Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indirect Area Estimates of Disease Prevalence: Bayesian Evidence Synthesis with an Application to Coronary Heart Disease

Risks for many chronic diseases (coronary heart disease, can- cer, mental illness, diabetes, asthma, etc) are strongly linked both to socio- economic and ethnic group and so prevalence varies considerably between areas. Variations in prevalence are important in assessing health care needs and in comparing health care provision (e.g. of surgical intervention rates) to health need. This paper focuses on estimating prevalence of coronary heart disease and uses a Bayesian approach to synthesise information of dif- ferent types to make indirect prevalence estimates for geographic units where prevalence data are not otherwise available. One source is information on prevalence risk gradients from national health survey data; such data typ- ically provide only regional identifiers (for confidentiality reasons) and so gradients by age, sex, ethnicity, broad region, and socio-economic status may be obtained by regression methods. Often a series of health surveys is available and one may consider pooling strength over surveys by using information on prevalence gradients from earlier surveys (e.g. via a power prior approach). The second source of information is population totals by age, sex, ethnicity, etc from censuses or intercensal population estimates, to which survey based prevalence rates are applied. The other potential data source is information on area mortality, since for heart disease and some other major chronic diseases there is a positive correlation over areas be- tween prevalence of disease and mortality from that disease. A case study considers the development of estimates of coronary heart disease prevalence in 354 English areas using (a) data from the Health Surveys for England for 2003 and 1999 (b) population data from the 2001 UK Census, and (c) area mortality data for 2003.
Automated Glaucoma Screening using CDR from 2D Fundus Images

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that leads to blindness. This disease cannot be cured but we can detect the disease in time. Current tests using intraocular pressure (IOP)measurement are not sensitive enough for population based glaucoma screening. Optic nerve head assessment in retinal fundus images is more promising and superior than current methods. This paper proposes segmentation of optic disc and optic cup using superpixel classification for glaucoma screening. In optic disc segmentation, clustering algorithms are used to classify each superpixel as disc or non-disc. For optic cup segmentation, in addition to the clustering algorithms, the Gabor filter and thresholding is used. The segmented optic disc and optic cup are then used to compute the cup to disc ratio for glaucoma screening. The Cup to Disc Ratio (CDR) of retinal fundus camera image is the primary identifier to confirm glaucoma for a given patient.
Stochastic Optimization of PQ Powers at the Interface between Distribution and Transmission Grids

This paper addresses the volt-var control of distribution grids embedding many distributed generators (DGs). Specifically, it focuses on the compliance of powers to specified PQ diagrams at the high voltage/medium voltage (HV/MV) interface while the voltages remain well controlled. This is achieved using a two-stage optimization corresponding to two different classes of actuators. The tap position of capacitor banks is selected on a daily basis, given a stochastic model of the input powers prediction, which allows infrequent actuation and increases the device lifespan. In a second stage, a confidence level optimization problem allows to tune on an hourly basis the parameters of the DGs reactive power affine control laws. Results on a real-size grid show that the combined tuning of these actuators allows the ability to comply with European grid codes while the control effort remains reasonable.
Threats to Survey Research: Excessive Interviewing and 'Sugging'

This research examined the prevalence, in New Zealand, of two threats to survey research: excessive interviewing and 'sugging'. Face-to-face interviews are conducted with a ra ndom sample of householders in the Palmerston North urban area. In 1990, 686 interviews were achieved, giving a response rate of 54%. In 1991, 427 interviews were obtained, giving a response rate of 55%. Approximately 49% of the 1991 respondents had been asked to take part in a survey in the previous 12 months, compared with 46% of the 1990 respondents. This difference is not significant. The prevalence of the four types of survey was similar in 1990 and 1991. Approximately 20% of respondents in 1990, and 13% of respondents in 1991, were asked to participate in more than one survey in the previous 12 months. The claimed level of participation in surveys was high for all types of surveys in both 1990 and 1991 (67% to 88%), with the 1991 rates marginally higher overall. Approximately 20% of the 1990 respondents had reportedly been sugged, 60% within the previous 12 months. In comparison, only 9% of the 1991 respondents claimed to have been sugged, 84% within the previous 12 months.
Trajectory Forecasting With Neural Networks: An Empirical Evaluation and A New Hybrid Model

Recent years have witnessed the advent and prevalence of deep learning that have provoked storms in ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems). Consequently, traditional ML models in many applications have been replaced by the new learning techniques. In this paper, we focus on the problem of trajectory prediction, which is a cornerstone component to support many useful higher-level applications in ITS. We conduct so far the most comprehensive evaluation on various models proposed for trajectory prediction, including 5 statistic-based models and 10 deep-learning based networks. In addition, we propose a hybrid model that integrates MLP to extract local features and LSTM to capture long term dependency. It is also enhanced with a moving-state prediction model based on random forest to further reduce prediction error. We conduct extensive empirical evaluation on three real datasets with different motion patterns and reveal interesting findings. Furthermore, the experimental results show that our proposed hybrid model achieves superior performance over its competitors in all the datasets.
Acoustic Noise of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generators in Locally Manufactured Small Wind Turbines

