Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Principal Component Analysis of Dynamic Thermography Data from Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women

In this work we propose a novel approach for the analysis ofdynamic thermography data based on the application of principal component analysis to thermal video data. The proposed approach is applied to thermal video recordings of the abdominal region of pregnant and non-pregnant female participants, and reveals consistent temperature trends across participants that to date have not been reported. Both for the pregnant and non-pregnant participants, the first principal component was found to describe approximately 80% of the total variance, and when combined, the first three principal components explained more than 90% of the total variance. The presence of consistent temporal components across participants is indicative of common passive as well as active underlying mechanisms thatgive rise to the observed temperature patterns. The outcome of this investigation supports further development and application of the proposedmethod in obstetrics and other medical fields.
Quadratic Taylor Approximation Demosaicking System Using Post-Processing for Zipper Artifact Removal

In this paper, we propose a new demosaicking system that uses post-processing technique to remove zipper artifacts that are primarily caused by improper interpolation in a quincunx-sampled green plane. We use a high-order approximation to predict accurate pixel values in the weighted average-based green channel interpolation. We also perform prediction using a color difference model in the red and blue channel interpolation process. As a well-designed demosaicking system too cannot prevent the occurrence of ON–OFF pattern artifacts and the resulting false colors, we propose post-processing for zipper artifact detection and removal to improve the demosaicked image. After performing the just noticeable difference model-based zipper artifact detection in the luminance image of the demosaicked image, the clamping-based zipper artifact removal process is performed in the red, green, and blue planes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed demosaicking system improves both the objective and subjective image qualities compared to the conventional state-of-the-art demosaicking algorithms.
Learning and Management for Internet of Things: Accounting for Adaptivity and Scalability

Internet of Things (IoT) envisions an intelligent infrastructure of networked smart devices offering task-specific monitoring and control services. The unique features of IoT include extreme heterogeneity, massive number of devices, and unpredictable dynamics partially due to human interaction. These call for foundational innovations in network design and management. Ideally, it should allow efficient adaptation to changing environments, and low-cost implementation scalable to a massive number of devices, subject to stringent latency constraints. To this end, the overarching goal of this paper is to outline a unified framework for online learning and management policies in IoT through joint advances in communication, networking, learning, and optimization. From the network architecture vantage point, the unified framework leverages a promising fog architecture that enables smart devices to have proximity access to cloud functionalities at the network edge, along the cloud-to-things continuum. From the algorithmic perspective, key innovations target online approaches adaptive to different degrees of nonstationarity in IoT dynamics, and their scalable model-free implementation under limited feedback that motivates blind or bandit approaches. The proposed framework aspires to offer a stepping stone that leads to systematic designs and analysis of task-specific learning and management schemes for IoT, along with a host of new research directions to build on.
Progressive Thresholding: Shaping and Specificity in Automated Neurofeedback Training

Neurofeedback has long been proposed as a promising form of adjunctive non-pharmaceutical treatment for a variety of neuropsychological disorders. However, there is much debate over its efficacy and specificity. Many suggest that specificity can only be achieved when a specially trained clinician manually updates reward thresholds that indicate to the trainee when they are modulating their brain activity correctly, during training. We present a novel fully automated reward thresholding algorithm called progressive thresholding and test it with a frontal alpha asymmetry neurofeedback protocol. Progressive thresholding uses dynamic difficulty tuning and individual-specific progress models to simulate the shaping a clinician might perform when setting reward thresholds manually. We demonstrate in a double-blind comparison that progressive thresholding leads to significantly better learning outcomes compared with current automatic reward thresholding algorithms.
Comprehensive Study of ESD Design Window Scaling Down to 7nm Technology Node

ESD design window for mainstream bulk and SOI planar/FinFET technologies across 350nm7nm node are compared for the first time. 100ns TLP and 1ns vfTLP characteristics of Vgox, and Vt1, and It2 of various logic and I/O FETs are presented anddiscussed. Expanding the design window by utilizing series resistance within I/O driversis discussed.
Signal-Adaptive Denoising Of Event-Related Potentials

In the present study we propose a data-driven, fully unsupervised denoising approach for multi-trial univariate signals. The proposed methodology is based on Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and hence also applicable for transient or non-stationary signals. The rationale of the presented method is that different realizations (multiple trials) of the same underlying process have also similar intrinsic signal components. These components may be extracted by EMD for each single realization and finally, the entirety of all signal components forms clusters of corresponding components with similar spectral characteristics. A denoising is then tantamount to identifying the cluster(s) containing high-frequency noise components. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated on the basis of visual event-related potentials (ERPs) of dyslexic and normal control children. We could show that the novel method allows for a reliable ERP estimation and that it provides a tool for an objective extraction of ERPs on both a single-subject as well as on a single-trial basis.
Influence of biological element permittivity on BE (Back Enhanced) SOI MOSFETs

