Computer Aided ECG Analysis - State of the Art and Upcoming Challenges

In this paper we present current achievements in computer aided ECG analysis and their applicability in real world medical diagnosis process. Most of the current work is covering problems of removing noise, detecting heartbeats and rhythm-based analysis. There are some advancements in particular ECG segments detection and beat classifications but with limited evaluations and without clinical approvals. This paper presents state of the art advancements in those areas till present day. Besides this short computer science and signal processing literature review, paper covers future challenges regarding the ECG signal morphology analysis deriving from the medical literature review. Paper is concluded with identified gaps in current advancements and testing, upcoming challenges for future research and a bullseye test is suggested for morphology analysis evaluation.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, IEEE EUROCON 2013 International conference on computer as a tool, 1-4 July 2013, Zagreb, Croati

Hollow condensates, topological ladders and quasiperiodic chains

This thesis presents three distinct topics pertaining to the intersection of condensed matter and atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics. We theoretically address the physics of hollow Bose-Einstein condensates and the behavior of vortices within them then discuss localization-delocalization physics of one-dimensional quasiperiodic models, and end by focusing on the physics of localized edge modes and topological phases in quasi-one-dimensional ladder models. For all three topics we maintain a focus on experimentally accessible, physically realistic systems and explicitly discuss experimental implementations of our work or its implications for future experiments. First, we study shell-shaped Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). This work is motivated by experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) where hollow condensates are being engineered. Additionally, shell-like structures of superfluids form in interiors of neutron stars and with ultracold bosons in three-dimensional optical lattices. Our work serves as a theoretical parallel to CAL studies and a step towards understanding these more complex systems. We model hollow BECs as confined by a trapping potential that allows for transitions between fully-filled and hollow geometries. Our study is the first to consider such a real-space topological transition. We find that collective mode frequencies of spherically symmetric condensates show non-monotonic features at the hollowing-out point. We further determine that for fully hollow spherically symmetric BECs effects of Earth's gravity are very destructive and consequently focus on microgravity environments. Finally, we study quantized vortices on hollow condensate shells and their response to system rotation. Vortex behavior interesting as a building block for studies of more complicated quantum fluid equilibration processes and physics of rotating neutron stars interiors. Condensate shells' closed and hollow geometry constrains possible vortex configurations. We find that those configurations are stable only for high rotation rates. Further, we determine that vortex lines nucleate at lower rotation rates for hollow condensates than those that are fully-filled. Second, we analyze the effects of quasiperiodicity in one-dimensional systems. Distinct from truly disordered systems, these models exhibit delocalization in contrast to well-known facts about Anderson localization. We study the famous Aubry-Andre-Harper (AAH) model, a one-dimensional tight-binding model that localizes only for sufficiently strong quasiperiodic on-site modulation and is equivalent to the Hofstadter problem at its critical point. Generalizations of the AAH modelhave been studied numerically and a generalized self-dual AAH model has been proposed and analytically analyzed by S. Ganeshan, J. Pixley and S. Das Sarma (GPD). For extended and generalized AAH models the appearance of a mobility edge i.e. an energy cut-off dictating which wavefunctions undergo the localization-delocalization transition is expected. For the GPD model this critical energy has been theoretically determined. We employ transfer matrices to study one-dimensional quasiperiodic systems. Transfer matrices characterize localization physics through Lyapunov exponents. The symplectic nature of transfer matrices allows us to represent them as points on a torus. We then obtain information about wavefunctions of the system by studying toroidal curves corresponding to transfer matrix products. Toroidal curves for localized, delocalized and critical wavefunctions are distinct, demonstrating a geometrical characterization of localization physics. Applying the transfer matrix method to AAH-like models, we formulate a geometrical picture that captures the emergence of the mobility edge. Additionally, we connect with experimental findings concerning a realization of the GPD model in an interacting ultracold atomic system. Third, we consider a generalization of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model. The SSH chain is a one-dimensional tight-binding model that can host localized bound states at its ends. It is celebrated as the simplest model having topological properties captured by invariants calculated from its band-structure. We study two coupled SSH chains i.e. the SSH ladder. The SSH ladder has a complex phase diagram determined by inter-chain and intra-chain couplings. We find three distinct phases: a topological phase hosting localized zero energy modes, a topologically trivial phase having no edge modes and a phase akin to a weak topological insulator where edge modes are not robust. The topological phase of the SSH ladder is analogous to the Kitaev chain, which is known to support localized Majorana fermion end modes. Bound states of the SSH ladder having the same spatial wavefunction profiles as these Majorana end modes are Dirac fermions or bosons. The SSH ladder is consequently more suited for experimental observation than the Kitaev chain. For quasiperiodic variations of the inter-chain coupling, the SSH ladder topological phase diagram reproduces Hofstadter's butterfly pattern. This system is thus a candidate for experimental observation of the famous fractal. We discuss one possible experimental setup for realizing the SSH ladder in its Kitaev chain-like phase in a mechanical meta-material system. This approach could also be used to experimentally study the Hofstadter butterfly in the future. Presented together, these three topics illustrate the richness of the intersection of condensed matter and AMO physics and the many exciting prospects of theoretical work in the realm of the former combining with experimental advances within the latter

