Bias Control Research Articles

Numerical Analysis of Dither Induced Penalty for Automatic Bias Control Methods

Numerical Analysis of Dither Induced Penalty for Automatic Bias Control Methods

Diagnostic accuracy of current assessment measures for developmental language disorders in bilingual children

Background: Speech-language pathologists are facing challenges in assessing bilingual children with developmental language disorder (DLD). The study aimed to systematically review the literature for the past five years and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of current assessment measures in the identification of DLD in bilingual children. Method: Through a keyword search from four electronic databases and a manual search of reference lists, eligible studies were identified and evaluated with respect to quality of evidence, study characteristics, and reported diagnostic accuracy. Results: The assessment measures used in the studies varied widely in format, emphasis, and origin. Most studies lacked clear descriptions of controls for potential biases, making it difficult to rate specific quality indicators and decreasing the overall quality of evidence. Diagnostic accuracy of assessment measures across studies ranged from poor to good. Mixed measures showed a higher percentage of good diagnostic accuracy compared to linguistic and nonlinguistic ones. Discussion/conclusions: Evidence supports the previous findings regarding the difficulties in developing appropriate assessment tools and advocacy for using converging evidence in assessment. Limitations in methodology discussed in the past literature still exist, which may result in inflated diagnostic accuracy and decreased validity.

Substance use and labour market nexus in South Africa

Substance abuse is a major public concern for the entire world. Using data from the National Income Dynamic Study wave four, this study examines the impact of substance (alcohol and tobacco) consumption on labour market outcomes in South Africa using the multinomial endogenous switching regression technique. This method controls for any potential selection bias and endogeneity problems. The results from the study reveal that individuals’ decisions to consume alcohol only, tobacco only, and a combination of both are driven by socioeconomic, health, and demographic factors. The estimated causal effect shows that substance use reduces individuals’ earnings in almost all cases and increases working hours. The findings suggest that efforts to control the use of alcohol and tobacco in South Africa should focus more on sensitization programmes that address the health, psychological, and economic implications of using these substances.

A Compact Bandpass Filter with Widely Tunable Frequency and Simple Bias Control

This research paper introduces an innovative design for a compact bandpass filter, notable for achieving a substantial tuning range of operational frequencies using just a single bias voltage. The design is based on a planar microstrip approach, distinguished by its straightforward and efficient structure. Additionally, this filter is characterized by its excellent performance in suppressing out-of-band frequencies. To validate the practicality and effectiveness of this novel design, a compact filter was designed, manufactured, and measured. The testing results were impressive, showing that the filter’s measured center frequency could be tuned across a wide spectrum, from 1.1 to 3.1 GHz, achieving a relative bandwidth of up to 95%. Herein, the relative bandwidth is derived from the calculation of 2(fhigh − flow)/(fhigh + flow). Remarkably, the filter consistently maintains a return loss exceeding 19 dB throughout its tuning range. Additionally, it sustains a 15 dB return loss bandwidth greater than 90 MHz, with the insertion loss varying between a minimum of 0.9 dB and a maximum of 2.1 dB. The compactness of the filter is one of its standout features, with circuit dimensions measuring a mere 0.06λg × 0.09λg (physical dimensions is 13.8 mm × 21.3 mm), where λg represents the wavelength at the filter’s lowest center frequency.

Modulator Bias Control Based on Bi-PID Algorithm for Optical Time and Frequency Transmission

Modulator Bias Control Based on Bi-PID Algorithm for Optical Time and Frequency Transmission

An exploration of the relationship between land governance and development through a systematic review of interventions

The importance of land governance to economic development is a theme that usually receives less attention than it is due in academic production. Land, being a physically limited resource, is increasingly under pressure by the expanding world population and climate change and, thus, an constitutes an important subject of inquiry for academics and policymakers. In this paper we investigate the relationship between land governance and economic development through a systematic review of the literature on land governance interventions and its impacts regarding three main areas (socioeconomic, environmental and gender). While we found out that most of the impacts analyzed were positive (76 %), there are still lots of gaps regarding the geographic distribution of the intervention studies, the focus of intervention analyses (most studied socioeconomic variables) and difficulties dealing with bias control. Moreover, we discuss other methodological difficulties and limitations of the study to propose future research agendas in the theme.