During the last decade, the local manufacturing of small wind turbines has become a common approach in rural electrification applications, especially among international networks of renewable energy practitioners. Locally manufactured small wind turbines (LMSWTs) used in off-grid battery based renewable energy systems, typically utilize coreless axial flux permanent magnet generators (AFPMGs) due to their simple manufacturing. Typically, low cost three phase uncontrolled diode bridge rectifiers are used for the direct coupling of the AFPMG to the battery bank, which increases significantly the total harmonic distortion (THD) content in the stator current. LMSWT users have occasionally reported AFPMG noise as contributing to the overall acoustic noise emissions of the small wind turbine, especially during low wind speeds. In this paper the relation between current harmonics and acoustic noise emissions in AFPMGs is investigated and verified experimentally, while appropriate passive filtering techniques are utilized in order to reduce their effect. Furthermore, the overall acoustic noise emissions of a LMSWT are measured experimentally in the field and are compared to noise standards for residential areas. Finally, electromagnetic and aerodynamic sources of acoustic noise are investigated experimentally in the field, while design recommendations are developed for LMSWTs towards the reduction of acoustic noise emissions.
Frequency of various cutaneous disorders in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Background Silent chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection is endemic in our society. Several different cutaneous manifestations have been studied with it. Understanding these may help in early diagnosis of HCV disease. Objective To determine the types and frequency of various cutaneous disorders in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Patients and methods This cross sectional study was conducted at the medical department of Combined Military Hospital, Kharian cantonment, Pakistan. Patients of chronic hepatitis C confirmed by serological markers, ELISA, and positive PCR were enrolled from outpatient department. Detailed history taking and relevant systemic examination was carried out. All enrolled patients were specifically examined by a dermatologist to diagnose or rule out the presence of skin disease. Biochemical profile including complete blood count, platelet count, cryoglobulins, and antibodies against nucleus, neutrophil cytoplasm, cardiolipin, and smooth muscle were done. All this information was entered into a specially designed pro forma. All data was analyzed using SPSS Program 10.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the study variables. Results One hundred patients were enrolled during the study period. 47% patients with chronic HCV infection were found to have at least one dermatological disease. Cryoglobulinemia was the commonest finding followed by lichen planus and chronic urticaria. Manifestations with lesser frequency included vitiligo, xerostomia, and purpura. Conclusion Dermatological diseases are fairly common in patients with chronic HCV infection and can help to identify the silent cases.
The Effect of Parent's Education on the Educational Aspirations of College Students

This study examines the relationship between parents’ education and their children’s educational aspirations. During the fall of 2013, 360 full-time, undergraduate students at a southern college participated in a survey. The analysis revealed that males students whose parents’ highest level of education is high school or lesser are more likely to choose a major in a mathematics or science program than male students whose parents’ highest level of education was some college or more, that students whose parents’ highest level of education is some college or higher are more likely than students whose parents’ highest level of education is high school or lesser to continue their education past a two or four year degree, and that there is not a relationship between parents’ education level and student GPA.
Indium Aluminum Zinc Oxide Phototransistor With HfO2 Dielectric Layer Through Atomic Layer Deposition

Bottom-gate indium aluminum zinc oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) are fabricated with a HfO<sub>2</sub> dielectric layer using plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). The electrical properties and photoresponse are both affected by the method of post annealing. A device that is annealed at a temperature of less than 200°C has a better Ion/Ioff of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.71\times 10^{{8}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and a lower subthreshold swing (S.S.) of only 0.21 V/dec. This demonstrates that proper annealing treatment increases the performance of the device. The photoresponse is also calculated. A TFT that is not annealed has a poor photoresponse and a lower rejection ratio. Annealing at a temperature of less than 200 °C gives a good photoresponse of 0.2 A/W and a high rejection ratio of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.86\times 10^{{5}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. An IAZO TFT with a HfO<sub>2</sub> dielectric layer that is deposited using PEALD is applicable in UV sensing technology.
Ferrograph Analysis With Improved Particle Segmentation and Classification Methods

