Fast Algorithms for the Real Discrete Fourier Transform

Fast algorithms for the computation of the real discrete Fourier transform (RDFT) are discussed. Implementations based on the RDFT are always efficient whereas the implementations based on the DFT are efficient only when signals to be processed are complex. The fast real Fourier (FRFT) algorithms discussed are the radix-2 decimation-in-time (DIT), the radix-2 decimation-in-frequency (DIF), the radix-4 DIT, the split-radix DIT, the split-radix DIF, the prime-factor, the Rader prime, and the Winograd FRFT algorithms

Real-life stress level monitoring using smart bands in the light of contextual information

An automatic stress detection system that uses unobtrusive smart bands will contribute to human health and well-being by alleviating the effects of high stress levels. However, there are a number of challenges for detecting stress in unrestricted daily life which results in lower performances of such systems when compared to semi-restricted and laboratory environment studies. The addition of contextual information such as physical activity level, activity type and weather to the physiological signals can improve the classification accuracies of these systems. We developed an automatic stress detection system that employs smart bands for physiological data collection. In this study, we monitored the stress levels of 16 participants of an EU project training every day throughout the eight days long event by using our system. We collected 1440 hours of physiological data and 2780 self-report questions from the participants who are from diverse countries. The project midterm presentations (see Figure 3) in front of a jury at the end of the event were the source of significant real stress. Different types of contextual information, along with the physiological data, were recorded to determine the perceived stress levels of individuals. We further analyze the physiological signals in this event to infer long term perceived stress levels which we obtained from baseline PSS-14 questionnaires. Session-based, daily and long-term perceived stress levels could be identified by using the proposed system successfully

Evidence for the Value of a Systems Approach to Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Operation

The paper discusses the notion of infrastructure as a system, the nature of the systems approach in the context of infrastructure, and how this could complement the shortfalls of more dominant approaches. It argues that taking a systems perspective is a route to unlocking additional value from national and regional infrastructure system-of-systems, where value is a measure of the benefits derived by stakeholders in relation to the costs they have incurred. Thinking about infrastructure challenges, assets and services in terms of systems comprising multiple dynamic interactions and perspectives can enhance understanding of how value is created and captured. Examples are presented of infrastructure projects where interactions were overlooked, leading to increased cost and reduced benefits, and where interdependencies were recognised and manged to reduce cost and increase benefits. The paper concludes by outlining recently developed practical tools and techniques which have been designed specifically for the application of a systems approach to infrastructure

Subcellular localization of MC4R with ADCY3 at neuronal primary cilia underlies a common pathway for genetic predisposition to obesity.

Most monogenic cases of obesity in humans have been linked to mutations in genes encoding members of the leptin-melanocortin pathway. Specifically, mutations in MC4R, the melanocortin-4 receptor gene, account for 3-5% of all severe obesity cases in humans1-3. Recently, ADCY3 (adenylyl cyclase 3) gene mutations have been implicated in obesity4,5. ADCY3 localizes to the primary cilia of neurons 6 , organelles that function as hubs for select signaling pathways. Mutations that disrupt the functions of primary cilia cause ciliopathies, rare recessive pleiotropic diseases in which obesity is a cardinal manifestation 7 . We demonstrate that MC4R colocalizes with ADCY3 at the primary cilia of a subset of hypothalamic neurons, that obesity-associated MC4R mutations impair ciliary localization and that inhibition of adenylyl cyclase signaling at the primary cilia of these neurons increases body weight. These data suggest that impaired signaling from the primary cilia of MC4R neurons is a common pathway underlying genetic causes of obesity in humans

