Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symbol Error Probabilities for M-ary CPFSK: Coherent and Noncoherent Detection

Continuous-phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK) is discussed and theoretical predictions for symbol error probabilities are derived, where the memory inherent in the phase continuity is used to improve performance. Previously known results concluded that binary CPFSK can outperform coherently detected PSK at high SNR. New results presented here show that M -ary CPFSK outperforms more tranditionally used M -ary modulation systems. Specifically, coherently detected quaternary CPFSK with a five-symbol interval decision can outperform coherent QPSK by 3.5 dB, and octal coherent CPFSK with a three- symbol decision can outperform octal orthogonal signaling by 2.6 dB at high SNR. Results for coherently detected and noncoherently detected CPFSK are derived. These performance improvements are estimates derived from symbol error probability upper bounds. Monte Carlo simulation was performed which then verified the results.
Analysis of Human Whole-Body Joint Torques During Overhead Work With a Passive Exoskeleton

Overheadwork is classifiedas one of the major risk factors for the onset of shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders and muscle fatigue. Upper-limb exoskeletons can be used to assist workers during the execution of industrial overhead tasks to prevent such disorders. Twelve novice participants have been equipped with inertial and force/torque sensors to simultaneously estimate the whole-body kinematics and the joint torques (i.e., internal articular stress) by means of a probabilistic estimator, while performing an overhead task with a pointing tool. An evaluation has been performed to analyze the effect at the whole-body level by considering the conditions of wearing and not-wearing PAEXO, a passive exoskeleton for upper-limb support during overhead work. Results point out that PAEXO provides a reduction of the whole-body joint effort across the experimental task blocks (from 66% to 86%). Moreover, the analysis along with five different body areas shows that 1) the exoskeleton provides support at the human shoulders by reducing the joint effort at the targeted limbs, and 2) that part of the internal wrenches is intuitively transferred from the upper body to the thighs and legs, which is shown with an increment of the torques at the legs joints. The promising outcomes show that the probabilistic estimation algorithm can be used as a validation metric to quantitatively assess PAEXO performances, paving thus the way for the next challenging milestone, such as the optimization of the human joint torques via adaptive exoskeleton control.
Population Preferences for Performance and Explainability of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: Choice-Based Conjoint Survey

Background Certain types of artificial intelligence (AI), that is, deep learning models, can outperform health care professionals in particular domains. Such models hold considerable promise for improved diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, as well as more cost-efficient health care. They are, however, opaque in the sense that their exact reasoning cannot be fully explicated. Different stakeholders have emphasized the importance of the transparency/explainability of AI decision making. Transparency/explainability may come at the cost of performance. There is need for a public policy regulating the use of AI in health care that balances the societal interests in high performance as well as in transparency/explainability. A public policy should consider the wider public’s interests in such features of AI. Objective This study elicited the public’s preferences for the performance and explainability of AI decision making in health care and determined whether these preferences depend on respondent characteristics, including trust in health and technology and fears and hopes regarding AI. Methods We conducted a choice-based conjoint survey of public preferences for attributes of AI decision making in health care in a representative sample of the adult Danish population. Initial focus group interviews yielded 6 attributes playing a role in the respondents’ views on the use of AI decision support in health care: (1) type of AI decision, (2) level of explanation, (3) performance/accuracy, (4) responsibility for the final decision, (5) possibility of discrimination, and (6) severity of the disease to which the AI is applied. In total, 100 unique choice sets were developed using fractional factorial design. In a 12-task survey, respondents were asked about their preference for AI system use in hospitals in relation to 3 different scenarios. Results Of the 1678 potential respondents, 1027 (61.2%) participated. The respondents consider the physician having the final responsibility for treatment decisions the most important attribute, with 46.8% of the total weight of attributes, followed by explainability of the decision (27.3%) and whether the system has been tested for discrimination (14.8%). Other factors, such as gender, age, level of education, whether respondents live rurally or in towns, respondents’ trust in health and technology, and respondents’ fears and hopes regarding AI, do not play a significant role in the majority of cases. Conclusions The 3 factors that are most important to the public are, in descending order of importance, (1) that physicians are ultimately responsible for diagnostics and treatment planning, (2) that the AI decision support is explainable, and (3) that the AI system has been tested for discrimination. Public policy on AI system use in health care should give priority to such AI system use and ensure that patients are provided with information.
Framework of Manufacturer and Supplier Relationship in the Manufactured Housing Industry

