Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Windup of flexion reflexes in chronic human spinal cord injury: a marker for neuronal plateau potentials?

The physiological basis of flexion spasms in individuals after spinal cord injury (SCI) may involve alterations in the properties of spinal neurons in the flexion reflex pathways. We hypothesize that these changes would be manifested as progressive increases in reflex response with repetitive stimulus application (i.e., "windup") of the flexion reflexes. We investigated the windup of flexion reflex responses in 12 individuals with complete chronic SCI. Flexion reflexes were triggered using trains of electrical stimulation of plantar skin at variable intensities and inter-stimulus intervals. For threshold and suprathreshold stimulation, windup of both peak ankle and hip flexion torques and of integrated tibialis anterior electromyographic activity was observed consistently in all patients at inter-stimulus intervals < or =3 s. For subthreshold stimuli, facilitation of reflexes occurred only at intervals < or =1 s. Similarly, the latency of flexion reflexes decreased significantly at intervals < or =1 s. Patients that were receiving anti-spasticity medications (e.g., baclofen) had surprisingly larger windup of reflex responses than those who did not take such medications, although this difference may be related to differences of spasm frequency between the groups of subjects. The results indicate that the increase in spinal neuronal excitability following a train of electrical stimuli lasts for < or =3 s, similar to previous studies of nociceptive processing. Such long-lasting increases in flexion reflex responses suggest that cellular mechanisms such as plateau potentials in spinal motoneurons, interneurons, or both, may partially mediate spinal cord hyperexcitability in the absence of descending modulatory input.
Working time preferences in sixteen European countries

W oking tim e prerences in siteen Eupean contries Increased labour market participation is the key to achieving an inclusive European society for all. This report focuses on the issue of working time in the context of present employment policy priorities. It analyses findings from a survey carried out by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions into working time across the 15 EU Member States and Norway. It compares the hours currently worked by people to the hours they say they would like to work in the future. It looks at aspects such as age and gender differences, income levels, professional status and domestic responsibilities to form a comprehensive portrait of the working population in Europe today. The report concludes that there is a definite wish to change the present situation and this could act as a clear incentive to policymakers in their shaping of labour market policy.
An Adaptive Stochastic Ranking Mechanism in MOEA/D for Constrained Multi-objective Optimization

Stochastic ranking is a promising technique for handling constraints in constrained evolutionary optimization. In stochastic ranking, the comparison between a pair of individuals is randomly based on either their objective values or degrees of constraint violation according to a constant probability parameter. In this paper, an adaptive stochastic ranking mechanism is presented to solve constrained multi-objective optimization problems (CMOPs) more effectively in the framework of the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D). This mechanism dynamically controls the probability parameter according to both the current evolutionary stage and the difference between the degrees of constraint violation of individuals. Additionally, an elitist archiving scheme is introduced to preserve the so-far best feasible solution for each scalar sub-problem in the MOEA/D. Experimental results on CTP-series test instances show better and competitive performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of both convergence and diversity of solutions.
Applying Formative Assessment Techniques to Promote Students’ Learning Outcomes and Interest

Assessment, especially classroom assessment techniques (CATs) is widely recognized as a vital component of teaching practice. To add one more proof to this confirmation, this study has been conducted to discover some impacts of practicing CATs in Physics teaching to Grade 11 students in Vietnam on their improvement of learning interest and outcomes. Some CATs were utilized to design assessment activities, and then put into practice. Observation and questionnaire survey were then conducted to collect data on students’ responses during the instruction and by the end of instruction. A test to summative measure students’ learning out-comes, having been administrated in two groups: with and without CATs practicing to evaluate the effective-ness of the CATs. The research results have shown that the assessment activities have actually facilitated students’ interest and engagement in the lesson; in which students’ learning outcomes are considerately promoted. Keywords—formative assessment; classroom assessment techniques; CATs; effects; impacts; learning outcomes; learning interest; students’ interest
An Account of Object Identification Confusions

In 2 experiments, trained military observers identified vehicles in infrared (thermal) imagery that varied in distance, signal-to-noise ratio, and orientation. A measure of shape similarity was derived from a contingency tree that allowed prediction of the confusion rates between any 2 vehicles on the basis of the number of detectable, distinguishing parts. The mean confusion rates between pairs of vehicles were strongly correlated with the nodal distance between these vehicles in the similarity trees, even though the similarity trees had been constructed without knowledge of the confusion rates. Such trees offer the possibility for substantial improvements in the modeling of human object identification and, when incorporated into training programs, offer a high potential for reducing the likelihood of identification errors.
A hybrid rotational matrix extraction method for soft tissue deformation modeling

