Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiac arryhthmia identification system based on non-supervised machine learning methods

Unsupervised pattern recognition analysis is the most used approach to grouping heartbeats of electrocardiographic recordings or electrocardiograms (ECGs). This is due to the fact that beats labeling are very often not available. Given that detection of some transient and infrequent arrhythmias is unfeasible in a short-time ECG test, ambulatory electrocardiography is required. In this paper, a design of a complete system for the identification of arrhythmias using unsupervised pattern recognition techniques is proposed. Particularly, our system involves stages for signal preprocessing, heartbeat segmentation and characterization, features selection, and clustering. All these stages are developed within a segment clustering framework, which is a suitable alternative to detect minority classes. As average performance, including five types of arrhythmia, our system reaches 91,31% and 99,16% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively.
From a multi-modal intelligent cell to a self-organising robotic skin

In this paper, we present the latest version of our multi-modal, cellular artificial skin (HEX-o-SKIN) and a complete overview of the implemented self-organization features on a full-sized humanoid robot (HRP-2). We conclude with a vision on how to transfer HEX-o-SKIN to the next generation, cognitively and mechatronically, flexible electronic skin.
Application of a New High Step-up Double-Input Converter in a Novel Module- Integrated-Inverter Photovoltaic System

Grid-connected photovoltaic (GPV) using moduleintegrated- inverters is a well known method to use PVs in power networks. This paper proposes a novel structure of moduleintegrated GPV based on double input DC-DC converters. Special structure and switching strategy of the proposed converter result in high efficient power conditioning system for GPVs. The proposed structure of module-integrated GPV uses DualPV module(DPVM) contains two PVs. DPVM is connected to the proposed converter and the output of the converter is connected to the inverter. Two inputs of the converter assist the soft switching operation and lead to a high efficient power conditioning GPV. The proposed DPVM is presented and the application of high step up multi-input converter in DPVM is discussed. high step-up capability of the proposed converter is validated by mathematical relations. Experimental results are presented to evaluate the characteristics of the proposed converter.
Improving Collaborative Learning Processes by Using Structured Information

It is possible to notice an increasing interest in educational contexts to use a collaborative approach to learning where students are able to interact and share information developing team competences. Furthermore, there is a huge amount of information available on the Web, which could be reused to support learning. But to take full advantage of this potential it is important to have mechanisms supporting semantic interoperability. However, it is difficult to integrate and share information that was developed using different vocabularies and different perspectives. This paper is a contribution to solve this problem and aims at exploring the benefits of using structured information in a collaborative learning approach. In order to structure information it is proposed the use of RDF. An example of providing semantic interoperability according to the proposed approach is presented.
Integration of an external bicycle model in SUMO

Bicyclists are amongst the most flexible road users and can tactically choose their pathway across an intersection using available bicycle lanes, roadways and sidewalks, riding either with or against the direction of travel. This flexibility makes it difficult to accurately include the pathfinding behaviour of bicyclists in microscopic traffic simulation tools due to the limitations imposed by the internal design structure of the network elements. In this paper, a method for simulating the pathfinding behaviour of bicyclists crossing an intersection based on observed trajectory data is integrated with SUMO. This is done using a SUMO extension that enables exact road user placement in the simulation. The position coordinates [x,y] of externally simulated bicycles are translated within SUMO and the bicyclist is inserted at the given location on a lane of one of the edges or junctions in each simulation step. This approach for model integration in SUMO is evaluated and recommendations for future research are given.
A Race‐Specific Interaction Between Vitamin K Status and Statin Use During Warfarin Therapy Initiation

Vitamin K (VK) is required for the post‐translational modification of several clotting factors. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist and anticoagulant. The most common dietary and circulating form of VK is phylloquinone (PK). PK is lipid soluble, carried by triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins, and shares a metabolic pathway with cholesterol. Thus, there is biological plausibility for an interaction between serum PK and lipid‐lowering medications (statins) in warfarin therapy.
ECG signals (1000 fragments)

For research purposes, the ECG signals were obtained from the PhysioNet service (http://www.physionet.org) from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database. The created database with ECG signals is described below. 1) The ECG signals were from 45 patients: 19 female (age: 23-89) and 26 male (age: 32-89). 2) The ECG signals contained 17 classes: normal sinus rhythm, pacemaker rhythm, and 15 types of cardiac dysfunctions (for each of which at least 10 signal fragments were collected). 3) All ECG signals were recorded at a sampling frequency of 360 [Hz] and a gain of 200 [adu / mV]. 4) For the analysis, 1000, 10-second (3600 samples) fragments of the ECG signal (not overlapping) were randomly selected. 5) Only signals derived from one lead, the MLII, were used. 6) Data are in mat format (Matlab).
Text-independent Speaker Identification Based on MAP Channel Compensation and Pitch-dependent Features

