Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depicting Respiratory Characteristics of Blood Pressure Signal by UsingEmpirical Mode Decomposition

Aim: To explore adequate parameters for EMD of ABP signal; to determine the intrinsic characteristics of ABP waveform through the analysis of IMFs’ averaged period and its energy density; to examine the effect of different respiration patterns on IMFs extracted from ABP waveform by CEEMD. Arterial blood pressure (ABP) reflects cardiac function, vessel compliance, and cardiorespiratory interaction and ABP analysis provides the estimators of this physiological information. But it is inconvenient for quantitative ABP assessment due to several influences, such as respiration. Recently, a novel adaptive method, called empirical mode decomposition (EMD), was proposed, and it was useful for non-stationary intrinsic characteristics extraction. Though some literatures examined that EMD helps for physiological signal analysis study, the method applied for ABP signal still needs further investigation. This study proposed a standard procedure of specific EMD for ABP intrinsic characterization during spontaneous breathing, 6-cycle breathing, and hyperventilation. The extracted components, called intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), were determined with the examined parameters, including ensemble number, added noise, and the stop criterion. The IMFs of ABP signal were categorized into five major intrinsic components, including the noise and irregular fluctuation (IMF1), beat-to-beat cardiac intervals (IMF2), characteristics of pressure waveform morphology (IMF3), base beat (IMF4), and respiratory related fluctuation (IMF5 and IMF6). The results showd that the characteristics of IMFs were quantified by averaged period and corresponding energy density with good reproducibility. The proposed algorithm produced meaningful IMFs representing the cardiac rhythm, intrinsic waveform mophology, and the intrinsic influence of respiration fluctuations. EMD helps for analyzing the underlying mechanisms of control processes, including cardiorespiratory coupling and interactions among organ systems at multiple time scales.
A modified sensitivity analysis method for driving a multidimensional search in the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm

In this paper, we present an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm coupled with a sensitivity analysis method to guide its multidimensional search process. This sensitivity analysis method can evaluate the weight of each dimension of the problem on the objective function computation. We propose a new method for selecting a random neighbor during ABC search phase, using the information of the sensitivity analysis computation. As the algorithm is running, we collect information on the solutions visited and their evaluations. When a sufficient number of evaluation is reached, we launch our sensitivity analysis process to evaluate the influence of each dimension on the objective function result. A weight is then computed on each dimension and promotes the search following these dimensions. The result of this analysis drives the algorithm towards significant dimensions of the search space to improve the discovery of the global optimum.
The language barrier and its implications for HQ‐subsidiary relationships

Purpose – This paper intends to open up the debate on the influence of language on the way multinational companies manage their subsidiary operations.Design/methodology/approach – The authors explain the importance of the field and expose a dearth of prior research. Subsequently, they define the “language barrier” and elaborate on the causes underlying this barrier, drawing on social identity theory.Findings – The authors we propose an integrative model that consists of two coupled vicious cycles: the communications cycle – composed of the eight aspects of the language barrier – and the management cycle.Research limitations/implications – This contribution to an otherwise ignored field of business study should be considered only a first step in opening up a new research agenda. Specialists in each of the fields touched upon are invited to make a contribution to the debate.Practical implications – The management cycle suggests implications of the language barrier for various aspects of the HQ‐subsidiary re.
Effect of pre-miRNA-1658 gene polymorphism on chicken growth and carcass traits

Objective Polymorphisms occurring in the precursor region of microRNAs (miRNAs) affect the target gene and alter the biogenesis of miRNAs, resulting in phenotypic variation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the genetic effects of rs16681031 (C>G) mutation in the precursor region of gga-miR-1658 on the economic traits of the Gushi-Anka chicken F2 resource population. Methods To explore the effect of miR-1658 polymorphisms on chicken economic traits, the SNP was genotyped by MassArray matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The association between the SNP and chicken body size, growth and carcass traits was determined by linear mixed models. Results The SNP was not only significantly associated with body weight at the age of 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks, respectively, but also with the breadth of the chicken chest, body slanting length and pelvic breadth at 4 weeks, chest depth at 8 weeks of age, and body slanting length at 12 weeks (p<0.05), respectively. Conclusion Our data serve as a useful resource for further analysis of miRNA function, and represent a molecular genetic basis for poultry breeding.
Along paths converging to Bengt Saltin’s early contributions in exercise physiology

