Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cluster Analysis Using Rough Clustering and k-Means Clustering

Cluster analysis is a fundamental data reduction technique used in the physical and social sciences. It is of potential interest to managers in Information Science, as it can be used to identify user needs though segmenting users such as Web site visitors. In addition, the theory of Rough sets is the subject of intense interest in computational intelligence research. The extension of this theory into rough clustering provides an important and potentially useful addition to the range of cluster analysis techniques available to the manager.Cluster analysis is defined as the grouping of “individuals or objects into clusters so that objects in the same cluster are more similar to one another than they are to objects in other clusters” (Hair, Black, Babin, Anderson, & Tatham, 2006). There are a number of comprehensive introductions to cluster analysis (Abonyi & Feil, 2007; Arabie, Hubert, & De Soete, 1994; Cramer, 2003; Everitt, Landau, & Leese, 2001; Gan, Ma, & Wu, 2007; Hardle & Hlavka, 2007). Techniques are often classified as hierarchical or nonhierarchical (Hair et al., 2006), and the most commonly used nonhierarchical technique is the
Newly established ELISA for N-ERC/mesothelin improves diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspected pleural mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor, commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. The prognosis of mesothelioma remains disappointing despite multimodal treatment. We reported previously that N‐ERC/mesothelin could be a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma and developed an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for its detection. However, the reproducibility of our previous 7–16 ELISA system has been revealed to be unsatisfactory. To measure N‐ERC/mesothelin more precisely, we developed a new 7–20 ELISA system. The subjects of this study were patients who were referred to our department with suspected pleural mesothelioma. The current study demonstrated that the newly established 7–20 ELISA system improved the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pleural mesothelioma compared with the previous system. Moreover, the 7–20 ELISA system showed better reproducibility and displayed the tendency of both higher sensitivity and higher specificity in plasma than in serum. Particularly for the epithelioid type, the area under the curve (AUC) and the diagnostic accuracy of N‐ERC/mesothelin were excellent; the AUC was 0.91, the sensitivity was 0.95, and the specificity was 0.76 in plasma. In conclusion, assessment of N‐ERC/mesothelin with our newly established 7–20 ELISA system is clinically useful for the precise diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.
New approach to obtain height measurements from video

In this paper a new measurement algorithm is presented which generates height measurements and their associated errors from a single known physical measurement in an image. The method draws on results from projective geometry and computer vision. A height measurement is obtained from each frame of the video. A `stereo like' correspondence between images is not required. Nor is any explicit camera calibration. The accuracy of the algorithm is demonstrated by a number of examples when ground truth is known. Finally, the height measurements and their variation are described for a person in motion. We draw attention to the uncertainty in heights associated with humans in motion, and the limitations of using this description for identification.
Detecting arm flapping in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using human pose estimation and skeletal representation algorithms

Stereotypical behaviour such as arm flapping is among the prominent early signs for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Diagnosis of arm flapping requires clinicians to use the standard Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised (RBSR) which is a structured questionnaire with the caregivers to detect the arm flapping behavioural patterns or cues. This method involves clinicians in multiple long sessions, risking a delay in diagnosis and usually an expensive process. Moreover, trained clinicians may not be available in some areas. The focus of this work is to propose a development of a computational framework to automate the diagnosis process of arm flapping. Here, we show how the human action recognition (HAR) techniques, namely, the pose estimation and the skeletal representation are utilized simultaneously to segment parts of the human body (head, neck, elbows and shoulders) into stickman model. We show how the stickman model allows us to estimate arm asymmetry (during arm flapping) which indicates possible sign of autism. The framework developed has been tested against data taken from a public database and has shown a high accuracy in detecting the repetitive behavioural pattern among young children. The results show that our method can provide efficient results in clinical assessment.
Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) Technique for Landslide Characterization and Monitoring

