NLP Group Research Articles

Exploring the decomposition of epics using natural language processing

Agile user requirements are typically givens as user stories written using natural language and they come in different forms. The most complex form of stories to work with are epics. If epics are poorly understood, they can contribute to threats regarding the sprints or projects becoming behind schedule. It can be attributed to the epic's complexity. The research aimed to explore and attempt the use of Stanza from the Stanford NLP group in the decomposition of epics by creating a text generative model. We have also utilised the chunking technique to formulate the tasks from the generated user stories by identifying the linguistic structure through the aid of a POS tagger. The obtained results illustrate that the stanza can be utilised in the requirements engineering domain such as Sprint backlog grooming. The benefits of this research work are enormous considering that sprint backlog grooming takes considerable time and is always in iterative mode. Agile teams will also benefit from this work by efficiently using sprint timeboxes with minimal sprint planning effort. This will enable agile teams to spend more time delivering the right solutions with reduced sprint planning time and effort.

Genome of Hippophae rhamnoides provides insights into a conserved molecular mechanism in actinorhizal and rhizobial symbioses.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), a horticulturally multipurpose species in the family Elaeagnaceae, can build associations with Frankia actinomycetes to enable symbiotic nitrogen-fixing. Currently, no high-quality reference genome is available for an actinorhizal plant, which greatly hinders the study of actinorhizal symbiotic nodulation. Here, by combining short-read, long-read and Hi-C sequencing technologies, we generated a chromosome-level reference genome of H. rhamnoides (scaffold N50: 65 Mb, and genome size: 730 Mb) and predicted 30 812 protein-coding genes mainly on 12 pseudochromosomes. Hippophae rhamnoides was found to share a high proportion of symbiotic nodulation genes with Medicago truncatula, implying a shared molecular mechanism between actinorhizal and rhizobial symbioses. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the three paralogous NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) genes of H. rhamnoides with those of other nodulating species, forming the NIN group that most likely evolved from the ancestral NLP group. The genome of H. rhamnoides will help us to decipher the underlying genetic programming of actinorhizal symbiosis, and our high-quality genome and transcriptomic resources will make H. rhamnoides a new excellent model plant for actinorhizal symbiosis research.

Comparisons of countermovement jump force profiles in youth athletes

The purposes of this study were to determine whether countermovement jump (CMJ) force profiles differ for jumps in which peak force occurred at the low position of the countermovement (LP) compared to jumps in which peak force did not occur at the low position of the countermovement (NLP), and compare relationships among CMJ and isokinetic metrics between groups. Thirty-nine male and female youth athletes between 9- and 17-year-old participated. Participants completed CMJs and isokinetic knee extensions from 60 to 300°·s−1. Ground reaction forces were collected during CMJs to quantify unweighting, braking, propulsive, and performance metrics. Torque and power were quantified during all isokinetic knee extensions. Forty-one percent of participants had LP force profiles, while 59% of participants had NLP force profiles. The LP group had more efficient unweighting and braking phase metrics than the NLP group, while the NLP group had greater isokinetic torque and power, and greater relationships between CMJ and isokinetic metrics, than the LP group. CMJs from the LP group represent more biomechanically efficient jumps than CMJs from the NLP group. Additionally, the NLP group may be more reliant on concentric force production during the CMJ, while the LP group may have more efficient storage and utilization of elastic energy.

Impact of 2 different aerobic periodization training protocols on left ventricular function in patients with stable coronary artery disease: an exploratory study.

We compared the impacts of linear (LP) and nonlinear (NLP) aerobic training periodizations on left ventricular (LV) function and geometry in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Thirty-nine CAD patients were randomized to either a 3-month isoenergetic supervised LP or NLP. All underwent standard echocardiography with assessment of 3D LV ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic function, strain (global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential), and strain rate at baseline and study end. Training was performed 3 times/week and included high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training sessions. Training load was progressively increased in the LP group, while it was deeply increased and intercepted with a recovery week each fourth week in the NLP group. For the 34 analyzed patients, we found similar improvements for 3D LVEF (effect size (ES): LP, 0.29; NLP, 0.77), radial strain (ES: LP, 0.58; NLP, 0.48), and radial strain rate (ES: LP, 0.87; NLP, 0.17) in both groups (time for all: p ≤ 0.01). All other parameters of cardiac function remained similar. In conclusion, NLP and LP led to similar improvements in 3D LVEF and radial strain, suggesting a favourable positive cardiac remodelling through myofibers reorganization. These findings must be investigated in patients with more severe cardiac dysfunction. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03443193). Novelty: Linear and nonlinear periodization programs improved radial strain, accompanied by improvement of ejection fraction. Both aerobic periodization programs did not negatively impact cardiac function in coronary artery disease patients.

