Machine learning paradigms for modeling spatial and temporal information in multimedia data mining

Multimedia data mining and knowledge discovery is a fast emerging interdisciplinary applied research area. There is tremendous potential for effective use of multimedia data mining (MDM) through intelligent analysis. Diverse application areas are increasingly relying on multimedia under-standing systems. Advances in multimedia understanding are related directly to advances in signal processing, computer vision, machine learning, pattern recognition, multimedia databases, and smart sensors. The main mission of this special issue is to identify state-of-the-art machine learning paradigms that are particularly powerful and effective for modeling and combining temporal and spatial media cues such as audio, visual, and face information and for accomplishing tasks of multimedia data mining and knowledge discovery. These models should be able to bridge the gap between low-level audiovisual features which require signal processing and high-level semantics. A number of papers have been submitted to the special issue in the areas of imaging, artificial intelligence; and pattern recognition and five contributions have been selected covering state-of-the-art algorithms and advanced related topics. The first contribution by D. Xiang et al. “Evaluation of data quality and drought monitoring capability of FY-3A MERSI data” describes some basic parameters and major technical indicators of the FY-3A, and evaluates data quality and drought monitoring capability of the Medium-Resolution Imager (MERSI) onboard the FY-3A. The second contribution by A. Belatreche et al. “Computing with biologically inspired neural oscillators: application to color image segmentation” investigates the computing capabilities and potential applications of neural oscillators, a biologically inspired neural model, to gray scale and color image segmentation, an important task in image understanding and object recognition. The major contribution of this paper is the ability to use neural oscillators as a learning scheme for solving real world engineering problems. The third paper by A. Dargazany et al. entitled “Multibandwidth Kernel-based object tracking” explores new methods for object tracking using the mean shift (MS). A bandwidth-handling MS technique is deployed in which the tracker reach the global mode of the density function not requiring a specific staring point. It has been proven via experiments that the Gradual Multibandwidth Mean Shift tracking algorithm can converge faster than the conventional kernel-based object tracking (known as the mean shift). The fourth contribution by S. Alzu’bi et al. entitled “3D medical volume segmentation using hybrid multi-resolution statistical approaches” studies new 3D volume segmentation using multiresolution statistical approaches based on discrete wavelet transform and hidden Markov models. This system commonly reduced the percentage error achieved using the traditional 2D segmentation techniques by several percent. Furthermore, a contribution by G. Cabanes et al. entitled “Unsupervised topographic learning for spatiotemporal data mining” proposes a new unsupervised algorithm, suitable for the analysis of noisy spatiotemporal Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) data. The new unsupervised algorithm depicted in this article is an efficient data mining tool for behavioral studies based on RFID technology. It has the ability to discover and compare stable patterns in a RFID signal, and is appropriate for continuous learning. Finally, we would like to thank all those who helped to make this special issue possible, especially the authors and the reviewers of the articles. Our thanks go to the Hindawi staff and personnel, the journal Manager in bringing about the issue and giving us the opportunity to edit this special issue

A statistical multiresolution approach for face recognition using structural hidden Markov models

This paper introduces a novel methodology that combines the multiresolution feature of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) with the local interactions of the facial structures expressed through the structural hidden Markov model (SHMM). A range of wavelet filters such as Haar, biorthogonal 9/7, and Coiflet, as well as Gabor, have been implemented in order to search for the best performance. SHMMs perform a thorough probabilistic analysis of any sequential pattern by revealing both its inner and outer structures simultaneously. Unlike traditional HMMs, the SHMMs do not perform the state conditional independence of the visible observation sequence assumption. This is achieved via the concept of local structures introduced by the SHMMs. Therefore, the long-range dependency problem inherent to traditional HMMs has been drastically reduced. SHMMs have not previously been applied to the problem of face identification. The results reported in this application have shown that SHMM outperforms the traditional hidden Markov model with a 73% increase in accuracy

Kajian Atraksi, Amenitas dan Aksesibilitas untuk Pengembangan Pariwisata Umbul Ponggok di Kabupaten Klaten

Kebutuhan penduduk Indonesia akan berwisata dinilai terus meningkat. Tujuan penelitian adalah menganalisis kondisi Umbul Ponggok dilihat dalam hal atraksi, amenitas, aksesibilitas dan pengelolaan wisata serta memberikan alternatif strategi pengembangan objek wisata. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif untuk mendeskripsikan profil objek daya tarik wisata dan pengelolaan wisata Umbul Ponggok. Metode analisis yaitu deskriptif kualitatif dan anaisis SWOT. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Umbul Ponggok memiliki atraksi, amenitas dan aksesibilitas wisata yang baik dan memadahi sehingga bisa dikatakan sebagai objek wisata. Namun beberapa indikator pos pertolongan pertama, agen perjalanan dan lahan parkir masih belum memenuhi. Pengelolaan wisata Umbul Ponggok berada pada satu tangan yaitu BUMDes Tirta Mandiri menjadikan pengelolaan tersentral pada satu pihak. Melalui analisis SWOT, alternatif strategi yang dapat diberikan adalah selalu melakukan inovasi atraksi yang unik dan berbeda dengan objek wisata lain

Characterization of a Truncated Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor in a Primitive Metazoan, the Parasitic Flatworm Schistosoma mansoni