A fascinating chain of events led in 1941 to the formation of the Department of Physiology at the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute (GCI) in Stockholm, Sweden. Erik Hohwü Christensen, from the scientifically advanced Lindhard School in Copenhagen became its first professor. A central research question for him concerned determining the limiting factors for maximal physical performance in man. This was the academic setting where the sports interested medical student Bengt Saltin was introduced to exercise physiology. In the summer of 1959, he became involved in a study on intermittent vs continuous running. A doctoral project, with Per‐Olof Åstrand as his tutor, resulted in 1964 as the thesis “Aerobic work capacity and circulation at exercise in man. With special reference to the effect of prolonged exercise and/or heat exposure”. In the decade that followed, Saltin continued along that path. However, he also added a vital research line involving pioneering studies on skeletal muscles in the exercising man, a series of novel studies on the physiological demands in various sports, and studies of the effects of physical training within the general population.
Extent and ecological consequences of hunting in Central African rainforests in the twenty-first century

Humans have hunted wildlife in Central Africa for millennia. Today, however, many species are being rapidly extirpated and sanctuaries for wildlife are dwindling. Almost all Central Africa's forests are now accessible to hunters. Drastic declines of large mammals have been caused in the past 20 years by the commercial trade for meat or ivory. We review a growing body of empirical data which shows that trophic webs are significantly disrupted in the region, with knock-on effects for other ecological functions, including seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Plausible scenarios for land-use change indicate that increasing extraction pressure on Central African forests is likely to usher in new worker populations and to intensify the hunting impacts and trophic cascade disruption already in progress, unless serious efforts are made for hunting regulation. The profound ecological changes initiated by hunting will not mitigate and may even exacerbate the predicted effects of climate change for the region. We hypothesize that, in the near future, the trophic changes brought about by hunting will have a larger and more rapid impact on Central African rainforest structure and function than the direct impacts of climate change on the vegetation. Immediate hunting regulation is vital for the survival of the Central African rainforest ecosystem.
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of BCL2 mRNA by the RNA-Binding Protein ZFP36L1 in Malignant B Cells

The human ZFP36 zinc finger protein family consists of ZFP36, ZFP36L1, and ZFP36L2. These proteins regulate various cellular processes, including cell apoptosis, by binding to adenine uridine rich elements in the 3′ untranslated regions of sets of target mRNAs to promote their degradation. The pro-apoptotic and other functions of ZFP36 family members have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies. To identify candidate mRNAs that are targeted in the pro-apoptotic response by ZFP36L1, we reverse-engineered a gene regulatory network for all three ZFP36 family members using the ‘maximum information coefficient’ (MIC) for target gene inference on a large microarray gene expression dataset representing cells of diverse histological origin. Of the three inferred ZFP36L1 mRNA targets that were identified, we focussed on experimental validation of mRNA for the pro-survival protein, BCL2, as a target for ZFP36L1. RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments revealed that ZFP36L1 interacted with the BCL2 adenine uridine rich element. In murine BCL1 leukemia cells stably transduced with a ZFP36L1 ShRNA lentiviral construct, BCL2 mRNA degradation was significantly delayed compared to control lentiviral expressing cells and ZFP36L1 knockdown in different cell types (BCL1, ACHN, Ramos), resulted in increased levels of BCL2 mRNA levels compared to control cells. 3′ untranslated region luciferase reporter assays in HEK293T cells showed that wild type but not zinc finger mutant ZFP36L1 protein was able to downregulate a BCL2 construct containing the BCL2 adenine uridine rich element and removal of the adenine uridine rich core from the BCL2 3′ untranslated region in the reporter construct significantly reduced the ability of ZFP36L1 to mediate this effect. Taken together, our data are consistent with ZFP36L1 interacting with and mediating degradation of BCL2 mRNA as an important target through which ZFP36L1 mediates its pro-apoptotic effects in malignant B-cells.
Pedometer measures of free-living physical activity: comparison of 13 models.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the step values of multiple brands of pedometers over a 24-h period. The following 13 electronic pedometers were assessed in the study: Accusplit Alliance 1510 (AC), Freestyle Pacer Pro (FR), Colorado on the Move (CO), Kenz Lifecorder (KZ), New-Lifestyles NL-2000 (NL), Omron HJ-105 (OM), Oregon Scientific PE316CA (OR), Sportline 330 (SL330) and 345 (SL345), Walk4Life LS 2525 (WL), Yamax Skeletone EM-180 (SK), Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200 (YX200), and the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-701 (YX701). METHODS Ten males (39.5 +/- 16.6 yr, mean +/- SD) and 10 females (43.3 +/- 16.6 yr) ranging in BMI from 19.8 to 35.4 kg.m-2 wore two pedometers for a 24-h period. The criterion pedometer (YX200) was worn on the left side of the body, and a comparison pedometer was worn on the right. Steps counted by each device were recorded at the end of the day for each of the thirteen pedometers. RESULTS Subjects took an average of 9244 steps.d-1. The KZ, YX200, NL, YX701, and SL330 yielded mean values that were not significantly different from the criterion. The FR, AC, SK, CO, and SL345 significantly underestimated steps (P < 0.05) and the WL, OM, and OR significantly overestimated steps (P < 0.05) when compared with the criterion. In addition, some pedometers underestimated by 25% whereas others overestimated by 45%. CONCLUSION The KZ, YX200, NL, and YX701 appear to be suitable for most research purposes. Given the potential for pedometers in physical activity research, it is necessary that there be consistency across studies in the measurement of "steps per day. "
Ieee Ipas'14: International Image Processing Applications and Systems Conference 2014 Accurate Detection and Complete Shape Extraction of Sand-flies Using Gaussian Mixture Model

