Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of Basal HRV assessed through wavelet transform in the prediction of anxiety and affect levels: a case study

The present paper is a designed case study to understand the potential role of heart rate variability (HRV) to predict different levels of anxiety and affect in a non-clinical sample by Wavelet Transform Tools. Trait anxiety was evaluated through the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Positive and negative affect scores were measured through the Positive (PA) and Negative (NA) Affect Schedule. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded during 4 min in basal conditions. The ECG data was analyzed using Wavelet Transform Daubechies order 4 as kernel. Our aim is investigate whether HRV, assessed by the wavelet transform decomposition in 8 levels of frequency, would be able to characterize trait anxiety (TA), PA and NA characteristics. Correlation analysis were conducted between each psychological parameter (TA, PA and NA) and the values of frequency levels. The results showed a weak but relevant tendency between frequency level and individual trait or affective score. Thus, the present study suggests that resting HRV is efficient to predict anxiety trait and affective trait and state. Beyond, the results points to the need of introducing different stimulations or tasks capable of modulating HRV and evidencing its association with distinct psychophysiological patterns.
Neuroengineering Original Research Article

Sinkkonen and Tervaniemi, 2000). The test-retest reliability of the N100 response, for example, is higher than that of the mismatch negativity (MMN) because of the better latency stability (Pekkonen et al., 1995). In addition, the variation in the remaining level of interference also affects the test-retest reliability (e.g. Sinkkonen and Tervaniemi, 2000). This explains why the replicability of the response to the standard sound tends to be superior to the less frequent ones (Pekkonen et al., 1995). The test-retest reliability can be infl uenced by careful experiment design. However, as the initial amount of noise and the level of interference will vary anyway, the quality variation should also be compensated. The basic problem is that the number of trials recorded is typically constant, while the initial quality of the signal changes between and during experiments. Consequently, the remaining measurement error is subject to variation which affects the comparability of the responses and the test-retest reliability. Several methods have been suggested for cleaning the data (e.g. even though the average signal quality could be improved, this does not compensate the insuffi ciency of the data. Alternatively, it would also be possible
Advanced navigation tools for virtual bronchoscopy

In the framework of computer-aided diagnosis, pulmonary airway investigation based on multi-detector computerized tomography (MDCT) requires the development of specific tools for data interaction and analysis. The 3D segmentation of the bronchial tree provides radiologists with appropriate examination modalities such as CT bronchography, for a global analysis, or virtual endoscopy, for a local endoluminal diagnosis. Focusing on the latter modality, this paper proposes a set of advanced navigation and investigation tools based on the automatic extraction of the central axis (CA) of the 3D segmented airways. In the case of complex branching structures, such as the bronchial tree, the automatic CA computation is a challenging problem raising several difficulties related to geometry and topology preservation. In this respect, an original approach is presented, combining 3D distance map information and geodesic front propagation in order to accurately detect branching points and to preserve the original 3D topology of the airways, irrespective to both caliber variability with the bronchial order and to bronchial wall irregularities. The CA information is represented as a multi-valued and hierarchic tree structure, making possible automatic trajectory computation between two given points, bronchial caliber estimation in the plane orthogonal to the bronchus axis at a given location, branch indexation, and so on. These applications are illustrated on clinical data including both normal and pathological airway morphologies.
Blood Pressure and Global Risk Assessment in a Swedish Population

This study investigated the association between SCORE and the 2007 ESH-ESC blood pressure categories and explored achievements of blood pressure goals considering global risk. In 2001–2005, a random sample of inhabitants aged 30–74 years in southwestern Sweden was invited to a survey of cardiovascular risk factors. The study enrolled 2816 participants (participation rate 76%). Blood pressure was categorized according to the 2007 ESH-ESC guidelines. Global risk of 10-year CVD death was estimated using the Swedish SCORE chart also accounting for additional risk from diabetes (SCORE-DM). SCORE-DM increased in both sexes from optimal blood pressure to manifest hypertension but did not differ between the normal blood pressure categories. However, SCORE-DM became significantly higher among those with temporarily high blood pressure (men 3.3 SD (1.7), women 1.1 (1.8)) and hypertension (3.6 (2.0), 2.0 (2.0)), compared to optimal blood pressure (1.6 (2.9), 0.6 (1.9)). In the presence of both hypertension and diabetes, high-risk subjects dominated (men 76%, women 61%), and correspondingly a major proportion of patients with known hypertension were at high risk at a blood pressure ≥160/100 mm Hg. These findings have strong implications on blood pressure evaluation in clinical practice and support the use of SCORE to evaluate global risk.
Knowledge sharing in organizational structures

