Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cross-lagged prospective network analysis of depression and anxiety and cognitive functioning components in midlife community adult women

Abstract Background Scar theory proposes that heightened depression and anxiety precede and predict worse cognitive functioning outcomes, whereas the vulnerability theory posits the opposite pathway. However, most investigations on this topic have been cross-sectional, precluding causal inferences. Thus, we used cross-lagged prospective network analyses to facilitate causal inferences in understanding the relations between psychopathology and cognitive functioning components. Methods Racially-diverse midlife women (n = 1816) participated in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation at two time-points, spanning one year apart. Five psychopathology (anxiety severity, depressed mood, somatic symptoms, positive affect, interpersonal problems) and four cognitive functioning nodes (working memory (WM), processing speed (PS), facial recognition (FCR), and verbal memory (VRM)) were assessed. All analyses adjusted for age, menopausal status, estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormones. Results Contemporaneous networks yielded notable inverse between-node relations (edges) between interpersonal problems and reduced FCR and PS, and between depressed mood and lower FCR, VRM, or PS. Nodes that had the highest likelihood to bridge other constructs were positive affect, anxiety severity, WM, and VRM. Temporal networks produced edges consistent with the scar (v. vulnerability) hypotheses. Higher somatic symptoms were related to reduced PS and WM, and greater depressed mood was correlated with lower future PS and WM. Also, higher anxiety severity coincided with decreased future PS and WM. Greater positive affect was associated with stronger future PS, FCR, and WM. Also, positive affect had the strongest relations with other nodes. Conclusions Findings suggest the importance of targeting symptoms and cognitive functioning simultaneously.
Challenges and opportunities for advancing patient-centered clinical decision support: findings from a horizon scan

Abstract Objective We conducted a horizon scan to (1) identify challenges in patient-centered clinical decision support (PC CDS) and (2) identify future directions for PC CDS. Materials and Methods We engaged a technical expert panel, conducted a scoping literature review, and interviewed key informants. We qualitatively analyzed literature and interview transcripts, mapping findings to the 4 phases for translating evidence into PC CDS interventions (Prioritizing, Authoring, Implementing, and Measuring) and to external factors. Results We identified 12 challenges for PC CDS development. Lack of patient input was identified as a critical challenge. The key informants noted that patient input is critical to prioritizing topics for PC CDS and to ensuring that CDS aligns with patients’ routine behaviors. Lack of patient-centered terminology standards was viewed as a challenge in authoring PC CDS. We found a dearth of CDS studies that measured clinical outcomes, creating significant gaps in our understanding of PC CDS’ impact. Across all phases of CDS development, there is a lack of patient and provider trust and limited attention to patients’ and providers’ concerns. Discussion These challenges suggest opportunities for advancing PC CDS. There are opportunities to develop industry-wide practices and standards to increase transparency, standardize terminologies, and incorporate patient input. There is also opportunity to engage patients throughout the PC CDS research process to ensure that outcome measures are relevant to their needs. Conclusion Addressing these challenges and embracing these opportunities will help realize the promise of PC CDS—placing patients at the center of the healthcare system.
The Effect of Wearable and Smartphone Applications on Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in Overweight/Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Advances in the device and smartphone technology have resulted in a convenient option for providing physical activity strategies; this is especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Objective The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of wearable and smartphone-based interventions to promote physical activity and improve quality of life and cardiovascular health outcomes among overweight/obese adults. Data sources We searched relevant databases up to 18 November 2021 for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials lasting 4 or more weeks that investigated the impacts of wearables and smartphone applications on physical activity, quality of life and health outcomes. Results Twenty-six studies including 2373 participants were included. There was a significant pooled standard mean differences (SMD) for the comparison between intervention versus control in steps per day (SMD: 0.54; p = 0.0003), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD: 0.47; p = 0.02), quality of life (SMD: 0.33; p = 0.0006), body weight (mean difference (MD), -1.61 kg; p = 0.009), and BMI (MD, -0.59 kg/m2; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate (all p > 0.05). Conclusion Our findings suggest that wearable and smartphone-based interventions are effective strategies in promoting physical activity and can provide a direct contact line to health professionals.
An Insight into Used-Products Remanufacturing

Nowadays, remanufacture of used-products is gaining importance amongst many manufacturers as well as third party companies. This paper identifies the main drivers for remanufacturing to be product take-back legislations, environmental concerns and economic benefits. This paper also identifies the four main remanufacturing processes to be inspection & grading, disassembly & inspection, component reprocessing and reassembly. Finally, this paper presents several examples of remanufactured products and the two markets for selling them. This paper provides valuable insights on remanufacturing to potential remanufacturers, researchers and the general public. Remanufacturing in the long run can save materials, cost and the environment.
Embedded system design and power-rate-distortion optimization for video encoding under energy constraints