: The measurement of landslide superficial displacement often represents the most effective method for defining its behavior, allowing one to observe the relationship with triggering factors and to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) represents a powerful tool to measure landslide displacement, as it offers a synoptic view that can be repeated at different time intervals and at various scales. In many cases, PSI data are integrated with in situ monitoring instrumentation, since the joint use of satellite and ground-based data facilitates the geological interpretation of a landslide and allows a better understanding of landslide geometry and kinematics. In this work, PSI interferometry and conventional ground-based monitoring techniques have been used to characterize and to monitor the Santo Stefano d’Aveto landslide located in the Northern Apennines, Italy. This landslide can be defined as an earth rotational slide. PSI analysis has contributed to a more in-depth investigation of the phenomenon. In particular, PSI measurements have allowed better redefining of the boundaries of the landslide and the state of activity, while the time series analysis has permitted better understanding of the deformation pattern and its relation with the causes of the landslide itself. The integration of ground-based monitoring data and PSI data have provided sound results for landslide characterization. The punctual information deriving from inclinometers can help in defining the actual location of the sliding surface and the involved volumes, while the measuring of pore water pressure conditions or water table level can suggest a correlation between the deformation patterns and the triggering factors.
Wind Tunnel Tests for Wind Pressure Distribution on Gable Roof Buildings

Gable roof buildings are widely used in industrial buildings. Based on wind tunnel tests with rigid models, wind pressure distributions on gable roof buildings with different aspect ratios were measured simultaneously. Some characteristics of the measured wind pressure field on the surfaces of the models were analyzed, including mean wind pressure, fluctuating wind pressure, peak negative wind pressure, and characteristics of proper orthogonal decomposition results of the measured wind pressure field. The results show that extremely high local suctions often occur in the leading edges of longitudinal wall and windward roof, roof corner, and roof ridge which are the severe damaged locations under strong wind. The aspect ratio of building has a certain effect on the mean wind pressure coefficients, and the effect relates to wind attack angle. Compared with experimental results, the region division of roof corner and roof ridge from AIJ2004 is more reasonable than those from CECS102:2002 and MBMA2006.The contributions of the first several eigenvectors to the overall wind pressure distributions become much bigger. The investigation can offer some basic understanding for estimating wind load distribution on gable roof buildings and facilitate wind-resistant design of cladding components and their connections considering wind load path.
Map-TreeMaps: A New Approach for Hierarchical and Topological Clustering

We present in this paper a new clustering method which provides self-organization of hierarchical clustering. This method represents large datasets on a forest of original trees which are projected on a simple 2D geometric relationship using tree map representation. The obtained partition is represented by a map of tree maps, which define a tree of data. In this paper, we provide the rules that build a tree of node/data by using distance between data in order to decide where connect nodes. Visual and empirical results based on both synthetic and real datasets from the UCI repository, are given and discussed.
Extension problems for representations of crossed-product C*-algebras

We consider the following problem. Suppose $\alpha$ is an action of a locally compact group $G$ on a $C^*$-algebra $A$, $H$ is a closed subgroup of $G$, and $(\pi,U)$ is a covariant representation of $(A,H,\alpha)$. For which closed subgroups $K$ containing $H$ is there a covariant representation $(\pi,V)$ of $(A,K,\alpha)$ such that $V|_H=U$? We answer this problem by providing a criterion involving the induced representation of $(A,G,\alpha)$. We then consider the dual problem for coactions of locally compact groups.
Towards an experimental assessment of the slave elementary cycle synchronization in the Flexible Time-Triggered Replicated Star for Ethernet

The communication subsystem of distributed embedded systems (DES) that must operate continuously and satisfy unpredictable requirement changes must be reliable and flexible. Recently the Flexible Time-Triggered Replicated Star for Ethernet (FTTRS) has been proposed as a communication subsystem that satisfies these two attributes. It is based on the master/multi-slave Flexible-Time Triggered (FTT) communication paradigm and relies on two custom switches, each with its own embedded FTT master. Both masters are active simultaneously and provide the same service. Specifically, they simultaneously and periodically broadcast so-called trigger messages (TMs) in a redundant manner to make them robust to transient channel faults. One of the functions of these TMs is to divide the communication time into rounds called elementary cycles (ECs). For the correct operation of FTTRS, it is important that all slaves agree when each EC starts and ends. A mechanism to achieve this has been recently proposed. This paper presents a first implementation of this mechanism and a series of experimental tests that constitute a first step towards building a prototype of an FTTRS network.
Factors Influencing the Use of Good Quality Improved Rice Seed in Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Rice Productivity