The organizational structure is usually defined using the best experience and there is a minimum of formal approach involved. This paper shows the possibilities of the theory of concept analysis that can help to understand organizational structure based on solid mathematical foundations. This theory is extended by the concept of knowledge sharing and diversity that enables to evaluate the organizational structure. The alternative approach based on the hierarchical methods of cluster analysis is employed for the purposes of comparison.
Lower limb joint angles and ground reaction forces in forefoot strike and rearfoot strike runners during overground downhill and uphill running

Abstract This study investigated the normal and parallel ground reaction forces during downhill and uphill running in habitual forefoot strike and habitual rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. Fifteen habitual forefoot strike and 15 habitual RFS recreational male runners ran at 3 m/s ± 5% during level, uphill and downhill overground running on a ramp mounted at 6° and 9°. Results showed that forefoot strike runners had no visible impact peak in all running conditions, while the impact peaks only decreased during the uphill conditions in RFS runners. Active peaks decreased during the downhill conditions in forefoot strike runners while active loading rates increased during downhill conditions in RFS runners. Compared to the level condition, parallel braking peaks were larger during downhill conditions and parallel propulsive peaks were larger during uphill conditions. Combined with previous biomechanics studies, our findings suggest that forefoot strike running may be an effective strategy to reduce impacts, especially during downhill running. These findings may have further implications towards injury management and prevention.
Evaluation of Split-Window Land Surface Temperature Algorithms for Generating Climate Data Records

Land surface temperature (LST) is a key indicator of the Earth's surface energy and is used in a range of hydrological, meteorological, and climatological applications. As needed for most modeling and climate analysis applications, LST products that are generated from polar-orbiting meteorological satellite sensors have spatial resolutions from several hundred meters to several kilometers and have (quasi) daily temporal resolution. These sensors include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR), the earth observing system moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the forthcoming visible/infrared imager radiometer suite (VIIRS) series, to be flown onboard the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (VIIRS flights begin approximately 2009). Generally, split-window algorithms are used with these sensors to produce LST products. In this paper, we evaluated nine published LST algorithms (or, in some cases, their slight variants) to determine those that are most suitable for generating a consistent LST climate data record across these satellite sensors and platforms. A consistent set of moderate-resolution atmospheric transmission simulations were used in determining the appropriate coefficients for each algorithm and sensor (AVHRR, MODIS, and VIIRS) combination. Algorithm accuracy was evaluated over different view zenith angles, surface-atmosphere temperature combinations, and emissivity errors. Both simulated and actual remote sensing data were used in the evaluation. We found that the nine heritage algorithms can effectively be collapsed into three groups of highly similar performance. We also demonstrated the efficacy of an atmospheric path-length correction term that is added to the heritage algorithms. We conclude that the algorithms depending on both the mean and difference of band emissivities (Group 1 in our nomenclature) are most accurate and stable over a wide range of conditions, provided that the emissivity can be well estimated a priori . Where the emissivity cannot be well estimated, the Group 3 algorithms (which do not depend on the emissivity difference) modified with the path-length correction term perform better.
Timing and determinants of erythropoietin deficiency in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Anemia in patients with CKD is highly related to impaired erythropoietin (EPO) response, the timing and determinants of which remain unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This study measured EPO levels and studied their relation to GFR measured by 51Cr-EDTA renal clearance (mGFR) in 336 all-stage CKD patients not receiving any erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. RESULTS In patients with anemia defined by World Health Organization criteria (hemoglobin [Hb] <13 g/dl in men and 12 g/dl in women), EPO response to Hb level varied by mGFR level. EPO and Hb levels were negatively correlated (r=-0.22, P=0.04) when mGFR was >30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), whereas they were not correlated when mGFR was <30 (r=0.09, P=0.3; P for interaction=0.01). In patients with anemia, the ratio of observed EPO to the level predicted by the equation for their Hb level decreased from 0.72 (interquartile range, 0.57-0.95) for mGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) to 0.36 (interquartile range, 0.16-0.69) for mGFR <15. Obesity, diabetes with nephropathy other than diabetic glomerulopathy, absolute iron deficiency, and high C-reactive protein concentrations were associated with increased EPO levels, independent of Hb and mGFR. CONCLUSIONS Anemia in CKD is marked by an early relative EPO deficiency, but several factors besides Hb may persistently stimulate EPO synthesis. Although EPO deficiency is likely the main determinant of anemia in patients with advanced CKD, the presence of anemia in those with mGFR >30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) calls for other explanatory factors.
Software-Based Memory Protection In Sensor Nodes