The portable devices used in video communication application are powered by batteries. Video encoding schemes, however, are often computationally intensive and energy-demanding, even after being fully optimized with existing software and hardware energy-minimization techniques. As a result, the operational lifetime of current portable video systems is still very short. Therefore, one of the central challenging issues in portable video communication system design is to minimize the energy consumption of video encoding so as to extend the operational lifetime of devices. In this work, An operational power-rate-distortion (P-R-D) approach is developed to minimizing the video encoding energy under rate-distortion constraints. Theoretically, we analyzed the energy saving gain of P-R-D optimization. Practically, we developed an adaptive scheme to estimate the P-R-D model parameters and performed on-the-fly energy optimization for real-time video compression. Our results show that, for typical videos with non-stationary statistics, using the proposed P-R-D optimization technology, the encoder energy consumption can be significantly reduced. This has many important applications in energy-efficient portable video communication system design.
RF-powered internet of things

of the Dissertation RF-Powered Internet of Things by M. Yousof Naderi Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering Northeastern University, December 2015 Dr. Kaushik Chowdhury& Dr. Stefano Basagni, Advisers Wireless charging through directed radio frequency (RF) waves and ambient RF energy sources is an attractive solution to power small wireless devices. RF-based wireless charging can potentially realize battery-less sensor networks and eliminate the need for external power cables or periodic battery replacements. However, the coexistence of data communication and energy comes at the cost of new challenges, which this research tackles holistically through a combination of system level design, experimentation, analysis and protocol formulation. First, a stochastic tool for analyzing nodal residual energy and lifetime distribution is proposed. Our analytical framework models an energy harvesting sensor as a stochastic semi-Markov process and introduces a new analysis technique, called energy transient analysis. The framework returns, with fine granularity, the energy consumed during various protocol-related functions, as well as the incoming energy via harvesting. As a second contribution, the opportunities and challenges of RF energy harvesting are identified through extensive practical testing. This study lays out essential network design guidelines for separating energy transmitter (ET) operations and those of the RF energy harvesting nodes in the spatio-temporal and frequency domains. It also examines the energy interference among concurrent RF waves that may result in destructive combinations of the net signal energy if the ETs are randomly placed. To verify the experimental findings, a set of closed form equations for omni-directional ETs is developed that accurately captures the locations where the ET action is cumulative. Next, a medium access control called RF-MAC is designed for ET and sensor coordination that jointly selects energy transmitters and their frequencies based on the collective impact on charging time and energy interference, sets the maximum energy charging threshold, requests and grants energy, and decides the access priority of both data and energy. Finally, a planning and network resource management framework for powering small form factor sensor node called HYDRA is introduced that uses distributed ad hoc beamformingcapable ETs and leverages cognitive ambient energy harvesting from cellular and TV spectrum bands.
Spatiotemporal Data from Mobile Phones for Personal Mobility Assessment

Abstract Purpose — In this chapter, we will review several alternative methods of collecting data from mobile phones for human mobility analysis. We propose considering cellular network location data as a useful complementary source for human mobility research and provide case studies to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Methodology/approach — We briefly describe cellular phone network architecture and the location data it can provide, and discuss two types of data collection: active and passive localization. Active localization is something like a personal travel diary. It provides a tool for recording positioning data on a survey sample over a long period of time. Passive localization, on the other hand, is based on phone network data that are automatically recorded for technical or billing purposes. It offers the advantage of access to very large user populations for mobility flow analysis of a broad area. Findings — We review several alternative methods of collecting data from mobile phone for human mobility analysis to show that cellular network data, although limited in terms of location precision and recording frequency, offer two major advantages for studying human mobility. First, very large user samples – covering broad geographical areas – can be followed over a long period of time. Second, this type of data allows researchers to choose a specific data collection methodology (active or passive), depending on the objectives of their study. The big mobile phone localization datasets have provided a new impulse for the interdisciplinary research in human mobility. Originality/value of chapter — We propose considering cellular network location data as a useful complementary source for transportation research and provide case studies to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed method. Mobile phones have become a kind of “personal sensor” offering an ever-increasing amount of location data on mobile phone users over long time periods. These data can thus provide a framework for a comprehensive and longitudinal study of temporal dynamics, and can be used to capture ephemeral events and fluctuations in day-to-day mobility behavior offering powerful tools to transportation research, urban planning, or even real-time city monitoring.
Robust Force And Compliance Control Of Robotic Manipulator