— This paper presents a method for the accurate detection of the positions of moving phlebotomenae (sand-flies), and the extraction of their complete shape. The proposed method is based on the background subtraction approach, with a statistical background model found using Gaussian mixture model. Furthermore, a method based on the maximization of interclass variance, is used to eliminate wings of the phlebotomenae and then detect accurately its position. Results are further used to study the behaviour of phlebotomenae, and subsequently, improve the traps to fight against many diseases transmitted by these insects, especially leishmaniasis. The experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm to accurately detect the position and extract the complete shape of moving phlebotomenaes even in case of very blurry ones.
Immunofluorescence laser micro-dissection of specific nephron segments in the mouse kidney allows targeted downstream proteomic analysis

Laser micro‐dissection (LMD) is a very useful tool that allows the isolation of finite areas from tissue specimens for downstream analysis of RNA and protein. Although LMD has been adapted for use in kidney tissue, the use of this powerful tool has been limited by the diminished ability to identify specific tubular segments in the kidney. In this study, we describe a major improvement in the methodology to isolate specific cells in the mouse kidney using immunofluorescence LMD (IF‐LMD). Using IF‐LMD, we can reproducibly isolate not only glomeruli, but also S1–S2 proximal segments, S3 tubules, and thick ascending limbs. We also demonstrate the utility of a novel rapid immunofluorescence staining technique, and provide downstream applications for IF‐LMD such as real‐time PCR and cutting‐edge proteomic studies. This technical breakthrough may become an invaluable tool for understanding cellular and molecular events in the heterogeneous kidney milieu.
Invariant face detection with support vector machines

This paper present an analysis of the performance of support vector machines (SVMs) for automatic detection of human faces in static color images of complex scenes. Skin color-based image segmentations initially performed for several different chrominance spaces by use of the single Gaussian chrominance model and a Gaussian mixture density model. Feature extraction in the segmented images is then implemented by use of invariant orthogonal Fourier-Mellin moments. For all chrominance spaces, the application of SVMs to the invariant moments obtained from a set of 100 test images yields a higher face detection performance than when applying a 3-layer perceptron neural network (NN), depending on a suitable selection of the kernel function used to train the SVM and of the value of its associated parameter(s). The training of SVMs is easier and faster than that of a NN, always finds a global minimum, and SVMs have a better generalization ability.
Natural Selection on Floral Traits Through Male and Female Function in Wild Populations of the Heterostylous Daffodil Narcissus Triandrus

Abstract Measurements of natural selection in hermaphrodite populations require the analysis of performance through both female and male sex functions. Here, we investigate selection on three floral traits: flower number, flower length, and corona width through both sex functions in natural populations of the tristylous daffodil Narcissus triandrus. Selection through female function was examined in six populations, and in two of these we also estimated male selection gradients using multilocus microsatellite genotyping of parents and offspring. We detected significant directional selection for flower number through female function, and significant stabilizing selection for corona width and flower length through male function. Variation in male reproductive success was strongly influenced by the distance between mates and was significantly higher than variation in female reproductive success in one population, a result consistent with Bateman's principle. However, variation through both sex functions was similar in the other population and there was a significant negative correlation between female and male fitness indicating sex-specific trade-offs in reproductive success. Selection on floral design in N. triandrus was stronger through male than female function probably because floral morphology plays an important role in promoting effective cross-pollen transfer in populations of this heterostylous species.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Development and Application of Genomic Control Methods for Genome-wide Association Studies Using Non-additive Models Development and Application of Genomic Control Methods for Genome-wide Association Studies Using Non-additive Models

