Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clustering performance of different density function weighted FCM algorithm

Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) algorithm is an unsupervised fuzzy clustering method. Clustering results accuracy of the algorithm is affected by equal partition trend of the data sets. When amount of each cluster sample are difference greatly, the optimal solution of the algorithm may not be the correct partition of the data sets. Weighted Fuzzy C-Means (WFCM) algorithm is proposed to overcome this disadvantage. The WFCM algorithm contained a density function which calculates density of each sample by Gaussian function or reciprocal of distance function. The density function solves the problem of equal partition trend to some extent, and also retains favorable convergence and stability for the FCM algorithm. The experiment results are evaluated by the cluster indexes, such as partition coefficient, partition entropy and Xie-Beni index. It shows which weighted function improves the clustering performance of the WFCM algorithm better. When partially supervised information obtained from a few labeled samples is introduced to the WFCM algorithm, the clustering performance of the WFCM algorithm is further enhanced and the convergent speed of objective function is further accelerated.
Property as Ontology: On Aboriginal and English Understandings of Ownership

A critical knowledge of the evolution of the idea of property would embody, in some respects, the most remarkable portion of mental history of mankind. – L.H. Morgan Now you try and say what is involved in seeing something as something. It is not easy. – Ludwig Wittgenstein In this paper I argue that a comparison of English and Aboriginal conceptions of property yields insight into the ontologically specific grounds that inform institutionalized socio-cultural practices like property. Where the foundations of English conceptions of property are highly rationalistic, Aboriginal conceptions eschew categorization and are indicative of a highly nuanced and different way of understanding the worldliness of a human being. As such, a comparison of such conceptions becomes not simply a comparison of ways of owning and possessing, but a cross-cultural comparison of ways of relating to the world at large for what are ostensibly economic purposes. To argue this is to assume that there is much more going on within culture that is determinative of ways of being than to simply assume that all cultures share universal cultural traits. In this paper I therefore discuss some of the philosophical foundations that underlie Western conceptions of the human’s relation to the world as embodied in principles of property law, as well as looking at the philosophical significance of that view. I also look at the way various Aboriginal peoples in Canada understand their own relationship to the world-at-large as it is expressed in what they understand as the property regimes of their society.
The effects of feedback on computer workstation posture habits.

UNLABELLED Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and musculoskeletal disorders in the United States and worldwide are increasing at an alarming rate due to the advent of ubiquitous computer usage. Factors that lead to computer-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) include inadequately designed workstations, poor posture, and lack of knowledge about proper ergonomics and use habits. Studies have documented the negative impact of improper posture and the MSD seen in students and office workers due to frequent computer usage. OBJECTIVE Determine if the frequency (single vs. continuous reminder) and/or use of feedback affects posture at a computer workstation. PARTICIPANTS Observations of posture habits were made in three local schools and one local company. Feedback effects were tested on the students (ages 10-15). METHODS Real time feedback was given in two studies. In one study, instructions and a verbal reminder were given to students and in a second study, a prototype 'Posture Pad' was developed to provide continuous feedback to the user. RESULTS Verbal reminders to sit correctly led to transient improvement of posture. Use of the 'Posture Pad' resulted in significant improvement in posture with subjects exhibiting correct posture 98 ± 5% of the time. CONCLUSIONS Real time feedback about how one is sitting is an effective mechanism for non-transient improvement of posture at computer workstations.
786T/c endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism and coronary collateral circulation.

INTRODUCTION In this study, we investigated the association between -786T/C polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide (NOS3) gene in which thymidine is replaced by a cytosine at nucleotide -786 (rs 2070744) and coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with stable coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS 286 patients having a critical stenosis (> 95%) in at least one major epicardial coronary vessel were included in the study. CCC was defined according to the Rentrop classification (R). Patients with R0-1 CCC were included in the poor CCC group and subjects with R2-3 CCC were assigned to the good CCC group. The polymerase chain reaction method was used for genotyping. 152 patients with poor CCC and 134 patients with good CCC were examined. RESULTS The frequency of cytosine-cytosine (CC) and thymidine-cytosine (TC) genotypes and allele C were higher in the poor CCC group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In the dominant model, the frequency of CC+TC vs. thymidine-thymidine (TT) genotypes was significantly higher in the poor CCC group (67.1% vs. 54.5%, respectively; χ²=4.78; p=0.02). In multivariate regression analysis, the dominant model for -786T/C polymorphism of the NOS3 gene remained as an independent correlate of poor CCC. DISCUSSION -786T/C polymorphism of the NOS3 gene (rs 2070744) may be associated with poor angiogenesis and the development of CCC in stable coronary artery disease.
Confocal spectral imaging in tissue with contrast provided by raman vibrational signatures