One major source of performance decline in speaker recognition system is channel mismatch between training and testing. This paper focuses on improving channel robustness of speaker recognition system in two aspects of channel compensation technique and channel robust features. The system is text-independent speaker identification system based on two-stage recognition. In the aspect of channel compensation technique, this paper applies MAP (Maximum A Posterior Probability) channel compensation technique, which was used in speech recognition, to speaker recognition system. In the aspect of channel robust features, this paper introduces pitch-dependent features and pitch-dependent speaker model for the second stage recognition. Based on the first stage recognition to testing speech using GMM (Gaussian Mixture Model), the system uses GMM scores to decide if it needs to be recognized again. If it needs to, the system selects a few speakers from all of the speakers who participate in the first stage recognition for the second stage recognition. For each selected speaker, the system obtains 3 pitch-dependent results from his pitch-dependent speaker model, and then uses ANN (Artificial Neural Network) to unite the 3 pitch-dependent results and 1 GMM score for getting a fused result. The system makes the second stage recognition based on these fused results. The experiments show that the correct rate of two-stage recognition system based on MAP channel compensation technique and pitch-dependent features is 41.7% better than the baseline system for closed-set test. Keywords—Channel Compensation, Channel Robustness, MAP, Speaker Identification
Enhancement of PQ Using Adaptive Theorybased Improved Linear Tracer SinusoidalControl Strategy for DVR

This paper presents the Adaptive Theory based Improved Linear Tracer Sinusoidal (ATILS) Control Strategy for PQ Enhancement using DVR in the Distribution System. The proposed DVR effectively mitigates voltage sag/swell, unbalanced voltage sag/swell for linear loads along with harmonic compensation using ATILS Control Strategy. The DVR consists of voltage source converter (VSC), transformer with capacitor. The main advantages are more efficiency, reliability and its effective control of reactive power. The ATILS Control Strategy is used for extraction of fundamental reference load voltages quickly and accurately to mitigate PQ problems. The proposed ATILS Control Strategy for DVR is modeled using RT-LAB and MATLAB/SIMULINK and its performance is verified for various Power Quality (PQ) problems.
In cardiomyocytes LPS‐induced activation of IκBα and COX‐2 expression are mediated in part by the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway

We have previously reported that hyperglycemia (HG) augmented the induction iNOS by LPS and this was due at least in part by increased flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). COX2 is induced by a number of stresses such as ischemia, pro‐inflammation cytokines, and mitogenic responses and this is regulated in part by NF‐κB signaling. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine if in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVM) COX2 expression was also regulated by the HBP. LPS treatment for 6hrs (2μg/ml) significantly increased both P‐IκBα and COX2 expression in NRVM and whereas HG augmented the LPS‐induced increase in P‐IκBα its effect on COX2 was less pronounced. Interestingly however, inhibition of GFAT with either DON (20 μM) or Azserine (40 μM) substantially decreased the LPS‐induced increased COX‐2 and P‐IκBα both under normal and HG conditions. These results suggest that activation of the HBP contributes to the pro‐inflammatory effects of LPS and that this is augmented at least in part under HG conditions.
The effect of consuming biofortified beans on the iron status of Mexican school children

Advances in plant breeding have resulted in a 73% increase in the iron content of black bean varieties similar to those consumed in Mexico. The efficacy of consuming these biofortified beans was tested in 587 primary school children in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. We randomized 20 schools to consume either biofortified (95mg/kg Fe) or control beans (55mg/kg Fe) for 110 days. At baseline 137 children (24%) were iron depleted with serum ferritin <20μg/L, and 18% were anemic (Hb<110g/L). Children consumed an average of 11 kg beans during the trial and the high iron bean group consumed an estimated additional 18% of their RI for iron. Children in the high iron bean group had significantly greater reduction in transferrin receptor (TfR) from baseline to end line compared to the low iron group (p<.001). The more iron deficient subjects (high baseline TfR) experience the greatest group difference in change of TfR (p=.05) compared to subjects with lower baseline TfR (interaction of baseline TfR by bean group, p=.011). The greatest group difference in improvement in TfR was also seen in children who consumed the most beans throughout the feeding trial. Interpretation of change in ferritin values appears to be complicated by differential rates of infections in the 2 groups. We conclude that consuming beans that are bred for enhanced iron content improves selected measures of iron status in school children. Supported by HarvestPlus
Capillary vs venous blood: delayed measurement of hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit

