Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clustering ECG complexes using Hermite functions and self-organizing maps

An integrated method for clustering of QRS complexes is presented which includes basis function representation and self-organizing neural networks (NN's). Each QRS complex is decomposed into Hermite basis functions and the resulting coefficients and width parameter are used to represent the complex. By means of this representation, unsupervised self-organizing NN's are employed to cluster the data into 25 groups. Using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, the resulting clusters are found to exhibit a very low degree of misclassification (1.5%). The integrated method outperforms, on the MIT-BIH database, both a published supervised learning method as well as a conventional template cross-correlation clustering method.
Governance and upgrading in South–South value chains: evidence from the cashew industries in India and Ivory Coast

India, the world's largest processor of cashew kernels, depends heavily on imports of raw cashew nuts (RCNs), primarily sourced from Ivory Coast. While the Ivorian processing industry is still in its infancy, in the last decade domestic cashew factories have rapidly increased their capacity. This study is an exploration of how the cashew value chain is organized and what this implies for upgrading prospects in the Ivorian cashew sector. Its findings suggest that the cashew value chain is characterized by a bipolar governance structure comprising a trader-driven segment between Ivorian farms and Indian processors, and a buyer-driven segment that links processors to Northern end markets. The results are consistent with studies that describe South–South value chains as being less tightly controlled, with a decreased significance of quality related standards and lower entry barriers than those chains feeding into Northern end markets. Inter-firm linkages in the Indo–Ivorian RCN channel provide few opportunities for product and functional upgrading of RCN suppliers. Considerable institutional support is needed to overcome the barriers to Ivorian firms' direct participation in the North–South value chain for processed kernels.
Data Users versus Data Subjects: Are Consumers Willing to Pay for Property Rights to Personal Information?

Privacy advocates claim privacy violation is a social cost of the widespread trade in personal information driven by advances in information management technologies and the Internet. Data users claim that significant benefits from free information exchange are passed on to data subjects and that these benefits outweigh any potential privacy violations. A central issue in this ongoing debate is answering the question, "who owns and who controls personal information". Using the theory of property rights, we argue that personal information is a public good. We analyze responses from 459 New Zealanders to a contingent valuation survey to estimate the economic value data subject's place on a hypothetical change to data protection laws that gives data subject's an enforceable, property right in their personal information. The results are compared with other recent property rights studies to provide guidance for the use of opt-in versus opt-out legislative exclusion to protect information privacy.
Modeling Age-Friendly Environment, Active Aging, and Social Connectedness in an Emerging Asian Economy

This paper empirically tested eight key features of WHO guidelines to age-friendly community by surveying 211 informal caregivers and 402 self-care adults (aged 45 to 85 and above) in Malaysia. We examined the associations of these eight features with active aging and social connectedness through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. A structural model with satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices (CMIN/df = 1.11, RMSEA = 0.02, NFI = 0.97, TLI = 1.00, CFI = 1.00, and GFI = 0.96) indicates that transportation and housing, community support and health services, and outdoor spaces and buildings are statistically significant in creating an age-friendly environment. We found a statistically significant positive relationship between an age-friendly environment and active aging. This relationship is mediated by social connectedness. The results indicate that built environments such as accessible public transportations and housing, affordable and accessible healthcare services, and elderly friendly outdoor spaces and buildings have to be put into place before social environment in building an age-friendly environment. Otherwise, the structural barriers would hinder social interactions for the aged. The removal of the environmental barriers and improved public transportation services provide short-term solutions to meet the varied and growing needs of the older population.
5′-UTR RNA G-quadruplexes: translation regulation and targeting

RNA structures in the untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs influence post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Much of the knowledge in this area depends on canonical double-stranded RNA elements. There has been considerable recent advancement of our understanding of guanine(G)-rich nucleic acids sequences that form four-stranded structures, called G-quadruplexes. While much of the research has been focused on DNA G-quadruplexes, there has recently been a rapid emergence of interest in RNA G-quadruplexes, particularly in the 5′-UTRs of mRNAs. Collectively, these studies suggest that RNA G-quadruplexes exist in the 5′-UTRs of many genes, including genes of clinical interest, and that such structural elements can influence translation. This review features the progresses in the study of 5′-UTR RNA G-quadruplex-mediated translational control. It covers computational analysis, cell-free, cell-based and chemical biology studies that have sought to elucidate the roles of RNA G-quadruplexes in both cap-dependent and -independent regulation of mRNA translation. We also discuss protein trans-acting factors that have been implicated and the evidence that such RNA motifs have potential as small molecule target. Finally, we close the review with a perspective on the future challenges in the field of 5′-UTR RNA G-quadruplex-mediated translation regulation.
Target Selection With Hybrid Feature for BCI-Based 2-D Cursor Control