Confocal Raman imaging of biological materials offers the opportunity to extract chemical information on histologically defined regions and on sub‐cellular organelles. This article reviews the technology and some successful applications. The chemical contrast from vibrational Raman spectroscopy is derived from the specific atomic motion of every molecule as detected by the Raman phenomenon. Examples show the successful identification of foreign material in pathological specimens, identification of lipid‐type and calcium mineral‐type in a mouse model of atherosclerosis, and component mapping in a pharmaceutical tablet. It is suggested that these methods can even be useful in studying metabolic disorders. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Null Mutation in the Gene Encoding Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase Isoform 2 Impairs Calcium Transport into Milk*

The means by which calcium is transported into the milk produced by mammary glands is a poorly understood process. One hypothesis is that it occurs during exocytosis of secretory products via the Golgi pathway, consistent with the observation that the SPCA1 Ca2+-ATPase, which is expressed in the Golgi, is induced in lactating mammary tissue. However, massive up-regulation of the PMCA2bw plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase also occurs during lactation and is more strongly correlated with increases in milk calcium, suggesting that calcium may be secreted directly via this pump. To examine the physiological role of PMCA2bw in lactation we compared lactating PMCA2-null mice to heterozygous and wild-type mice. Relative expression levels of individual milk proteins were unaffected by genotype. However, milk from PMCA2-null mice had 60% less calcium than milk from heterozygous and wild-type mice, the total milk protein concentration was lower, and an indirect measure of milk production (litter weights) suggested that the PMCA2-null mice produce significantly less milk. In contrast, lactose was higher in milk from PMCA2-null mice during early lactation, but by day 12 of lactation there were no differences in milk lactose between the three genotypes. These data demonstrate that the activity of PMCA2bw is required for secretion of much of the calcium in milk. This major secretory function represents a novel biological role for the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases, which are generally regarded as premier regulators of intracellular Ca2+.
An exploratory study into work motivation of older workers in professional services roles in Ireland

Purpose: The study explores work motivation of older professional services workers in Ireland. Specifically, it examines individuals who are termed, “older workers”, defined as 50+, and investigates what motivates them. Context: Changing demographics that include an increased aged population is impacting work places, with employees prolonging their working years. People are expected to live longer and greater emphasis will be put on both working and saved earnings for retirement. Individuals and organisations need to understand motivations for this cohort and plan and develop practices accordingly. Literature: The existing literature provides a range of views on older workers, regarding their motivation and potential contribution. Consistent is the agreement that this cohort require consideration within the labour market to maximise engagement and productivity, with work motivation being a key factor. Methodology: An inductive qualitative approach is used. Semi structured interviews were carried out, with a sample of 8 participants from professional service roles in Ireland. Thematic Analysis was then used to analyse the data. Findings: The key findings that emerged from the research are of a highly motivated group, interested in continued development and challenges, and seeking opportunities to contribute in their chosen professions. Significant is the ongoing extrinsic motivation for financial security, which including the comments from the participants, the researcher suggests is an impact from the recent recession. Originality: Whilst there has been research on motivations for older workers, the majority pertains to other geographic regions other than Ireland. The literature indicates that the national context is a factor and, therefore, an understanding of work motivation for older workers, from an Irish context, is of interest and value.
Needle stick injuries among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital of India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Percutaneous injuries caused by needlesticks, pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Their incidence is considerably higher than current estimates, and hence a low injury rate should not be interpreted as a non existent problem. The present study was carried out to determine the occurrence of NSI among various categories of health care workers (HCWs), and the causal factors, the circumstances under which these occur and to, explore the possibilities of measures to prevent these through improvements in knowledge, attitude and practice. METHODS The study group consisted of 428 HCWs of various categories of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, and was carried out with the help of an anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire structured specifically to identify predictive factors associated with NSIs. RESULTS The commonest clinical activity to cause the NSI was blood withdrawal (55%), followed by suturing (20.3%) and vaccination (11.7%). The practice of recapping needles after use was still prevalent among HCWs (66.3%). Some HCWs also revealed that they bent the needles before discarding (11.4%). It was alarming to note that only 40 per cent of the HCWs knew about the availability of PEP services in the hospital and 75 per cent of exposed nursing students did not seek PEP. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS The present study showed a high occurrence of NSI in HCWs with a high rate of ignorance and apathy. These issues need to be addressed, through appropriate education and other interventional strategies by the hospital infection control committee.
The influence of carbohydrate–protein co‐ingestion following endurance exercise on myofibrillar and mitochondrial protein synthesis

