703 research outputs found
Protein Classification with Improved Topological Data Analysis
No full textAutomated annotation and analysis of protein molecules have long been a topic of interest due to immediate applications in medicine and drug design. In this work, we propose a topology based, fast, scalable, and parameter-free technique to generate protein signatures.
We build an initial simplicial complex using information about the protein's constituent atoms, including its radius and existing chemical bonds, to model the hierarchical structure of the molecule. Simplicial collapse is used to construct a filtration which we use to compute persistent homology. This information constitutes our signature for the protein. In addition, we demonstrate that this technique scales well to large proteins. Our method shows sizable time and memory improvements compared to other topology based approaches. We use the signature to train a protein domain classifier. Finally, we compare this classifier against models built from state-of-the-art structure-based protein signatures on standard datasets to achieve a substantial improvement in accuracy
Hecalus shanayai Nikoshe & Meshram & Dey 2020, sp. nov.
No full textHecalus shanayai Nikoshe & Meshram, sp. nov. (Figs. 3, 8, 13, 34–40) Male (Figs. 3, 8) Color yellowish green to green. Anterior margin of head with transverse submarginal fuscous line, face (Fig. 13) brown, gena black, frontoclypeus transverse black striae invisible in middle. Compound eyes black, ocelli yellow. Forewings subhyaline, with diffuse fuscous transverse band across costal margin. Bases of tibial macrosetae and tarsi light brown. Head including eyes as long as width of pronotum. Head produced in front, crown length 0.7x shorter than width between eyes. Face as long as wide; anterior margin of pronotum not extending beyond eyes, more or less parallel with eyes. Frontoclypeus longer than wide; frontal suture, terminating laterad of ocelli. Ocelli near anterior margin, very closely oppressed to eyes. Pronotum length 0.2x as long as wide and 0.9x length of scutellum. Male genitalia. Pygofer (Fig. 34) longer than wide, posterior margin triangular, with posterior ½ densely setose. Style (Fig. 36) with preapical lobe obtusely angulate, with few microsetae, apophysis short, 0.25 of the total length. Connective (Fig. 40) with stem 2x shorter than arms. Aedeagal shaft narrowed apically, broad medially in lateral view, foliate in apical 0.2 with sparsely serrated margin, dorsal margin with short subapical tooth, with pair of slender apical processes half as long as shaft extended anterolaterad, gonopore subapical on ventral margin (Figs. 37–39). Measurements (mm). Male 4.63 long, 1.3 wide across eyes, 1.01 wide across hind margin of pronotum. Type material. Holotype ³, INDIA: Maharashtra: Chikhaldara (21.4030° N, 77.3268° E), 22.ix.2015, Sweep net Coll. Akash Nikoshe (NPC). Paratypes, 6 ³ with same data as holotype. Etymology. This species is named in honour of “Miss Shanaya” (daughter of the corresponding author) for her support to the author to pursue his passion in leafhopper taxonomy. Remarks. Hecalus shanayai sp. nov. externally resembles H. lutescens (Distant) (Figs. 2, 7, 12, 27–33) but differs in having the aedeagal shaft foliate in the apical 0.2 with a sparsely serrated margin, the dorsal margin with a short subapical tooth, and lacking mid-dorsal lateral expansions which are more distinct in the latter. From H. ghauri Rao and Ramakrishnan, (Figs. 19, 20 & 21) it can be distinguished by the aedeagal shaft foliate in the apical 0.2 with a sparsely serrated margin, the dorsal margin with a short subapical tooth, and lacking mid-dorsal lateral expansions more distinct in the former.Published as part of Nikoshe, Akash P., Meshram, Naresh M., Stuti & Dey, Debjani, 2020, Indian Hecalina (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Hecalini) with description of three new species, pp. 573-585 in Zootaxa 4881 (3) on pages 576-578, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4881.3.9, http://zenodo.org/record/428398
The role of intersecting identities in career development and progression in the core disciplines of the South African mining industry
No full textA research report Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Arts in the field of Diversity Studies, In the Faculty of Humanities , School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024The study sought to contribute to scholarship in the South African mining industry related to career development and progression in the core disciplines. Using qualitative research methods and applying intersectionality as a theoretical framework, the study examined whether, and how social identity plays a role on career development and progression in the core disciplines (mining & technical services, metallurgy, and engineering) of the South African mining industry. The study further examined whether there has been a change in the experiences of the different social identity groups related to career development and progression in the nearly thirty years since the promulgation of various pieces of legislation in South Africa in the mid- to late 1990s across industries and the mining industry in the early 2000s to transform the demographic profile across various occupational levels. The study lastly determined whether historical and current organisational, industry and societal systemic issues and dynamics impact career development and progression in these core disciplines. Thematic analysis was used to systematically identify and organise the data from the narratives of the participants provided through semi-structured interviews. This study confirms that intersectional identities have an impact on the career development and progression in core disciplines in the South African mining industry. The application of intersectionality as a theoretical framework brought to the fore different career development and progression experiences, challenges, and outcomes for the different social identity groups. Some progress in changing the demographic of the industry was noted, although progress is seen as being slow, particularly at executive level, with historical systemic issues related to entrenched ways of working and a leadership style that is not people-centric being the most difficult to change. The outcomes of the study and recommendations challenge the industry to think differently about transforming their cultures and ways of working, to create a focus on macro-level organisational systems and structures that continue to produce and reproduce unequal outcomes whilst also creating awareness and dealing with micro-level individual behaviourMM202
Liminal Identity of Japanese expatriates/migrants in post Apartheid South Africa: How has “honorary whiteness” been (re)produced and influenced their subjectivity?