The paper proposes a novel approach to force and compliance control of multi-degreesof-freedom robot manipulator. The acceleration control is applied to both motions. The control law is described in the Cartesian space, however, the final command is the acceleration in joint space. The interactive terms in each joint disturb and deteriorate joint motion. The disturbance observer cancels out the total sum of these terms. As a result, an independent and robust control is possible in the force task. The proposed system is tested in the three-DOF robot manipulator. 1.Introduction Several researches about force control and compliant motion have been done as to the contact task of the robot. However, much compensation is necessary for the precise motions[ll. Particularly, the compensation of the interactive forces is indispensable for the well force control. To compensate the disturbances, previous papers pointed that the robot controller should have the complicated process such as the nonlinear feedback control[2], the compensation method in resolved acceleration control[3], and so on. These algorithms have several problems. For example, one problem is that the employed algorithm such as the inverse dynamics is too complex to execute in the ordinary microprocessor. Therefore they are also unsuitable for the fast on-line compensation. Moreover, in those algorithms, mechanical parameters such as the friction coefficients are used. These parameters vary according to the operating conditions. In other words, the compensations based on these algorithms are weak against the parameter variations. These problems are the major reasons why they are n o t adopted in the industrial robots.
Optimal Site Selection for Electric Vehicles Inductive Charging Station in a Car Park Infrastructure

Objective: Proper site selection of an electric vehicle to transfer the optimal power from grid to vehicle in a car park infrastructure. Analysis: In this sense, Fuzzy Logic Controller is designed in NI based LabVIEW platform. The controller is simulated through the graphical designing software, which has the capability of easy data acquisition, processing, monitoring and controlling. After that the practical application of this software in automobile industry provides a better performance of the respective unit which can reduce the cost and save the time. Findings: In this near future, electric and hybrid electric vehicles will play an important role in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Since these vehicles use electricity as their primary fuel, it provides one of the most anticipating approaches towards the reduction of exhaust gas pollution. It has more or less impact on local or global emission profiles. Inductive charging station is a form of wireless charging workplace which uses electromagnetic field to transfer the energy from charging station to vehicle. This advanced technology needs a proper place alignment to park the vehicle in car park infrastructure. In this study, the most sustainable site selection method for this specific type of charging is investigated in an optimal way. This advanced controller will give a precise place alignment for car parking. The controller will be activated depending on the availability of parking slot. Improvement: For this kind of system, when a large parking area will be considered at that time some intelligent controllers should be designed for constant supply and distribution of power from grid to vehicle in a continuous manner.
Water Conservation Initiatives and Performance Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Facility in a Local Beverage Industry in Lahore

Study was conducted to evaluate the potential for water conservation in a local carbonated soft drink beverage manufacturing plant. In order to explore water conservation opportunities, water balance was carried out with the help of flow meters. Average daily water consumption was 3,015m3 in the said plant. Results of water balance revealed that of the total water consumed in the plant, 46.8% was converted to beverage; while53.2% was used in bottle rinsing, other plant operations and miscellaneous uses. By employing various measures, water saving of 375 m3 /day (12.5%) was achieved; thus reducing the daily water consumption to 2640m3 . In addition, an annual saving of Rs 0.2 million was achieved in energy bill of tube wells. Performance evaluation of wastewater treatment plant revealed that 51.2% of average water used per day originated as wastewater from different plant sections. The mean values of pH, TSS, BOD and COD of treated wastewater were7.7, 39 mg/L,24 mg/L and 52 mg/L, respectively and in compliance with the enforced NEQS. Average removals of TSS, BOD and COD were found to be 59%, 78% and 92%, respectively. The study suggests various in-plant controls for water conservation which may also be implemented in other beverages plants in Pakistan.
Attracting Young Engineers to the Rail Industry in Australia Refereed Paper

This paper reports the quantitative stage of a mixed-methods research project focussing on attracting engineers and skilled technologists to careers in the Australian rail industry. There is increased demand for engineering skills and a need to replace retirees yet it has been identified that rail is not attracting its share of entry level and mid-career professionals. Using career preference and brand equity theory the survey with engineering students and their influencers map what graduating engineers aspire to and what they and HR/industry stakeholders consider rail offers. The identified mismatch between what attracts these young engineers to engineering careers and what they perceive rail offers and what HR professionals believe rail offers can inform rail branding and attraction strategies.
A disorder network for

