Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear considerations in EEG signal classification

We investigate the effect of incorporating modeling of nonlinearity on the classification of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals using an artificial neural network (ANN). It is observed that the ANN's predictive ability is improved after preprocessing EEG signals using a particular nonlinear modeling technique, viz. a bilinear model, compared with those obtained by using a particular classical linear analysis method, viz. an autoregressive (AR) model. Until recently, linear time-invariant Gaussian modeling has dominated the development of time series modeling and feature extraction. The advantage of such classical models lies in the fact that a complete signal processing theory is available. In the case of EEG signals, where the underlying theory regarding the dynamical law governing the generation of these signals (e,g., the underlying physiological factors) is not completely understood, a case can be made for using improved signal processing models that are not subject to linear constraints. Such models should recognize important features of the observed data that may not be well modeled by a linear time-invariant model. It is known that EEG signals are nonstationary, and it is possible that they may be nonlinear as well. Thus, one way of gaining further insights on the structure of EEG signals is to introduce nonlinear models and higher order spectra. This paper compares the results of classification using a linear AR model with those obtained from a bilinear model. It is shown that in certain cases, the nonlinearity of the EEG signals is an important factor that ought to be taken into consideration during preprocessing of the signals prior to the classification task.
REDfly v3.0: toward a comprehensive database of transcriptional regulatory elements in Drosophila

The REDfly database of Drosophila transcriptional cis-regulatory elements provides the broadest and most comprehensive available resource for experimentally validated cis-regulatory modules and transcription factor binding sites among the metazoa. The third major release of the database extends the utility of REDfly as a powerful tool for both computational and experimental studies of transcription regulation. REDfly v3.0 includes the introduction of new data classes to expand the types of regulatory elements annotated in the database along with a roughly 40% increase in the number of records. A completely redesigned interface improves access for casual and power users alike; among other features it now automatically provides graphical views of the genome, displays images of reporter gene expression and implements improved capabilities for database searching and results filtering. REDfly is freely accessible at http://redfly.ccr. buffalo.edu.
Study on a Series Resistive SFCL to Improve Power System Transient Stability: Modeling, Simulation, and Experimental Verification

This paper presents a study to determine the optimal resistive value of a superconducting fault-current limiter (SFCL) for enhancing the transient stability of a power system more effectively. A resistive type of SFCL, which provides quick system protection, is modeled. Then, the optimal resistive value of the SFCL connected in series with a transmission line during a short-circuit fault is systematically determined by applying the equal-area criterion based on the power-angle curves. To verify the effectiveness of the optimal value of the proposed SFCL for reducing the value of fault current, several case studies are carried out by both simulation and experimental tests, particularly including the 220-V/300-A-scale laboratory and 13.2-kV/630-A-scale distribution system hardware tests. The results show that the optimal resistive value of the SFCL determined by the proposed method improves effectively the transient stability and damping performances during a fault over the other values determined by an ad hoc approach.
A Privacy-Sensitive Approach to Modeling Multi-Person Conversations

In this paper we introduce a new dynamic Bayesian network that separates the speakers and their speaking turns in a multi-person conversation. We protect the speakers' privacy by using only features from which intelligible speech cannot be reconstructed. The model we present combines data from multiple audio streams, segments the streams into speech and silence, separates the different speakers, and detects when other nearby individuals who are not wearing microphones are speaking. No pre-trained speaker specific models are used, so the system can be easily applied in new and different environments. We show promising results in two very different datasets that vary in background noise, microphone placement and quality, and conversational dynamics.
Videocapsule Endoscopy versus Barium Contrast Studies for the Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease Recurrence Involving the Small Intestine