In this paper, we mainly investigated the methods of extracting rotational matrix in co-rotational finite element method (FEM). The matrix is used to perform stiffness warping assembly at every time-step in a soft body deformation simulation procedure. QR decomposition and polar decomposition are two well-known decomposition methods in computer graphics. The former is relative precise but time-consuming, while the latter is less precise but more efficient, and their real-time performances were analyzed in this paper. Our hybrid rotational matrix extraction method with efficient data structure, which combines the two methods mentioned above to make a balance between deformation results and real-time performance. In addition, the specific situation of a virtual surgery system has also been taken into account, in which the deformation usually occurs in a local contacted area, acts as an acceleration factor. The experimental results show that the hybrid rotational matrix extraction method can guarantee both accurate deformation simulation results and fast computation efficiency.
Bone Marrow Stem Cell as a Potential Treatment for Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion and insulin action. The chronic hyperglycemia damages the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Curative therapies mainly include diet, insulin, and oral hypoglycemic agents. However, these therapies fail to maintain blood glucose levels in the normal range all the time. Although pancreas or islet-cell transplantation achieves better glucose control, a major obstacle is the shortage of donor organs. Recently, research has focused on stem cells which can be classified into embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and tissue stem cells (TSCs) to generate functional β cells. TSCs include the bone-marrow-, liver-, and pancreas-derived stem cells. In this review, we focus on treatment using bone marrow stem cells for type 1 and 2 DM.
An adaptive approach for overlapping people tracking based on foreground silhouettes

We propose Binary/Appearance Tracker which consists of background subtraction, silhouette similarity and particle filter to infer pedestrians' locations under different occlusion situations with a single camera. During the period of occlusions, binary and color silhouettes are adaptively used to effectively measure the similarity between the observation and the possible combinations of silhouettes. Thus, the occluded pedestrians' locations can be simply located by the most possible combination of silhouettes. The experimental results show that the proposed BATracker can track people successfully even though she/he is fully occluded.
A hidden Markov model based dynamic hand gesture recognition system using OpenCV

In this paper we propose a novel and faster system for dynamic hand gesture recognition by using Intel's image processing library OpenCV. Many hand gesture recognition methods using visual analysis have been proposed: syntactical analysis, neural networks, the hidden Markov model (HMM). In our research, a HMM is proposed for hand gesture recognition. The whole system is divided into three stages detection and tracking, feature extraction and training and recognition. The first stage uses a more non-conventional approach of application of Lαβ colour space for hand detection. While the process of features extraction is the combination of Hu invariant moments and hand orientation. For the training, Baum-Welch algorithm using Left-Right Banded (LRB) topology is applied and recognition is achieved by Forward algorithm with an average recognition rate above 90% for isolated hand gestures. Because of the use of OpenCV's inbuilt functions, the system is easy to develop, its recognition rate is quite fast and so the system can be practically used for real-time applications.
A new sensorless control strategy used in direct-drive PMSG wind power system

This paper introduces the operating principle of back-to-back converter in direct-drive variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) wind power system. In system in order to obtain the accurate information of motor speed and angle, and alleviate the shortcomings, a new estimation method of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) speed and rotor position based on phase-locked loop (PLL) is proposed in this paper. Simulation model and experimental prototype were established. The simulation and experimental results indicate that the sensorless vector control method based on PLL can obtain accurate speed and angle information of PMSG. Then the fast response, good current control effect, and good steady state and dynamic performances, can also be achieved by sensorless vector control of PMSG. Specially, this method is suitable for medium and small scale wind power generation system.
Institutional Barriers Affecting The Academic And Social Development Of Underrepresented College Students: Perspectives Of Administrators