Good quality seed has the potential to generate increase in rice yield and make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production. However, farmers’ access to this seed is a function of many factors that has not been well documented in Nigeria. This study identified some factors that influenced the probability and intensity of adoption of improved rice variety in Nigeria, using double hurdle model. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed to select 600 rice farming households across the three prominent rice producing ecologies in Nigeria. The results that emanated from the analyses showed that age, secondary activity, cost of seed, distance to the nearest seed source negatively and significantly influenced the probability of a farmer adopting at least one improved rice variety in the study area and the intensity of adoption. While household size, membership of organization, house ownership, income from other crop production and experience in lowland rice production positively and significantly influenced both. The result of the marginal effects also showed that an additional increase in income from other crop production increases the probability of adoption by 25.0 per cent and intensity of adoption by 39.0 per cent. While an additional year to the age of the farmer reduces the area cultivated to improved rice varieties by 1.6 per cent. Therefore to achieve a sustainable increase in rice production, adoption enhancing information should be targeted at the younger farmers. Also farmers should be encouraged to diversity crop production to boost household income. Finally, improved rice seed varieties should be made available within the rural areas at an affordable cost.
Stratus: A Distributed Computing Framework for Scientific Simulations on the Cloud

Cloud is a promising source for computing resources when solving scientific problems. Several large companies have entered the cloud computing market in recent times and are providing cloud computing services like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) that provide virtual computer machines on demand. These virtual machines can easily be used for the high performance computing needs by applying distributed computing methods and frameworks. The SciCloud project at the University of Tartu has studied adapting scientific computing algorithms to different distributed computing frameworks like MapReduce and its optimizations. The study has concluded that the current solutions do not fully support complex iterative algorithms, which are commonly used in scientific simulations. This paper presents a design for a new distributed computing framework, Stratus, which fully supports scientific computing algorithms and takes advantage of the characteristics that have made cloud such a convenient and popular source for computing resources. The paper also describes the motivation for creating a brand new solution, outlines its architecture and design, and gives an overview on how algorithms can be adapted to this framework.
Agitation Speed and Interfacial Mass Transfer Coefficients in Mass Transfer Dominated Reactions . ( February 2010 )

— Reactions in liquid phases are sometimes carried out in agitated vessels. Many instances where the rates of conversion are mass transfer dominated are common. An equation for the mass transfer coefficient across an interface taking into account the features of both the conventional film mass transfer model and the surface renewal model in such systems is presented. The analysis takes into account the eddy diffusivity (D e), the equivalent film thickness(e) for mass transfer and the time ( e) for surface renewal. It is shown that the mass transfer coefficient could be expressed as a function of two parameters 2 √[ D e     and i.e. 2 e /√{ D e  e }]. The parameters are seen to be functions of equivalent Higbie's mass transfer coefficient (k He) and film mass transfer coefficient (k fe) respectively based on eddy diffusivity. The possible dependence of the above factors on the agitation speed for a system, of given geometry and power input, is analysed. Experimental data obtained by Takahashi [48] for the variation of liquid liquid mass transfer coefficients with agitation spe eds in mass transfer dominated reaction system for the extraction of iodine from an iodine-heptane solution by the aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate in a lifter-turbine impeller under turbulent conditions are used in order to investigate the applicability of the model. Data of Glatzer and Doraiswamy (2001) for the mass transfer rate dominated triphase catalytic esterification processes of octyl bromide with potassium acetate and benzyl chloride with sodium acetate using a rotating disk contactor also under turbulent conditions were also examined for conformity with the model. The model is seen to be in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data considered thereby indicating the mass transfer coefficient in agitation can be expressed in terms of two parameters k He and k fe. Nomenclature: a-specific surface area (m 2 /m 3) A-Component undergoing mass transfer /diffusion C(z,t)-Concentration of component A at distance z and time t [kmol/m 3 ] C i-Concentration of component A at the interface (equilibrium concentration) [kmol/m 3 ] C 0-Concentration of component A in the bulk [kmol/m 3 ] d-Sauter mean diameter of bubble or drop in dispersions [m] d i-Impeller diameter [m] D-Molecular Diffusivity of A [m 2 /s] D e-Eddy Diffusivity of A [m 2 /s] E-A curve fit parameter of equation {15} F-A curve fit parameter of equation {15} f-Fraction …
The novel colorectal cancer biomarkers CDO1, ZSCAN18 and ZNF331 are frequently methylated across gastrointestinal cancers

