A density-based statistical analysis of graph clustering algorithm performance

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Complex Networks following peer review. The version of record: Pierre Miasnikof, Alexander Y Shestopaloff, Anthony J Bonner, Yuri Lawryshyn, Panos M Pardalos, A density-based statistical analysis of graph clustering algorithm performance, Journal of Complex Networks, Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2020, cnaa012, https://doi.org/10.1093/comnet/cnaa012 is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/comnet/cnaa012© 2020 The authors. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. We introduce graph clustering quality measures based on comparisons of global, intra- A nd inter-cluster densities, an accompanying statistical significance test and a step-by-step routine for clustering quality assessment. Our work is centred on the idea that well-clustered graphs will display a mean intra-cluster density that is higher than global density and mean inter-cluster density. We do not rely on any generative model for the null model graph. Our measures are shown to meet the axioms of a good clustering quality function. They have an intuitive graph-theoretic interpretation, a formal statistical interpretation and can be tested for significance. Empirical tests also show they are more responsive to graph structure, less likely to breakdown during numerical implementation and less sensitive to uncertainty in connectivity than the commonly used measures

Physical and chemical sensing applications of polypyrrole-coated foams

We live in a world of information, and emerging technologies, which compel us to look for new ways to collect, process, and distribute information. Today we are faced with an information overload problem as users struggle to locate the right information in the right way at the right time. In my view this is an “overload” of trivial information coupled with a gap in access to important information. Digitization of information and communications has seen the rise and rise of computers to a now ubiquitous position in our society. However, the problem remains as to how to merge the digital world with sensing, and respond to changes in the real world. Ubiquitous information systems are needed that will automatically sense and importantly, respond to changes in their environment and usage in order to deliver a more intelligent, proactive and personalized information service. These systems may be wearable, enabling them to disappear into our personal space, enhancing rather than burdening our daily activities. Conventional sensors are generally unsuitable for wearable body monitoring devices either due to their physical structure or their functional requirements. This thesis examines this area of wearable sensors, detailing the development and characterisation of novel sensing materials and outlines their performance in various on-body monitoring applications

The Impact of Mobile Technology in the Battle against COVID-19

Mobile technology has undergone rapid development in the last decade and immediately found fertile ground for use in digital healthcare applications. The advantages both for citizens and the health domain are many and interconnected. During the pandemic, mobile technology was also useful for minimizing social distancing, epidemiological monitoring through contact tracing, psychological support, and maintaining social relationships. There is a particular need for scholars to focus both on the innovations in this field during the pandemic and on the problems hampering the use of mobile technology to facilitate the correct and effective introduction of this technology into routine clinical programs in stable health care models. All professionals working in this sector were encouraged to contribute with their experiences. This reprint contains contributions from various experts and different fields. Aspects relating to the success and failures of employment, the medical experience, and acceptance are addressed. Particular space was also given to the role of social media, the use of apps (also presenting critical issues), and innovative apps for contact tracing. The digital divide and the infodemic were also investigated along with their impacts on citizens during the pandemic, for example, in following government directives relating to prevention and vaccination. We dedicate the book to all those involved with different roles in digital health

Human-Computer Interaction

In this book the reader will find a collection of 31 papers presenting different facets of Human Computer Interaction, the result of research projects and experiments as well as new approaches to design user interfaces. The book is organized according to the following main topics in a sequential order: new interaction paradigms, multimodality, usability studies on several interaction mechanisms, human factors, universal design and development methodologies and tools

Molecular phylogeny of horseshoe crab using mitochondrial Cox1 gene as a benchmark sequence

An effort to assess the utility of 650 bp Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (DNA barcode) gene in delineating the members horseshoe crabs (Family: xiphosura) with closely related sister taxa was made. A total of 33 sequences were extracted from National Center for Biotechnological Information (NCBI) which include horseshoe crabs, beetles, common crabs and scorpion sequences. Constructed phylogram showed beetles are closely related with horseshoe crabs than common crabs. Scorpion spp were distantly related to xiphosurans. Phylogram and observed genetic distance (GD) date were also revealed that Limulus polyphemus was closely related with Tachypleus tridentatus than with T.gigas. Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was distantly related with L.polyphemus. The observed mean Genetic Distance (GD) value was higher in 3rd codon position in all the selected group of organisms. Among the horseshoe crabs high GC content was observed in L.polyphemus (38.32%) and lowest was observed in T.tridentatus (32.35%). We conclude that COI sequencing (barcoding) could be used in identifying and delineating evolutionary relatedness with closely related specie

Crab and cockle shells as heterogeneous catalysts in the production of biodiesel

In the present study, the waste crab and cockle shells were utilized as source of calcium oxide to transesterify palm olein into methyl esters (biodiesel). Characterization results revealed that the main component of the shells are calcium carbonate which transformed into calcium oxide upon activated above 700 °C for 2 h. Parametric studies have been investigated and optimal conditions were found to be catalyst amount, 5 wt.% and methanol/oil mass ratio, 0.5:1. The waste catalysts perform equally well as laboratory CaO, thus creating another low-cost catalyst source for producing biodiesel. Reusability results confirmed that the prepared catalyst is able to be reemployed up to five times. Statistical analysis has been performed using a Central Composite Design to evaluate the contribution and performance of the parameters on biodiesel purity