To control a cursor on a monitor screen, a user generally needs to perform two tasks sequentially. The first task is to move the cursor to a target on the monitor screen (termed a 2-D cursor movement), and the second task is either to select a target of interest by clicking on it or to reject a target that is not of interest by not clicking on it. In a previous study, we implemented the former function in an EEG-based brain-computer interface system using motor imagery and the P300 potential to control the horizontal and vertical cursor movements, respectively. In this study, the target selection or rejection functionality is implemented using a hybrid feature from motor imagery and the P300 potential. Specifically, to select the target of interest, the user must focus his or her attention on a flashing button to evoke the P300 potential, while simultaneously maintaining an idle state of motor imagery. Otherwise, the user performs left-/right-hand motor imagery without paying attention to any buttons to reject the target. Our data analysis and online experimental results validate the effectiveness of our approach. The proposed hybrid feature is shown to be more effective than the use of either the motor imagery feature or the P300 feature alone. Eleven subjects attended our online experiment, in which a trial involved sequential 2-D cursor movement and target selection. The average duration of each trial and average accuracy of target selection were 18.19 s and 93.99% , respectively, and each target selection or rejection event was performed within 2 s.
The distribution of computing: the knowledge markets of distributed technical support specialists

Distributed computing environments place more computer power in the hands of the end‐user, and often demand increased technical support. In response, organizations may choose to move technical support personnel close to end‐users. This can isolate them from each other, and may limit their ability to share knowledge. Thus, the growth of distributed computing calls for increased ability to share knowledge across organizational boundaries. This paper presents the results of a case study investigating how distributed technologists share knowledge through knowledge markets. We argue that knowledge markets are cultural entities shaped by the underlying work culture of their participants, and that the cultural forces that define knowledge markets are powerful, deeply held and difficult to change. Thus, improving the effectiveness of any given knowledge market will have less to do with the installation of information technology than with the ability to create a facilitating work culture. This study’s identification of clique knowledge markets, operating efficiently in parallel to the public knowledge market, may provide a hint of the type of culture that will create fewer knowledge trade barriers.
No Evidence for Natural Selection on Endogenous Borna-Like Nucleoprotein Elements after the Divergence of Old World and New World Monkeys

Endogenous Borna-like nucleoprotein (EBLNs) elements were recently discovered as non-retroviral RNA virus elements derived from bornavirus in the genomes of various animals. Most of EBLNs appeared to be defective, but some of primate EBLN-1 to -4, which appeared to be originated from four independent integrations of bornavirus nucleoprotein (N) gene, have retained an open reading frame (ORF) for more than 40 million years. It was therefore possible that primate EBLNs have encoded functional proteins during evolution. To examine this possibility, natural selection operating on all ORFs of primate EBLN-1 to -4 was examined by comparing the rates of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions. The expected number of premature termination codons in EBLN-1 generated after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys under the selective neutrality was also examined by the Monte Carlo simulation. As a result, natural selection was not identified for the entire region as well as parts of ORFs in the pairwise analysis of primate EBLN-1 to -4 and for any branch of the phylogenetic trees for EBLN-1 to -4 after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys. Computer simulation also indicated that the absence of premature termination codon in the present-day EBLN-1 does not necessarily support the maintenance of function after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys. These results suggest that EBLNs have not generally encoded functional proteins after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys.
Activation of the Blandford–Znajek mechanism in collapsing stars