In this work, the BE SOI MOSFET was studied for the first time as a biological material detector. This device is a planar undoped reconfigurable (i.e., it can act as an n-type or ptype) transistor, with a simple fabrication process. Numerical simulations of the drain current as a function of the front gate voltage were performed based on previous experimental results. The biological material was modeled by changing the permittivity of the dielectric on the gate underlap regions. Due to its unique operation principle, a shift on the threshold voltage was observed depending on the biological element, transistor type and charges in both oxides, front gate and buried ones. In addition, the drain current increased, mainly due to the front interface conduction. The linear behavior of the drain current as a function of the permittivity of the material indicates that the BE SOI MOSFET is a promising alternative as a biosensor.
Robust D-Stability Testing Function for LTI Fractional Order Interval Systems

This paper investigates the robust D-stability test of LTI fractional order interval systems (FOISes). The Dstability includes the performance of an LTI system in addition to stability. The coefficients of the system transfer function are uncertain parameters that each adopts a value in a real interval. Firstly, the concept of the value set is extended to the FOISes, and a necessary and sufficient condition is presented to study the robust D-stability of FOISes. Secondly, the value set of the FOISes is obtained analytically, and based on it a robust Dstability testing function is introduced to check the presented condition. The results obtained are applicable to systems of both commensurate and incommensurate orders. Finally, the theorems presented are applied to a space tether system.
An overview of civil society organizations’ roles in health project sustainability in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Introduction This study sets out to assess the roles of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in post donor health project sustainability in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), the case of the Bauchi State, Nigeria. This study equally investigated the CSOs strategies and roles in health project sustainability. Methods For quantitative data collection, the random, purposive, and convenient sampling techniques were used and 156 respondents selected from relevant organizations operating in Bauchi state, Nigeria, and 15 respondents for Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). A Semi-structured questionnaire was the study instrument, and consent from the participants as well as ethical clearances were duly obtained. Results The study revealed that 87.8% of the respondents indicate un-friendly operational policies, while 88.9% of them identified lack of resources (human, money and machineries) as impediments to project sustainability. Also, 74.3% of the respondents said partnership among key stakeholders and 86.6% of them affirmed that community participation and use of available (local) resources ensure health project sustainability. The study further revealed that CSOs fund health projects, support government efforts and encourage development of project sustainability road map in the state. Conclusion Hence, health project sustainability plan should form part of a project right from inception through the donor period and thereafter. In addition to the above, internal income framework, community involvement, enabling policies and partnership among stakeholders, especially with the host government, should always guide project implementation, because without these in place, project sustainability will remain a mirage.
Tumeur stromale à localisation rétro-rectale: entité macroscopique et difficultés chirurgicales

Les tumeurs stromales gastro-intestinales sont des tumeurs mésenchymateuses peu fréquentes dont la localisation rectale est extrêmement rare, et posent en pré-opératoire un problème de diagnostic et de prise en charge thérapeutique. Nous rapportons le cas d’une tumeur stromale à localisation rétro-rectale afin de bien étayer les particularités cliniques, radiologiques et thérapeutiques de cette entité rare.
Game System based on Mixed-species Bird Flocks: A Science Outreach Approach

This paper presents a Game System based on an ecological phenomenon called mixed-species bird flocks. It demonstrates that this Game System could be used as an effective tool for scientific outreach in ecological study of bird interactions. The paper begins by explaining the concept of mixed-species bird flocks, participant birds and their attributes. It then uses the formal Mechanic Dynamic Aesthetic (MDA) framework to describe how this concept is applied to the Game System. The paper further provides details on how the game Mechanics are derived from real world bird behaviour and how the Dynamics in the game follow real interactions that birds experience in nature. The Game System follows the Aesthetics of Challenge, Fellowship and Submission to engage the players and make them interested in and curious about the ecological phenomena in their surroundings. The paper concludes with preliminary insights gathered from playtesting sessions and provides a glimpse into the future possibilities of creating more gameplays based on other facets of mixed-species bird flocks.
Cardiovascular Hemodynamic Changes After Antenatal Corticosteroids in Growth Restricted and Appropriate for Gestational Age Fetuses