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Critical Diversity Studies by combination of coursework and research, to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.In post-Apartheid South Africa, racial segregation persists. Japanese migrants were granted "honorary white" status during Apartheid, while the Chinese were classified as non-white. This research explores the experiences of Japanese migrants in post-Apartheid South Africa to unravel the complex racial structure. Occupying a liminal racial and ethnic position, the Japanese benefit from class and nationality privileges, providing access to positions of power. The study sheds light on their navigation of liminal spaces and their understanding of race, ethnicity, and nationality in the social structure of post-Apartheid South Africa. The findings uncover prevalent neo-racism and a sense of racial in-betweenness, with Japanese migrants perceiving themselves as "in-between" black and white or as racially neutral. Their liminal position allows access to diverse social groups based on behaviour and contextual factors. This liminality holds the potential to challenge existing social structures through varied interpretations and interactions.MM202
Re-discovering English as an Oriental weapon in post independent India: Chutneyfication of the western tongue through textual and verbal discourses
No full textIn the contemporary era, English language performs a crucial role in global transformation and exchange. Diversification and modification of the language has not only diminished the age-old occidental/oriental dichotomies but has caused a complete erasure of the cartographical divisions of nation-state across the world. This language through a continuous process of colonial and marketing exchanges has become the primary source of universal contact. The acceptance and impact of English varies from nation to nation. English may have been introduced as a formal communicative procedure in Europe, but in the continents of Africa, Asia, America or Australia the language was introduced as a powerful colonial discourse and it is still flourishing as a neo-imperialistic discourse in several countries. This paper highlights the function of English in post-independent India, imploring the gradual transcendence of the language from mere colonialism to globalism. The language has been re-explored and rediscovered as an anti-colonial weapon to escape from the colonial shadow and establish universally distinct language identity. Most fascinating aspect about India is that English has been mimicked and molded on the basis of distinctive language communities spread across different states. Indianized version of English is not a centrally complete concept, but exists through its regional differences. Shedding its capitalist and colonialist identity, today English has emerged as a successful anti-colonial weapon in India to encounter all forms of imperialism or neo-imperialism
Graphical user interface of a mobile tunnel inspection robot
No full textThe report is to summarise the author’s work in his Final Year Project, which is to develop a web based graphical user interface for a tunnel inspecting crawler robot, to be utilised by Public Utilities Board, Singapore. The first critical step was to identify the functional requirements of such a robot, and to create a draft to have an overview of what was to be achieved. Commercial UIs were studied extensively to identify the main requirements, while having a reference for the UI to be created. User interfaces could be created with multiple languages, supporting multiple platforms. Two of these are Native UIs, and Web based UIs. The main advantages and disadvantages of both were studied, and a decision was taken on utilising Web based UIs. A user interface (the MAVEN), was used as reference for further customisation and improvement. Once the draft was created, the UI basis chosen, and the reference UI made available, each individual element was looked into, and created through repeated iterations to achieve the functional necessities. It was necessary to get familiarised with the system, the required elements, and the coding structure for the user interface. Based on the availability of resources and time, the following elements were aimed to be implemented within the duration of the Final Year Project: Map, Motion Control, Cameras, Artificial Horizon, Light Switch, Laser, and Sonar. Each element had been worked on separately, to identify critical areas and scope of improvement. Once an acceptable result was achieved, it was integrated into the main user interface, and further modifications were done. Some elements, such as Map, Cameras, Laser and Sonar, had undergone several iterations to achieve the current design. Once the elements had been integrated into the main interface, it was critical for these to function as expected, without interfering with the remaining elements. The user interface had undergone several tests to ensure non-interference with the other functions. In case an element interfered with the working of another, necessary changes were made. Based on the timeframe and objectives laid out in the beginning of the project, most of the objectives were successfully met. However, a few of these do require additional work, as mentioned under ‘Recommendations’. To conclude, the author had identified critical functions, studied coding structures, and added creativity to achieve the present structure of the user interface. His work has been extensively discussed in the report.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering
By a celebrated author: Nick Carter, Frederic Dey and authorial voice in dime novels
No full textUsing Theodor Adorno's division between culture industry, characterized by standardization and a lack of autonomy, and mass culture, characterized by a more autonomous expressivity of the populace, this thesis explores issues of authorial autonomy and expression in the dime novel industry, focusing on the Nick Carter series. Contemporary discourse about and from the authors is compiled to show authorial engagement with the rhetoric around and from the dime novel industry. Themes of identity and autonomy are examined in the writings by and on Frederic Dey, showing how particular authorial concerns are inscribed into dime novel texts despite editorial attempts to create standardization. This thesis argues that the dime novel industry sits on the border between culture industry and mass culture, both constraining and enabling artistic expression by working-class individuals