Revisão Sistemática de Instrumentos de Personalidade usando o Big-Five em Crianças

This study had the objective of identifying and summarizing questionnaires used to assess the fi ve-factor model (FFM) in children. The main characteristics evaluated were: respondent (self or other), the target age-group, instrument format, number of items, Likert-scale type, factorial validity, reliability indices, and response bias control. We searched for articles in the following databases: Pubmed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of science, and BVS. A total of 7687 articles were found. After removing duplicate fi les, 5714 articles remained. Of these, 5536 were excluded based on title and abstract reading. Sixty-six articles were included for fi nal qualitative analysis. Twenty-one instruments for assessing FFM in the age range of 6 to 12 years were identifi ed. Some of the questionnaires were constructed for being used in adults. The majority of the questionnaires relied on fi ve-point Likert-scales (f = 13, 62%). Only two studies controlled for response bias. Psychometric and conceptual aspects of the questionnaires were evaluated, leading to the conclusion that there is a need for more studies and instruments to measure personality in childhood.Keywords: Personality assessment, child, fi ve-factor model, developmental psychology, child assessment

PVT Analysis and Behavioral Modeling of Doherty and Envelope Tracking RF ULP Power Amplifiers using 65 nm CMOS Technology

This research encompasses both Process-Voltage-Temperature (PVT) considerations and behavioral modeling of two proposed Power Amplifier (PA) designs for wireless communication systems. Process variations, supply voltage changes, and temperature changes provide difficulties for the design and optimization of power amplifiers for wireless communication systems and may have a substantial influence on their effectiveness. PVT analysis and behavioral modeling have been conducted to address the aforementioned challenges and characterize the behavior and performance of the power amplifiers under real-world operating conditions. It investigates the impact of process variations, supply voltage variations, and temperature variations on the performance of the PAs. The insights gained from this analysis contribute to a deeper understanding of the power amplifiers' performance, efficiency, and suitability for specific wireless communication standards, laying the foundation for future advancements in RF power amplifier design. The first design focuses on a Doherty PA (DPA) tailored for low-power short-range applications complying with the IEEE Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) standard. The second design explores an Envelope Tracking (ET) supply bias control for low-power long-range applications conforming to the IEEE Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard. By examining these factors, the research ensures that the PAs exhibit reliable and optimal performance under real-world operating conditions. The PVT corners show a change in gain of only 0.4 dB for DPA and 0.9 dB for ET PA. Furthermore, behavioral modeling is employed to characterize the power efficiency of the envelope tracking PA, along with the current efficiency and quotient current on the load current scale. These models provide valuable insights into the behavior and performance of the PAs at a higher level of abstraction. The results and findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the PA’s performance, efficiency, and suitability for specific wireless communication standards, laying the foundation for future advancements in RF power amplifier design.

Expert Evidence and Digital Open Source Information

Abstract Digital open source information (DOSI) has emerged as a significant source of evidence for the International Criminal Court (‘the Court’) and other jurisdictions applying international criminal law. However, its use in litigation raises questions about who can be considered an expert in DOSI and what methods and safeguards they should adopt. This article examines how the Court can receive DOSI via expert evidence while maintaining rigorous fact-finding standards. It addresses challenges that DOSI introduces to the paradigm of expert testimony, including the lack of an overarching formalized system of DOSI accreditation, the typically group-based nature of DOSI investigations and the scope for misinterpretations and biases to result in erroneous conclusions. It proposes a novel six-factor test for the Court’s identification of sufficiently qualified DOSI specialists as expert witnesses. At the same time, it highlights that DOSI specialists should utilize transparent, accessible and replicable methodologies, with quality control feedback loops, peer review processes and bias controls. The aim of the article is to facilitate the use of DOSI evidence to resolve atrocity crimes cases, while also maintaining rigorous fact-finding standards and conforming with due process and fair trial rights.

Large exchange bias enhancement and control of ferromagnetic energy landscape by solid-state hydrogen gating

Voltage control of exchange bias is desirable for spintronic device applications, however dynamic modulation of the unidirectional coupling energy in ferromagnet/antiferromagnet bilayers has not yet been achieved. Here we show that by solid-state hydrogen gating, perpendicular exchange bias can be enhanced by > 100% in a reversible and analog manner, in a simple Co/Co0.8Ni0.2O heterostructure at room temperature. We show that this phenomenon is an isothermal analog to conventional field-cooling and that sizable changes in average coupling energy can result from small changes in AFM grain rotatability. Using this method, we show that a bi-directionally stable ferromagnet can be made unidirectionally stable, with gate voltage alone. This work provides a means to dynamically reprogram exchange bias, with broad applicability in spintronics and neuromorphic computing, while simultaneously illuminating fundamental aspects of exchange bias in polycrystalline films.

