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Healthy and good sleep is a prerequisite for a rested mind and body. Both form the basis for physical and mental health. Healthy sleep is hindered by sleep disorders, the medically diagnosed frequency of which increases sharply from the age of 40. This chapter describes the formal specification of an on-course practical implementation for a non-invasive system based on biomedical signal processing to support the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related diseases. The system aims to continuously monitor vital data during sleep in a patient’s home environment over long periods by using non-invasive technologies. At the center of the development is the MORPHEUS Box (MoBo), which consists of five main conceptualizations: the MoBo core, the MoBo-HW, the MoBo algorithm, the MoBo API, and the MoBo app. These synergistic elements aim to support the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related diseases. Although there are related developments in individual aspects concerning the system, no comparative approach is known that gives a similar scope of functionality, deployment flexibility, extensibility, or the possibility to use multiple user groups. With the specification provided in this chapter, the MORPHEUS project sets a good platform, data model, and transmission strategies to bring an innovative proposal to measure sleep quality and detect sleep diseases from non-invasive sensors.
This paper introduces the third update/release of the Global Sanctions Data Base (GSDB-R3). The GSDB-R3 extends the period of coverage from 1950–2019 to 1950–2022, which includes two special periods—COVID-19 and the new sanctions against Russia. This update of the GSDB contains a total of 1325 cases. In response to multiple inquiries and requests, the GSDB-R3 has been amended with a new variable that distinguishes between unilateral and multilateral sanctions. As before, the GSDB comes in two versions, case-specific and dyadic, which are freely available upon request at GSDB@drexel.edu. To highlight one of the new features of the GSDB, we estimate the heterogeneous effects of unilateral and multilateral sanctions on trade. We also obtain estimates of the effects on trade of the 2014 sanctions on Russia.
We quantify the effects of GATT/WTO membership on trade and welfare. Using an extensive database covering manufacturing trade for 186 countries over the period 1980–2016, we find that the average partial equilibrium impact of GATT/WTO membership on trade among member countries is large, positive, and significant. We contribute to the literature by estimating country-specific estimates and find them to vary widely across the countries in our sample with poorer members benefitting more. Using these estimates, we simulate the general equilibrium effects of GATT/WTO on welfare, which are sizable and heterogeneous across members. We show that countries not experiencing positive trade effects from joining GATT/WTO can still gain in terms of welfare, due to lower import prices and higher export demand.
AbstractSanctions encompass a wide set of policy instruments restricting cross‐border economic activities. In this paper, we study how different types of sanctions affect the export behavior of firms to the targeted countries. We combine Danish register data, including information on firm‐destination‐specific exports, with information on sanctions imposed by Denmark from the Global Sanctions Database. Our data allow us to study firms' export behavior in 62 sanctioned countries, amounting to a total of 453 country‐years with sanctions over the period 2000–2015. Methodologically, we apply a two‐stage estimation strategy to properly account for multilateral resistance terms. We find that, on average, sanctions lead to a significant reduction in firms' destination‐specific exports and a significant increase in firms' probability to exit the destination. Next, we study heterogeneity in the effects of sanctions across (i) sanction types and sanction packages, (ii) the objectives of sanctions, and (iii) countries subject to sanctions. Results confirm that the effects of sanctions on firms' export behavior vary considerably across these three dimensions.
Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, impacting cardiorespiratory function and overall health. Traditional diagnostic methods, like polysomnography (PSG), are unobtrusive, leading to noninvasive monitoring. This study aims to develop and validate a novel sleep monitoring system using noninvasive sensor technology to estimate cardiorespiratory parameters and detect sleep apnea. We designed a seamless monitoring system integrating noncontact force-sensitive resistor sensors to collect ballistocardiogram signals associated with cardiorespiratory activity. We enhanced the sensor’s sensitivity and reduced the noise by designing a new concept of edge-measuring sensor using a hemisphere dome and mechanical hanger to distribute the force and mechanically amplify the micromovement caused by cardiac and respiration activities. In total, we deployed three edge-measuring sensors, two deployed under the thoracic and one under the abdominal regions. The system is supported with onboard signal preprocessing in multiple physical layers deployed under the mattress. We collected the data in four sleeping positions from 16 subjects and analyzed them using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to avoid frequency mixing. We also developed an adaptive thresholding method to identify sleep apnea. The error was reduced to 3.98 and 1.43 beats/min (BPM) in heart rate (HR) and respiration estimation, respectively. The apnea was detected with an accuracy of 87%. We optimized the system such that only one edge-measuring sensor can measure the cardiorespiratory parameters. Such a reduction in the complexity and simplification of the instruction of use shows excellent potential for in-home and continuous monitoring.