Non‐technical summary A single bout of exercise stimulates the production of new muscle proteins. Furthermore, ingesting protein in close proximity to exercise enhances the metabolic response. Long‐term exercise training promotes muscle adaptation, and the mode of exercise performed determines the type of proteins that are made. To date, the types of proteins that are made when protein is ingested after endurance exercise are not known. We report that when well‐trained male cyclists ingest protein with a carbohydrate drink after a high‐intensity ride, production of proteins responsible for muscle contraction is increased. Proteins responsible for aerobic energy production are not responsive to protein feeding. Furthermore, specific signals within the muscle that control protein synthesis are responsive to protein ingestion, providing a potential mechanism to underpin our primary findings. These results suggest that protein feeding after intense endurance exercise may be important in maintaining the structural quality and power generating capacity of the muscle.
Interaction between the yeast mitochondrial and nuclear genomes influences the abundance of novel transcripts derived from the spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA repeat

We have identified stable transcripts from the so-called nontranscribed spacer region (NTS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA repeat in certain respiration-deficient strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These RNAs, which are transcribed from the same strand as is the 37S rRNA precursor, are 500 to 800 nucleotides long and extend from the 5' end of the 5S rRNA gene to three major termination sites about 1,780, 1,830, and 1,870 nucleotides from the 3' end of the 26S rRNA gene. A survey of various wild-type and respiration-deficient strains showed that NTS transcript abundance depended on the mitochondrial genotype and a single codominant nuclear locus. In strains with that nuclear determinant, NTS transcripts were barely detected in [rho+] cells, were slightly more abundant in various mit- derivatives, and were most abundant in petites. However, in one petite that was hypersuppressive and contained a putative origin of replication (ori5) within its 757-base-pair mitochondrial genome, NTS transcripts were no more abundant than in [rho+] cells. The property of low NTS transcript abundance in the hypersuppressive petite was unstable, and spontaneous segregants that contained NTS transcripts as abundant as in the other petites examined could be obtained. Thus, respiration deficiency per se is not the major factor contributing to the accumulation of these unusual RNAs. Unlike RNA polymerase I transcripts, the abundant NTS RNAs were glucose repressible, fractionated as poly(A)+ RNAs, and were sensitive to inhibition by 10 micrograms of alpha-amanitin per ml, a concentration that had no effect on rRNA synthesis. Abundant NTS RNAs are therefore most likely derived by polymerase II transcription.
Non-governmental organisations performance and accountability : beyond the magic bullet

The last decade has seen some significant changes in international development and in the status of non-governmental organisations operating in the field. Not only has the number of NGOs virtually doubled; many of them have seen a considerable growth in their budgets, and have grown closer to governments and official aid agencies. NGOs are acknowledged by many to be more effective agents of development than governments or commercial interests ? even as a ? magic bullet? for development problems. Despite these positive trends, the real impact of the NGO sector is not well documented. This is partly because NGO performance-assessment and accountability methods are weak, and partly because NGOs are caught up increasingly in the world of official aid, which pushes them towards certain forms of evaluation at the expense of others. This unique book takes a hard and critical look at these issues, and describes how NGOs can, and must, improve the way they measure and account for their performance if they are to be truly effective.
Radiographic measures of intravascular volume status: the role of vascular pedicle width

Purpose of reviewA valid, low-cost, high-yield instrument to assess intravascular volume status in critically ill patients does not exist. The portable chest X-ray is a common part of any intensivist's or chest clinician's daily rounds. Recent findingsA simple, objective, valid measure of intravascular volume status, the vascular pedicle width, remains underappreciated in the medical literature. While more invasive, more expensive, and less common technologies are looked upon to assist in the clinical evaluation of volume status among critically ill patients, the vascular pedicle width stands alone in its low-cost, nearly risk-free potential to impact clinical practice. Even as the daily chest X-ray has become less common in practice, the role of measuring vascular pedicle width is potentially significant, particularly among mechanically ventilated patients. A standardized approach to reading the portable chest X-ray (supine or erect) is needed to facilitate interpretation of complex medical problems among the critically ill. Prospective evaluation of its appropriate use, particularly as compared with other, typically more invasive measures of intravascular volume, is warranted. SummaryVascular pedicle width measurement using a standardized approach to daily chest X-ray interpretation represents untapped potential for improving the non-invasive assessment of volume status in critically ill patients.
Cardiac-specific sympathetic activation in men and women with and without heart failure

