Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated prediction of deterioration of infants in paediatric intensive care using SpO2

Acute life-threatening events are mostly predictable in adults and children. Despite real-time monitoring these events still occur at a rate of 4%. This paper describes an automated prediction system based on the feature space embedding and time series forecasting methods of the SpO2 signal; a pulsatile signal synchronised with heart beat. We develop an age-independent index of abnormality that distinguishes patient-specific normal to abnormal physiology transitions. Two different methods were used to distinguish between normal and abnormal physiological trends based on SpO2 behaviour. The abnormality index derived by each method is compared against the current gold standard of clinical prediction of critical deterioration.
Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Staphylococci Isolated From Hospital Out-Patients in Accident and Emergency Unit

S. aureus, a major pathogenic strain in man with wide antibiotic resistance profile vis-ӑ-vis the emerging resistance pattern encountered in coagulase-negative staphylococci to penicillin family and fluoroquinolones. Fifty (50) wounds and burns out-patients samples undergoing injury dressing in General Hospital was identified, characterized and evaluated for resistant pattern yielding 21(42%) Staphylococcus spp. with 18(86%) coagulase-positive strains and 3(14%) coagulase-negative staphylococci, 16(76%) mannitol fermenters and 5(24%) non-mannitol fermenters. The β-lactamase assay resulted in 6(28.6%) β-lactamase producers S. aureus and 1(4.8%) β-lactamase producer CoNS, while 14(67%) are non-β-lactamase producers. The resistance pattern of β-lactamase and non-β-lactamase producing staphylococci showed that the highest resistance pattern for Staphylococcus aureus group was observed with ampiclox, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone 15(83.3%), while in CoNS group, resistance was observed in cefuroxime, streptomycin, amoxicillin, ampiclox and gentamicin representing 2(66.7%) each. The MAR index for Staphylococcus spp. isolated ranges from 0.2 to 1.0 with 76.1% isolates showing resistance to at least 6 antibiotics. Therefore, resistance pattern of normal skin flora to regularly prescribed antibiotics is becoming alarming and demands health safety consciousness/awareness.
Computer methods for high resolution relaxation time imaging

Methods for calculating multiple point T1 relaxation images are described and compared. A robust line fitting method is presented and its relevance to high resolution relaxation imaging discussed. Selective removal of data points is demonstrated to reduce systematic errors in linear models. A non-linear least squares iterative method is also developed and implemented. The results include simulated data, clinical images and a phantom study. Several of the methods are substantial improvements on existing linear techniques. The increased quality and consistency of the calculated images make them particularly appropriate for automated pattern recognition.
Speed-independent bit-serial multiplier

We propose a novel architecture of an asynchronous bit-serial multiplier based on a mixed-mode delay model. Firstly, the control circuit of the multiplier's basic cell is designed as a speed-independent circuit. Then we incorporate a data-path function under the bounded-delay model. The crucial idea of the proposed design is that data transfer between basic cells is acknowledged by another data transfer in the opposite direction. Thus, this design solution has resulted in lower hardware complexity and is suitable for architectures with counterflow data streams.
A low power 8-bit successive approximation register A/D for a wireless body sensor node

A power efficient 8-bit successive approximation register (SAR) A/D for the vital sign monitoring of a wireless body sensor network (WBSN) is presented. A charge redistribution architecture is employed. The prototype A/D is fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS. The A/D achieves 7.5 ENOB with sampling rate varying from 64 kHz to 1.5 MHz. The power consumption varies from 10.8 to 225.7 μW.
Software Reliability Modeling Incorporating Log‐Logistic Testing‐Effort with Imperfect Debugging

Reference [5] have proposed the log‐logistic SRGM that can capture the increasing/decreasing nature of the failure occurrence rate per fault. Therefore, in this paper, we will investigate how to incorporate the log‐logistic testing‐effort function (TEF) into inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models based on non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). The models parameters are estimated by least square estimation (LSE) and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) methods. The methods of data analysis and comparison criteria are presented and the experimental results from actual data applications are analyzed. Results are compared with the other existing models to show that the proposed models can give fairly better predictions. It is shown that the log‐logistic TEF is suitable for incorporating into inflection S‐shaped NHPP growth models. In addition, the proposed models are also discussed under imperfect debugging environment.
Fixation of ammonium‐N and nitrate‐N with olive oil mill wastewaters