The influence of preanalytical factors on hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and hematocrit (Hct) is important in anemia assessment particularly in field settings where sample handling might be compromised. We collected venous (Vacutainer®) and capillary (2nd, 3rd, 4th drops followed by Microtainer®) blood from 35 adults and measured Hb and Hct using a HemoCue Hb‐201 and Block Scientific Inc. centrifuge, respectively. Blood (Vacutainer and Microtainer) was stored at 10°C for up to 3 days (n=15); Microtainer blood was also stored at −70°C for 4 days (n=32). We calculated mean changes against appropriate comparator groups and performed ANOVA and t‐tests using SAS software (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in mean (±SE) Hb concentrations (g/dL) between Vacutainer (14.4±0.3) and Microtainer (14.2±0.2) blood, nor among 2nd, 3rd and 4th capillary drops (14.7±0.2). We saw significant Hb differences between Microtainer blood and individual drops (p<0.0001). Delays for up to 3 days did not affect Hb and Hct measurements (<2% change) if blood was kept cool. Freezing blood for 4 days did not affect Hb concentrations either (≤2% change). Due to small differences in Hb between capillary drops and Vacutainer or Microtainer blood (<4%), it is preferable to measure capillary blood Hb from the Microtainer. Unexpected delays in testing or accidental freezing of blood do not rule out valid results for anemia assessment.
LF HRV power as an index of sympathetic inhibition

Although the spectral power of HF HRV oscillations is widely accepted as a measure of the cardiovagal activity, the interpretation of LF HRV power is more controversial. It was suggested that LF HRV power provides information about the sympathetic or/and parasympathetic outflow, baroreflex modulation of cardiac autonomic outflows, vasomotor tone modulation, and mechanisms of central autonomic outflow. As follows from these contradictory hypotheses, till now there is no widely accepted interpretation of LF power. We hypothesize that LF HRV power is an index of sympathetic inhibition.
Using Exergames as Social Networks: Testing the Flow Theory in the Teaching of Physical Education

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the use of networked exergame as an opportunity to teach Physical Education in cyberspace. A survey sample (n=25) played the game table tennis for XBOX Kinect in three modes: singleplayer; multiplayer and networked exergame. Intrinsic motivation was verified using the Long Flow State Scale Questionnaire (FSS2). The energy expenditure was verified using a heart rate monitor in just 2 students, playing the game boxing. The possibility to use the cyberspace in Physical Education was tested using the chat and movement of the avatar of the XBOX Kinect system to teach table tennis techniques. Resumo. O objetivo deste estudo piloto foi investigar o uso de exergames em rede como uma oportunidade para o ensino de Educação Física no cyberspace. Uma amostra de 25 estudantes universitários jogaram o jogo Table Tennis do XBOX Kinect nos 3 modos: singleplayer; multiplayer e exergame em rede. A motivação intrínseca foi verificada utilizando o Long Flow State Scale Questionnaire (FSS-2). A possibilidade de usar o ciberespaço na Educação Física foi testada utilizando o bate-papo e os movimentos do avatar do sistema kinect XBOX para ensinar as técnicas do tênis de mesa.
MODE‐K Cells as a Model to Study the Gut Epithelial Response: An Outside‐in and Inside‐out Approach

The gut epithelium serves as a barrier between the intestinal lumen and immune cells residing in gut‐associated lymphoid tissues. These epithelial cells are required to respond to stimuli from the outside‐in (e.g., microbiome and dietary components), as well as from the inside‐out (e.g., cytokines and growth mediators). This study evaluated the utility of a gut epithelial cell model and its response to inside‐out (tumor necrosis factor; TNF‐α) or outside‐in (E. coli lipopolysaccharide; LPS) immune challenges. Experiments were designed to evaluate alterations in cell viability, proliferation, and gene expression using the MODE‐K cell line which was derived from the small intestine of C3H/HeJ mice. For all experiments, MODE‐K cells were grown at 37°C with 5% CO2/95% humidified air in RPMI GlutMAX media supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% HEPES, 1% NEAA, 1% sodium pyruvate, and 0.1% β‐mercaptoethanol. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Doses of TNF‐α and LPS were selected based on MTT results and cell viability (≥90%). MODE‐K cells were cultured in 12‐well plates and treated with TNF‐α (0, 0.1 or 1.0 ng/mL) or LPS (0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 ug/mL). Cells were harvested after 2 or 6 hours and total RNA was extracted, followed by qRT‐PCR using Cyclo as the invariant control. Both doses TNF‐α up‐regulated (p<0.05) the relative abundance of interleukin‐6 (Il6), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, at 2 hrs, whereas only the higher dose of TNF‐α up‐regulated Il6 at 6 hrs. The relative abundance of Tgfb, a cytokine involved in T‐cell differentiation, was elevated with the 1.0 TNF‐α dose at 2 hrs, but not by 6 hrs. The gene expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐10 (Il10) and ‐4 (Il4), was not detectable at either time point. Expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (Tlr4), a pattern recognition receptor, was suppressed (p<0.05) at 2 hrs with all doses of TNF‐α and LPS. This response was normalized by 6 hrs, with the exception of the 1.0 TNF‐α treatment. All doses of LPS, representing the outside‐in stimulus, up‐regulated Il6 at both time points. Likewise, all doses of LPS up‐regulated Tnfa (p<0.05) at 2 hrs, while only the two highest doses increased (p<0.05) Tgfb. No alterations in these responses were observed after 6 hrs. These findings demonstrate that the MODE‐K cells respond to the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α, from the gut mucosa, as well as endotoxins present in the intestinal lumen (i.e., LPS), demonstrating the importance of both the mucosal immune system and the microbiome in initiating epithelial cell signaling. This cell culture model can potentially serve as a system to study the gut epithelial cells' in‐side out and outside‐in responses and to understand the modulating effects of dietary bioactive components.
HR differentiation : a double edged sword?

