Nonparametric “anti-Bayesian” quantile-based pattern classification

Author's accepted manuscript.Available from 24/06/2021.This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Pattern Analysis and Applications. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10044-020-00903-7.acceptedVersio

Hybrid Synaptic Structure for Spiking Neural Network Realization

Neural networks and neuromorphic computing play pivotal roles in deep learning and machine vision. Due to their dissipative nature and inherent limitations, traditional semiconductor-based circuits face challenges in realizing ultra-fast and low-power neural networks. However, the spiking behavior characteristic of single flux quantum (SFQ) circuits positions them as promising candidates for spiking neural networks (SNNs). Our previous work showcased a JJ-Soma design capable of operating at tens of gigahertz while consuming only a fraction of the power compared to traditional circuits, as documented in [1]. This paper introduces a compact SFQ-based synapse design that applies positive and negative weighted inputs to the JJ-Soma. Using an RSFQ synapse empowers us to replicate the functionality of a biological neuron, a crucial step in realizing a complete SNN. The JJ-Synapse can operate at ultra-high frequencies, exhibits orders of magnitude lower power consumption than CMOS counterparts, and can be conveniently fabricated using commercial Nb processes. Furthermore, the network's flexibility enables modifications by incorporating cryo-CMOS circuits for weight value adjustments. In our endeavor, we have successfully designed, fabricated, and partially tested the JJ-Synapse within our cryocooler system. Integration with the JJ-Soma further facilitates the realization of a high-speed inference SNN.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figure

The Ethical Challenges of Humanoid Robots in Elderly Care

زمینه و هدف: استفاده از ربات‌های انسان‌نما به منظور مراقبت از سالمندان به عنوان یکی از راهکارهای مؤثر در جهت حل مشکلات ناشی از افزایش جمعیت سالمندان معرفی گردیده است. موضوعی که به دلیل وجود برخی کاستی‌ها با چالش‌های اخلاقی مختلفی مواجه شده است. هدف از پژوهش حاضر بررسی ابعاد اخلاقی و مشکلات ناشی از توسل به ربات در حوزه مراقبت از سالمندان با نگاهی به قواعد قانون مدنی در حوزه رباتیک است.  روش: پژوهش حاضر با رویکرد کتابخانه‌ای ضمن بررسی اسناد علمی و حقوقی مرتبط با موضوع تحقیق و بکارگیری شیوه توصیفی ـ تحلیلی به چالش‌های اخلاقی ناشی از توسل به ربات‌های‌ مراقبت‌کننده از سالمندان می‌پردازد. ملاحظات اخلاقی: در تألیف مقاله حاضر جنبه­های اخلاقی اعم از امانتداری، صداقت و اصالت متن رعایت گردیده است. یافته‌ها: توسل به ربات با هدف مراقبت از سالمندانِ نیازمند به حمایت، ضمن حل برخی از مشکلات موجود در این زمینه، با خود چالش‌هایی از قبیل تهدید امنیت، فریب‌دادن سالمندان، نقض حریم خصوصی و سلب خودمختاری را به دنبال خواهد داشت. مسائلی که با توجه به فقدان نظام حقوقی مشخص در زمینه مسئولیت‌پذیری و شفاف‌سازی می‌تواند به معضلی جدی تبدیل گردد. نتیجه‌گیری: با توجه به استقبال از ربات‌های انسان‌نما در حوزه مراقبت از سالمندان و با توجه به روند رو به رشد طراحی و تولید این نوع ربات در کشورهای مختلف، از جمله ایران، بررسی چالش‌های موجود در این زمینه، امری ضروری است. در این راستا آموزش خانواده‌ها در جهت افزایش حمایت از سالمندان و توجه به دغدغه‌های آن‌ها، بایسته به نظر می­رسد؛ البته، فقدان مقررات مشخص در زمینه نظارت بر تولید ربات و همچنین لزوم جبران خسارات ناشی از توسل به ربات، تصویب قوانین اختصاصی در این حوزه را نیز اهمیتی مضاعف بخشیده است.Background and Aim: The use of humanoid robots to care for the elderly has been introduced as one of the effective solutions to solve the problems caused by the increase in the elderly population. This issue has faced various ethical challenges. The purpose of this study is to analyze the ethical dimensions and problems arising from the use of robots in the field of geriatric care with a view to civil law rules on robotics. Methods: The present article, by studying the scientific and legal documents related to the subject of research and using analytical-descriptive method, addresses the ethical challenges related to the performance of robots caring for the elderly. Ethical Considerations: In writing this article, ethical aspects including fidelity, honesty and originality of the text have been observed. Results: Recourse to robots with the aim of caring for the elderly in need of support, while solving some of the problems in this field, brings challenges such as threats to safety, deceiving the elderly, invasion of privacy, deprivation of autonomy; situations that can become a serious problem due to the lack of a clear legal system regarding the issue of accountability and transparency.  Conclusion: Due to the increasing acceptance of humanoid robots in the elderly care sector and also due to the growing trend of production of this type of robot in different countries, including Iran, considering the challenges in this field is essential. In this regard, educating families is necessary to increase the level of support for the elderly and pay attention to their concerns; also, the lack of specific regulations in the field of controlling the production of robots, as well as the need to compensate for the losses caused by the use of robots, has made legislating specific laws in this field even more important. Please cite this article as: Razmkhah N. The Ethical Challenges of Humanoid Robots in Elderly Care. Akhlaq-i zisti, i.e., Bioethics Journal. 2022; 12(37): e3