Sleep is essential to physical and mental health. However, the traditional approach to sleep analysis—polysomnography (PSG)—is intrusive and expensive. Therefore, there is great interest in the development of non-contact, non-invasive, and non-intrusive sleep monitoring systems and technologies that can reliably and accurately measure cardiorespiratory parameters with minimal impact on the patient. This has led to the development of other relevant approaches, which are characterised, for example, by the fact that they allow greater freedom of movement and do not require direct contact with the body, i.e., they are non-contact. This systematic review discusses the relevant methods and technologies for non-contact monitoring of cardiorespiratory activity during sleep. Taking into account the current state of the art in non-intrusive technologies, we can identify the methods of non-intrusive monitoring of cardiac and respiratory activity, the technologies and types of sensors used, and the possible physiological parameters available for analysis. To do this, we conducted a literature review and summarised current research on the use of non-contact technologies for non-intrusive monitoring of cardiac and respiratory activity. The inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection of publications were established prior to the start of the search. Publications were assessed using one main question and several specific questions. We obtained 3774 unique articles from four literature databases (Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, and Scopus) and checked them for relevance, resulting in 54 articles that were analysed in a structured way using terminology. The result was 15 different types of sensors and devices (e.g., radar, temperature sensors, motion sensors, cameras) that can be installed in hospital wards and departments or in the environment. The ability to detect heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep disorders such as apnoea was among the characteristics examined to investigate the overall effectiveness of the systems and technologies considered for cardiorespiratory monitoring. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the considered systems and technologies were identified by answering the identified research questions. The results obtained allow us to determine the current trends and the vector of development of medical technologies in sleep medicine for future researchers and research.
Short-Term Density Forecasting of Low-Voltage Load using Bernstein-Polynomial Normalizing Flows
(2023)
The transition to a fully renewable energy grid requires better forecasting of demand at the low-voltage level to increase efficiency and ensure reliable control. However, high fluctuations and increasing electrification cause huge forecast variability, not reflected in traditional point estimates. Probabilistic load forecasts take uncertainties into account and thus allow more informed decision-making for the planning and operation of low-carbon energy systems. We propose an approach for flexible conditional density forecasting of short-term load based on Bernstein polynomial normalizing flows, where a neural network controls the parameters of the flow. In an empirical study with 3639 smart meter customers, our density predictions for 24h-ahead load forecasting compare favorably against Gaussian and Gaussian mixture densities. Furthermore, they outperform a non-parametric approach based on the pinball loss, especially in low-data scenarios.
Multi-faceted stresses of social, environmental, and economic nature are increasingly challenging the existence and sustainability of our societies. Cities in particular are disproportionately threatened by global issues such as climate change, urbanization, population growth, air pollution, etc. In addition, urban space is often too limited to effectively develop sustainable, nature-based solutions while accommodating growing populations. This research aims to provide new methodologies by proposing lightweight green bridges in inner-city areas as an effective land value capture mechanism. Geometry analysis was performed using geospatial and remote sensing data to provide geometrically feasible locations of green bridges. A multi-criteria decision analysis was applied to identify suitable locations for green bridges investigating Central European urban centers with a focus on German cities as representative examples. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to assess the economic feasibility using a case study. The results of the geometry analysis identified 3249 locations that were geometrically feasible to implement a green bridge in German cities. The sample locations from the geometry analysis were proved to be validated for their implementation potential. Multi-criteria decision analysis was used to select 287 sites that fall under the highest suitable class based on several criteria. The cost-benefit analysis of the case study showed that the market value of the property alone can easily outweigh the capital and maintenance costs of a green bridge, while the indirect (monetary) benefits of the green space continue to increase the overall value of the green bridge property including its neighborhood over time. Hence, we strongly recommend light green bridges as financially sustainable and nature-based solutions in cities worldwide.
Sanktionen stellen Zwangsmaßnahmen dar, die bei der Bewältigung politischer Spannungen zwischen Nationen eine lange und wiederkehrende Stellung einnehmen. Sie werden sowohl einseitig als auch in Staatenbündnissen verhängt und besonders nach dem 2. Weltkrieg mit zunehmender Häufigkeit eingesetzt. Während im letzten Jahrhundert, insbesondere vor dem 2. Weltkrieg, Handelsbeschränkungen und umfassende Wirtschaftsblockaden die vorherrschenden Sanktionsinstrumente darstellten, werden heute in einer stärker integrierten und globalisierten Welt Sanktionen in verschiedenen weiteren Formen verhängt, einschließlich internationaler Finanzbeschränkungen, Reiseverbote, Handelseinschränkungen für bestimmte Gütergruppen, Aufhebung militärischer Hilfen und spezifische Einschränkungen, wie beispielsweise Flugverbote und Hafensperrungen.
Insecurity Refactoring is a change to the internal structure of software to inject a vulnerability without changing the observable behavior in a normal use case scenario. An implementation of Insecurity Refactoring is formally explained to inject vulnerabilities in source code projects by using static code analysis. It creates learning examples with source code patterns from known vulnerabilities.
