Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing feature selection across a multimodality database in computerized classification of breast lesions

Linear step-wise feature selection is performed for computerized analysis methods on a set of mammography features using a database of mammography cases, a set of ultrasound features using a database of ultrasound cases, and a set of mammography and sonography features using a multi- modality database of lesions with both mammograms and sonograms. The large mammography and sonography databases were randomly split 20 times into three subdatabases for feature selection, classifier training and independent validation. The average validation Az value over the 20 random splits for the mammography database was 0.82 +/- 0.04 and for the sonography database was 0.85 +/- 0.03. The average consistency feature selection Az value for the mammography and sonography databases were 0.87 +/- 0.02 and 0.88 +/- 0.02, respectively. For the multi-modality database, the consistency feature selection Az value was 0.93.
Pleasure in the use of new technologies: the case of e-book readers

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the adoption process of e-book readers and examine how the perception concerning the advantages of this technology and its incompatibility with consumer values determine the pleasure felt and its effective use. The authors also propose that consumer involvement with information and communication technologies (ICTs) moderates these effects. ,Hierarchical moderated regression analysis is used to test the proposed model with survey data from a sample of e-book reader owners. ,Appraisal of the device’s reading features and the possibility for free downloading increases the pleasure found with its use and the extent to which it is actually used, whereas attachment to paper books decreases the emotional feeling, with some of these effects being moderated by the individual’s involvement with new ICTs. Pleasure mediates the influence of perceived advantages and attachment to the older technology on the use of the e-book reader device. ,Two challenges to practitioners are suggested: to overcome the rejection of users who are less eager to experience pleasure and to use the e-reader, and to find the product’s objective or sensory characteristics that provide pleasure and promote long-lasting use. ,The study extends previous studies on e-book readers by emphasizing the need to go beyond adoption intention. It analyzes effective use as a crucial measure of the true adoption of this technology and incorporates the perspective offered by the appraisal theory of emotion, which explains the key role of pleasure in this process.
Effects of social capital on online knowledge sharing: positive and negative perspectives

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of how both the benefits and risks of social capital influence online knowledge sharing among virtual community members towards enhancing members’ relationship continuity and virtual community reputations. In addition, this study addresses the effects of complementary resources on knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach – The structural equation modelling approach was applied to estimate the conceptual model by using survey data from virtual community members. A total of 626 valid questionnaires were collected. Findings – The empirical results showed that most of the research hypotheses were supported. The benefits of social capital and complementary resources have a positive effect on knowledge sharing, thereby strengthening relationship continuity and community reputation. Furthermore, the risk of social capital has a negative effect on knowledge sharing, as expected. Originality/value – A review of the literature reveals a lack.
Speaking of global virtual teams: language differences, social categorization and media choice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelation between language differences, media choice and social categorization in global virtual teams (GVTs). Design/methodology/approach – An ethnographic field work was conducted in a Finnish multinational corporation (MNC). The study included interviews, observations, and language proficiency assessment of 27 GVT members located in five European countries. Findings – In GVTs, the combination of language proficiency differences and verbal media (e.g. telephone) tends to lead to social categorization, while a similar effect was not found when GVT members chose written media (e.g. e-mail). Research limitations/implications – The qualitative study only consisted of GVTs from one MNC, and thus the empirical findings might not be generalizable to other MNCs. Therefore, quantitative studies that can add to the robustness of the exploratory findings could be a worthwhile endeavour. Practical implications – Language training should be provided to GVT me.
Geometrical principles of homomeric β‐barrels and β‐helices: Application to modeling amyloid protofilaments

Examples of homomeric β‐helices and β‐barrels have recently emerged. Here we generalize the theory for the shear number in β‐barrels to encompass β‐helices and homomeric structures. We introduce the concept of the “β‐strip,” the set of parallel or antiparallel neighboring strands, from which the whole helix can be generated giving it n‐fold rotational symmetry. In this context, the shear number is interpreted as the sum around the helix of the fixed register shift between neighboring identical β‐strips. Using this approach, we have derived relationships between helical width, pitch, angle between strand direction and helical axis, mass per length, register shift, and number of strands. The validity and unifying power of the method is demonstrated with known structures including α‐hemolysin, T4 phage spike, cylindrin, and the HET‐s(218‐289) prion. From reported dimensions measured by X‐ray fiber diffraction on amyloid fibrils, the relationships can be used to predict the register shift and the number of strands within amyloid protofilaments. This was used to construct models of transthyretin and Alzheimer β(40) amyloid protofilaments that comprise a single strip of in‐register β‐strands folded into a “β‐strip helix. ” Results suggest both stabilization of an individual β‐strip helix and growth by addition of further β‐strip helices can involve the same pair of sequence segments associating with β‐sheet hydrogen bonding at the same register shift. This process would be aided by a repeat sequence. Hence, understanding how the register shift (as the distance between repeat sequences) relates to helical dimensions will be useful for nanotube design.
Effects of Intelligent Advanced Warnings on Drivers Negotiating the Dilemma Zone