'Development and application of genomic control methods for genome-wide association studies using non-additive models' PLoS One, vol 8, no. 12, pp. e81431. General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via the Edinburgh Research Explorer is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Take down policy The University of Edinburgh has made every reasonable effort to ensure that Edinburgh Research Explorer content complies with UK legislation. If you believe that the public display of this file breaches copyright please contact openaccess@ed.ac. uk providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Abstract Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) comprise a powerful tool for mapping genes of complex traits. However, an inflation of the test statistic can occur because of population substructure or cryptic relatedness, which could cause spurious associations. If information on a large number of genetic markers is available, adjusting the analysis results by using the method of genomic control (GC) is possible. GC was originally proposed to correct the Cochran-Armitage additive trend test. For non-additive models, correction has been shown to depend on allele frequencies. Therefore, usage of GC is limited to situations where allele frequencies of null markers and candidate markers are matched. In this work, we extended the capabilities of the GC method for non-additive models, which allows us to use null markers with arbitrary allele frequencies for GC. Analytical expressions for the inflation of a test statistic describing its dependency on allele frequency and several population parameters were obtained for recessive, dominant, and over-dominant models of inheritance. We proposed a method to estimate these required population parameters. Furthermore, we suggested a GC method based on approximation of the correction coefficient by a polynomial of allele frequency and described procedures to correct the genotypic (two degrees of freedom) test for cases when the model of inheritance is unknown. Statistical properties of the described methods were investigated using simulated and real data. We demonstrated that all considered methods were effective in controlling type 1 error in the presence of genetic substructure. The proposed GC methods can be applied to statistical tests for GWAS with various models of inheritance. All methods developed and tested in this work were implemented using R language as a part of the GenABEL package. Copyright: …
Knowledge Perception Analysis in a Social Network

Knowledge management in organizations is gaining in importance, especially with the advent of computer networks. Networks foster interaction between individuals, and have become the medium of choice for all types of interactions, both professional and social. In this research, we study the perception of knowledge in an organization’s email network. An important aspect of an individual’s knowledge is that it may be incomplete and hence any analysis approach must handle knowledge uncertainty. We propose an approach based on the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence for modeling individuals’ perceptions about knowledge, thus enabling the understanding of knowledge in an organization. We show how correlating the knowledge of two or more individuals can help identify the discrepancies between them, and thus identify sources of organizational misperceptions. The proposed approach has been evaluated on the publicly available e-mail logs from the Enron Corporation. For the present study, meaning extraction from e-mail content was done manually. Initial results show that the approach is very promising. Our continuing research is focusing on applying techniques for automated identification of knowledge from email as well as sentiment analysis techniques for automated evaluation of individuals’ sentiments.
An Energy Balanced Wireless Sensor Network Hierarchical Routing Algorithm

Wireless sensor network routing protocol LEACH improves the energy efficiency with hierarchical topology structure, which exists shortages that less residual energy nodes are elected cluster head and that cluster heads directly communicate with base station. An energy balanced hierarchical routing algorithm (EBHRA) is proposed to improve disadvantages of LEACH. The EBHRA algorithm introduces residual energy of node as weight in the election of cluster head. It makes nodes with more residual energy possess higher probability to become head. Furthermore, a minimum spanning tree is constructed to transmit data between the cluster head which reduces the communication distance. The new algorithm runs with round and cluster nodes alternating rotate to realize energy balanced consumption. Performance analysis and simulation experiment shows that the new algorithm provides higher energy efficiency and longer lifetime.
Benchmarking Machine Translated Sentiment Analysis for Arabic Tweets

Traditional approaches to Sentiment Analysis (SA) rely on large annotated data sets or wide-coverage sentiment lexica, and as such often perform poorly on under-resourced languages. This paper presents empirical evidence of an efficient SA approach using freely available machine translation (MT) systems to translate Arabic tweets to English, which we then label for sentiment using a state-of-theart English SA system. We show that this approach significantly outperforms a number of standard approaches on a gold-standard heldout data set, and performs equally well compared to more cost-intense methods with 76% accuracy. This confirms MT-based SA as a cheap and effective alternative to building a fully fledged SA system when dealing with under-resourced languages.
Cultural intelligence: the art of leading cultural complexity

In this paper we present the concept Cultural Intelligence (CI), which is presented in the book 'CI Cultural Intelligence -- the art of leading cultural complexity' by Elisabeth Plum with Benedikte Achen, Inger Dræby and Iben Jensen, MU Press (UK) 2008. The book has been translated from the Danish book 'Kulturel Intelligens' Børsens Forlag 2007.
Exploiting location information for infostation-based hoarding

With the increasing popularity of mobile computing devices, the need to access information in mobile environments has grown rapidly. Since the information has to be accessed over wireless networks, mobile information systems often have to deal with problems like low bandwidth, high delay, and frequent disconnections. Information hoarding is a method that tries to overcome these problems by transferring information, which the user will probably need, in advance. The hoarding mechanism that we describe in this paper exploits the location dependence of the information access, which is often found in mobile information systems. Our simulation results show that it is beneficial to do so and that we achieve higher hit ratios than with a caching mechanism.