When men and women working long hours is the norm, women’s careers stall

The 24/7 culture pits home against work in the battle over limited hours and creates discontent for women and men alike, write Irene Padavic, Robin J. Ely, and Erin M. Rei

Pathétique: a tale of two rabbys

Title from PDF of title page, viewed on May 29, 2012Thesis advisor: James MobberleyVitaThesis (M.M.)--Conservatory of Music and Dance. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2012My thesis incorporates a variety of contrasting styles and musical material in an attempt to unify them under the same work while maintaining a unique sound. Since I began composing, I've heard this collaboration in my head between the rock music that I listened to growing up with the contemporary classical and jazz music that I've learned to love through my academic endeavors. The concept of the piece stems from joining together the seriousness and tragedy of opera with the playfulness of musical theater. A full production is also intended to include dance. The score contains fully notated sections, fully improvised sections, as well as a combination of the two, utilizing techniques from traditional notation to graphic notation to pop charts and lead sheets. The instrumentation is an amalgamation of a chamber ensemble, operatic and popular song vocals, spoken word, and rock quartet. My approach to writing the music was to create a world in which all of these elements work together, without sounding as if a series of styles and genres were simply spliced back to back.Abstract -- Instrumentation -- Story and lyrics -- Acknowledgments -- Overture -- Chapter 1- The tale of Tabby the Mad Rabby -- Chapter 2 - The rise of Tabby The Mad Rabby -- Hamster Wheel -- Chapter 3- The fall of Tabby The Mad Rabby -- Chapter 4- Babby and the Mad Rabby king -- Chapter 5 - Undertur

Gender and leadership aspiration: The impact of work-life initiatives

Despite the increase in female leaders, women still remain a minority. As aspiration, defined as the interest for achieving a leadership position, is one predictor of advancement, it is important to understand conditions fostering female leadership aspiration. Because women face more domestic and child care responsibilities, we predict that there is an interaction between gender and work–life initiatives. These initiatives help employees balance their work and private life through simplifying the integration and diminishing tension between the two spheres. Because the work–life interface poses greater challenges for women, we hypothesize that work–life initiatives have a stronger influence on women's leadership aspiration. Results of a survey of N = 402 employed men and women supported this hypothesis. The interaction effect of gender and work–life initiatives on leadership aspiration was positive, implying that women's leadership aspiration is more influenced by work–life initiatives. Our other hypothesis which states that work–life initiatives—regardless of gender—are positively related to leadership aspiration was supported. Hence, men's leadership aspiration also was positively influenced by the availability of such initiatives. This study suggests that by implementing work–life initiatives, such as flexible work arrangements, leaves of absence, or on-site child assistance, organizations may encourage leadership aspiration for both genders. Our data show that the interaction effect of gender and work–life initiatives was positively related to leadership aspiration, but this may particularly hold true for women