Lecturers and Students Perceptions on E-learning Implementation: A Case Study in English Education Study Program

E-learning is mostly acknowledged as a type of learning that is facilitated by electronic media typically connected to the internet. It has been continuously promoted as an alternative to adult learners enrolled in higher education, especially during the pandemic outbreak. Upon its implementation, many consider the electronic learning option benefits them, while others argue it raises inconveniences. These opposing views certainly stimulate associated lecturers and learners in English language teaching and learning to give different responses as well. Thus, the exploration of their perceptions towards e-learning implementation is highlighted in this article through a case study carried out at one of the private universities in South Sumatera. The participants were two lecturers and ten students from two different courses. Open-ended questionnaires and interviews were conducted to obtain the data and analysed using thematic analysis. A member checking was done to measure the credibility and control of biases in this study. The findings recapitulate that e-learning was implemented to facilitate three main activities, namely administrative task fulfilment, teaching-learning process, and teaching-learning preparation. Besides, the perceptions from all participants showed that online learning classes generated some benefits and drawbacks.

Use of Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS) for Osteoarthritis Treatment in Horses: A Systematic Review of Clinical Data.

The utilization of Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS) for treating osteoarthritis (OA) in horses has seen a notable increase in recent years. In vitro studies have consistently identified ACS as a promising therapy for OA joints, contributing to its growing popularity in OA treatment. Despite this, there is a noticeable absence of systematic reviews focused solely on the clinical data of OA patients treated with ACS, excluding the in vitro perspective. This study aims to address this gap by systematically reviewing the latest literature, concentrating solely on clinical data in in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy of ACS in OA lesions. All clinical studies involving ACS treatments for horses with OA were included in the assessment. Surprisingly, only six trials met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The results indicate that the majority of the considered articles support the use of ACS as a treatment for horses, albeit with a control group provided in only one study. However, the absence of a control group and the exclusion of histological evaluation diminish the validity of the majority of clinical research. While several studies suggest a beneficial effect of ACS on OA horses without significant adverse effects, this systematic review affirms that there is no definitive evidence for its effectiveness. Therefore, further investigation of the efficacy of ACS products as a treatment for OA is warranted, emphasizing the need for more controlled trials. Poorly designed and biased studies, lacking blinding or control and adopting inadequate outcome measures, may favor positive results and, thus, necessitate a more rigorous approach to validate the efficacy of ACS in OA treatment.

Adaptive bias control of optical IQ modulator with low LFM dither and strong fluctuation resistance.

An innovative approach has been proposed for adaptive bias control in optical IQ modulators. In contrast to traditional approaches that utilize sine dither, this method employs a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal as the dither, associated with the fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) to extract the bias point drift. The LFM signal, after undergoing FrFT, transforms into a compressed signal (CS) with energy concentration in the fractional domain. Utilizing this signal for bias point monitoring, the proposed method demonstrates robust bias control even in the presence of substantial interferences, as substantiated by comprehensive simulations and experimental investigations. Remarkably, in a 20-Gbaud 16QAM signal transmission, the proposed approach achieves stable control of the bias point for over 4 hours, even in the presence of voltage fluctuations, while effectively reducing the dither amplitude by half. Furthermore, it maintains a low bit error rate (BER) below 10-5 even under intentional external interference.

COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness in the population of Friuli Venezia Giulia, North-East Italy. Control of bias associated with divergent compliance to policies in a test-negative case-control study