AbstractIn an increasingly competitive marketplace, purchasing and supplier relationships are becoming a strategic function and a key factor for supply chain management in the manufactured housing (MH) industry. However, little research has been conducted in the field of supply chain management focusing on the manufactured housing industry. In this paper, key supply chain relationships and the critical issues in terms of supplier relationship have been identified, and a new framework of a supplier relationship management (SRM) called the manufacturer-supplier relationship optimization model (MSROM) has been developed. Specifically, the MSROM framework identified a variable supplier lead time, an inconsistent safety stock level, and a poor supplier evaluation process as the key constraints of the efficient supply chain performance. As a result, taking into account the supplier’s performance, a theoretical optimal level of safety stock was investigated and a new algorithm that adjusts lead time forecast wit.
Optimized Algebraic Reconstruction Algorithm Based Hemodynamic Changes in Color Doppler Ultrasound in Monitoring the Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter and Catheterization Nursing

The purpose of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic changes and nursing care of patients with colorectal cancer who were peripherally placed into the central venous catheter (PICC) by color Doppler ultrasound based on an optimized algebraic reconstruction (ART) (OART) algorithm. In this study, 150 patients with colorectal cancer were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 75 cases in each group. Different nursing interventions were carried out. An optimized algebraic reconstruction (OART) algorithm was proposed, and the traditional ART algorithm and filtered back-projection (FBP) algorithm were introduced for comparison. They were applied in ultrasounds of 150 colorectal cancer patients undergoing PICC. The results showed that the Dice coefficient (Dice) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the OART algorithm were greater than those of the ART and FBP algorithms, while the difference function (DF) and the running time were opposite ( P < 0.05). The blood flow velocity (BFV) and blood flow (BF) of the arm vein 5 days after puncture were the least, which were less than those before puncture and 10 days and 30 days after puncture ( P < 0.05). Thrombosis was most likely to be found 4–6 days after puncture (28 cases), followed by 10–15 days after puncture (22 cases), and one day after the puncture (19 cases). The BFV and BF of patients with thrombosis were lower than those of patients without thrombosis ( P < 0.05). The total infection rate of PICC in the observation group was 10.7%, which was lower than that in the control group 32.0%, P < 0.05. Nursing satisfaction of patients in observation group and control group was 95.99% and 75.99%, respectively, P < 0.05, and the difference was statistically significant. In short, the ORAT algorithm proposed had better performance than the traditional algorithms in ultrasound image reconstruction; strengthening nursing intervention for chemotherapy patients with colorectal cancer undergoing PICC could effectively reduce the infection rate of PICC and improve the nursing satisfaction of patients.
Simulation of Flow and Mass Transport in a Meander Microchannel Subject to Electroosmotic Pumping

We have investigated the flow and mass transport within an electroosmotically pumped incompressible liquid through a meander microchannel system. We employ two-dimensional, time-dependent finite element simulations in conjunction with a matched asymptotic treatment of the electrical double layers. The electroosmotic pumping is realized for two idealized and two realistic electrical fields, while a pressure-driven flow is used for comparison. We focus on the aspects of the electroosmotic transport. We find for most of the electroosmotically driven cases rather complex flow fields, involving recirculation regions. These recirculation regions in all cases increase dispersion. (i) The least dispersion is associated with a plug-type velocity profile, which is obtained for an idealized purely wall-tangential orientation of the electrical field. (ii, iii) We find that both the idealized horizontal electrical field and the real electrical field between two vertical plates give considerably higher dispersion than the pressure-driven flow. Vertical plate electrodes, therefore, do not allow for a electrical field, which minimizes dispersion. (iv) The arrangement of two point electrodes at the in and out sections likewise proves to be no optimal means to reduce dispersion beyond the pressure-driven flow. Thus, meander geometries of channels, in general, cause severe problems if electroosmotic pumping needs to be achieved in combination with minimized dispersion.
Ultra-low-noise microwave oscillator with advanced phase noise suppression system

An advanced phase noise reduction technique has been developed to improve the short-term frequency stability of microwave oscillators. The technique is based upon an ultrasensitive microwave frequency discriminator with effective noise temperature close to its physical temperature. The phase noise spectral density of a 9 GHz microwave loop oscillator incorporating such a discriminator has been measured as -120 dBc/Hz and -150 dBc/Mz at offset frequencies of 100 Hz and 1 kHz, respectively. This performance is at least 25 dB better than current state of the art. The developed phase noise reduction technique is quite general and can have valuable implications for the design of various low phase noise microwave oscillators.
Humanitarian Crisis and the Arduous Path to Principled Pluralism: A Politico-Theological Analysis on Indian and Turkish Foreign Policies (2014-2019)