Ferrograph analysis has been adopted over decades for determining the root causes of on-going wear faults. After decades of manual operation, this traditional technique is being driven by intelligent algorithms for automatic identification of wear debris. However, the accuracy and robustness of this algorithm remain marginalized when applied in industries due to various types and color blurry of particles. To address this issue, this paper introduces an automatic ferrograph analysis model with a segmentation method and a two-level classification strategy. In order to obtain wear particles from the color ferrograph image, an adaptive Otsu threshold is adopted in three channel images to solve the color blurry in particle segmentation. By grouping particle parameters into shape and morphology ones, a two-level identification strategy is proposed. The first one is to classify rubbing, cutting, and spherical particles, referring to the fuzzy approach degree of shape parameters. In the second level, the shape-close particles are classified with imperceptible textures and back propagation neural network (BPNN). These objective parameters are constructed by applying the principal component analysis into seven texture features and inputted into a BPNN-based model to classify fatigue and severe sliding particles. In order to train the BPNN, more than 100 ferrograph images are sampled together, whereby standard ferrograph analysis is performed on the particle identification. The performance of the identification exhibits an accuracy exceeding 90% for rubbing, cutting, and spherical particles, whereas about 80% accuracy has been registered for both severe sliding and fatigue particles.
Design Of Bipolar Signal Integrator Using Voltage To Frequency Converter

This work offers the structure of the bipolar signal integrator by employing voltage to frequency converter. The structure of the bipolar integrator consisting of three functional blocks named as op-amp, absolute value circuit and up/down counter. The conversion of bipolar signal to monopolar signal is performed by using absolute value circuit. Then the converted signal is further converted to a frequency by means of VFC and counted over a well-known sample periods. This offers the whole count equivalent to the time integral of the certain signal. The necessity for expensive, low leakage op-amps, low drift and capacitors found in analog integrators. The structure of the circuit is simulated on Cadence virtuoso Design Environment employing SCL 180 nm transistor model with the required power supply (1.8 v). The dissipation of the power in the circuit is 876 μw.
Electric Vehicles: A Data Science Perspective Review

Current trends are showing that the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased over the last few years, causing changes not only in the transportation industry but generally in business and society. This paper covers one possible angle to the (r)evolution instigated by EVs, i.e., it provides the data science perspective review of the interdisciplinary area at the intersection of green transportation, energy informatics, and economics. Namely, the review summarizes data-driven research in EVs by identifying two main research streams: (i) socio–economic, and (ii) socio–technical. The socio–economic stream includes research in: (i) acceptance of green transportation in countries and among different populations, (ii) current trends in the EV market, and (iii) forecasting future sales for the green transportation. The socio–technical stream includes research in: (i) electric vehicle battery price and capacity and (ii) charging station management. This kind of study is especially important now when the question is no longer whether the transition from internal-combustion engine vehicles to clean-fuel vehicles is going to happen but how fast it will happen and what are going to be implications for society, governmental policies, and industry. Based on the presented literature review, the paper also outlines the most significant open questions and challenges that are yet to be solved: (i) scarcity of trustworthy (open) data, and (ii) designing a generalized methodology for charging station deployment.
Building Worlds and Learning Astronomy on Facebook Part III: Testing, Launch, and Evaluation

James Harold (SSI), Dean Hines (STScI/SSI) and a team at the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute are developing Starchitect, an end-to-end stellar and planetary evolution game for the Facebook platform. Supported by NSF and NASA, and based in part on a prototype presented at ASP several years ago, Starchitect uses the “sporadic play” model of games such as Farmville, where players might only take actions a few times a day, but may continue playing for months. This paper is an update to a presentation at last year’s ASP conference.
SOCIAL CLASS DIFFERENTIATION AND ITS IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS

Social class is a significant modifier of quality of life in diabetic patients which we sought to measure in this study. A hospital based, cross sectional descriptive was conducted in diabetic patients using a semi structured questionnaire. A total of 103 diabetic patients consented and participated in the study. The sample consisted of 58 males and 45 females and most respondents had a duration of onset of diabetes between 1-5 yrs (47%). 68 (66%) of the respondents belonged to lower class, 27 (26%) to the middle class and 8 (8%) to the upper class. 92 (89.32%) of the respondents were using oral hypoglycemic agents and 11 (10.68%) used injectable insulin. Socioeconomic status was significant for the number of missed doses (P < 0.04). The mean scores for upper, middle and lower class on the items of financial burden were 3.99 ± 0.906, 3.37 ± 1.079, 3.00 ± 0.756, for general health were 3.49 ± 0.837, 2.96 ± 0.706, 2.63 ± 0.744 and for psychological distress were 3.56 ± 0.835, 2.70 ± 0.609 and 2.75 ± 0.707 respectively. Social class has a significant impact on quality of life and therapy compliance and measures to address this must be undertaken while providing comprehensive healthcare in diabetes for an optimal outcome.
Hemodynamics of Early Experimental Renal Hypertension in Dogs NORMAL LIMB BLOOD FLOW, ELEVATED LIMB VASCULAR RESISTANCE, AND DECREASED VENOUS COMPLIANCE