Reviving Indigenous Spaces: Echoes of a Native Spirit - An Interview with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
No full textLeanne Betasamosake Simpson is an indigenous (Missisuaga Nishnaabeg) writer, musician and academician. She is notable as the author of several books and papers on indigenous issues in Canada, and for her work with the 2012 'Idle No More' protests. Leanne released her first album of poetry and music called Islands of Decolonial Love in conjunction with a book of poetry and short stories of the same name in 2013 with ARP Books. She signed with RPM records, the first indigenous contemporary music label in June 2016, and her second album Flight released on September 30, 2016. Simpson is a member of Alderville First Nation. She writes about contemporary indigenous issues and realities, particularly from her own 'Anishinaabe' nation across a variety of genres. Simpson has collaborated with a variety of indigenous and non-indigenous musicians to record and perform stories as song. She regularly performs live with a core group of musicians consisting of Cris Derksen Nick Ferrio and Ansley Simpson. In this interview she talks about the importance of preserving and reviving indigenous geo-political spaces to decolonize the global contemporary patterns of knowledge production. </jats:p
Topic mining and categorization in online discussion forums
No full textOnline Forums provide a useful way to engage in discussions about a wide variety of topics, as well as gather custom information for which an exact source may not be available, using a combination of knowledge and human interpretation. Usually forums have categories which cater to a particular topic of interest, allowing information seekers and topic experts to meet. It is thus imperative to organize forum data into an organized structure. In this work we look at methods for categorizing forum posts into appropriate categories, where the number of such categories is large. We compare several baseline methods with state-of-the-art deep learning methods and analyze their performance. We observe that given the highly keyword-centric nature of our data, deep learning methods only slightly outperform baseline methods. Following this, we perform topic modeling on the forum data to find latent topics which creates a hierarchy across forum categories and clusters similar categories. In this process we observe that some of the recent approaches in topic modeling that utilize word embeddings lead to better topics. Finally, we use this hierarchy to perform hierarchical classification of the forum posts to allow better management of the classification task and analyze the benefits of this method.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'Closed Access', the embargo will last until 2022-05-01The student, Jishnu Dey, accepted the attached license on 2020-05-12 at 13:28.The student, Jishnu Dey, submitted this Thesis for approval on 2020-05-12 at 13:30.This Thesis was approved for publication on 2020-05-12 at 14:23.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #15355 on 2020-08-25 at 17:44:24Made available in DSpace on 2020-08-27T00:51:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
DEY-THESIS-2020.pdf: 5485995 bytes, checksum: 6da71fbb7e5d0cde6e311be078035b31 (MD5)
LICENSE.txt: 4207 bytes, checksum: e109a493d176b0bdabd1164bb4b4bb52 (MD5)
Previous issue date: 2020-05-12Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115963
Lift date: 2022-08-27T00:51:40Z
Reason: Author requested closed access (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemAuthor requested closed access (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemLimite
Automated stratification of liver disease in ultrasound: An online accurate feature classification paradigm
No full textPurpose: Fatty liver disease (FLD) is one of the most common diseases in liver. Early detection can improve the prognosis considerably. Using ultrasound for FLD detection is highly desirable due to its non-radiation nature, low cost and easy use. However, the results can be slow and ambiguous due to manual detection. The lack of computer trained systems leads to low image quality and inefficient disease classification. Thus, the current study proposes novel, accurate and reliable detection system for the FLD using computer-based training system. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty-four ultrasound sample images were selected retrospectively from a database of 62 patients consisting of normal and cancerous. The proposed training system was generated offline parameters using training liver image database. The classifier applied transformation parameters to an online system in order to facilitate real-time detection during the ultrasound scan. The system utilized six sets of features (a total of 128 features), namely Haralick, basic geometric, Fourier transform, discrete cosine transform, Gupta transform and Gabor transform. These features were extracted for both offline training and online testing. Levenberg-Marquardt back propagation network (BPN) classifier was used to classify the liver disease into normal and abnormal categories. Results: Random partitioning approach was adapted to evaluate the classifier performance and compute its accuracy. Utilizing all the six sets of 128 features, the computer aided diagnosis (CAD) system achieved classification accuracy of 97.58%. Furthermore, the four performance metrics consisting of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) realized 98.08%, 97.22%, 96.23%, and 98.59%, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed system was successfully able to detect and classify the FLD. Furthermore, the proposed system was benchmarked against previous methods. The comparison established an advanced set of features in the Levenberg-Marquardt back propagation network reports a significant improvement compared to the existing techniques
- …