This dissertation examines the perspectives of middle- and senior-level higher education administrators at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who provide minority-based programs and services that support underrepresented college students. This research aims to identify the key institutional systemic barriers that create challenges for the administrators in their effort to support underrepresented college students. Often underrepresented college students face academic and social challenges in their pursuit of obtaining an education; their experiences often differ from their white peers. Underrepresented college students attending predominantly white institutions are at greater risk of academic failure and adapting to their learning environment when institutional barriers are present and diversity and inclusion are not institutional priorities to promote an inclusive campus climate. Subsequently, administrators who support these students through their programs also encounter systemic barriers that create challenges. This task can be daunting for administrators at PWIs, often characterized by concerns induced by racism and the senior institutional leadership practices which influence systemic practices and policies. Using a qualitative semi-structured interview method, this study seeks to analyze the data gathered from 10 middle- and senior-level administrators interviewed at the University of Pittsburgh, a public research and PWI. The inquiry focused on the perspectives in narrative form. A qualitative analysis of interview results and pertinent literature review support identifying the key findings, themes, and interpretation. The data gathered in the study is analyzed using critical race theory (CRT), a theoretical framework and tenets of counter-storytelling and the permanence of racism. The qualitative study revealed the following emerging themes: institutional financial challenges; implications of existing silos; equitable resources and treatment are not always equal; social challenges create systemic discrimination and implicit bias; checking boxes and formality are common practices; administrators’ perspectives regarding racism as a factor; and senior institutional leadership and support they provide. The seven emerging themes from the data analysis reveal that racism and the influence of senior institutional leadership were tied closely to each of the themes. The seven themes also answer the three research questions. The data gathered is not intended to generalize all PWIs, underrepresented college students, and administrators.
THE IMPACT OF BUYER SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS ON COMPANY PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON TURKISH AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIER INDUSTRY

In this study, the effects of buyer-supplier relationships on company performance of suppliers in the Turkish automotive industry are analyzed. In the context of suppliers, it is found out that the relationships in the Turkish automotive industry have a three-phase structure such as competitive, transition period, and collaborative periods. The performance of the companies demonstrating collaborative relationship is higher as compared to others.
Implementation of a tabletop 3D display based on light field reproduction

A tabletop is a useful shared space for diverse collaborative tasks. If the tabletop is considered to be interface, then expression through visual sensation, especially 3D images, is an important way to engage the principal human sense. Many 3D displays that can be observed from any direction have been proposed in recent years. However, some techniques force to wear special glasses and restrict the positions from which 3D images can be viewed [Kitamura et al. 2001]. Other glasses-free 3D displays employ obstructive apparatus on the table [Jones et al. 2007].
Transposon Defense by Endo-siRNAs, piRNAs and Somatic pilRNAs in Drosophila: Contributions of Loqs-PD and R2D2

Transposable elements are a serious threat for genome integrity and their control via small RNA mediated silencing pathways is an ancient strategy. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has two silencing activities that target transposons: endogenous siRNAs (esiRNAs or endo-siRNAs) and Piwi-interacting small RNAs (piRNAs). The biogenesis of endo-siRNAs involves the Dicer-2 co-factors Loqs-PD, which acts predominantly during processing of dsRNA by Dcr-2, and R2D2, which primarily helps to direct siRNAs into the RNA interference effector Ago2. Nonetheless, loss of either protein is not sufficient to produce a phenotype comparable with a dcr-2 mutation. We provide further deep sequencing evidence supporting the notion that R2D2 and Loqs-PD have partially overlapping function. Certain transposons display a preference for either dsRBD-protein during production or loading; this appeared to correlate neither with overall abundance, classification of the transposon or a specific site of genomic origin. The endo-siRNA biogenesis pathway in germline operates according to the same principles as the existing model for the soma, and its impairment does not significantly affect piRNAs. Expanding the analysis, we confirmed the occurrence of somatic piRNA-like RNAs (pilRNAs) that show a ping-pong signature. We detected expression of the Piwi-family protein mRNAs only barely above background, indicating that the somatic pilRNAs may arise from a small sub-population of somatic cells that express a functional piRNA pathway.
Modality specificity and cognitive control : sources of modality-specific influences in cued attention switching

In the current study, we addressed modality-specificity of the flexibility of cognitive control. We compared performance in singleand mixed-tasks blocks between blocked auditory and visual stimuli assessing alternation costs (single vs. mixed). Mixed blocks comprised task switches only. The tasks consisted of numerical parity, magnitude, and distance judgments about numbers between one and nine without five. A cue indicated the respective task. The cuestimulus interval was varied (short vs. long interval) to examine preparation effects. The results indicated higher response times (RT) and error rates in mixedvs. single-tasks blocks. The alternation costs in error rates were larger for auditory compared to visual stimulus presentation. Moreover, the reduction of RT alternation costs through increased preparation time was more pronounced for the auditory compared to the visual modality. These results suggest a modalityspecific influence on processes involved in maintaining and updating task sets in working memory.
On the Improvement of Image Feature Matching under Perspective Transformations

