ABSTRACT
Uncertain hypothesis test is a statistical tool that uses uncertainty theory to determine whether some hypotheses are correct or not based on observed data. As an application of uncertain hypothesis test, this paper proposes a method to test whether an uncertain differential equation fits the observed data or not. In order to demonstrate the test method, some numerical examples are provided. Finally, both uncertain currency model and stochastic currency model are used to model US Dollar to Chinese Yuan (USD–CNY) exchange rates. As a result, it is shown that the uncertain currency model fits the exchange rates well, but the stochastic currency model does not.
ABSTRACT
The complex of multiple symptoms known as Gulf War Illness (GWI) continues to affect a substantial number of the nearly 700,000 U.S. veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Despite considerable research, the biological processes underlying veterans symptoms have not yet been clearly elucidated. To develop useful diagnostic tests and effective GWI treatments, it is imperative to establish a more definitive and integrated understanding of GWI pathophysiology. This study was designed to evaluate diverse previously-identified and hypothesized biological alterations associated with GWI in a single, well-characterized sample of Gulf War veterans. Using a case-control design, the protocol included physical and neuropsychological evaluations, brain imaging (MRI, fMRI, DTI), adrenal function tests, and diverse immune, inflammatory, and coagulation measures. Despite ongoing good-faith attempts to operationalize and implement the project over an extended period, data collection was not initiated and there are no study results to report, owing to a variety of internal and external challenges that we were unable to successfully address. For the most recent period of performance, all study updates, preparations, and sample identification were in place for data collection, including protocol revisions to limit in-person contact and related COVID safety precautions. However, recruitment and data collection were not undertaken due to extended public health restrictions in place during the ongoing pandemic. It is therefore necessary, with great regret, that we close the project without performing the study. We acknowledge and extend our sincere appreciation to the USAMRAA CDMRP program for their support as we worked to address project challenges over the duration of the grant period.
ABSTRACT
Background: The main objective of this proposal is to investigate the role of central mechanisms in motor fatigue and to unmask the alterations in the neural connectivity patterns underpinning central fatigue in PwMS. Specifically, we aim to 1) determine the role of central mechanisms in motor fatigue in PwMS, and 2) to determine the neural correlates of central fatigue in PwMS. Methods: Aim 1: Fatigue Assessment: PwMS and healthy controls are currently being recruited to participate in a fatiguing motor task involving a sustained contraction of plantarflexor (PF) muscles for 60 seconds. We are using the interpolated twitch technique to determine voluntary activation (VA) of the PF muscles. The decline in VA during motor task represents the inability of the central nervous system to maximally drive muscles for a sustained period and provides an index of central fatigue. We further relate this objective index of central fatigue to decline in the balance control during standing (pre- and post fatigue test) and the fast six-minute walk test. We hypothesize that 1a: PwMS will exhibit significantly higher central fatigue during the performance of the fatiguing motor task, and 1b: Central fatigue will be related to the decline in balance control during standing and walking performance. Aim 2: Neuroimaging: Resting-state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) is being collected in the participants from Aim 1 to investigate neural mechanisms underlying motor fatigue in PwMS. We hypothesize that 2) The severity of central fatigue in PwMS will be associated with increased functional connectivity among the cortico-striatal structures in the motor circuit of the basal ganglia. Status: We have screened a total of 109 subjects for participation in this study. Of those screened, a total of 43 subjects (20 healthy controls and 23 PwMS) have completed data collection for Aim 1 and Aim 2.
ABSTRACT
Exposure to noise can cause damage to structures in the inner ear, often resulting in a loss of hearing. Recent findings in noise-exposedanimals raise a new specter that even moderate noise exposures may result in damage specifically located in the synaptic region betweenthe sensory cells in the cochlea and primary auditory neurons. There is no way currently that scientists and clinicians can diagnose possibleauditory synaptic damage in humans, and diagnosis is critical for the development of innovative treatments. The objective of this project isto develop a statistical model that will accurately predict the likelihood of synaptopathy in humans who have had noise exposures in theirlives. The development of the statistical model will be supported by collecting non-invasive measurements in both humans and guinea pigs.Regulatory documents supporting human and animal testing have been approved both locally and through the relevant offices of theUSAMRMC. The animal laboratory was outfitted with a new sound booth for auditory testing, and data collection is on schedule to begin shortly. Research technicians have been hired to assist in both the human and animal facilities. However, overall progress has been significantly slowed by the seven months and ongoing international pandemic.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare the test results from patients who, within a short timescale, have been tested for COVID-19 using both a pharyngeal swab and tracheal secretion. Data were collected from the database of AUH, from patients hospitalized between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2021 who, due to symptoms of COVID-19, were tested by a pharyngeal swab and by tracheal secretion. We found great agreement between oropharyngeal swab and tracheal secretion RT-PCR testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19, with 98.5% of double tests being concordant and only 1.5% being discordant. This finding may advocate a single-test strategy being either an oropharyngeal swab RT-PCR testing or tracheal secretion, although this study revealed 15.9% false negative oropharyngeal swabs.
ABSTRACT
An integrated-circuit testing model (DITM) is used to describe various factors that affect test yield during a test process. We used a probability distribution model to evaluate test yield and quality and introduced a threshold test and a guardband test. As a result of the development speed of the semiconductor manufacturing industry in the future being unpredictable, we use electrical properties of existing products and the current manufacturing technology to estimate future product-distribution trends. In the development of very-large-scale integration (VLSI) testing, the progress of testing technology is very slow. To improve product testing yield and quality, we change the test method and propose an unbalanced-test method, leading to improvements in test results. The calculation using our proposed model and data estimated by the product published by the IEEE International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS, 2017) proves that the proposed unbalanced-test method can greatly improve test yield and quality and achieve the goal of high-quality, near-zero-defect products.
ABSTRACT
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a plethora of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection products have come to market, especially in emerging economies. UV-C-based disinfection products for mobile phones, food packaging, face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), and other everyday objects are available in popular electronic-commerce platforms as consumer products. Product designers from multinational to startup companies began to design UV-C disinfection products but had no prior-art reference, user feedback, or validation of product efficacy, which are important stages in product design. A UV-C disinfection product cannot be assessed by most consumers for its viricidal efficacy. Many firms entered the domain of UV-C products and were unaware of the necessary validation requirements. Lack of availability and access to virology laboratories, due to lockdowns in countries, and lack of standards and certification for UV-C disinfection products limited product designers and firms in benchmarking their UV-C-based devices before market release. This work evaluates two UV-C disinfection devices for viricidal efficacy on PPE fabric and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 respirators through controlled experiments using the H1N1 virus, which is enveloped and is transmitted via the respiratory route similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of COVID-19. The experiment also evaluated the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants along with and versus UV-C disinfection. Experiments for material selection, UV dose calculation, and UV endurance of PPE samples to be disinfected are also discussed. The outcome of this work establishes a systematic method to validate the efficacy of UV-C disinfection products. The design guidelines would benefit product designers in designing UV-C-based disinfection products.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health threat. This disease has brought about huge changes in the priorities of medical and surgical procedures. This short review article summarizes several test methods for COVID-19 that are currently being used or under development. This paper also introduces the corresponding changes in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. We further discuss the potential impacts of the pandemic on urology, including the outpatient setting, clinical work, teaching, and research.