Insecurity Refactoring is achieved by creating an Adversary Controlled Input Dataflow tree based on a Code Property Graph. The tree is used to find possible injection paths. Transformation of the possible injection paths allows to inject vulnerabilities. Insertion of data flow patterns introduces different code patterns from related Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) reports. The approach is evaluated on 307 open source projects. Additionally, insecurity-refactored projects are deployed in virtual machines to be used as learning examples. Different static code analysis tools, dynamic tools and manual inspections are used with modified projects to confirm the presence of vulnerabilities.
The results show that in 8.1% of the open source projects it is possible to inject vulnerabilities. Different inspected code patterns from CVE reports can be inserted using corresponding data flow patterns. Furthermore the results reveal that the injected vulnerabilities are useful for a small sample size of attendees (n=16). Insecurity Refactoring is useful to automatically generate learning examples to improve software security training. It uses real projects as base whereas the injected vulnerabilities stem from real CVE reports. This makes the injected vulnerabilities unique and realistic.
Increasing demand for sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon construction materials has highlighted the potential of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs), which are formulated from various soil types (sand, silt, clay) and recycled mineral waste. This paper presents a comprehensive inter- and transdisciplinary research concept that aims to industrialise and scale up the adoption of CMM-based construction materials and methods, thereby accelerating the construction industry’s systemic transition towards carbon neutrality. By drawing upon the latest advances in soil mechanics, rheology, and automation, we propose the development of a robust material properties database to inform the design and application of CMM-based materials, taking into account their complex, time-dependent behaviour. Advanced soil mechanical tests would be utilised to ensure optimal performance under various loading and ageing conditions. This research has also recognised the importance of context-specific strategies for CMM adoption. We have explored the implications and limitations of implementing the proposed framework in developing countries, particularly where resources may be constrained. We aim to shed light on socio-economic and regulatory aspects that could influence the adoption of these sustainable construction methods. The proposed concept explores how the automated production of CMM-based wall elements can become a fast, competitive, emission-free, and recyclable alternative to traditional masonry and concrete construction techniques. We advocate for the integration of open-source digital platform technologies to enhance data accessibility, processing, and knowledge acquisition; to boost confidence in CMM-based technologies; and to catalyse their widespread adoption. We believe that the transformative potential of this research necessitates a blend of basic and applied investigation using a comprehensive, holistic, and transfer-oriented methodology. Thus, this paper serves to highlight the viability and multiple benefits of CMMs in construction, emphasising their pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and resilience in the built environment.
Digital federated platforms and data cooperatives for secure, trusted and sovereign data exchange will play a central role in the construction industry of the future. With the help of platforms, cooperatives and their novel value creation, the digital transformation and the degree of organization of the construction value chain can be taken to a new level of collaboration. The goal of this research project was to develop an experimental prototype for a federated innovation data platform along with a suitable exemplary use case. The prototype is to serve the construction industry as a demonstrator for further developments and form the basis for an innovation platform. It exemplifies how an overall concept is concretely implemented along one or more use cases that address high-priority industry pain points. This concept will create a blueprint and a framework for further developments, which will then be further established in the market. The research project illuminates the perspective of various governance innovations to increase industry collaboration, productivity and capital project performance and transparency as well as the overall potential of possible platform business models. However, a comprehensive expert survey revealed that there are considerable obstacles to trust-based data exchange between the key stakeholders in the industry value network. The obstacles to cooperation are predominantly not of a technical nature but rather of a competitive, predominantly trust-related nature. To overcome these obstacles and create a pre-competitive space of trust, the authors therefore propose the governance structure of a data cooperative model, which is discussed in detail in this paper.
The scoring of sleep stages is one of the essential tasks in sleep analysis. Since a manual procedure requires considerable human and financial resources, and incorporates some subjectivity, an automated approach could result in several advantages. There have been many developments in this area, and in order to provide a comprehensive overview, it is essential to review relevant recent works and summarise the characteristics of the approaches, which is the main aim of this article. To achieve it, we examined articles published between 2018 and 2022 that dealt with the automated scoring of sleep stages. In the final selection for in-depth analysis, 125 articles were included after reviewing a total of 515 publications. The results revealed that automatic scoring demonstrates good quality (with Cohen's kappa up to over 0.80 and accuracy up to over 90%) in analysing EEG/EEG + EOG + EMG signals. At the same time, it should be noted that there has been no breakthrough in the quality of results using these signals in recent years. Systems involving other signals that could potentially be acquired more conveniently for the user (e.g. respiratory, cardiac or movement signals) remain more challenging in the implementation with a high level of reliability but have considerable innovation capability. In general, automatic sleep stage scoring has excellent potential to assist medical professionals while providing an objective assessment.