This paper presents a novel methodology to perform consistent matching between visual features of a pair of images, particularly in the case of point-of-view changes between shots. Traditionally, such correspondences are determined by computing the similarity between descriptor vectors associated with each point which are obtained by invariant descriptors. Our methodology first obtains a coarse global registration among images, which constrains the correspondence space. Then, it analyzes the similarity among descriptors, thus reducing both the number and the severity of mismatches. The approach is sufficiently generic to be used with many feature descriptor methods. We present several experimental results that show significant increase both in accuracy and the number of successful matches.
Aspects of monopole operators in = 6 Chern-Simons theory

We study local operators of U(N) × U(N) = 6 Chern-Simons-matter theory including a class of magnetic monopole operators. To take into account the interaction of monopoles and basic fields for large Chern-Simons level k, we consider the appropriate perturbation theory in 1/k which reliably describes small excitations around protected chiral operators. We also compute the superconformal index with some simple monopole operators and show that it agrees with the recent result obtained from localization. For this agreement, it is crucial that excitations of gauge fields and some matter scalars mix, which is described classically by odd dimensional self-duality like equations.
Investment under Threat of Disaster

During the last 40 years the number and severity of economic, natural, and political disasters has significantly increased all over the world. Disasters are characterized by a highly uncertain frequency of occurrence and size of impact. Due to their relatively small probability, for a long time they were not regarded as an essential element of investment decisions. Although this has changed recently, especially in the context of specific applications in finance, a transfer to a general evaluation of disasters has not taken place yet. This paper shows how disastrous events of uncertain occurrence and uncertain size can be included in the most frequently used evaluation method, namely expected net present value (ENPV). We identify an Ito-Levy Jump Diffusion process as an adequate stochastic process for this kind of phenomenon and determine how to account for such large uncertain events. We also illustrate that disregarding this phenomenon may easily lead to unprofitable investment behavior. Hence, disasters do have a huge impact on investment behavior and should be included into project evaluation.
Spin-12Kondo effect in an InAs nanowire quantum dot: Unitary limit, conductance scaling, and Zeeman splitting

We report on a comprehensive study of spin-1/2 Kondo effect in a strongly-coupled quantum dot realized in a high-quality InAs nanowire. The nanowire quantum dot is relatively symmetrically coupled to its two leads, so the Kondo effect reaches the Unitary limit. The measured Kondo conductance demonstrates scaling with temperature, Zeeman magnetic field, and out-of-equilibrium bias. The suppression of the Kondo conductance with magnetic field is much stronger than would be expected based on a g-factor extracted from Zeeman splitting of the Kondo peak. This may be related to strong spin-orbit coupling in InAs.
Vertical Mining of Frequent Patterns from Uncertain Data

Efficient algorithms have been developed for mining frequent patterns in traditional data where the content of each transaction is definitely known. There are many applications that deal with real data sets where the contents of the transactions are uncertain. Limited research work has been dedicated for mining frequent patterns from uncertain data. This is done by extending the state of art horizontal algorithms proposed for mining precise data to be suitable with the uncertainty environment. Vertical mining is a promising approach that is experimentally proved to be more efficient than the horizontal mining. In this paper we extend the state-of-art vertical mining algorithm Eclat for mining frequent patterns from uncertain data producing the proposed UEclat algorithm. In addition, we compared the proposed UEclat algorithm with the UF-growth algorithm. Our experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the UF-growth algorithm by at least one order of magnitude.
Using Essential Inverters for Interconnect Delay Reduction

With the fast advance of VLSI process technology, interconnect delay increasingly dominates the circuit performance. Buffer insertion plays a crucial role in dealing with this problem. However, excessive insertion might cause additional problems and counteract its advantages. In this paper, we propose a gate replacement method to extract essential inverters from positive unate gates. The basic idea is to use inverters originally embedded in a design rather than externally added buffers to drive long interconnects. Our experiments show on average up to 27 % reduction in buffer usage together with 4.6% reduction in clock period. The total slack of the first 100 longest paths is improved by 67.1%. The total negative slack is improved by 53.9%. All these are achieved at the expense of on average 3.1% increase in cell area for the large benchmark circuits.
Wavelet based sparse image recovery via Orthogonal Matching Pursuit

Compressed sensing is an emerging technique that reconstructs signals and images discarding the Shannon Nyquist theory of reconstruction. This paper demonstrates that if orthogonal matching pursuit is implemented in multi stages, it gives a faster recovery of an image with kth Sparsity level by taking k ln R measurements for a dimension R. The results of orthogonal matching pursuit are comparable with the least squares method of recovery and the numbers o f measurements are comparable with the previous work on Orthogonal Matching Pursuit. It can be taken as an attractive alternative to other recovery algorithms as in some cases at the cost of certain parameters orthogonal matching pursuit is easily implemented and is faster.