This thesis presents three studies which explore the effects of individualized human resource management (HRM) practices from recipients’ and non-recipients’ perspectives. The first two studies, focusing on the concept of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), investigate the role of managers’ emotions and employees’ behaviours in translating negotiated i-deals into attainment (Study 1), and how obtained i-deals influence recipients’ work performance positively in the long term (Study 2). In delineating how individualized HRM practices unfold for their recipients, the concept of i-deals is challenged. The third study explores the effects of non-entitlement to flexitime on employees’ overall perceptions of fairness, which in turn shape their affective commitment toward the organization. This study also introduces a contextual condition – the normativeness of flexitime – to understand under what conditions the association between non-entitlement to flexitime and overall fairness perceptions is stronger or weaker. A quantitative methodology is adopted across the three studies. The first two studies draw on two-wave, multi-source data collected in Istanbul, Turkey. The third study is based on the Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS, 2011). This thesis makes important theoretical contributions to research on i-deals, flexitime and, more broadly, to individualized HRM. As a practical implication, this thesis underlines that caution is needed when differentiating certain HR practices for a select group of employees.
Traffic Situation Management for Driving Automation of Articulated Heavy Road Transports - From driver behaviour towards highway autopilot

In this thesis traffic situation management for driving automation of long combination vehicles is discussed. The automation targets high-speed driving in multiple-lane, one-way roads. Traffic situation predictions, traffic situation manoeuvres and driving principles are studied specifically. Traffic situation predictions relates to the functions used to predict how an observed traffic situation will evolve in the future. Traffic situation manoeuvres relates to decision-making regarding driving principles and control on a tactical level of driving. The developed methods and principles assume the existence of vehicle environment sensing functionalities. Furthermore, the methods have been verified using motion platform driving simulator experiments and desktop simulations. In the proposed methods for traffic situation predictions, models of the subject vehicle, driver, road and surrounding traffic have been formulated. These models capture both subject vehicle dynamics and predicted motion of surrounding traffic. Also, a unique driver steering model for articulated vehicles has been derived. Moreover, traffic situation predictions for multiple-lane one-way road driving has been derived by using driver steering and acceleration models in a closed loop with the subject vehicle model. Also, a second approach to calculate actuation trajectories has been developed and evaluated using a model predictive control framework including on-line optimisation. The derived traffic situation manoeuvres include maintain-lane, lane changes and non-evasive abort manoeuvres. It is envisaged that studying the important characteristics of manual driving will give insight into how to design driving automation especially in regard to mixed traffic with both manually driven and automated vehicles. Driving principles for driving automation are derived by using back-to-back comparisons of manual and automated driving in simulator experiments. Driving principles for initiation and execution of lane-change manoeuvres with surrounding traffic as well as managing mandatory road exits and lane changes in dense traffic have been studied and some driving principles for automation have been derived.
“Key Product” a Fuzzy Logic-based New Approach for Determining Consumer Preferences

Nowadays, intense competition necessitates the continuous monitoring of target audiences in order to harmonize goods and services with consumer expectations. Many studies have been conducted on the selection criteria for goods and services, levels of perception and expectation of consumers. In this study, a fuzzy logic-based new quantitative analysis method was used to help assess the extent to which current smart phones satisfy consumer expectations, and determine the most suitable combination of product features according to general consumer preferences. The study population consisted of university students. In this context, the study sample was specifically composed of the students from the Yuzuncu Yil University in Van, Turkey. The study questionnaire administered to 386 students was based on the applications of smart phone. Using “Key Product” method analysis performed based on the results of this study, it will be easier and more functional to identify consumers whose preferences are not satisfied in the market, and offer new and suitable combinations for them. In addition, and depending on the number of products to be produced and the consumer demands to be met, this method will also make it easier to determine the number of products with which production processes should be initiated, and the duration of time for which the production stages should be continued. Proposed fuzzy logic-based new quantitative analysis method determines the most suitable combination of product features according to general consumer preferences. Normal 0 21 false false false TR X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normal Tablo"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}