BackgroundVaccine effectiveness (VE) studies consolidate knowledge of real-world effectiveness in different contexts. However, methodological issues may undermine their conclusions: to assess the VE against COVID-19 within the Italian population, a specific threat to validity is related to the consequences of divergent compliance to the Green Pass policy.MethodsTo address this challenge we conducted a test negative case-control (TNCC) study and multiple sensitivity analysis among residents aged ≥ 12 in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (FVG), North-east Italy, from February 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Information regarding 211,437 cases of COVID-19 infection and 845,748 matched controls was obtained from the regional computerized health database. The investigation considered: COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death. Multiple conditional logistic regressions adjusted for covariates were performed and VE was estimated as (1-OR COVID-19vaccinated vs. unvaccinated)x100. Mediation analyses were carried out to offset potential collider variables, particularly, the number of swabs performed after the introduction of pandemic restrictions.ResultsFull-cycle VE against infection decreased from 96% (95% CI: 96, 97) in the Alpha period to 43% (95% CI: 42, 45) in the Omicron period. Booster dose raised the protection in Omicron period to 67% (95% CI: 66, 67). Against the evasive Omicron variant, the protection of the booster dose was 87% (95% CI: 83, 90) for hospitalization and 90% (95% CI: 82, 95) for death. The number of swabs performed was included as a covariate in the adjustments, and the mediation analysis confirmed that it was a strong mediator between vaccination and COVID-19-related outcomes.ConclusionsThe study suggests that, under similar TNCC settings, mediation analysis and adjustment for number of diagnostic tests should be included, as an effective approach to the challenge of differential testing behavior that may determine substantial selection bias. This correction allowed us to align with results from other studies that show how full-cycle VE against infection was initially high but decreased over time by variant circulation, counterbalanced by booster dose that raised protection across variants and outcome severity.

Attention bias vs. attention control modification for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Gaze-Contingent Music Reward Therapy (GC-MRT) is an eye-tracking-based attention bias modification protocol for social anxiety disorder (SAD) with established clinical efficacy. However, it remains unclear if improvement following GC-MRT hinges on modification of threat-related attention or on more general enhancement of attention control. Here, 50 patients with SAD were randomly allocated to GC-MRT using either threat faces or shapes. Results indicate comparable reductions in social anxiety and co-morbid depression symptoms in the two conditions. Patients in the shapes condition showed a significant increase in attention control and a reduction in attention to both the trained shapes and threat faces, whereas patients in the faces condition showed a reduction in attention to threat faces only. These findings suggest that enhancement of attention control, independent of valence-specific attention modification, may facilitate reduction in SAD symptoms. Alternative interpretations and clinical implications of the current findings are discussed.

Mechanisms of linear control of exchange bias in Fe/FeO bilayer

The microscopic nature of pinning uncompensated moment interface, how it is pinned by an antiferromagnet, and how the mechanism with this coupling drives exchange bias remain outstanding challenges. In this work, the Fe/FeO ferromagnet/antiferromagnet bilayer with an ultrathin FeO layer is modeled and the correlation between exchange bias and microscopically uncompensated antiferromagnetic magnetization is studied, based on first-principles calculations and modified Monte-Carlo simulations, where spin energies are exactly calculated and energy barriers are detectable to avoid the occurrence of unphysical tunneling during spin reversals. The linear dependence of exchange bias on uncompensated antiferromagnetic magnetization in Fe/FeO bilayer experimentally is reproduced and interpreted by exploring the monolayer-resolved magnetization behavior in the FeO layer, which depends on antiferromagnetic anisotropy, cooling field, fraction of Fe atoms permeated in the FeO layer, and magnetic frustration effect. It is evidenced that this linear dependence requires plenty of controllable pinning uncompensated antiferromagnetic spins located in the layer depths close to but not in contact with the ferromagnetic layer.

B - 47 Attentional Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: a Synthesis of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

Theory suggests that attentional processes, such as attentional bias and attentional control, may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Specifically, among individuals with suicidal ideation, attentional biases towards suicide-related information may increase distress. This combined with the inability to disengage and shift attention away from suicidal thoughts (i.e., deficits in attentional control) might contribute to increased risk for suicidal behavior. Despite this, there has been limited research examining associations between attentional biases and STBs or attentional control and STBs. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms used to identify articles included: ("attention* bias" or "attentional control") AND (suicid*). The search returned 77 articles, 49 when duplicates were removed. Following full text reviews, a total of 16 articles were retained for meta-analysis. A significant relationship was observed between attentional bias and STBs (r = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.15), but not attentional control and STBs (r = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.24, 0.10). The funnel plot for attentional bias and STBs suggested low risk of publication bias. The limited number of studies identified, and therefore low power, precluded moderator analyses from being conducted. Additional experimental and longitudinal research with diverse assessments of attentional risk factors (e.g., dot probe, eye tracking) is needed. Despite these limitations, the present study provides preliminary evidence for the association between attentional bias and STBs.