The present work evaluates whether ammonium and nitrate ions become linked with diluted olive oil mill wastewaters (OOMW). From a laboratory experiment it was concluded that the ammonium ion linked with OOMW in the presence of carbonates or hydroxides and OOMW could block up to a third of the present ammonium‐N ion. On the other hand, OOMW are capable of joining with the nitrate ion, in a sulphuric diluted medium at room temperature, retaining up to 80% of nitrate‐N. These complexes could be useful for recycling OOMW as new OOMW‐N fertilizers. In soils treated with OOMW‐N fertilizers, the nitrate‐N emissions were reduced by 90% for two months. So, inorganic‐N fertilizers mixed with OOMW could produce new organic fertilizers with a higher efficiency index for N.
Internet Banking and the Law in Europe

framework and overlooks the fact that Canada has one of the broadest and most punitive child pornography regimes in the world. Despite these shortcomings, this is an important book that brings our attention to a disturbing social problem that has been greatly ignored or misunderstood. The book concludes with a series of resources designed to help parents and their kids stay safe on the Net. Ultimately, though, there is far more regulatory work that needs to be done to combat the sexual exploitation and abuse of children in cyberspace. One does not finish this book with a strong sense of what the critical issues are and what needs to be done, from a regulatory standpoint, to stop the tide of abuse. In the final chapter, Sher claims that: ‘Nobody has the answers, but the hard questions can no longer be avoided’ (p. 286). Hopefully, if anything, this book will provide an impetus for further research and some answers to the difficult question of how to deal effectively with this problem in Canada and throughout the world.
A Rapid Method Based on Vehicle Video for Multiobjects Detection

An efficient and rapid method for car detection in video is presented in this paper. In this method, rear side view of cars is used in the detection phase. And in combination with histograms of oriented gradients (HOG) which is one of the most discriminative features, a linear support vector machine (SVM) is used for object classification. Besides, in order to avoid car missing, Kalman filter is used to track the objects. It is known that the calculation of HOG is complex and costs the most run time. So the processing time in this method is decreased by using information of objects' areas from the previous frames. It is shown by the experimental results that the detection rate can reach 96.20% and is more accurate when choosing the fit interval number such as 5. It is also illustrated that this method can decrease the calculating time on a large degree when the accuracy is about 94.90% by comparing with traditional method of HOG combining with SVM.
Performance analysis of handoff algorithm in fiber-optic microcell/picocell radio system

The fiber-optic radio system was proposed to solve the cost problem of micro/picocell system. In this system, all channel elements in a system can be dynamically assigned when the SDS is used. We analyzed the performance of soft handoff used as intergroup handoff in the CDMA based fiber-optic cellular system with a spectrum delivery switch (SDS). Performance is evaluated in view of blocking and handoff refused probability. The numerical results show that the smaller the handoff region or the more the channel, the larger the system capacity. We can also see that the larger queue makes the handoff refused probability lower.
Loop Extended Symbolic Execution on List Manipulating Programs

Current symbolic execution is challenged by its ability to deal with loops. The case gets worse for loops manipulating recursive data structures. In this paper, we extend classic symbolic execution techniques for error detection of programs manipulating lists in loops. The idea is to enhance the symbolic execution with the utilization of quantitative aspect of the shape, and to construct the exit state of the loop. The exit state is constrained by a set of numeric constraints containing normal symbolic variables in programs and instrumented symbolic variables on the shapes. A prototype tool has been implemented and experiments are conducted on some commonly used list manipulating programs.
A tuning algorithm for digitally programmable continuous-time filters

This algorithm is based on estimates of filter characterization parameters based on the results of a system identification and subsequently calculated adjustments of the modeled controlling components. Simulations show this algorithm converges to a solution after iterations in the ideal case and attains good speed and accuracy even when parasitic effects are included in the system model. Simulations of the tuning of a sixth-order elliptic lowpass filter with 0.5-dB passband ripple designed to have a normalized cutoff frequency at 1 (rad/s) indicate that 0.501-dB passband ripple and 0.015% accuracy in the 3 dB band-edge can be achieved in the presence of typical parasitics. <<ETX>>
Relational Model-base Structures Underpinnings for Decision-driven (vs Databasedependent) Management Support Systems

As things now stand, administrative systems are likely to see their design options as being restricted to one or another of the products now being produced and promoted under the Enterprise Resource Planning banner. This dominance is troublesome because ERP packages are not a universally appropriate technical choice. Rather, because of their dependency on relational database conventions, ERP-based management systems are not well fit, in either form or function, to answer for anything much beyond the relatively pedestrian problems that punctuate ordinary business firms. They cannot be expected to efficiently or fully accommodate the more demanding analytical and operational challenges confronting the extraordinarily large and complex enterprises that are increasingly characteristic of the contemporary commercial sector. Hence the primary purposes of these pages: To introduce relational model-base structures as an alternative to conventional relational database structures, and thereafter go on to show why/how it is that management systems resting on relational model-base structures should be able to provide administrative authorities with a higher order of technical support than relational database-dependent ERP constructs.
Supporting Teacher Candidates during the Electronic Portfolio Development Process