Objective: We investigated whether intelligent advanced warnings of the end of green traffic signals help drivers negotiate the dilemma zone (DZ) at signalized intersections and sought to identify behavioral mechanisms for any warning-related benefits. Background: Prior research suggested that warnings of end of green can increase slowing and stopping frequency given the DZ, but drivers may sometimes respond to warnings by speeding up. Method: In two simulator studies, we compared six types of roadway or in-vehicle warnings with a no-warning control condition. Using multilevel modeling, we tested mediation models of the behavioral mechanisms underlying the effects of warnings. Results: In both studies, warnings led to more stopping at DZ intersections and milder decelerations when stopping compared with no warning. Drivers’ predominant response to warnings was anticipatory slowing on approaching the intersection, not speeding up. The increased stopping with warning was mediated by increased slowing. In Study 1, anticipatory slowing given warnings generalized to green-light intersections where no warning was given. In Study 2, we found that lane-specific warnings (e.g., LED lights embedded in each lane) sometimes led to fewer unsafe emergency stops than did non-lane-specific roadside warnings. Conclusion: End-of-green warnings led to safer behavior in the DZ and on the early approach to intersections. The main mechanism for the benefits of warnings was drivers’ increased anticipatory slowing on approaching an intersection. Lane-specific warnings may have some benefits over roadside warnings. Application: Applications include performance models of how drivers use end-of-green warnings, control algorithms and warning displays for intelligent intersections, and statistical methodology in human factors research.
Protein structure prediction: making AWSEM AWSEM‐ER by adding evolutionary restraints

Protein sequences have evolved to fold into functional structures, resulting in families of diverse protein sequences that all share the same overall fold. One can harness protein family sequence data to infer likely contacts between pairs of residues. In the current study, we combine this kind of inference from coevolutionary information with a coarse‐grained protein force field ordinarily used with single sequence input, the Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure and Energy Model (AWSEM), to achieve improved structure prediction. The resulting Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure and Energy Model with Evolutionary Restraints (AWSEM‐ER) yields a significant improvement in the quality of protein structure prediction over the single sequence prediction from AWSEM when a sufficiently large number of homologous sequences are available. Free energy landscape analysis shows that the addition of the evolutionary term shifts the free energy minimum to more native‐like structures, which explains the improvement in the quality of structures when performing predictions using simulated annealing. Simulations using AWSEM without coevolutionary information have proved useful in elucidating not only protein folding behavior, but also mechanisms of protein function. The success of AWSEM‐ER in de novo structure prediction suggests that the enhanced model opens the door to functional studies of proteins even when no experimentally solved structures are available.
Investigating the structural dynamics of the PIEZO1 channel activation and inactivation by coarse‐grained modeling

The PIEZO channels, a family of mechanosensitive channels in vertebrates, feature a fast activation by mechanical stimuli (eg, membrane tension) followed by a slower inactivation. Although a medium‐resolution structure of the trimeric form of PIEZO1 was solved by cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM), key structural changes responsible for the channel activation and inactivation are still unknown. Toward decrypting the structural mechanism of the PIEZO1 activation and inactivation, we performed systematic coarse‐grained modeling using an elastic network model and related modeling/analysis tools (ie, normal mode analysis, flexibility and hotspot analysis, correlation analysis, and cryo‐EM‐based hybrid modeling and flexible fitting). We identified four key motional modes that may drive the tension‐induced activation and inactivation, with fast and slow relaxation time, respectively. These modes allosterically couple the lateral and vertical motions of the peripheral domains to the opening and closing of the intra‐cellular vestibule, enabling external mechanical forces to trigger, and regulate the activation/inactivation transitions. We also calculated domain‐specific flexibility profiles, and predicted hotspot residues at key domain‐domain interfaces and hinges. Our results offer unprecedented structural and dynamic information, which is consistent with the literature on mutational and functional studies of the PIEZO channels, and will guide future studies of this important family of mechanosensitive channels.
The Workload Curve