The collapse of massive stars may result in the formation of accreting black holes in their interiors. The accreting stellar matter may advect substantial magnetic flux on to the black hole and promote the release of its rotational energy via magnetic stresses (the Blandford-Znajek mechanism). In this paper we explore whether this process can explain the stellar explosions and relativistic jets associated with long gamma-ray bursts. In particular, we show that the Blandford-Znajek mechanism is activated when the rest mass-energy density of matter drops below the energy density of the magnetic field in the near vicinity of the black hole (within its ergosphere). We also discuss whether such a strong magnetic field is in conflict with the rapid rotation of the stellar core required in the collapsar model, and suggest that the conflict can be avoided if the progenitor star is a component of a close binary. In this case the stellar rotation can be sustained via spin-orbital interaction. In an alternative scenario the magnetic field is generated in the accretion disc, but in this case the magnetic flux through the black hole ergosphere is not expected to be sufficiently high to explain the energetics of hypernovae by the BZ mechanism alone. However, this energy deficit can be recovered via the additional power provided by the disc.
The Value of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Differentiating High-Grade Gliomas from Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose Differentiation of high-grade gliomas and solitary brain metastases is an important clinical issue because the treatment strategies differ greatly. Our study aimed to investigate the potential value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in differentiating high-grade gliomas from brain metastases using a meta-analytic approach. Materials and Methods We searched Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles published in English. Studies that both investigated high-grade gliomas and brain metastases using DTI were included. Random effect model was used to compare fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values in the two tumor entities. Results Nine studies were included into the meta-analysis. In the peritumoral region, compared with brain metastases, high-grade gliomas had a significant increase of FA (SMD = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.22–0.71; P<0.01) and a significant decrease of MD (SMD = −1.49; 95% CI, −1.91 to −1.06; P<0.01). However, in the intratumoral area, no significant change in FA (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI, −0.49 to 0.82; P = 0.73) or MD (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI, −0.91 to 1.60; P = 0.59) was detected between gliomas and metastases. Conclusions High-grade gliomas may be distinguished from brain metastases by comparing the peritumoral FA and MD values. DTI appears to be a promising tool in diagnosing solitary intracranial lesions.
Stratified Case-Based Reasoning: Reusing Hierarchical Problem Solving Episodes

Stratified case-based reasoning is a technique in which abstract solutions produced during hierarchical problem solving are used to assist case-based retrieval, matching, and adaptation. We describe the motivation for the integration of case-based reasoning with hierarchical problem solving, exemplify its benefits, detail a set of algorithms that implement our approach, and present their comparative empirical evaluation on a path planning task. Our results show that stratified case-based reasoning significantly decreases the computational expense required to retrieve, match, and adapt cases, leading to performance superior both to simple case-based reasoning and to hierarchical problem solving ab initio.
A mixed methods investigation of exercise motivation in adolescence : a self-determination theory approach

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the motivational processes that underpin adolescent exercise and sedentary behaviour. Grounded in Self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985), a series of four studies sought to address key methodological pitfalls within the extant SDT literature and utilise these developments to explore how motivation and its related cognitive processes relate to adolescent exercise and sedentary behaviour. In Chapter 2, through focus groups with 39 adolescents, the participants’ conceptualisation of exercise was explored to inform the interpretation of responses to exercise-related measures and the measurement of exercise behaviour. In Chapter 3, to facilitate the holistic measurement of need support, the Adolescent Psychological Need Support in Exercise Scale (APNSEQ) was developed and validated in two samples of adolescents (N=806). In Chapter 4, applying the new APNSEQ measure and the conceptual insight gained in Chapter 2, cross-sectional data from 388 adolescents supported the nomological network of variables proposed within SDT. However, the SDT model only explained a small amount of variance in behaviour. Thus, in Chapter 5 (N=257), a mediation model, where action planning, self-monitoring and habit mediate the relationship between autonomous motivation and behaviour was explored. Habit was a significant mediator of the relationship between autonomous motivation and exercise and sedentary behaviour, and need support was indirectly associated with self-regulation. Collectively, the four studies address some key conceptual and methodological issues present in the extant SDT literature, and apply these developments to offer a comprehensive exploration of the motivational processes that underpin adolescent exercise and sedentary behaviour. Through holistically considering the antecedents of motivation (i.e., need support, need thwarting, need satisfaction, and need frustration), as well as exploring the processes through which motivation influences behaviour, this thesis offers exciting routes for theoretically robust future research, as well as potential insights for intervention.
A Cross-Reactive Human Single-Chain Antibody for Detection of Major Fish Allergens, Parvalbumins, and Identification of a Major IgE-Binding Epitope