In recent years, there has been a movement in the USA towards performance-based evaluation of teachers. As a result, many schools, colleges, and departments of education have moved towards integrating performance-based approaches into their programs. This has involved many promising practices, but none have caught on more than the use of teaching portfolios, and especially electronic or digital teaching portfolios. As a follow-up to an earlier article in E-Learning on portfolio implementation issues, this article will address the logical next step when considering using electronic portfolios with teacher candidates: supporting students during the development of their electronic teaching portfolios. An overview of issues to consider specific to the implementation and support of electronic portfolios is discussed. Methods of supporting the portfolio development process represented in the research literature are addressed and critiqued as to their effectiveness specific to various purposes attributed to teaching portfolios in general. The article concludes with a call to integrate technological needs and conceptual issues into any effective support plan so that the complex and critical attributes of teaching portfolios are realized.
A unified approach to iterative learning control using neural network and integral control with anti-windup

The performance of control systems with repetitive motion can be improved by employing iterative learning controllers. Integral learning is the simplest algorithm and anti-windup is often indispensable in helping the controller to recover from the dilemma of saturation and to improve the transient performance. Neural network learning control, with the advantage of identifying system inverse dynamics, can quickly reduce output error in the first few iterations; however, the error converges very slowly thereafter. A unified hybrid controller employing a neural network and integral learning is proposed to pursue fast convergence of tracking error and good transient performance.
Coastal basin area monitoring using multi-sensor imagery and GIS data

Describes an experiment which has been conducted in southern Italy to predict water pollution risk arising from human activity in an environmentally-threatened coastal hydrological basin. This has been carried out by the integrated use of remotely-sensed satellite imagery and ancillary data layers in a geographical information system. Landsat TM and SPOT imagery have been used to generate land use maps which are used as a basis for predicting local net input of pollution. The susceptibility of the water supply to this threat has then been evaluated using a susceptibility model which includes terrain and hydrological information stored as separate GIS data layers. <<ETX>>
Podcasts and Mobile Assessment Enhance Student Learning Experience and Academic Performance

Abstract The aim of this study was to combine podcasts of lectures with mobile assessments (completed via SMS on mobile telephones) to assess the effect on examination performance. Students (n = 100) on a final year, research-led, module were randomly divided into equal sized control and trial groups. The trial group were given access to podcasts / mobile formative assessments for lectures on the module. Towards the end of the module, all students on the module completed a ‘mock’ examination on the material in the lectures. Students in the trial group who listened to podcasts of the lectures and completed mobile assessments (n = 31) performed significantly better in the formative assessment (58.1±1, mean ± S.E.M; P<0.05, Student’s t-test) than other students on the module (52.2 ± 2; n = 54). Students accessed the podcasts via iTunes (or similar software; 38%), from the institutional virtual learning environment (31%), or using a combination of the two (31%). Interestingly, only around 21% of students listened to the majority of their podcasts away from a computer. The results of this study indicate that providing supporting resources does have a positive impact on student performance.
Modeling and Control of Three-Dimensional Grasping by a Pair of Robot Fingers

: This paper extends a stability theory of 2-D object grasp to cope with 3-dimensional(3-D) object grasp by a pair of multi-joint robot ﬁngers with hemi-spheric ends. It shows that secure grasp of a 3-D object with parallel surfaces in a dynamic sense can be realized in a blind manner like human grasp an object by a pair of thumb and index ﬁnger while their eyes closed. Rolling contacts are modeled as Pfa ﬃ an constraints that can not be integrated into holonomic constraints but exert tangential constraint forces on the object surfaces. A noteworthy di ﬀ erence of modeling of 3-D object grasping from the 2-D case is that the instantaneous axis of rotation of the object dynamics of the overall ﬁngers-object system are subject to non-holonomic constraints regarding a 3-D orthogonal matrix consisting of three mutually orthogonal unit-vectors ﬁxed at the object. Lagrange’s equation of motion of the overall system can be derived from the variational principle without violating the causality that governs the nonholonomic constraints. Then, a simple control signal constructed on the basis of ﬁngers-thumb opposable forces together with an object-mass estimator is shown to accomplish stable grasp in a dynamic sense without using object information or external sensing. The closed-loop dynamics can be regarded as Lagrange’s equation of motion with an artiﬁcial potential function that attains its minimum at some equilibrium state of force / torque balance. A mathematical proof of stability and asymptotic stability on a constraint manifold of the closed-loop dynamics under the nonholonomic constraints is presented.
Effect Relation-based Coverage and Test Case Generation for GUI Testing of iOS Applications