To investigate the hemodynamics of early experimental renal hypertension, skin and muscle blood flows and intravascular pressures were measured in the isolated, innervated, naturally perfused forelimbs of 44 male mongrel dogs under pentobarbital (35 mg/kg) anesthesia. In addition, venous pressurevolume relationships were studied in temporarily isolated segments of femoral and jugular veins. In 10 dogs (group H-l) one kidney was wrapped in silk 8 days before study; in 12 (H-2) one kidney was wrapped 4 weeks, and a contralateral nephrectomy was done 2 weeks, before study; 22 were prepared as appropriate normotensive controls. A significant rise in mean arterial pressure occurred in groups H-l and H-2. Compared to corresponding control groups, (1) muscle and skin blood flows in both hypertensive groups were unchanged (P>0.1) ; (2) muscle and skin resistances/100 g limb weight were increased in group H-2 (P<0.05) ; and (3) femoral venous pressurevolume curves were shifted toward the pressure axis (P<0.02) . These data suggest that in the early stages of experimental renal hypertension in dogs: (1) blood flow in skin and skeletal muscle is not increased; (2) arteriolar resistance is elevated in skin and skeletal muscle; and (3) reduced venous compliance may be present.
Power and Area Efficient Transimpedance Amplifier Driving Large Capacitive Loads Based on Modified RGC Structure

In this brief, an additional modification to the modified regulated cascode (RGC) transimpedance amplifiers (TIA) is applied which can greatly improve the bandwidth when the TIA has to drive a relatively large capacitive load. The cross-coupled input stage of the modified-RGC TIA is utilized as a negative capacitance converter without employing any additional active circuit and by only using an extra compensation capacitor. The method is cost-effective with no extra power budget and with very low area headroom. To confirm the efficiency of the technique, two modified-RGC TIA with and without the proposed technique are designed in a standard 0.18 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> CMOS process. Post-layout simulation results with a 250 fF photodiode capacitance and a 120 fF loading capacitance show that the bandwidth without and with a compensation capacitor of 90 fF are 1.2 GHz and 3.7 GHz, respectively. The power consumption (of both cases) is about 3 mW and the area is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$15\,\,\mu \text{m}\,\,\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 27 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, which is increased by about 56% compared to the conventional one.
Mission Profile-Oriented Control for Reliability and Lifetime of Photovoltaic Inverters

With the aim to increase the competitiveness of solar energy, the high reliability of photovoltaic (PV) inverters is demanded. In PV applications, the inverter reliability and lifetime are strongly affected by the operating condition that is referred to as the mission profile (i.e., solar irradiance and ambient temperature). Since the mission profile of PV systems is location-dependent, the inverter reliability performance and lifetime can vary considerably in practice, that is, from the reliability perspective, PV inverters with the same design metrics (e.g., component selection) may become over or underdesigned under different mission profiles. This will increase the overall system cost, e.g., initial cost for overdesigned cases and maintenance cost for underdesigned cases, which should be avoided. This article, thus, explores the possibility to adapt the control strategies of PV inverters to the corresponding mission profiles. With this, similar reliability targets (e.g., component lifetime) can be achieved even under different mission profiles. Case studies have been carried out on PV systems installed in Denmark and Arizona, where the lifetime and the energy yield are evaluated. The results reveal that the inverter reliability can be improved by selecting a proper control strategy according to the mission profile.
A muscle-like magnetorheological actuator based on bidisperse magnetic particles enhanced flexible alginate-gelatin sponges

A novel muscle-like magnetorheological actuator (MMRA) was composed of magnetic field generator and magnetostrictive component. Herein, the magnetostrictive component with high flexibility and elasticity was constructed by embedding micron carbonyl iron particles and Fe3O4 nanoparticles wrapped with MWCNTs into the alginate-gelatin (AL-GE) sponge matrix through a freeze-drying method for the first time. The structural characterization, rheological properties and actuation performance of MMRA with various magnetic AL-GE sponges were investigated. And they were significantly influenced by the mass ratio of AL-GE and the mass fraction of bidisperse magnetic particles (BMPs). The results showed that the relative MR effect and loss factor under 1 T of sample AL1-GE4-30 are 324.11% and 0.18, and its maximum deformation is 3.46 mm at 200 mT of magnetic flux density, exhibiting superior flexibility and enhanced magneto-induced performance compared with other magnetic AL-GE sponge matrix. In addition, a possible mechanism was proposed to explain the magneto-controllable performance for the MMRA. It was found that the actuation behaviors were attributed to the uniform distribution of BMPs in the homogenous network structure of sponge matrix.