Typical sensor nodes are resource constrained microcontrollers containing user level applications, operating system components, and device drivers in a single address space, with no form of memory protection. A programming error in an application can easily corrupt the state of the operating system and other software components on the node. In this paper, we propose a memory protection scheme that prevents the corruption of operating system state by buggy applications. We use sandboxing to restrict application memory accesses within the address space. Severe resource constraints on the sensor node present interesting challenges in designing a sandbox for user applications. We have implemented and tested our scheme on the SOS operating system. Our experiments were able to detect a memory corruption bug in an application module that had been in use for several months.
AAC(3)-XI, a New Aminoglycoside 3-N-Acetyltransferase from Corynebacterium striatum

ABSTRACT Corynebacterium striatum BM4687 was resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin but susceptible to kanamycin A and amikacin, a phenotype distinct among Gram-positive bacteria. Analysis of the entire genome of this strain did not detect any genes for known aminoglycoside resistance enzymes. Yet, annotation of the coding sequences identified 12 putative acetyltransferases or GCN5-related N-acetyltransferases. A total of 11 of these coding sequences were also present in the genomes of other Corynebacterium spp. The 12th coding sequence had 55 to 60% amino acid identity with acetyltransferases in Actinomycetales. The gene was cloned in Escherichia coli, where it conferred resistance to aminoglycosides by acetylation. The protein was purified to homogeneity, and its steady-state kinetic parameters were determined for dibekacin and kanamycin B. The product of the turnover of dibekacin was purified, and its structure was elucidated by high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), indicating transfer of the acetyl group to the amine at the C-3 position. Due to the unique profile of the reaction, it was designated aminoglycoside 3-N-acetyltransferase type XI.
Trust as a Criterion and Heuristic Approach to Sociopolitical Consultation

This article deals with the impact of economic-orientated reforms of the welfare state and social administration on professional services. Trust in professionalism is connected with new institutional economic approaches of professional action. In particular, the principal–agent theory is applied to the relationship between social worker, social service organization and service user in order to concentrate on incentive-oriented problems and asymmetric information in trust-based performances. The main thesis proposed here says that professionals have dual accountabilities: they deal with two distinct principals of organizations. New public management approaches introduce incentive and sanction systems of explicit contracts between social worker and employment agency. Concerning the interaction between social worker and service user, there is a dominance of particular, social and psychic incentive and sanction systems of the organization based on trust. The analytical instrument ‘dual-principal– agent model’ demonstrates that trust – as criterion of professional practice – offers a new approach for shaping recommendations on the institutional level. This article gives an analytical and theoretical foundation for economic-orientated institutional ethics in the discussion of professionalism.
Tourist Perceptions of Event–Sponsor Brand Fit and Sponsor Brand Attitude

ABSTRACT Sponsorships play an increasingly important role in the viability of events, including those targeted at tourists, and sponsors typically seek to build a rapport between their brands and the event attendees. The extent to which the event-related imagery benefits the sponsor brand will depend on the alignment between the sponsor brand and the event. In addressing this issue this study examines the mediating role of event–sponsor fit between visitor event-liking, self-sponsor congruity, and sponsor brand favorability. Interviews were conducted with 1215 attendees at the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exhibition and formed a basis for hypothesis testing. An examination of three sponsor brands over nine surveys concluded that event–sponsor fit consistently mediates the effect of event-liking and self-sponsor congruity on brand favorability. Results confirmed that event organizers and sponsors can benefit from the use of perceived fit as a means of shaping brand attitudes when they sponsor art- and/or social-related events.
University Students' Research Orientations: Do negative attitudes exist toward quantitative methods?

This paper examines university social science and education students' views of research methodology, especially asking whether a negative research orientation towards quantitative methods exists. Finnish (n = 196) and US (n = 122) students answered a questionnaire concerning their views on quantitative, qualitative, empirical, and theoretical methods, their readiness to use quantitative and qualitative methods in their own research, and the difficulties they experienced in quantitative methods' learning. Students were clustered in groups according to their views. Students had varying combinations of views on the methods, that is different research orientations towards methods were found in both countries. Some of the students had a dichotic attitude towards quantitative and qualitative methods; they seemed to “choose their side” between these methods. In both countries a negative research orientation towards quantitative methods was found. It was connected with either difficulties in quantitative methods' learning or with a lower appreciation of empirical methods than that of other students. Major subject and study year had no effect, so the views were not discipline‐specific and students seemed to already have them on entering university. Views were quite stable during the course. A reduction in difficulties experienced with quantitative methods' learning was connected with a lowered over‐appreciation of qualitative methods at the end of the course.
Routing Protocols Based on Double Auction for Ad Hoc Networks