We have previously shown that gastrointestinal cancers display similar epigenetic aberrations. In a recent study, we identified frequently methylated genes for cholangiocarcinoma (CDO1, DCLK1, SFRP1 and ZSCAN18), where one of these genes, DCLK1, was also confirmed to be highly methylated in colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these four genes, in addition to one gene found to be methylated in colon cancer cell lines (ZNF331), are commonly methylated across gastrointestinal malignancies, as well as explore their role as potential biomarkers. Quantitative methylation specific PCR (qMSP) of colorectal cancer (n = 164) and normal colorectal mucosa (n = 106) samples showed that all genes were frequently methylated in colorectal cancer (71–92%) with little or no methylation in normal mucosa (0–3%). Methylation of minimum two of these five genes identified 95% of the tumors with a specificity of 98%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.98. For gastric (n = 25) and pancreatic (n = 20) cancer, the same panel detected 92% and 90% of the tumors, respectively. Seventy‐four cancer cell lines were further analyzed by qMSP and real time RT‐PCR. In addition to the previously reported DCLK1, a high negative correlation between promoter DNA methylation and gene expression was observed for CDO1, ZNF331 and ZSCAN18. In conclusion, the high methylation frequency of these genes in colorectal‐ as well as in gastric‐, pancreatic‐ and bile duct cancer confirmed an epigenetic similarity between gastrointestinal cancer types, and simultaneously demonstrated their potential as biomarkers, particularly for colorectal cancer detection.
Exploring smart handbag concepts through co-design

In this paper, we explore design preferences and possibilities for smart handbags from the user perspective. We present designs and findings derived through a co-design process, which consisted of two studies; first with individual drawing based brainstorming (n=20), and second with two co-design workshops (n=10), where participants assessed different designs and features, and created low-fi prototypes of smart handbag concepts. Participants proposed large shape and style variations for smart handbags, according to the intended contexts, use cases, and lifestyle. In this respect the desire for modifiability, e.g. adapting in size and shape, was highlighted. The handbag's durability, weatherproofness and use of high quality materials were also raised.
A cognitive load reduction approach to exploratory learning and its application to an interactive si

Exploring domain concepts/knowledge is an effective way of learning particularly for task-oriented discipline. This exploratory learning is often accompanied by cognitive efforts to develop and apply the domain concepts/knowledge, which efforts would enhance learning effects. However, it is not so easy for learners to get good learning results. The cognitive efforts may cause cognitive overload. Some intelligent/adaptive support is therefore necessary. This paper describes a methodology for supporting exploratory learning which attempts to limit learning space, called exploration space, to adequately control the cognitive load the learners would face in their exploration process. We call this methodology ‘Exploration Space Control’ (ESC). In ESC, the extent of the exploration space is controlled according not only to the domain complexity, but also to the learners’ competence, understanding levels, experiences, characteristics, etc. The control is done by restricting exploration tools provided in user interface, tailoring information to be presented, recommending a few among a number of choices, etc. This paper also demonstrates an application of ESC to an interactive simulation-based system in the domain of human ear. This system aims to enhance learning of the structure and functionality of the ear and to improve appropriate skills in diagnosing and treating the related diseases. The system also provides several kinds of information resources for exploring the ear and user interface with several exploration tools.
Transmission delay of the network model based on the lexicographic product digraphs

Average distance of a digraph is an effective parameter to measure message delay of the network modeled by the digraph. In this paper, we use the lexicographic product method to construct a larger digraph from several specified small digraph. The digraph constructed by this way can contain the factor digraphs as subgraphs and preserve many desirable properties of the factor digraphs. By combining the theory of combination design and the way of algebra, we investigate the average distance parameters of the lexicographic product of digraphs, and giving a closed formula for the average distance of the network model based on the theory of the lexicographic product digraphs. This formula reveals that the network model based on the theory of the lexicographic product digraphs, which has a small transmission delay.
An iterative learning control scheme for manipulators

This paper presents an iterative learning control scheme for high-geared industrial manipulators that perform repeated tasks. The input update law of the iterative learning control is given in the frequency domain, together with a sufficient condition for convergence of the iterative process. The proposed control scheme only utilizes locally measured signals and does not require the computation of complicated nonlinear manipulator dynamics. Moreover, on the assumption of repeating a task, unmodeled dynamics of a manipulator can be effectively canceled by the iterative learning control, without even a parametric model. Several important aspects of the iterative learning control scheme inherent in the frequency-domain design are discussed and the control performance is demonstrated through computer simulations.
Mutual information to assess structural properties in dynamic networks

This article proposes applying the variation of information measure from Information Theory to evaluate macro‐level properties characterising dynamic networks. This measure is used to evaluate different clusters given by the agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm of Clauset, Newman and Moore (2004), concerning a case study of the multi‐agent based network model of a university email service. The variation of information measure is shown to be capable of assessing the outcome of simulating the dynamics of networks, in terms of its macro‐level properties.