Objective: In this paper I begin looking for evidence of a subjective workload curve. Background: Results from subjective mental workload assessments are often interpreted linearly. However, I hypothesized that ratings of subjective mental workload increase nonlinearly with unitary increases in working memory load. Method: Two studies were conducted. In the first, the participant provided ratings of the mental difficulty of a series of digit span recall tasks. In the second study, participants provided ratings of mental difficulty associated with recall of visual patterns. The results of the second study were then examined using a mathematical model of working memory. Results: An S curve, predicted a priori, was found in the results of both the digit span and visual pattern studies. A mathematical model showed a tight fit between workload ratings and levels of working memory activation. Conclusion: This effort provides good initial evidence for the existence of a workload curve. The results support further study in applied settings and other facets of workload (e.g., temporal workload). Application: Measures of subjective workload are used across a wide variety of domains and applications. These results bear on their interpretation, particularly as they relate to workload thresholds.
Comparison of dose responses and resistance ratios in four populations of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to 20 insecticides.

BACKGROUND Chemical control is a major strategy for suppressing the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker). Owing to their high toxicity and increasing resistance development in the target insect, many insecticides will be phased out entirely in 2007 in China. Alternatives with relatively low toxicity are urgently needed to replace traditional chemicals for rice stem borer control. In this study, the authors examined four field populations of C. suppressalis for their toxicological responses to more than 20 insecticides, including a few low-toxicity organophosphates and many novel pesticides. Interpopulation resistance levels to 12 conventional insecticides were also compared. RESULTS Based on LD(50) values, the rice stem borer was most sensitive to avermectins and fipronil (LD(50) < 1 ng larva(-1)). The stem borers exhibited the least sensitivity to endosulfan (LD(50) > 100 ng larva(-1)) and monosultap (LD(50) > 1000 ng larva(-1)). Insect growth regulators and chitin synthase inhibitors showed great efficacy against C. suppressalis, especially against populations that had developed resistance to conventional insecticides. Four field populations showed variable tolerance levels to many insecticides. LYG05 was the most susceptible population, only with a low level of resistance to monosultap (RR = 6.6). NC05 and GL05 populations exhibited intermediate tolerance levels with RR values up to 20.4 and 52.8 respectively. RA05 was the most resistant population to many insecticides, with resistance ratios up to 76.2. CONCLUSION The results from this study provide valuable information for selection and adoption of new alternative insecticides and for resistance management of the rice stem borer.
A hyper-redundant manipulator

"Hyper-redundant" manipulators have a very large number of actuatable degrees of freedom. The benefits of hyper-redundant robots include the ability to avoid obstacles, increased robustness with respect to mechanical failure, and the ability to perform new forms of robot locomotion and grasping. The authors examine hyper-redundant manipulator design criteria and the physical implementation of one particular design: a variable geometry truss. >
The autonomous mobile robot SENARIO: a sensor aided intelligent navigation system for powered wheelchairs

The SENARIO project is develoing a sensor-aided intelligent navigation system that provides high-level navigational aid to users of powered wheelchairs. The authors discuss new and improved technologies developed within SENARIO concerning task/path planning, sensing and positioning for indoor mobile robots as well as user interface issues. The autonomous mobile robot SENARIO, supports semi- or fully autonomous navigation. In semi-autonomous mode the system accepts typical motion commands through a voice-activated or standard joystick interface and supports robot motion with obstacle/collision avoidance features. Fully autonomous mode is a superset of semi-autonomous mode with the additional ability to execute autonomously high-level go-to-goal commands. At its current stage, the project has succeeded in fully supporting semi-autonomous navigation, while experiments on the fully autonomous mode are very encouraging.
The Effect of a Backpack Hip Strap on Energy Expenditure While Walking

Objective To examine the effect of backpack hip strap use on walking energy expenditure while carrying a loaded backpack. Background Previous studies have demonstrated that energy cost increases as the mass of the load carried increases. However, few investigations have focused on backpack carriage design. Methods Fifteen young, healthy, male subjects walked at a self-selected pace for 10 minutes in two backpack loading conditions: with a hip strap (strapped) and without a hip strap (nonstrapped). Oxygen consumption (VO2), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (HR) were monitored throughout each 10-minute trial. Change scores from the 4th to 10th minute were calculated for each variable. A t test was used to evaluate the difference between conditions for each variable. Results The changes in VO2 (–0.62 ± 0.40 vs. 0.33 ± 0.23, p = .04) and RPE (1 ± 0.25 vs. 2 ± 0.21, p < .01) from the 4th to the 10th minute were different for the strapped versus nonstrapped condition. There was no difference in the change in RER (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01, p > .05) or HR (3.53 ± 0.93 vs. 4.07 ± 1.39, p > .05) for the strapped versus unstrapped condition. Conclusions Wearing a hip strap reduced the energy expenditure and perceived exertion in as little as 10 minutes of walking compared to the nonstrapped condition. Future work should consider the effect of a hip strap on these variables while hiking for extended periods. Application Wearing a hip strap may increase the comfort and reduce the energy required of wearing a backpack. This is useful information for backpack designers, military personnel, and recreational hikers.
Microwave life-detection systems for searching human subjects under earthquake rubble or behind barrier