OBJECTIVES:Historically, suspected Crohn's disease (CD) has been evaluated with small bowel follow-through (SBFT) or enteroclysis (equally accurate). This study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) in the diagnosis of CD relative to SBFT and clinical/laboratory indices of CD activity. Previous investigations have used VCE for the diagnosis of suspected CD in patients presenting with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. This is the first study to evaluate the occurrence of active disease in patients with known CD.METHODS:Thirty subjects (22 female, 8 male, aged 36.9 ± 14.2 yr); all with prior CD diagnosis made on the basis of standard criteria (5.5 ± 6.5 yr prior to study), in whom recurrent CD was suspected based on abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, and/or arthralgias. Subjects were studied in a prospective, blinded evaluation of VCE versus SBFT. SBFT was performed first; those with stricture and proximal bowel dilation were excluded from further study. For SBFT, studies were graded as grade 0 (normal), grade 1 (minimal nodularity, ulcerations, normal luminal diameter, < 5 cm involved), grade 2 (more extensive ulcers, minimal luminal narrowing, 5–10 cm involved), or grade 3 (fistula, skip areas, extensive ulceration, >10 cm involved). VCE was performed within 1 wk of SBFT. Serum was obtained for ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-reactive protein), stool was obtained for α-1 antitrypsin, and the Harvey Bradshaw index of CD severity was calculated. VCE (digitalized video) was graded as grade 0 (normal), grade 1 (erythema, isolated villi loss), grade 2 (erosion, no ulcer), or grade 3 (ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, and/or stricture). RESULTS:Twelve patients were excluded for small bowel obstruction. VCE and SBFT scores highly correlated (r = 0.65; p = 0.001). Active CD was visualized in 21 of 30 patients with videocapsule endoscopy and in 20 of 30 patients with SBFT. Complete agreement occurred in 13 of 30 studies; 13 of 17 studies differed by one grade. SBFT found mucosal disease in 20 of 30 patients and VCE found mucosal disease in 21 of 30 patients. VCE found mucosal disease in 6 patients (5 in grade 1, 1 in grade 3) with normal SBFT. SBFT showed CD in 5 patients (all grade 1) with normal VCE. Neither VCE nor SBFT scores correlated with biological or clinical indices. Patient satisfaction was superior for VCE.CONCLUSIONS:VCE and SBFT are complementary for the diagnosis of CD. SBFT may be required to detect strictures as the videocapsule may not pass. However, some strictures may also be missed with SBFT. VCE is less invasive, less time-consuming for the patient than SBFT, and avoids radiation exposure, although reading time is greater for the gastroenterologist than the radiologist. Given that patients with clinically suspected CD recurrence may not have active disease, unnecessary and potentially harmful empiric therapy is not warranted without imaging.
Multi-agency public protection panels for dangerous offenders: One London forensic team's experience

In this article the authors discuss the contribution of a forensic community team to a multi-agency public protection panel (MAPPP) held in a borough within the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. The clinical service provision was audited over a 21-month period between October 2001 and July 2003. The purpose of the audit was to evaluate the clinical demand of MAPPP liaison and determine resource implications. This audit identified a number of important issues, which are discussed, including the crucial role and contribution of mental health teams, the additional burden on clinical teams, the absence of increased resources, the lack of protocols and guidelines, ambiguity about the ‘duty to co-operate’, poor integration of criminal justice system members' views about risk with a forensic mental health perspective, and lack of co-operation of non-patient offenders with mental health teams. A challenging task that faces mental health teams is how to integrate forensic services effectively and ethically with the criminal justice system in such a manner that dangerous offenders can be managed with safety and dignity.
The Ideas of Frederick W. Taylor: An Evaluation

The ideas and techniques of Frederick W. Taylor are examined with respect to their validity and their acceptance in modern management. With respect to the principle of scientific decision making and techniques such as time study, standardization, goal setting, money as a motivator, scientific selection, and rest pauses, Taylor's views were fundamentally correct and have been generally accepted. Most of the major criticisms that have been made of Taylor are unjustified. Taylor's genius has not been appreciated by many contemporary writers.
A Stereophonic Acoustic Front-End for Distant-Talking Interfaces based on Blind Source Separation

In this contribution, an acoustic front-end for distanttalking interfaces that only requires two microphone signals is presented. It comprises a directional blind source separation (BSS)-based noise and interference estimation scheme and Wiener-type filters for noise and interference suppression. The proposed front-end and its integration into a speech recognition system is analyzed and evaluated in noisy living-room-like environments representing a generalization of the PASCAL CHiME challenge, implying that the potential of the method is verified for a wide range of distances.
Cellular and plasma viral load in patients infected with HIV‐2

