates, humorous videos or photos, and current events were. Young adults expressed openness to initiating conversations with family members about cancer prevention; however, they also raised concerns that may influence family members’ receptivity to the messages. Themes that could potentially impact family members’ willingness to accept cancer prevention messages included family status and hierarchy, gender dynamics, relational closeness in the family, and source trust and credibility. These considerations may impact whether families will be open to receiving cancer screening information and acting on it. The participants also mentioned practical considerations for intervention and message design, which included the Vietnamese cultural conversation etiquette of hỏi thăm, respect for a physician’s recommendation, prevention versus symptom orientation, the family health advocate’s bilingual capacity, and the busy lives of family members. In response to exemplar messages, participants mentioned that they preferred to personalize template messages to accommodate conversational norms in their family group chats. Conclusions The findings of this study inform the development of a social media intervention for increasing preventive cancer screening in Vietnamese American families.
Combined CNN and Pixel Feature Image for Fatty Liver Ultrasound Image Classification

Recent revolutionary results of deep learning indicate the advent of reliable classifiers to perform difficult tasks in medical diagnosis. Fatty liver is a common liver disease, and it is also one of the major challenges people face in disease prevention. It will cause many complications, which need to be found and treated in time. In the field of automatic diagnosis of fatty liver ultrasound images, there are problems of less data amount, and the pathological images of different severity are similar. Therefore, this paper proposes a classification method through combining convolutional neural network with the differential image patches based on pixel-level features for fatty liver ultrasonic images. It can automatically diagnose the ultrasonic images of normal liver, low-grade fatty liver, moderate grade fatty liver, and severe fatty liver. The proposed method not only solves the problem of less data amount but also improves the accuracy of classification. Compared with other deep learning methods and traditional methods, the experimental results show that our method has better accuracy than other classification methods.
Disrupted Circadian Rhythm of Epinephrine in Males With Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Context Blood pressure and plasma catecholamines normally decline during sleep and rapidly increase in early morning. This is blunted in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Objective We hypothesize that increased sympatho-adrenal activity during sleep differentiates youth with T2D from nondiabetic obese youth and lean youth. Methods Fasting spot morning and 24-hour urines were collected in obese adolescents with and without T2D, and normal-weight controls. Fractionated free urine catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) were measured, and the ratio of fasting spot morning to 24-hour catecholamines was calculated. Results Urinary 24-hour catecholamine levels were comparable across the 3 groups. Fasting morning epinephrine and the ratio of fasting morning/24-hour epinephrine were higher in youth with T2D (P = 0.004 and P = 0.035, respectively). In males, the ratio of fasting morning/24-hour epinephrine was also higher in youth with T2D (P = 0.005). In females, fasting morning norepinephrine and the ratio of fasting morning/24-hour dopamine were lower in obese youth with and without T2D (P = 0.013 and P = 0.005, respectively) compared with lean youth. Systolic blood pressure was higher in diabetic participants than other groups; males trended higher than females. Conclusion Circadian rhythm in catecholamines is disrupted in youth-onset T2D, with a blunted overnight fall in urinary epinephrine in males. Conversely, fasting morning norepinephrine and dopamine levels were lower in obese females with or without T2D. Higher nocturnal catecholamines in males with T2D might associate with, or predispose to, hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Lower catecholamine excretion in females with obesity might serve an adaptive, protective role.
HCO+, H13CN, and H12CN Aperture Synthesis Observations of the Circumnuclear Molecular Ring in the Galactic Center

We observed Sgr A West in the J=1→0 transition lines of H 13 CN and HCO + with a spatial resolution of 12″ by 6″ and spectral resolution of 4 km s −1 in 1988 and 1990 with the three-element millimeter interferometer at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory. We also remapped the data of the H 12 CN J=1→0 spectral line data from Gusten et al, (1987) to match the scale and resolution of our H 13 CN and HCO + maps. We find that the clumps in the ring have optical depths in H 12 N J=1→0 in the range from 2 to 10 and that the HCO + emission is distributed similarly to the HCN emission, but that the abundance ratio [HCO + ]/[HCN] appears to be 5 to 15 times lower than that measured in interstellar, quiescent molecular clouds
Silicon Diffused-Element Piezoresistive Diaphragms

The properties of a pressure transducer consisting of a single-crystal silicon diaphragm having stress-sensitive piezoresistive regions formed by the localized diffusion of impurities have been theoretically and experimentally investigated. The longitudinal and transverse piezoresistance effects are discussed and the results are applied to the stress pattern of a deformed diaphragm. The conditions under which the stress in the diaphragm varies linearly with applied pressure are discussed and good agreement between the predicted and measured sensitivity is found in both the linear and nonlinear cases.
Hardware implementation of elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman key agreement scheme in GF(p)

With the advent of technology there are many applications that require secure communication. Elliptic Curve Public-key Cryptosystems are increasingly becoming popular due to their small key size and efficient algorithm. Elliptic curves are widely used in various key exchange techniques including Diffie-Hellman Key Agreement scheme. Modular multiplication and modular division are one of the basic operations in elliptic curve cryptography. Much effort has been made in developing efficient modular multiplication designs, however few works has been proposed for the modular division. Nevertheless, these operations are needed in various cryptographic systems. This thesis examines various scalable implementations of elliptic curve scalar multiplication employing multiplicative inverse or field division in GF(p) focussing mainly on modular divison architectures. Next, this thesis presents a new architecture for modular division based on the variant of Extended Binary GCD algorithm. The main contribution at system level architecture to the modular division unit is use of counters in place of shift registers that are basis of the algorithm and modifying the algorithm to introduce a modular correction unit for the output logic. This results in 62% increase in speed with respect to a prototype design. Finally, using the modular division architecture an Elliptic Curve ALU in GF(p) was implemented which can be used as the core arithmetic unit of an elliptic curve processor. The resulting architecture was targeted to Xilinx Vertex2v6000-bf957 FPGA device and can be implemented for different elliptic curves for almost all practical values of field p. The frequency of the ALU is 58.8 MHz for 128-bits utilizing 20% of the device at 27712 gates which is 30% faster than a prototype implementation with a 2% increase in area utilization. The ALU was tested to perform Diffie-Hellman Key Agreement Scheme and is
Efficacy of lidocaine local anesthesia on pain perception during amniocentesis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To evaluate the efficacy of lidocaine local analgesia on maternal pain reduction during amniocentesis. Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and CENTRAL databases were screened from inception and updated in July 2022. The included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were evaluated for the risk of bias via the Cochrane tool. The primary outcome was pain perception using the 10 cm visual analog scale, and was summarized as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the mode of administration. Meta-analysis was done via Review Manager software. We included five RCTs totaling 1004 women (lidocaine arm n=502 patients and control arm n=502 patients). Overall, there was no significant difference between both arms [MD=-0.21, 95% CI (-0.48, 0.07), p=0.80]. The pooled analysis showed homogeneity (p=0.13, I2=43%). Subgroup analysis according to the mode of administration showed that pain perception did not significantly differ between both arms when lidocaine was employed as injection [n=3 RCTs, MD=-0.26, 95% CI (-0.76, 0.23), p=0.29] or non-injection [n=2 RCTs, MD=-0.18, 95% CI (-0.55, 0.18), p=0.33]. The pooled analyses showed heterogeneity (p=0.05, I2=66%) and homogeneity (p=0.27, I2=19%), respectively. There was no noteworthy change concerning maternal pain perception between the lidocaine and control arms. Most women reported just minimal discomfort during amniocentesis. Counseling should educate patients that the pain they might experience during amniocentesis is comparable to venous blood sampling.