A new sensitive microwave life-detection which can be used to locate human subjects buried earthquake rubble or hidden behind various barriers has been constructed. This system operating at 1150 MHz or 450 MHz can detect the breathing and heartbeat signals of human subjects through an earthquake rubble or a construction barrier of about 10-ft thickness. The basic physical principle for the operation of a microwave life-detection system is rather simple. When a microwave beam of appropriate frequency (L or S band) is aimed at a pile of earthquake rubble covering a human subject or illuminated through a barrier obstructing a human subject, the microwave beam can penetrate the rubble or the barrier to reach the human subject. When the human subject is illuminated by a microwave beam, the reflected wave from the human subject will be modulated by tile subject's body movements, which include the breathing and the heartbeat. If the clutter consisting of the reflected wave from stationary background can be completely eliminated and the reflected wave from the human subject's body is properly modulated, the breathing and heartbeat signals of the subject can be extracted. Thus, a human subject buried under earthquake rubble or hidden behind barriers can be located. This system has been tested extensively in a simulated earthquake rubble in the laboratory and also in a field test using realistic earthquake rubble conducted by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Task Force.
The Analysis of the Faulty Behavior of Synchronous Neural Networks

A means for analyzing the faulty behavior of neural networks is presented. Using an analogy between statistical physics and neural networks, a method for assessing the performance of a synchronous neural network model in the presence of faults is developed. Analytical predictions are computed using the statistical physics analogy and compared with the simulated behavior for two neuron models. An example of the analytical technique applied to an autoassociative memory is described. >
Efficient, numerically stabilized rank-one eigenstructure updating [signal processing]

Rank-one eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) updating is well suited to the problem of tracking time-varying subspaces. Previously published rank-one EVD updating algorithms suffer from a linear buildup of roundoff error, which makes them impractical for a large number of recursive updates. In the present work, the authors develop a numerical stabilization technique, which eliminates the error buildup problem in a computationally efficient manner and makes the rank-one EVD update a practical numerical tool for online computation. A simplified eigenvalue iteration is also given. It reduces the complexity of the algorithm somewhat as well as the computation time. Simulations are presented to illustrate numerical performance. >
The Relevance of Four Narrative Themes for Understanding Vulnerability Among Homeless Older African-American Women

Narrative strategy can strengthen social work practice, given its usefulness in revealing how social forces influence people’s experiences with situations that can compromise their well-being. In this paper, a product of long-term developmental research, the authors consider the versatility of narrative strategy to address homelessness among older African-American women, a growing segment of the homeless population in the United States. After considering homelessness as a social issue, and the distress it can produce, often resulting in serious health and mental health problems among older minority women, the authors examine vulnerability from a narrative perspective, offer background on their long-term narrative research and summarise their observations about the nature of narrative practice in working with members of vulnerable populations. The authors develop a thematic framework for conceptualising narrative as a practice research tool for social workers and other human service professionals. For each of the four narrative themes (involving plight, efficacy, hope and recovery), useful in helping people who are vulnerable, the authors document the distinctive focus of each one, and they then conclude the paper with implications for helping people who are vulnerable.
Exposure risk assessment and evaluation of the best management practice for controlling pesticide runoff from paddy fields. Part 2: model simulation for the herbicide pretilachlor.

BACKGROUND Monitoring studies revealed high concentrations of pesticides in the drainage canal of paddy fields. It is important to have a way to predict these concentrations in different management scenarios as an assessment tool. A simulation model for predicting the pesticide concentration in a paddy block (PCPF-B) was evaluated and then used to assess the effect of water management practices for controlling pesticide runoff from paddy fields. RESULTS The PCPF-B model achieved an acceptable performance. The model was applied to a constrained probabilistic approach using the Monte Carlo technique to evaluate the best management practices for reducing runoff of pretilachlor into the canal. The probabilistic model predictions using actual data of pesticide use and hydrological data in the canal showed that the water holding period (WHP) and the excess water storage depth (EWSD) effectively reduced the loss and concentration of pretilachlor from paddy fields to the drainage canal. The WHP also reduced the timespan of pesticide exposure in the drainage canal. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that: (1) the WHP be applied for as long as possible, but for at least 7 days, depending on the pesticide and field conditions; (2) an EWSD greater than 2 cm be maintained to store substantial rainfall in order to prevent paddy runoff, especially during the WHP.