A novel glutamate-binding protein was identified in Schistosoma mansoni. The protein (SmGBP) is related to metabotropic glutamate receptors from other species and has a predicted glutamate binding site located within a Venus Flytrap module but it lacks the heptahelical transmembrane segment that normally characterizes these receptors. The SmGBP cDNA was cloned, verified by 5′ and 3′ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and shown to be polyadenylated at the 3′end, suggesting the transcript is full-length. The cloned cDNA was subsequently expressed in bacteria and shown to encode a functional glutamate-binding protein. Other studies, using a specific peptide antibody, determined that SmGBP exists in two forms, a monomer of the expected size and a stable but non-covalent dimer. The monomer and dimer are both present in the membrane fraction of S. mansoni and are resistant to extraction with high-salt, alkaline pH and urea, suggesting SmGBP is either an integral membrane protein or a peripheral protein that is tightly associated with the membrane. Surface biotinylation experiments combined with western blot analyses and confocal immunolocalization revealed that SmGBP localized to the surface membranes of adult male schistosomes, especially the dorsal tubercles. In contrast, we detected little or no expression of SmGBP either in the females or larval stages. A comparative quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that the level of SmGBP expression is several-fold higher in male worms than cercariae, and it is barely detectable in adult females. Together, the results identify SmGBP as a new type of schistosome glutamate receptor that is both gender- and stage-specific. The high-level expression of this protein in the male tubercles suggests a possible role in host-parasite interaction

Exercise modulates the insulin-induced translocation of glucose transporters in rat skeletal muscle

AbstractInsulin and acute exercise (45 min of treadmill run) increased glucose uptake into perfused rat hindlimbs 5-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively. Following exercise, insulin treatment resulted in a further increase in glucose uptake. The subcellular distribution of the muscle glucose transporters GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 was determined in plasma membranes and intracellular membranes. Neither exercise nor exercise→ insulin treatment altered the distribution of GLUT-1 transporters in these medmbrane fractions. In contrast, exercise, insulin and exercise→ insulin treatment caused comparable increases in GLUT-4 transporters in the plasma membrane. The results suggest that exercise might limit insulin-induced GLUT-4 recruitment and that following exercise, insulin may alter the intrinsic activity of plasma membrane glucose transporters

Wage indexation and industrial relations: A comparison of recent experience in Israel and Australia

Australia and Israel both have centralised machinery for the determination of national wage policy. In Australia, the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission holds an annual national wage hearing. In Israel, a national framework agreement for determining wage levels is bargained and signed by the parties every two years. In addition, both countries have periodical arrangements for adjusting wages as a result of movement in the cost of living. This article compares the indexation arrangements of the two countries and analyses their impact on industrial relations

The relation between oxidative stress and adhesion molecules in Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Antioxidant potential decreases while plasma lipid peroxidation products increase in type1 diabetes mellitus. The vascular endothelium is a major target of oxidative stress (OS). Reactive oxygen species signal events leading to impairment of endothelial function and promotion of leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium.. Objective: To explore the relation between OS and adhesion molecules in type1 diabetes and correlate it with the state of metabolic control, disease duration and microvascular complications (MVCs). Design: Thirty-eight type 1 diabetics were included: 22 patients with disease duration less than 5 years and 16 patients with duration of 5 years or more. Thirty healthy age and sex matched subjects served as controls. They were assessed clinically. Laboratory investigations included, random blood sugar (RBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting lipid profile and measurement of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation and serum soluble P-selectin as a marker of endothelial/platelet activation. Results: Serum MDA and P-selectin were significantly elevated in type 1 diabetics compared to controls with the highest level in diabetics with disease duration of 5 years or more (p <0.0001). Both MDA and P-selectin levels were significantly elevated in complicated compared to non complicated diabetics (P < 0.0001) with strong relation to complication severity. Serum MDA level was positively correlated with serum P-selectin level in diabetics (p 0.0001). Serum MDA and P-selectin were positively and significantly correlated with disease duration (p < 0.0001 ), RBS (p < 0.0001,p=0.001 respectively), HbA1c (p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.03,p=0.005 respectively), total cholesterol (p=0.04,p=0.02, respectively), triglycerides (p=0.006, p < 0.0001 respectively) and low density lipoproteins (p=0.03,p=0.05 respectively) but negatively correlated with high density lipoproteins(p=0.03). On multiple regression analysis, HbA1c had the strongest effect on both MDA and P-selectin levels (P <0.0001). Cut off values for serum MDA and Pselectin equal to 8.035 nmoles/ml and 45.15ng/dl respectively for early detection of diabetic MVCs were defined. Conclusion: Levels of MAD and P-selectin are elevated in type1 diabetics with evident relation to disease duration, metabolic control and severity of MVCs. Hence both of them might act as good markers to identify diabetics who are more susceptible to develop vascular disease.Keywords: Type1 diabetes, oxidative stress, P-selectin, adhesion molecules, microvascular complicationsEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009; 7(2): 65-7

Perceptions and Experiences with Flavored Non-Menthol Tobacco Products: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Although a few countries have banned flavored cigarettes (except menthol), flavors in most tobacco products remain unregulated across the globe. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies examining perceptions of and experiences with flavored non-menthol tobacco products. Of 20 studies on flavored tobacco products included in our qualitative systematic review, 10 examined hookah, six examined e-cigarettes, two examined little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs), and three examined other tobacco products, including cigarettes. The majority of studies, regardless of product type, reported positive perceptions of flavored tobacco products, particularly among young adults and adolescents. In six studies that assessed perceptions of harm (including hookah, LCCs, and other flavored tobacco products), participants believed flavored tobacco products to be less harmful than cigarettes. In studies that examined the role of flavors in experimentation and/or initiation (including three studies on e-cigarettes, one hookah study and one LCC study), participants mentioned flavors as specifically leading to their experimentation and/or initiation of flavored tobacco products. Given that many countries have not yet banned flavors in tobacco products, these findings add to existing research on why individuals use flavored tobacco products and how they perceive harm in flavored tobacco products, providing further support for banning non-menthol flavors in most tobacco products