Comparação de métodos para o controle do viés da aquiescência em escalas balanceadas e desbalanceadas

Abstract Controlling acquiescence bias typically involves the application of positive and negative keyed items. However, little is known about the effect of balancing positive and negative items on bias control. The aim of this study was to compare three Confirmatory Factor Analysis models (without control, MIMIC, and Random Intercept) to recover the factor structure of unbalanced and balanced instruments, using simulated and real data (from an instrument that assesses Personality). By controlling for acquiescence, the results indicated that the performance of balanced scales was better than that of unbalanced scales, as well as in the absence of control for response bias, when considering balanced and unbalanced scales. Thus, this research suggests the possibility of controlling acquiescence through balanced instruments associated with the use of statistical methods in modeling.

Enormous electroresistance and field effect studies on LaMnO3–δ / La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 / LaAlO3 manganite – manganite composite structure

Field effect configuration (FEC) coupled field effect studies (FES) is one of the prime requisites for the development of spintronic based logic and memory devices having better sensitivities for external perturbations specifically while scaling down the technology. In this communication, LaMnO3–δ / La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 / LaAlO3 (LMO / LCMO / LAO) manganite – manganite composite structure was successfully fabricated using cost effective chemical solution deposition (CSD) method. FEC coupled FES have been performed across the electrically polarizable LMO layer and LCMO conducting channel. Enormous room temperature colossal electroresistance (CER) has been acquired ∼ 7000 % under 2 MV/cm forward biased control electric field and ∼ 8.5 × 105 % under 0.9 MV/cm reverse biased control electric field. Elegant modifications in the resistive behavior have been understood on the bases of charge carrier density alterations, interface modifications, phase separation, Mott–type phase transformation and formation–break down of depletion region across the manganite – manganite composite structure.

A-336 Comparison Between the Immune Profile of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with and without COVID-19 by Flow Cytometry

Abstract Background The impacts caused by COVID-19 on pregnant and postpartum women are not well characterized yet. It is well known that, due to pregnancy, the maternal organism undergoes immunological adaptations, which may increase the risk of complications of viral diseases. These adaptations, in addition to the inflammatory disorder caused by the SARS-Cov-2, may contribute to severe outcomes as a result of COVID-19 infection. In this study the peripheral levels of total T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells in pregnant and postpartum women with positive and negative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were determined. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using peripheral blood samples from pregnant and postpartum women who underwent PCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19 between May 2021 and March 2022. Samples were collected in a public maternity hospital in Northeast of Brazil right on admission for delivery as well as in the immediate puerperium. Blood was collected in tubes containing EDTA for flow cytometry, using the activated cell fluorescence analyzer (FACScan) and the Cell Quest software. The total of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+), CD3+/CD4+ (ThL) and CD3+/CD8+ (TcL) was determined according to published protocols. B lymphocytes were identified by expression of CD19 (CD19+) and NK and NKT cells were identified by the CD16+/56+ and CD3+/CD16-56+ phenotype, respectively. Lymphocytes were identified by high CD45 expression and low side scatter using the following 3-color monoclonal antibody combinations: fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE) and chlorophyll pyridine protein (PerCP). Results A total of 99 women with a mean age 29 (± 7) years old were used in this study, of which 31 (31.3%) were pregnant and 68 (69.4%) were postpartum women. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR in 78 (78.8%) of the participants and in 21 (21.2%) it was discarded after negative PCR. Pregnant and postpartum women infected with SARS-CoV-2 had higher levels of cytotoxic T cells, median (ME) = 574.2; interquartile range (IIQ) = 382.4, when compared with uninfected patients, ME = 404.7; IIQ = 363.5); P = 0.032. Pregnant women with COVID-19 had a lower mean CD3+ count (1351.1 ± 337.7) compared to postpartum women with the disease (1605.6 ± 538.6); t (53.6) = −2.45, P = 0.009. Likewise, lower CD16+/56+ (113.3; IIQ = 172.0) and CD3+/CD16-56+ (52.1; IQ = 53.4) medians were found in pregnant women with COVID-19, when compared with the group of postpartum women without infection (191.2; IIQ = 192.5); U = 396.0, P = 0.043 and (70.8; IIQ = 91.6); U = 376.5, P = 0.025, respectively. Conclusion Pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of cytotoxic T cells in peripheral blood. These results may be useful to understand what the SARS-CoV-2 infection causes in the immune system of pregnant and postpartum women. On the other hand, observational studies with larger samples and bias control are required.