The Evaluation of Functional Quality in Bachelor Midwifery Students based on Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Islamic Azad University-Mashhad Branch

Abstract Introduction: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is one of the standardized and accepted methods for the certification of undergraduate midwifery in the world. OSCE is a type of examination often used in health sciences (e.g. midwifery), which is designed to test clinical skill performance and competence in skills such as clinical examination, medical procedures / prescription, exercise prescription, manipulation techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of midwifery students’ performance before the final exam through the OSCE method in Islamic Azad University of Mashhad. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 1396 on 75 midwifery students before entering the final exam. Checklists for evaluation of skills were analyzed by the experts’ panel to increase the validity of checklists. For examining the reliability of the exam in studied population, the spilt-half method was used. Evaluation of the quality of students’ performance in various areas of pregnancy and childbirth, gynecological diseases, maternal and child health and they were carried out at three levels of diagnosis, decision making and therapeutic interventions. The exam was also carried out in 12 sections along with a rest one. Results: 75 volunteers were divided equally according existing stations. 89/3% were under the age of 25 years old 48% were single and 52% were married. The average score was calculated, when the students were able to answer 50% of the items in each domain. If the volunteer answered more than 50% of the items, she would be in good shape, while the volunteer answered fewer than 50% of the items, she would be weak. The performance of midwifery students was moderate and good at all stations except for Pap smear in gynecology domain, fetal health evaluation in pregnancy and childbirth domain, and Vaccination in maternal and child health domain. (PV<0.848, PV<0.666, PV<0.711 respectively both diagnosis and decision making level. Conclusions: Since the OSCE examines the strengths and weaknesses of students, this study indicated that weakness of midwifery students of Mashhad Azad University lied in some important areas such as, fetal health evaluation, Pap smear and Vaccination which should be more considered and emphasized on by the instructors and educational planners

Superconductor Logic Implementation with All-JJ Inductor-Free Cell Library

Single flux quantum (SFQ) technology has garnered significant attention due to its low switching power and high operational speed. Researchers have been actively pursuing more advanced devices and technologies to further reduce the reliance on inductors, bias, and dynamic power. Recently, innovative magnetic Josephson junction devices have emerged, enhancing the field of superconductor electronics (SCE) logic. This paper introduces a novel cell library design that relies entirely on Josephson junctions (JJs), showing promising potential for eliminating the need for inductors in conventional SFQ cells. This results in a 55% reduction in cell size and an 80% decrease in both static and dynamic power consumption. The proposed library implements a half flux quantum (HFQ) logic, where each pulse duration is half that of a single flux quantum pulse. The paper presents the schematics of the basic cells, emphasizing critical circuit parameters and their margins. Additionally, it examines layout blueprints, showcasing the advantageous area-saving characteristics of the proposed design.Comment: 9 pages, 28 figures, 13 table