Male/Female Is Not Enough: Adding Measures of Masculinity and Femininity to General Population Surveys

Survey research and sociological theory each provide insights into how and why people and groups act, think, and feel. Sociological theories identify what concepts are important for understanding and representing the social world. That is, sociological theories inform what to measure in surveys, and, to a certain extent, how to measure it. Survey research permits sociologists to carefully specify what is to be measured vis a vis sociological theory, setting surveys apart as a social research tool. It is this level of specification of concepts and measures that allow surveys to provide continued value at a time when “big data” proliferate. High quality survey measurement and estimation is necessary for sociologists to evaluate sociological theory among generalizable samples with well-developed questions, leading to further refinement and improvement of the theory and improved understanding of the social world. High quality surveys also provide insights into where sociological theories fail and where they must be adjusted for different subgroups, as well as basic insights into the prevalence of outcomes of interest. Together, sociological theory and survey methods produce insights about society that can inform decision-making and social policy. This mutually reinforcing relationship between sociological theory and survey methods requires sociological theory to evolve from insights obtained using survey methods and survey measurement to evolve with advances in in sociological theory. The measurement of sex and gender in surveys is one area where the development of survey measures has not kept pace with sociological theory and empirical, largely qualitative, findings. Contemporary gender theory sees sex and gender as separate concepts, both of which are important for understanding behaviors and outcomes. Yet, virtually all contemporary surveys measure sex as a binary “male” versus “female” categorization and fail to measure gender, ignoring important heterogeneity in gender identification that may exist within sex categories and any overlap that may occur across categories. Both gender scholars and survey researchers are potentially affected by this shortcoming of modern survey measurement. Gender scholars lose an important tool for assessing gender theories, especially on generalizable samples, risking conclusions that are specific to a small group of individuals rather than the population at large. Survey researchers risk producing theoretically obsolete data, limiting the utility of the data or potentially generating misleading conclusions. Survey data that fail to capture and reflect modern and complex understandings of our social realities also face increased risk of being replaced by “big data” such as administrative and social media data. Survey data that do reflect modern and complex understandings can bring value not available in administrative or other data and are therefore unlikely to be replaced. This paper is part of a growing chorus advocating for updates to how modern surveys measure sex and gender. We argue that the reliance on a single binary measure of sex (male or female) is out of step with current sociological understandings of sex and gender. In response, we propose and test a new theoretically-informed gradational measure of gender identification in a nationally representative mail survey. We evaluate whether respondents answer the gender measure and examine the reliability and predictive validity of the measure. In particular, we examine whether measuring gender gradationally adds explanatory value beyond sex on important social outcomes such as sexuality, childcare, grocery shopping, housework, working for pay, and military service. We also examine whether sex moderates the effect of gender identification in the ways that sociological theory would suggest on these outcomes

The curious under‐representation of women impact case leaders: Can we disengender inequality regimes?

Universities are increasingly expected to demonstrate the wider societal impacts of academic research. Yet women management scholars were disproportionately under‐represented in leading impact cases in the UK's REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2014. An analysis of 395 REF impact cases for business and management studies with an identifiable lead author revealed that only 25 per cent were led by women, of which 54 per cent were sole authored. Based on 12 in‐depth interviews with women impact case writers, we use Acker's inequality regimes framework to understand invisible and socially constructed gendering of the UK's policy that is designed to evaluate research impact. In a knowledge‐intensive workplace dominated by men, the shape and degree of gendered bases of inequality, systemic practices, processes and controls result in sub‐optimal talent management and gendered knowledge. We call for university leaders to be proactive in addressing barriers that fail to support or recognize women's leadership of research impact