Turner syndrome and associated problems in turkish children: A multicenter study

Objective: Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder caused by complete or partial X chromosome monosomy that manifests various clinical features depending on the karyotype and on the genetic background of affected girls. This study aimed to systematically investigate the key clinical features of TS in relationship to karyotype in a large pediatric Turkish patient population. Methods: Our retrospective study included 842 karyotype-proven TS patients aged 0-18 years who were evaluated in 35 different centers in Turkey in the years 2013-2014. Results: The most common karyotype was 45,X (50.7%), followed by 45,X/46,XX (10.8%), 46,X,i(Xq) (10.1%) and 45,X/46,X,i(Xq) (9.5%). Mean age at diagnosis was 10.2±4.4 years. The most common presenting complaints were short stature and delayed puberty. Among patients diagnosed before age one year, the ratio of karyotype 45,X was significantly higher than that of other karyotype groups. Cardiac defects (bicuspid aortic valve, coarctation of the aorta and aortic stenosi) were the most common congenital anomalies, occurring in 25% of the TS cases. This was followed by urinary system anomalies (horseshoe kidney, double collector duct system and renal rotation) detected in 16.3%. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was found in 11.1% of patients, gastrointestinal abnormalities in 8.9%, ear nose and throat problems in 22.6%, dermatologic problems in 21.8% and osteoporosis in 15.3%. Learning difficulties and/or psychosocial problems were encountered in 39.1%. Insulin resistance and impaired fasting glucose were detected in 3.4% and 2.2%, respectively. Dyslipidemia prevalence was 11.4%. Conclusion: This comprehensive study systematically evaluated the largest group of karyotype-proven TS girls to date. The karyotype distribution, congenital anomaly and comorbidity profile closely parallel that from other countries and support the need for close medical surveillance of these complex patients throughout their lifespan. © Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology

Tracking cells in Life Cell Imaging videos using topological alignments

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

A multi-site study on walkability, data sharing and privacy perception using mobile sensing data gathered from the mk-sense platform

Walking is a fundamental part of a physically active lifestyle, it is one of everyday activities that positively impacts health and wellbeing. In this paper we describe the challenges and experiences of conducting a sensing campaign in the wild. We make use of mk-sense; a software platform to facilitate the deployment of collaborative sensing campaigns. We elaborate on two cross-cultural studies conducted in four different countries (Mexico, Turkey, Spain, and Switzerland) with a total of 77 participants. We present a detailed description of the data collected from one of the studies aimed at measuring walkability around three different university campuses. The analysis of the data shows that walkability can be assessed using information from the sensors in the smartphones and results from surveys answered by participants. In addition, we analyze issues about data sharing and privacy awareness

A mathematical model for unsteady mixed flows in closed water pipes

We present the formal derivation of a new unidirectional model for unsteady mixed flows in non uniform closed water pipe. In the case of free surface incompressible flows, the \FS-model is formally obtained, using formal asymptotic analysis, which is an extension to more classical shallow water models. In the same way, when the pipe is full, we propose the \Pres-model, which describes the evolution of a compressible inviscid flow, close to gas dynamics equations in a nozzle. In order to cope the transition between a free surface state and a pressured (i.e. compressible) state, we propose a mixed model, the \PFS-model, taking into account changes of section and slope variation

A Review on the Mechanical Modeling of Composite Manufacturing Processes

© 2016, The Author(s). The increased usage of fiber reinforced polymer composites in load bearing applications requires a detailed understanding of the process induced residual stresses and their effect on the shape distortions. This is utmost necessary in order to have more reliable composite manufacturing since the residual stresses alter the internal stress level of the composite part during the service life and the residual shape distortions may lead to not meeting the desired geometrical tolerances. The occurrence of residual stresses during the manufacturing process inherently contains diverse interactions between the involved physical phenomena mainly related to material flow, heat transfer and polymerization or crystallization. Development of numerical process models is required for virtual design and optimization of the composite manufacturing process which avoids the expensive trial-and-error based approaches. The process models as well as applications focusing on the prediction of residual stresses and shape distortions taking place in composite manufacturing are discussed in this study. The applications on both thermoset and thermoplastic based composites are reviewed in detail

A multi-sensor network for the protection of cultural heritage

The paper presents a novel automatic early warning system to remotely monitor areas of archaeological and cultural interest from the risk of fire. Since these areas have been treasured and tended for very long periods of time, they are usually surrounded by old and valuable vegetation or situated close to forest regions, which exposes them to an increased risk of fire. The proposed system takes advantage of recent advances in multi-sensor surveillance technologies, using optical and infrared cameras, wireless sensor networks capable of monitoring different modalities (e.g. temperature and humidity) as well as local weather stations on the deployment site. The signals collected from these sensors are transmitted to a monitoring centre, which employs intelligent computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms as well as data fusion techniques to automatically analyze sensor information. The system is capable of generating automatic warning signals for local authorities whenever a dangerous situation arises, as well as estimating the propagation of the fire based on the fuel model of the area and other important parameters such as wind speed, slope, and aspect of the ground surface. © 2011 EURASIP