Fish allergy is associated with moderate to severe IgE-mediated reactions to the calcium binding parvalbumins present in fish muscle. Allergy to multiple fish species is caused by parvalbumin-specific cross-reactive IgE recognizing conserved epitopes. In this study, we aimed to produce cross-reactive single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies for the detection of parvalbumins in fish extracts and the identification of IgE epitopes. Parvalbumin-specific phage clones were isolated from the human ETH-2 phage display library by three rounds of biopanning either against cod parvalbumin or by sequential biopanning against cod (Gad m 1), carp (Cyp c 1) and rainbow trout (Onc m 1) parvalbumins. While biopanning against Gad m 1 resulted in the selection of clones specific exclusively for Gad m 1, the second approach resulted in the selection of clones cross-reacting with all three parvalbumins. Two clones, scFv-gco9 recognizing all three parvalbumins, and scFv-goo8 recognizing only Gad m 1 were expressed in the E. coli non-suppressor strain HB2151 and purified from the periplasm. scFv-gco9 showed highly selective binding to parvalbumins in processed fish products such as breaded cod sticks, fried carp and smoked trout in Western blots. In addition, the scFv-gco9-AP produced as alkaline phosphatase fusion protein, allowed a single-step detection of the parvalbumins. In competitive ELISA, scFv-gco9 was able to inhibit binding of IgE from fish allergic patients’ sera to all three β-parvalbumins by up to 80%, whereas inhibition by scFv-goo8 was up to 20%. 1H/15N HSQC NMR analysis of the rGad m 1:scFv-gco9 complex showed participation of amino acid residues conserved among these three parvalbumins explaining their cross-reactivity on a molecular level. In this study, we have demonstrated an approach for the selection of cross-reactive parvalbumin-specific antibodies that can be used for allergen detection and for mapping of conserved epitopes.
Pivoted Cauchy-Like Preconditioners for Regularized Solution of Ill-Posed Problems

Many ill-posed problems are solved using a discretization that results in a least squares problem or a linear system involving a Toeplitz matrix. The exact solution to such problems is often hopelessly contaminated by noise, since the discretized problem is quite ill conditioned, and noise components in the approximate null-space dominate the solution vector. Therefore we seek an approximate solution that does not have large components in these directions. We use a preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm to compute such a regularized solution. A unitary change of coordinates transforms the Toeplitz matrix to a Cauchy-like matrix, and we choose our preconditioner to be a low rank Cauchy-like matrix determined in the course of Gu's fast modified complete pivoting algorithm. We show that if the kernel of the ill-posed problem is smooth, then this preconditioner has desirable properties: the largest singular values of the preconditioned matrix are clustered around one, the smallest singular values, corresponding to the lower subspace, remain small, and the upper and lower spaces are relatively unmixed. The preconditioned algorithm costs only O(n lg n) operations per iteration for a problem with n variables. The effectiveness of the preconditioner for filtering noise is demonstrated on three examples.
A Picture's Worth

Social support is associated with reduced pain experience across several domains (Cogan & Spinnato, 1988; Kulik & Mahler, 1989; Zaza & Baine, 2002); intriguingly, a handful of experimental studies suggest that this connection may reflect a causal relationship. Participants who received interactive support during a cold pressor task reported less pain than participants who completed the task alone or engaged in nonsupportive interactions (Brown, Sheffield, Leary, & Robinson, 2003; Jackson, Iezzi, Chen, Ebnet, & Eglitis, 2005). Moreover, the mere presence of another supportive individual (vs. being alone) reduced pain ratings in a cold pressor task (Brown et al., 2003; but see McClelland & McCubbin, 2008) and reduced pain ratings among fibromyalgia patients following stimulation to a painful body site (Montoya, Larbig, Braun, Preissl, & Birbaumer, 2004). Could the same pain-attenuating effects of social support be observed by merely activating the mental representation of a supportive other? Previous work has shown that activating mental representations of important others can produce effects similar to those created by the actual presence of these individuals (Fitzsimons & Bargh, 2003; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2001). Building on this research, the current study examined whether simply viewing a photograph of one’s romantic partner could reduce physical-pain experience. We examined how this condition compared with one that is more consistent with previous conceptualizations of social support—one in which the participant held her partner’s hand.
GraWiTas: a Grammar-based Wikipedia Talk Page Parser

Wikipedia offers researchers unique insights into the collaboration and communication patterns of a large self-regulating community of editors. The main medium of direct communication between editors of an article is the article’s talk page. However, a talk page file is unstructured and therefore difficult to analyse automatically. A few parsers exist that enable its transformation into a structured data format. However, they are rarely open source, support only a limited subset of the talk page syntax – resulting in the loss of content – and usually support only one export format. Together with this article we offer a very fast, lightweight, open source parser with support for various output formats. In a preliminary evaluation it achieved a high accuracy. The parser uses a grammar-based approach – offering a transparent implementation and easy extensibility.