ObjectiveTo determine circulating viral load in HIV-2-infected individuals. MethodsViral load was determined in 40 HIV-2-infected adults using standardized quantitative cell and qualitative plasma viraemia assays. We also tested for proviral HIV-2 DNA using single and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in fresh lymphocytes from 27 subjects. The results were compared, on the basis of the CD4+ lymphocyte count, with our published data for HIV-1 infection. ResultsHIV-2 was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 19 individuals and plasma from four patients. The rate of cell and plasma viraemia positivity correlated with the CD4+ cell count and HIV-2 virus load increased as the CD4+ cell count fell. The cellular HIV-2 load in the patients with a CD4+ count<200 $$ 106/l was similar to reported values for HIV-1, but the HIV-2 isolation rate from the plasma of these individuals was significantly lower than for HIV-1. When the CD4+ count was between 200 and 500 $$ 106/l, the rate of HIV-2 isolation from plasma and the cellular virus load were both significantly lower than for HIV-1. When the CD4+ count was > 500 $$ 106/I, HIV-1 and HIV-2 were undetectable in plasma and HIV-1 was isolated from PBMC in significantly more cases than HIV-2. By single PCR, amplification were positive in 14 out of 27 subjects and there was a correlation between positivity and CD4+ cell count. By nested PCR, only four of the 27 subjects, all with a high CD4+ count, remained negative. ConclusionsDifferences in viral load between individuals infected with HIV-2 and those infected with HIV-1 could partly account for reported differences in the pathogenicity of the two viruses.
Sense of Coherence Mediates the Effects of Low Work Ability on Mental Distress During Unemployment

Previous research has found that work ability (as measured with the Work Ability Index) is related to mental health in employee samples and in the general population. This study extends this research to unemployed people. In addition, it tests whether the effect of impaired work ability on mental health can be explained by changes in sense of coherence. A longitudinal design with two measurement points was used with a sample (N = 98) of jobless individuals in Finland participating in labor market interventions. Consistent with expectations, impaired work ability predicted lower sense of coherence and more psychological distress, and the association between impaired work ability and distress was mediated by sense of coherence. The important role of impaired work ability for jobless individuals' sense of coherence and, consequently, mental health during unemployment is discussed.
On universal search strategies for multi-criteria optimization using weighted sums

We develop a stochastic local search algorithm for finding Pareto points for multi-criteria optimization problems. The algorithm alternates between different single-criterium optimization problems characterized by weight vectors. The policy for switching between different weights is an adaptation of the universal restart strategy defined by [LSZ93] in the context of Las Vegas algorithms. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm on multi-criteria quadratic assignment problem benchmarks and prove some of its theoretical properties.
Learning about university teaching: reflections on a research study investigating influences for change

This article reflects on findings from research involving case studies of four novice lecturers enrolled on a one-year university teaching development programme. The study sought to contribute to an understanding of the process of pedagogic change and the influences which affect it. Findings suggest that key aspects of the lecturers’ experience ‘disturb’ core beliefs, producing tensions between beliefs. As a result of this, the lecturers’ pedagogic perspective, that is their sense of what is possible, plausible and desirable, is adjusted. In this way the dialogue between an individual practitioner's lived experience and their pedagogic perspective can be said to play a significant role in the way in which the potential for change is individually defined. On the basis of my findings, I identify implications for the design and delivery of university teaching development.
Dietary protein requirements and adaptive advantages in athletes

Dietary guidelines from a variety of sources are generally congruent that an adequate dietary protein intake for persons over the age of 19 is between 0·8–0·9 g protein/kg body weight/d. According to the US/Canadian Dietary Reference Intakes, the RDA for protein of 0·8 g protein/kg/d is “…the average daily intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all [~98 %]… healthy individuals…” The panel also states that “…no additional dietary protein is suggested for healthy adults undertaking resistance or endurance exercise. ” These recommendations are in contrast to recommendations from the US and Canadian Dietetic Association: “Protein recommendations for endurance and strength trained athletes range from 1·2 to 1·7 g/kg/d. ” The disparity between those setting dietary protein requirements and those who might be considered to be making practical recommendations for athletes is substantial. This may reflect a situation where an adaptive advantage of protein intakes higher than recommended protein requirements exists. That population protein requirements are still based on nitrogen balance may also be a point of contention since achieving balanced nitrogen intake and excretion likely means little to an athlete who has the primary goal of exercise performance. The goal of the present review is to critically analyse evidence from both acute and chronic dietary protein-based studies in which athletic performance, or correlates thereof, have been measured. An attempt will be made to distinguish between protein requirements set by data from nitrogen balance studies, and a potential adaptive ‘advantage’ for athletes of dietary protein in excess of the RDA.
A rehabilitation study of hemispatial neglect