This research aims to analyze the influence of political theology in the foreign policy of Indian and Turkish from 2014 to 2019. India and Turkey used political theology as one of the essential considerations for the conduct of foreign policies during the humanitarian crisis. Both countries were trying to conduct “politics of salvation” to protect their fellow faithful from the oppression in the neighboring regions. While conducting its politics of salvation in their foreign policies, India and Turkey were trying to protect their fellow faithful from the oppression from the constructed others. This research argues that the politics of salvation in its foreign policy will influence both countries’ religious freedom and secularism. This research would like to utilize the concept of “politics of principled pluralism” that Robert Joustra developed. In its analysis, this research engages with several articles from news outlets and research journals to construct arguments on the conduct of the foreign policy of India and Turkey in times of humanitarian crisis. This research found that India and Turkey had tried to implement their version of “politics of salvation” that deteriorate religious freedom and inclusive democracy.
Improving Oral Production Skills in the Business English Class Through Creative Dubbing

This study focuses on an innovative teaching project entitled Doblaje creativo (Creative Dubbing), which was conducted at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid during the 2019-2020 academic year. Its main goal was to explore the use of creative dubbing as an innovative tool for improving oral production skills in the business English classroom, as well as for other language skills. To this end, twenty students from the Degree in Commerce practised their speaking skills (a measured and dependent variable) in business English through creative dubbing activities (a manipulated and independent variable) – a recent application of didactic audiovisual translation (AVT). Several lecturers from public universities took part in this project, which employed a mixed methods study involving an experimental group (N=20) and a control group (N=20). Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. The former involved student tasks designed to assess three video-recorded presentations carried out by both groups, serving as pre- and post-language tests. The latter involved questionnaires filled in by the students. The results obtained indicate that creative dubbing is indeed a tool that can enhance students ’ oral skills, motivating them regarding the use of a non-traditional educational methodology, which can be applied in any other English for specific purposes (ESP) context.
N-Acetylcysteine in Mechanically Ventilated Rats with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: The Effect of Intravenous Dose on Oxidative Damage and Inflammation

Treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is challenging due to its multifactorial aetiology. The benefit of antioxidant therapy was not consistently demonstrated by previous studies. We evaluated the effect of two different doses of intravenous (i.v.) N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on oxidative stress, inflammation and lung functions in the animal model of severe LPS-induced lung injury requiring mechanical ventilation. Adult Wistar rats with LPS (500 μg/kg; 2.2 mL/kg) were treated with i.v. NAC 10 mg/kg (NAC10) or 20 mg/kg (NAC20). Controls received saline. Lung functions, lung oedema, total white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophils count in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and tissue damage in homogenized lung were evaluated. NAC significantly improved ventilatory parameters and oxygenation, reduced lung oedema, WBC migration and alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation. NAC20 in comparison to NAC10 was more effective in reduction of oxidative damage of lipids and proteins, and inflammation almost to the baseline. In conclusion, LPS-instilled and mechanically ventilated rats may be a suitable model of ARDS to test the treatment effects at organ, systemic, cellular and molecular levels. The results together with literary data support the potential of NAC in ARDS.
The Convergence of Macroeconomic Variables within the East Africa Community

This study seeks to establish whether the East African Countries are realizing convergence in their macroeconomic policies as efforts are geared towards the establishment of an economic union and subsequently a monetary union in a bid to foster economic growth in the region. Five EACs were included in the analysis using panel data for the period 2008-2018. The methodology employed in the analysis involved; sigma convergence, beta convergence using fixed-effect model, and finally stochastic convergence was tested. The findings show that there is no evidence of macroeconomic convergence and the less developed countries are neither catching up with the relatively developed countries. The macroeconomic variables are also not showing a tendency to be moving the same direction as time goes by. Therefore, for the EACs to realize a common union, either economic or monetary, they need to formulate policies that will ensure that the member states adhere to the desired macroeconomic policies that would lead the region to convergence.
Plant and seed germination responses to global change, with a focus on CO2: A review

Earth atmospheric CO2 concentration has risen by over 35% since 1750 and is presently increasing by about 2 parts per million (ppm) every year. Due to contributions from human activity, CO2 is projected to keep rising in the predictable future and to double sometime during this century if fossil fuels burning remains. As a result, air temperature is projected to rise from 2 to 5 °C by 2100. Following this rise in CO2, some ecosystems will face challenges in the next few decades as plants will live in warmer temperatures, higher evaporating demand and widespread changes in drought lengths and severity. To yield healthy crops and forests in changing climate surroundings, it is vital to define whether elevated CO2 disturbs seed germination and plant formation, but even more, the physiological traits conferring drought tolerance. Here, we review the current understanding on the role that CO2 plays on plant growth and seed germination, as well as its impact during the exposure of abiotic stresses like drought and salinity.
Numerical Study on Motion Simulation with Control Algorithm of Biomimetic Underwater Vehicle