Abstract Purpose To investigate hemodynamic effects after antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and early growth restricted (GR) fetuses by measurement of Doppler cardiovascular function parameters. Materials and Methods Prospective cohort study. AGA and GR singleton pregnancies receiving ACS for fetal lung maturation between 24 + 0–33 + 6 weeks were enrolled. Feto-placental vascular hemodynamics were studied by: umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI), middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI, renal artery (RenA) PI. Cardiac function was evaluated by ductus venosus (DV) PI and by echocardiographic parameters: E to A wave ratios (E/A) and mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE and TAPSE) for diastolic function, left and right myocardial performance index (MPI) for overall (diastolic and systolic) function. A single operator performed all the measurements at 3 different time points (E): E0 before or within 4 hours of ACS administration (baseline examination), E1 24–48 hours after the first dose and E2 7 days after the second dose of ACS. The values were expressed as z-scores. Pairwise comparisons with paired t-test were performed to compare measurements before and after exposure to ACS. Results 25 AGA and 20 GR fetuses (mean gestational age: 31 + 1 and 30 + 6, respectively) were included in the analysis. In the AGA group ACS administration was associated with a significant reduction in UA PI. In the GR fetuses ACS temporarily (E0-E1) restored UA-end diastolic flow (EDF) in 6 of 9 fetuses with A/R-EDF (“Return of EDF phenomenon”) and produced a significant increase (worsening) in right MPI (both in E1-E2 and in E0-E2). Conclusion ACS administration is associated with UA vasodilation in both AGA and GR fetuses and with an increase in right MPI in the latter group. This suggests a worsening in cardiac function in GR fetuses.
Investigation of the Localized Corrosion and Passive Behavior of Type 304 Stainless Steels with 0.2–1.8 wt % B

The pitting corrosion resistance and passive behavior of type 304 borated stainless steels (Febalance–18Cr–12Ni–1.5Mn–(0.19, 0.78, and 1.76 wt %)B) manufactured through conventional ingot metallurgy were investigated. The alloys were composed of an austenitic matrix and Cr2B phase, and the volume fraction of Cr2B increased from 1.68 to 22.66 vol % as the B content increased from 0.19 to 1.76 wt %. Potentiodynamic polarization tests measured in aqueous NaCl solutions revealed that the pitting corrosion resistance was reduced as the B content increased and the pits were initiated at the matrix adjacent to the Cr2B phase. It was found that the reduced resistance to pitting corrosion by B addition was due to the formation of more defective and thinner passive film and increased pit initiation sites in the matrix.
Psychological factors after stroke: Are they stable over time?

OBJECTIVE Psychological factors influence stroke outcomes, such as participation and quality of life. Although important for clinical practice, not much is known about the temporal stability of these factors. This study explored whether psychological factors are stable post-stroke. METHODS Prospective longitudinal cohort study. The following psychological factors were assessed using self-report questionnaires at 2 months and at 2 years post-stroke: proactive coping, self-efficacy, extraversion, optimism, passive coping, neuroticism and pessimism. Changes over time, associations and dimensions among psychological factors were considered. RESULTS Data for 324 participants were available. Only passive coping scores showed no change between 2 months and 2 years post-stroke. Participants showed less proactive coping, lower self-efficacy, less extraversion, less optimism, more neuroticism and more pessimism over time. All but one inter-correlation of psychological factors, r = [-0.14; 0.71], and all correlations over time, r = [0.42-0.64], were significant. At both time-points, the psychological factors clustered into an "adaptive psychological factor" (proactive coping, self-efficacy, extraversion) and a "maladaptive psychological factor" (passive coping, neuroticism). CONCLUSION Across all psychological factors, changes toward less favourable scores were found. Clinicians should pay attention to adaptive and maladaptive psychological factors among stroke patients during long-term care.
Inverse Kinematic Assessment of Rehabilitative Therapy in Children Using Orthotics

Pathologic movement patterns are characterized by abnormal kinematics that alter how muscles support the body during walking. Individual muscles are often the target of interventions with physical therapy and surgery alike, yet the tools to assess individual muscles clinically remain limited. The aim of this study is to assess OpenSim as a clinical tool for individualized rehabilitative evaluation of children using orthotics. This anatomic and kinematic modeling study was focused on pre- and post-treatment assessment of gait characteristics in fourteen children using orthotic devices. A range of four to twelve acceptable gait capture trials was collected for each child before therapy began and again after four weeks of treatment. The effects of therapy were significant in four of the lower extremity muscle analyses, three of the temporal parameters, and eighteen of the spatial parameters. All muscle lengths showed less deviation from normal values after physical therapy across all subjects. Results of this study support the further evaluation of OpenSim as a tool to improve quantitative assessment of musculoskeletal dynamics during the course of rehabilitative therapy in children using orthotics.
Handwriting Analysis in Parkinson's Disease: Current Status and Future Directions

The majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have handwriting abnormalities. Micrographia (abnormally small letter size) is the most commonly reported and easily detectable handwriting abnormality in patients with PD. However, micrographia is perhaps the tip of the iceberg representing the handwriting abnormalities in PD. Digitizing tablet technology, which has evolved over the last 2 decades, has made it possible to study the pressure and kinematic features of handwriting. This has resulted in a surge of studies investigating graphomotor impairment in patients with PD.
Loss of the GPI‐anchor in B‐lymphoblastic leukemia by epigenetic downregulation of PIGH expression

Adult B‐lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) is a hematological malignancy characterized by genetic heterogeneity. Despite successful remission induction with classical chemotherapeutics and novel targeted agents, enduring remission is often hampered by disease relapse due to outgrowth of a pre‐existing subclone resistant against the treatment. In this study, we show that small glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchor deficient CD52‐negative B‐cell populations are frequently present already at diagnosis in B‐ALL patients, but not in patients suffering from other B‐cell malignancies. We demonstrate that the GPI‐anchor negative phenotype results from loss of mRNA expression of the PIGH gene, which is involved in the first step of GPI‐anchor synthesis. Loss of PIGH mRNA expression within these B‐ALL cells follows epigenetic silencing rather than gene mutation or deletion. The coinciding loss of CD52 membrane expression may contribute to the development of resistance to alemtuzumab (ALM) treatment in B‐ALL patients resulting in the outgrowth of CD52‐negative escape variants. Additional treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine may restore expression of CD52 and revert ALM resistance.
Racial differences in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Objective We aimed to evaluate racial differences in the clinical features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Methods This retrospective review included 603 patients (304 Asian, 207 Caucasian, and 92 Afro-American/Afro-European), who were seropositive for anti–aquaporin-4 antibody, from 6 centers in Denmark, Germany, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, and Thailand. Results Median disease duration at last follow-up was 8 years (range 0.3–38.4 years). Asian and Afro-American/Afro-European patients had a younger onset age than Caucasian patients (mean 36, 33, and 44 years, respectively; p < 0.001). During the disease course, Caucasian patients (23%) had a lower incidence of brain/brainstem involvement than Asian (42%) and Afro-American/Afro-European patients (38%) (p < 0.001). Severe attacks (visual acuity ≤0.1 in at least one eye or Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≥6.0 at nadir) at onset occurred more frequently in Afro-American/Afro-European (58%) than in Asian (46%) and Caucasian (38%) patients (p = 0.005). In the multivariable analysis, older age at onset, higher number of attacks before and after immunosuppressive treatment, but not race, were independent predictors of severe motor disabilities at last follow-up. Conclusion A review of a large international cohort revealed that race affected the clinical phenotype, age at onset, and severity of attacks, but the overall outcome was most dependent on early and effective immunosuppressive treatment.
CEA: Clinical Event Annotator mHealth Application for Real-time Patient Monitoring

This research develops a novel dynamic mobile health (mHealth) application (app), called the Clinical Event Annotator (CEA). The CEA comprises of a native Android tablet app and an administrative web app. The native app is used at the patient bedside to manually annotate clinical events in real-time. Event types include patient monitor alarms, routine care, clinical interventions, and patient movements. The app can be dynamically updated with user-defined customized events. The web app generates reports of the annotation sessions. The CEA app is developed to support a clinical study that explores the use of pressure-sensitive mats (PSM) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to detect the respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and movement of critically ill neonatal patients. High-fidelity CEA app annotations are synced with a backend database that enables integration and synchronization with independently acquired patient monitoring data, such as RR, HR, and contact pressure data from the PSM. The gold standard CEA annotations serve the purpose of retrospectively training machine learning algorithms for clinical event detection. Preliminary test results from use of the app in the clinical study are presented. Development of the CEA app is a unique and novel contribution that addresses the well-known problem of manually annotating physiologic data streams to support clinical data mining applications.
Clinical Utility of Definitive Drug–Drug Interaction Testing in Primary Care

Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. New tools are needed to improve identification and treatment of DDIs. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical utility of a new test to identify DDIs and improve their management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) cared for simulated patients presenting with DDI symptoms from commonly prescribed medications and other ingestants. All physicians, in either control or one of two intervention groups, cared for six patients over two rounds of assessment. Intervention physicians were educated on the DDI test and given access to these test reports when caring for their patients in the second round. At baseline, we saw no significant differences in making the DDI diagnosis (p = 0.071) or DDI-related treatment (p = 0.640) between control and intervention arms. By round two, providers who accessed the DDI test performed significantly better in making the DDI diagnosis (+41.6%) and performing DDI-specific treatment (+12.2%) than in the previous round, and were 9.8 and 20.4 times more likely to diagnose and identify the DDI (p < 0.001 for all). The introduction of a definitive DDI test significantly increased identification, appropriate management, and counseling of DDIs among PCPs, which has the potential to improve clinical care.