iOS applications refer to the apps operating on iOS, a mobile OS developed by Apple. As iOS provides graphic user interfaces based on touch screens, most of iOS apps support GUIs. GUIs become increasingly important for iOS apps. So are GUI tests. As GUI functions are performed by event handlers, faulty event handlers could cause defects in GUIs. Hence, this study detects faults in event handlers as a way to test GUIs for iOS apps, and suggests how to generate test cases by re-defining input domains of event handlers.
Synergy of spectral and ear model features for neural speech recognition

Hybrid speech recognition systems combining hidden Markov models modeling of speech with neural network ability to discriminate patterns by computing posterior probabilities have reached very good performances. A promising direction to further improve performances is the use of a greater amount of input information. In doing this neural network based models are better than hidden Markov models as they are not constrained by the condition of stochastic independence of its input features and can freely employ heterogeneous input sources. In the present work we explore the integration of standard speech recognition parameters with input features extracted by an ear model. The obtained results demonstrate that the synergy of multiple input sources is a viable line to increase speech recognition accuracy for neural classifiers.
Recent Advances in Solution‐Phase Multicomponent Methodology for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds

Synthesis 2003, No. 10, Print: 21 07 2003. Art Id.1437-210X,E;2003,0,10,1471,1499,ftx,en;E08302SS.pdf. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York Abstract: Following the increased interest from the pharmaceutical industry for the generation of diverse libraries of heterocyclic compounds, scientific efforts have become more and more focused on the development of novel multi-component procedures as a means of gaining rapid access to such compounds. Initially, the development of solid-phase procedures received considerable attention. However, current efforts are increasingly concerned with the development of solution-phase procedures. The latter will be the subject of discussion in this review, which aims to give an overview of the progress made in the past decade.
Hybrid handshake MAC protocol based on priority

Aiming system of mobile phone the inner-flow competition problem, based on the research of IEEE 802.11 DCF protocol mixed handshake provide priority to network coding of continuous forward MAC protocol is proposed, providing access to a higher priority encoding condition data and ensuring the node delay controllable low priority, improve the real-time performance of the system. At the same time with the NS2 network simulation software to mixed into intra flow contention problem based on holding mobile phone system MAC protocol and the traditional competitive flow within the 802.11 MAC protocol simulation, And send the packet success rate and average delay requirement of service to end delay and the average network throughput are analyzed and compared, the intra flow c ontention problem based on introducing hybrid holding mobile phone system MAC protocol makes the network transmission increases, average end-to-end delay decreases the success rate, Improves network average throughput, optimize the network performance,To provide a guarantee for the real-time performance of the whole network system.
Fault-Tolerant Energy-Efficient Priority-Based Routing Scheme for the Multisink Healthcare Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in battle fields, logistic applications, healthcare, habitat monitoring, environmental monitoring, home security, and variety of other areas. The existing routing algorithms focus on the delivery of data packets to the sink using the shortest path; however, calculating the shortest path is not a cost-effective solution while disseminating datasets of interest to the nearest sink node. The approach presented in this paper extends the existing PBR (priority-based routing) protocol by providing a new fault-tolerant multipath priority-based routing (FT-MPPBR) scheme, which not only balances the energy consumption while selecting multiple paths but also balances the workload of the node closest to the sink. The nodes closer to the sink dissipate more energy and can become the source of a communication bottleneck. Simulation results for the proposed routing scheme are encouraging and clearly show that the FT-MPPBR has outperformed the existing PBR schemes in terms of prolonging the network lifetime and reliability. In healthcare sensor networks, timely dissemination of datasets is critical for the well-being of a patient. This research further extends the PBR architecture for supporting computational intensive analysis by transferring datasets of interest to the sensor grid node for improved communication and better throughput.
Teaching simulation in industrial and academic settings

are being introduced in ever-expanding numbers in both industrial and academic settings. Too often, however, such courses focus on the simulation portion of the subject to the exclusion of the modeling aspects, thereby missing the primary objective of an introductory course: to envelop the student in a simulation experience. Courses are particularly deficient when students are asked only to simulate a few small problems for which complete, analytic models are provided by the instructor, such as a simple population growth model in the continuous case