We introduce a game-theoretic setting for routing in mobile ad hoc networks in this paper. We implement the continuous double auction (CDA), a double auctioning mechanism in ad hoc networks and propose our routing protocols based on it. This mechanism can stimulate nodes to cooperate with each other and the aim to allocate routes in communication would be achieved. It is the first time that double auction methods are shown to offer theoretical guarantees for route allocation in ad hoc networks.
Design High-Directivity Parallel-Coupled Lines with Step-Impedance Transmission Lines

This paper presents a novel technique to design high-directivity parallel-coupled lines using the step impedance transmission lines (SITLs) terminated at coupled and through ports of the parallel coupler. Two configurations based on the technique, singly- and doubly-SITLs compensation, are proposed. The practicable feasibility of the technique is demonstrated at 0.9 GHz on RF60 substrate, where the directivities obtained from measured results are improved more than 6 dB and 30 dB as compared with uncompensated coupler.
An application-level solution for the TCP-incast problem in data center networks

Data centers have become very popular for storing large volumes of data. In particular, companies like Amazon, Google, and Yahoo! routinely use data centers for storage, Web search, and large-scale computations. The main characteristics of a data center network are high-speed links, low propagation delays, and limited-size switch buffers. In addition, the data for a given client application are usually striped (spread) over many servers, for increased reliability and performance (i.e., parallelism). Recent research efforts have resulted in several architectures of data centers [1].
Conservation Education and Environmental Communication in Great Ape Re-Introduction Projects: Two Cases From the Republic of Congo

Among species recovery tools available, re-introduction of animals to the wild is one of the more complex. Since the mid-1990s two successful great ape re-introductions have taken place in the Republic of Congo, leading some conservationists to revisit re-introduction as a strategy. This research explored the role of conservation education and environmental communication in the projects, including activities undertaken, stakeholder perceptions of success and impacts on project outcomes. The research found that education and communication activities, while varied and broad, were managed in an ad hoc, intuitive manner, lacking priority, expertise, and funding leading to recommendations for future reintroduction projects.
Building a sustainable e‐learning development culture

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide details on Simon Fraser University's new School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) approach to creating a culture that supports rapid development of high‐quality e‐learning materials, why it has been successful, and what has been learned.Design/methodology/approach – Describes how, over a period of four years SIAT has had the unique opportunity to build an integrated set of graduate and undergraduate degree programs from the ground up. The organization has recognized the importance of its people – both in terms of the knowledge they bring to the organization, and the added value it gains by providing an environment where all employees can continue to learn – from courses, from their own experience, and from each other.Findings – Because of the organization's structured, yet flexible, approach to course design and development workflow, each set of courses was ready just as the students became ready to take them. The organizational culture's combinati.
Contour detection from deep patch-level boundary prediction

In this paper, we present a novel approach for contour detection with Convolutional Neural Networks. A multi-scale CNN learning framework is designed to automatically learn the most relevant features for contour patch detection. Our method uses patch-level measurements to create contour maps with overlapping patches making interdependent decisions. We show the proposed CNN is very efficient to detect large-scale contours in an image. We further propose a guided filtering method to refine the contour maps by using the extracted large-scale contours. Our contour detection is simple but efficient. Experimental results on the major contour benchmark databases demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. We show our method can achieve good detection of both fine-scale and large-scale contours.
Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction among State Agency Rehabilitation Counselors: New Mexico (Blind).

The job satisfaction and organizational commitment of rehabilitation counselors working in public rehabilitation in New Mexico's Blind agency are the focus of this study. Participants were four rehabilitation counselor survey respondents whose agencies agreed to take part in the study. A total of 10 surveys were mailed. Job satisfaction was measured using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, though the sample size was too small to conduct extensive data analysis. The three components of organizational commitment (affective, normative, and continuance) were examined using the Organizational Commitment Scales. Potential predictor variables examined were: (1) years of service; (2) age; (3) education level; (4) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) status; (5) conscientiousness; (6) initiative; (7) cooperation; and (8) attendance/punctuality. Results, to be viewed with caution due to the sample size, indicated that counselors in New Mexico have substantially higher levels of job satisfaction than the national sample. From the results it can be assumed that the counselors' primary reason for expending energy on behalf of their organization is because of the emotional attachment they feel toward the organization, a condition which has been linked to superior work performance. Contains two appendices: (1) Job Satisfaction Items and (2) Organizational Commitment Items. (JBJ) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG STATE AGENCY REHABILITATION COUNSELORS: NEW MEXICO (BLIND)