While the pathogenesis of cervical dystonia remains unknown, recent animal and clinical experimental studies have indicated its probable mechanisms. Abnormal temporal discrimination is a mediational endophenotype of cervical dystonia and informs new concepts of disease pathogenesis. Our hypothesis is that both abnormal temporal discrimination and cervical dystonia are due to a disorder of the midbrain network for covert attentional orienting caused by reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition, resulting, in turn, from as yet undetermined, genetic mutations. Such disinhibition is (a) subclinically manifested by abnormal temporal discrimination due to prolonged duration ﬁring of the visual sensory neurons in the superﬁcial laminae of the superior colliculus and (b) clinically manifested by cervical dystonia due to disinhibited burst activity of the cephalomotor neurons of the intermediate and deep laminae of the superior colliculus. Abnormal temporal discrimination in unaffected ﬁrst-degree relatives of patients with cervical dystonia represents a subclinical manifestation of defective GABA activity both within the superior colliculus and from the substantia nigra pars reticulata. A number of experiments are required to prove or disprove this hypothesis.
The social transmission of stress in animal collectives

The stress systems are powerful mediators between the organism's systemic dynamic equilibrium and changes in its environment beyond the level of anticipated fluctuations. Over- or under-activation of the stress systems' responses can impact an animal's health, survival and reproductive success. While physiological stress responses and their influence on behaviour and performance are well understood at the individual level, it remains largely unknown whether—and how—stressed individuals can affect the stress systems of other group members, and consequently their collective behaviour. Stressed individuals could directly signal the presence of a stressor (e.g. via an alarm call or pheromones), or an acute or chronic activation of the stress systems could be perceived by others (as an indirect cue) and spread via social contagion. Such social transmission of stress responses could then amplify the effects of stressors by impacting social interactions, social dynamics and the collective performance of groups. As the neuroendocrine pathways of the stress response are highly conserved among vertebrates, transmission of physiological stress states could be more widespread among non-human animals than previously thought. We therefore suggest that identifying the extent to which stress transmission modulates animal collectives represents an important research avenue.
Small-Crack Effects in High-Strength Aluminum Alloys A NASA/CAE Cooperative Program

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment participated in a Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics Cooperative Program. The program objectives were to identify and characterize crack initiation and growth of small cracks (10 mu m to 2 mm long) in commonly used US and PRC aluminum alloys, to improve fracture mechanics analyses of surface- and corner-crack configurations, and to develop improved life-prediction methods. Fatigue and small-crack tests were performed on single-edge-notch tension (SENT) specimens and large-crack tests were conducted on center-crack tension specimens for constant-amplitude (stress ratios of -1, 0, and 0.5) and Mini-TWIST spectrum loading. The plastic replica method was used to monitor the initiation and growth of small fatigue cracks at the semicircular notch. Crack-growth results from each laboratory on 7075-T6 bare and LC9cs clad aluminum alloys agreed well and showed that fatigue life was mostly crack propagation from a material defect (inclusion particles or void) or from the cladding layer. Finite-element and weight-function methods were used to determine stress intensity factors for surface and corner cracks in the SENT specimens. Equations were then developed and used in a crack-growth and crack-closure model to correlate small- and large-crack data and to make life predictions for various load histories. The cooperative program produced useful experimental data and efficient analysis methods for improving life predictions. The results should ultimately improve aircraft structural reliability and safety.
A genome-wide test for paternal indirect genetic effects on lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster

Exposing sires to various environmental manipulations has demonstrated that paternal effects can be non-trivial also in species where male investment in offspring is almost exclusively limited to sperm. Whether paternal effects also have a genetic component (i.e. paternal indirect genetic effects (PIGEs)) in such species is however largely unknown, primarily because of methodological difficulties separating indirect from direct effects of genes. PIGEs may nevertheless be important since they have the capacity to contribute to evolutionary change. Here we use Drosophila genetics to construct a breeding design that allows testing nearly complete haploid genomes (more than 99%) for PIGEs. Using this technique, we estimate the variance in male lifespan due to PIGEs among four populations and compare this to the total paternal genetic variance (the sum of paternal indirect and direct genetic effects). Our results indicate that a substantial part of the total paternal genetic variance results from PIGEs. A screen of 38 haploid genomes, randomly sampled from a single population, suggests that PIGEs also influence variation in lifespan within populations. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PIGEs may constitute an underappreciated source of phenotypic variation.