Abstract The study concerned rehabilitation of spatial neglect by manipulation of spatial attention. The treatment was limited to the visual modality but extinction and neglect were tested in both visual and tactile modalities. The results showed a clear-cut improvement of visual neglect. Considering that the treatment was based exclusively on manipulating attention, this constitutes strong evidence in favour of the orienting hypothesis. Overt and covert orienting were equally effective in improving visual extinction and neglect. This is against the view that neglect is mainly due to a bias in the direction of gaze. In contrast, no improvement was observed for those tests that involved the tactile modality. This shows that the mechanisms for shifting attention in the visual and tactile modalities are independent and suggests a modularity view of attention mechanisms.
THE XMM CLUSTER SURVEY: THE BUILD-UP OF STELLAR MASS IN BRIGHTEST CLUSTER GALAXIES AT HIGH REDSHIFT

We present deep J- and Ks-band photometry of 20 high redshift galaxy clusters between z = 0.8 and1.5, 19 of which are observed with the MOIRCS instrument on the Subaru telescope. By using near-infrared light as a proxy for stellar mass we find the surprising result that the average stellar mass of Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs) has remained constant at ∼9 × 1011 M☉ since z ∼ 1.5. We investigate the effect on this result of differing star formation histories generated by three well-known and independent stellar population codes and find it to be robust for reasonable, physically motivated choices of age and metallicity. By performing Monte Carlo simulations we find that the result is unaffected by any correlation between BCG mass and cluster mass in either the observed or model clusters. The large stellar masses imply that the assemblage of these galaxies took place at the same time as the initial burst of star formation. This result leads us to conclude that dry merging has had little effect on the average stellar mass of BCGs over the last 9–10 Gyr in stark contrast to the predictions of semi-analytic models, based on the hierarchical merging of dark matter halos, which predict a more protracted mass build-up over a Hubble time. However, we discuss that there is potential for reconciliation between observation and theory if there is a significant growth of material in the intracluster light over the same period.
Stages of Development: Marriage of Girls and Teens as an International Human Rights Issue

The case of ‘child marriage’ has not been extensively studied in international women’s rights and children’s rights scholarship. This article attempts to contribute to a discussion about cultural diversity and human rights through the case of early marriage. I argue that a strategy based on a uniform marriageable age and a narrow rights-based analysis misses the complexity of both marriage and age. I maintain that the socio-economic conditions in which girls, adolescents and young women live and marry need to be examined and addressed in order to develop relevant and culturally appropriate international strategies. Further, I discuss the cultural specificity of childhood and adolescence in contrast to the international human rights perspective that considers all people under the age of 18 as children.
Kinematic calibration using a plane constraint

This work deals with closed-loop calibration methods where the robot endpoint is constrained to lie on a plane. Previously published calibration approaches are shown to have certain weaknesses. A new solution is given using DH and Hayati notations and standard nonlinear least squares optimization. The procedure is extended via the implicit loop method, which takes input noise into account. Pose selection is guided by the noise amplification index. Simulation and experimental results are presented for a PUMA 560 industrial manipulator and are compared to those obtained from an open-loop calibration procedure.
Analysis of Time-Series Spectral Index Data to Enhance Crop Identification Over a Mediterranean Rural Landscape

Spectral index time series can provide valuable phenological information into the classification process for the precise crop mapping, in order to reduce misclassification rates associated with low interclass and high intraclass spectral variability. Stochastic hidden Markov models (HMMs) are efficient yet computationally demanding classification approach which can simulate crop dynamics, exploiting the spectral information of their phenological states and the relations between these states. This letter aims to present a methodology which achieves accurate classification results while maintaining a low computational cost. A classification framework based on HMMs was developed, and different spectral indices were generated from the time series of Landsat ETM+ and RapidEye imagery, for modeling crop vegetation dynamics over a Mediterranean rural area, with high spatiotemporal crop heterogeneity. To further improve the HMMs indices classification, separability analysis and two different decision fusion strategies were tested. The assessment of the classification accuracy, along with an evaluation of the computational cost, indicated that the green-red vegetation index produced the most favorable results among the individual spectral indices. Although the decision fusion based on an integration of a reliability factor increased the overall accuracy by 3.1%, this came at the cost of computational time, compared to the separability analysis model which required less processing time.
A Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Prepared by Electropolymerization of Pyrrole Based on Screen-Printed Carbon Paste Electrodes

A disposable amperometric biosensor for commercial use to detect hydrogen peroxide has been developed. The sensor is based on screen-printed carbon paste electrodes modified by electropolymerization of pyrrole with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) entrapped. The facture techniques of fabricating the enzyme electrodes are suitable for mass production and quality control. The biosensor shows a linear amperometric response to H2O2 from 0.1 to 2.0 mM, with a sensitivity of 33.24 µA mM-1 cm-2. Different operational parameters of electropolymerization are evaluated and optimized.