This paper describes the numerical simulations of simple motion and motion control of a biomimetic underwater vehicle equipped with two pairs of mechanical pectoral fins. This biomimetic underwater vehicle is called PLATYPUS, which was developed several years ago in Osaka Univ. Practical and accurate control algorithm is necessary to make sure that the underwater vehicle can carry out the prescribed task successfully. For a long time our team has been developing a CFD-based motion simulator with Fuzzy control algorithm. In this paper, firstly motion simulation without control algorithm in still water is given and then motion simulations with distance control and Point-To-Point (PTP) control using Fuzzy control algorithm were described.
Erratum: “Affine Versus Non-Affine Fibril Kinematics in Collagen Networks: Theoretical Studies of Network Behavior” [Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2006, 128(2), pp. 259–270]

In our paper, Eq. 6 b is applicable only at small strain, not the entire strain range covered in the study. In the more general case, the verage deformation gradient is determined by the boundary displacement, but not the strain. It is also noted that there should be a actor of 1/2 in the definition of strain in Eq. 6 b . Finally, “strain” on the abscissa of Figs. 6, 7, 11, and 12 is the engineering strain stretch ratio minus one . Readers may wish to convert to the “true strain” ln stretch or the Green strain 0.5 stretch ratio squared inus one at larger strains. Although this correction has no qualitative effect on the paper’s results, readers should be aware of the efinition of strain if planning on using the results in a quantitative study.
Atmospheric Effects on the Isotopic Composition of Ozone

The delta values of the isotope composition of atmospheric ozone is ~100‰ (referenced to atmospheric O2). Previous photochemical models, which considered the isotope fractionation processes from both formation and photolysis of ozone, predicted δ49O3 and δ50O3 values, in δ49O3 versus δ50O3 space, that are >10‰ larger than the measurements. We propose that the difference between the model and observations could be explained either by the temperature variation, Chappuis band photolysis, or a combination of the two and examine them. The isotopic fractionation associated with ozone formation increases with temperature. Our model shows that a hypothetical reduction of ~20 K in the nominal temperature profile could reproduce the observations. However, this hypothesis is not consistent with temperatures obtained by in situ measurements and NCEP Reanalysis. Photolysis of O3 in the Chappuis band causes O3 to be isotopically depleted, which is supported by laboratory measurements for 18O18O18O but not by recent new laboratory data made at several wavelengths for 49O3 and 50O3. Cloud reflection can significantly enhance the photolysis rate and affect the spectral distribution of photons, which could influence the isotopic composition of ozone. Sensitivity studies that modify the isotopic composition of ozone by the above two mechanisms are presented. We conclude isotopic fractionation occurring in photolysis in the Chappuis band remains the most plausible solution to the model-observation discrepancy. Implications of our results for using the oxygen isotopic signature for constraining atmospheric chemical processes related to ozone, such as CO2, nitrate, and the hydroxyl radical, are discussed.
TeleCPT: Delivery of a Better Conversations Approach to Communication Partner Training During a Global Pandemic and Beyond

This case report provides an overview of telehealth delivery of our Better Conversations approach to communication partner training (CPT) for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their communication partner (CP). The purpose is to advance the knowledge of speech and language therapists/pathologists (SLTs) on this type of CPT and empower them to deliver teleCPT as part of their clinical practice. We provide a case report describing therapy delivery, outcomes, and self-reflections from our clinical practice, which represents a collaboration between a UK National Health Service CPT clinic and the Better Conversations Research Lab at University College London, UK. A man with PPA and his CP (a dyad) video-recorded everyday conversations at home using a video conferencing platform. These formed the basis of an evaluation of conversation barriers and facilitators, which led to four weekly 1-hr therapy sessions covering the mechanics of conversation, identification of barriers and facilitators, goal setting, and practice of positive conversation strategies. Dyad self-rating of goal attainment revealed that three of four conversation strategies were achieved much more than expected, a positive outcome given the progressive nature of F.F. 's condition. SLT access to the dyad at home via teleCPT facilitated the carryover of strategies from the session to everyday conversations in the home environment. TeleCPT was acceptable to this couple during a global pandemic, with benefits including no travel, ease of therapy scheduling around the CP's work and family commitments, and access to a specialist CPT clinic outside their geographical area. TeleCPT is feasible and acceptable to clients, improving access to therapy in a way that should not just be the preserve of service delivery during a global pandemic. SLTs can enable clients and their families to have better conversations despite communication difficulties by offering teleCPT. We have shared practical suggestions for delivering teleCPT.