Background Clinical outcomes for cardiovascular syndromes such as heart failure differ between men and women. Objective To seek phenotypic evidence for sex-differences in cardiac-specific sympathetic nervous system activation, as abnormal sympathetic nervous system activation is a key pathophysiological mechanism in heart failure (HF). Methods Patients who underwent evaluation of cardiac norepinephrine spillover (CNESP) using radiotracer methodology were identified retrospectively, and included in the analysis if they met criteria for either a normal left ventricular (NLV) function group, or systolic HF group, defined as an LV ejection fraction <40% and NYHA class II–III symptoms. Within each group a matched cohort analysis, identifying two control men for each woman, was performed. Results 166 subjects were identified, 48 within the NLV function group and 118 within the HF group. In the NLV function group, 12 women were matched for age to 24 men. Women had significantly higher NE concentrations in coronary sinus plasma. When normalised to total body NE spillover (CNESP:TBNESP), women had significantly higher values than men (CNESP:TBNESP, 6±3% in women vs 3±3% in men, p<0.05). In the HF group, 20 women were matched for age, date of study and presence of coronary disease to 39 men. There were no differences in comorbidities, drugs or haemodynamic measurements. Both CNESP and CNESP:TBNESP were significantly higher in women with HF than in men (CNESP 264±191 in women vs 182±110 in men, CNESP:TBNESP 9±6% in women vs 4±2% in men, p<0.05 for both). Conclusion In patients with and without HF, women exhibit increased cardiac-specific sympathetic activation. Sexual dimorphism in cardiac autonomic physiology and its relationship to disease merits further investigation.
Has the prevalence of asthma increased in children? Evidence from the national study of health and growth 1973-86.

OBJECTIVES--To estimate changes in the prevalence of reported symptoms of respiratory disease and reported diagnoses of asthma and bronchitis in primary school children in England between 1973 and 1986. DESIGN--Mixed longitudinal survey. SETTING--Representative sample of English primary schools in 22 areas. PARTICIPANTS--15,000 Boys and 14,156 girls each studied at least once between 1973 and 1986. DATA COLLECTED--Whether, according to the parent or guardian, the child had wheezed, wheezed on most days or nights, or had attacks of bronchitis or asthma in the past year. RESULTS--Within age groups trends in successive annual cohorts showed an increasing prevalence of asthma for each annual birth cohort (boys, 6.9%, p less than 0.001; girls, 12.8%, p less than 0.001) and of wheeze on most days or nights (boys, 4.3% per cohort, p less than 0.001; girls, 6.1% per cohort, p less than 0.001) and a falling prevalence of bronchitis (boys, -4.7% per cohort, p less than 0.001; girls, -5.8% per cohort, p less than 0.001). There was a smaller increase in the prevalence of wheeze whether or not it occurred on most days or nights, and this increase was significant only among the girls (boys, 1.0% per cohort, p greater than 0.05; girls, 1.7% per cohort, p less than 0.05). Although the rate of increase of "asthma" was greater than the rate of decrease in "bronchitis," the baseline prevalence of asthma was much lower than that of bronchitis, and the total proportion of children with either diagnosis declined slightly over the whole period. The main change was an increase in the proportion of children whose parents stated that they had persistent wheeze and yet did not have a report of either "asthma" or "bronchitis. " CONCLUSIONS--These results suggest that there has been a true increase in morbidity that is not simply due to changes in diagnostic fashion. The increase is large enough to explain much if not all of the increase in admission to hospital and mortality, and it underlines the importance of an understanding of the aetiology of asthma in tackling the causes of the recent increase.
Endogenous Tax Policy in a Computable Economic and Political Equilibrium: With Application to the United States, 1973-1983.

A computable model of economic and political competition is developed in which tax rates and the size of government are determined along with private prices and quantities in a broader equilibrium. The framework is applied to the United States by incorporating the GEMTAP model (with 19 industries) amended to include foreign capital flows and individual demands for public services. We investigate the Pareto set of fiscal policies for representative members of three interest groups defined by the level and source of factor incomes. Implementation of probabilistic spatial voting theory also allows the calibration of weights representing the relative influence of the three groups in equilibrium. The calibrated influence weights are used to study the economic and political determinants of tax policy in the United States over the decade after 1973. Simulations of what would have happened in 1983 if relative political influence had remained unchanged at 1973 levels suggest that international exposure of the U.S. economy was a critical factor in the decline of capital income taxes and the increase in taxes on labour income that occurred over the period. The simulations also indicate that an increase in the effective influence of poorer voters kept taxes on capital and high incomes from falling even further than actually occurred. More generally, the results as a whole illustrate the importance of taking the general equilibrium consequences of public policy into account when studying the political economy of fiscal history.