Purpose
In order to combat climate change and safeguard a liveable future we need fundamental and rapid social change. Climate communication can play an important role to nurture the public engagement needed for this change, and higher education for sustainability can learn from climate communication.
Approach
The scientific evidence base on climate communication for effective public engagement is summarised into ten key principles, including ‘basing communication on people’s values’, ‘conscious use of framing’, and ‘turning concern into action’. Based on the author’s perspective and experience in the university context, implications are explored for sustainability in higher education.
Findings
The article provides suggestions for teaching (e.g. complement information with consistent behaviour by the lecturer, integrate local stories, and provide students with basic skills to communicate climate effectively), for research (e.g. make teaching for effective engagement the subject of applied research), for universities’ third mission to contribute to sustainable development
in the society (e.g. provide climate communication trainings to empower local stakeholders), andgreening the campus (develop a proper engagement infrastructure, e.g. by a university storytelling exchange on climate action).
Originality
The article provides an up-to-date overview of climate communication research, which is in itself original. This evidence base holds interesting learnings for institutions of higher education, and the link between climate communication and universities has so far not been explored comprehensively.
In this work, a storage study was conducted to find suitable packaging material for tomato powder storage. Experiments were laid out in a single factor completely randomized design (CRD) to study the effect of packaging materials on lycopene, vitamin C moisture content, and water activity of tomato powder; The factor (packaging materials) has three levels (low‐density polyethylene bag, polypropylene bottle, wrapped with aluminum foils, and packed in low‐density polyethylene bag) and is replicated three times. During the study, a twin layer solar tunnel dried tomato slices of var. Galilea was used. The dried tomato slices were then ground and packed (40 g each) in the packaging materials and stored at room temperature. Samples were drawn from the packages at 2‐month interval for quality analysis and SAS (version 9.2) software was used for statistical analysis. From the result, higher retention of lycopene (80.13%) and vitamin C (49.32%) and a nonsignificant increase in moisture content and water activity were observed for tomato powder packed in polypropylene bottles after 6 months of storage. For low‐density polyethylene packed samples and samples wrapped with aluminum foil and packed in a low‐density polyethylene bag, 57.06% and 60.45% lycopene retention and 42.9% and 49.23% Vitamin C retention were observed, respectively, after 6 months of storage. Considering the results found, it can be concluded that lycopene and vitamin C content of twin layer solar tunnel dried tomato powder can be preserved at ambient temperature storage by packing in a polypropylene bottle with a safe range of moisture content and water activity levels for 6 months.
This study aims to investigate the utilization of Bayesian techniques for the calibration of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers. These devices have garnered substantial interest in various practical applications and typically require calibration through error-correcting functions. The parameters of these error-correcting functions are determined during a calibration process. However, due to various sources of noise, these parameters cannot be determined with precision, making it desirable to incorporate uncertainty in the calibration models. Bayesian modeling offers a natural and complete way of reflecting uncertainty by treating the model parameters as variables rather than fixed values. In addition, Bayesian modeling enables the incorporation of prior knowledge, making it an ideal choice for calibration. Nevertheless, it is infrequently used in sensor calibration. This study introduces Bayesian methods for the calibration of MEMS accelerometer data in a straightforward manner using recent advances in probabilistic programming.
Large-scale quantum computers threaten the security of today's public-key cryptography. The McEliece cryptosystem is one of the most promising candidates for post-quantum cryptography. However, the McEliece system has the drawback of large key sizes for the public key. Similar to other public-key cryptosystems, the McEliece system has a comparably high computational complexity. Embedded devices often lack the required computational resources to compute those systems with sufficiently low latency. Hence, those systems require hardware acceleration. Lately, a generalized concatenated code construction was proposed together with a restrictive channel model, which allows for much smaller public keys for comparable security levels. In this work, we propose a hardware decoder suitable for a McEliece system based on these generalized concatenated codes. The results show that those systems are suitable for resource-constrained embedded devices.
This study aims to adapt CEFR in developing an integrative approach-based teaching material model for a pre-basic BISOL class. The method used in this research is the development research design by Borg and Gall. This study was development research. The stages are identification of the problem, formulation of a hypothetical draft model; feasibility testing by experts; product revision; and test product effectiveness. The data were collected through survey techniques, interviews, and documentation. The needs identification results revealed data encompassing 10 themes, 5 tasks per theme, and diverse evaluations comprising theory, in-class practice, and real-world field assignments, both on an individual and group basis. These identified needs require alignment with CEFR A1 for the development of BISOL learning. These findings were subsequently incorporated into the design of the teaching material model, and the results indicated that tailoring CEFR to BISOL as an integrative language teaching material model was feasible for application in the classroom, as assessed by experts. The implications suggest that integrating CEFR into BISOL is highly feasible for the development of teaching materials, and teachers can leverage this instructional model to enhance students' proficiency in the Indonesian language.