Non-linear is not superior to linear aerobic training periodization in coronary heart disease patients.

We aimed to compare: (1) two different periodized aerobic training protocols (linear (LP) versus non-linear (NLP)) on the cardiopulmonary exercise response in patients with coronary heart disease; (2) the proportion of responders between both training protocols. A randomized controlled trial. A total of 39 coronary heart disease patients completed either LP (n = 20, 65 ± 10 years) or NLP (n = 19, 66 ± 5 years). All patients completed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing with gas exchange measurements. Patients underwent a 12-week supervised exercise program including an isoenergetic aerobic periodized training and a similar resistance training program, 3 times/week. Weekly energy expenditure was constantly increased in the LP group for the aerobic training, while it was deeply increased and intercepted with a recovery week each fourth week in the NLP group. Peak oxygen uptake (peak V̇O2), oxygen uptake efficiency slope, ventilatory efficiency slope (V̇E/V̇CO2 slope), V̇O2 at the first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds, and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) were measured. Responders were determined according the median value of the Δpeak V̇O2 (mL.min-1.kg-1). We found similar improvement for peak V̇O2 (LP: +8.1%, NLP: +5.3%, interaction: p = 0.37; time: p < 0.001) and for oxygen uptake efficiency slope, VT1, VT2 and O2 pulse in both groups (interaction: p > 0.05; time: p < 0.05) with a greater effect size in the LP group. The proportion of non-, low and high responders was similar between groups (p = 0.29). In contrast to the athletes, more variation (NLP) does not seem necessary for greater cardiopulmonary adaptations in coronary heart disease patients.

NON-LINEAR IS NOT SUPERIOR TO LINEAR AEROBIC PERIODIZATION IN CORONARY PATIENTS

A greater training load variation (non-linear periodization [NLP]) is often suggested to bring greater training adaptation in athletes compared to the traditional linear periodization (LP) proposed in most of the guidelines. Recently, NLP was used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but was never studied in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. First, we aimed to compare two different periodized aerobic training protocols (linear [LP] vs. non-linear [NLP]) on the cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic exercise response in CAD patients; Moreover, CAD patients could have different response to exercise training (non- vs. low- vs. high-response). Second, we aimed to measure the proportion of responders between both training protocols. We randomized 39 CAD patients to either LP (n=20, 65±10 years) or NLP (n=19, 66±5 years). All patients completed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with gas exchange and hemodynamic measurements (impedance cardiography). Patients underwent a 12-week supervised exercise program including an isoenergetic aerobic periodized training and a similar resistance training program, 3 times/week. Weekly energy expenditure was constantly increased in the LP group for the aerobic training, while it was increased during the first 3-weeks and decreased the fourth week in the NLP group. This cycle was repeated until the end of the intervention. Cardiorespiratory fitness (peak V ̇O2), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), ventilatory efficiency slope (V ̇E/V ̇CO2 slope), V ̇O2 at the first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds, cardiac output (Q ̇c), and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) were measured. Responders were determined according the median value of the Δ peak V ̇O2 (in mL.kg-1.min-1). We found similar improvement for peak V ̇O2 (LP: +8.1%, NLP: +5.3%, interaction: p=0.37; time: p < 0.001), and for OUES, VT1, VT2, and O2 pulse in both groups (interaction: p>0.05; time: p < 0.05) with a greater effect size in the LP group. The proportion of non, low and high-responders was similar between groups (p=0.39). More variation (NLP) does not seem necessary for greater cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic adaptations in CAD patients. Moreover, greater effect size in the LP group allows us to consider the linear periodization as an optimal approach for exercise training in CAD patients.

PTSD 위험군 초등학생의 PTSD 증상 감소와 PTG 증진을 위한 NLP 집단상담 프로그램 개발 및 효과성 검증

PTSD 위험군 초등학생의 PTSD 증상 감소와 PTG 증진을 위한 NLP 집단상담 프로그램 개발 및 효과성 검증

예술치료를 병행한 NLP 집단상담 프로그램이 저소득층 아동의 스트레스와 자기효능감에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 예술치료를 병행한 NLP 집단상담 프로그램이 저소득층 아동의 스트레스와 자기효능감에 미치는 영향을 검증하는데 목적이 있다. 연구대상은 전라북도 J군 소재 K 아동센터와 D아동센터를 이용하는 초등학교 3～6학년 저소득층 아동 20명을 선정하여 실 험집단과 통제집단 각 10명씩 무선배치했다. 실험집단은 NLP 집단상담 프로그램을 6주 동안 주 2회(1회기 60분), 총 12회기를 실시하였다. 통제집단에게는 아무런 처지를 하지 않았다. 수집된 자료는 독립표본 t-test 분석을 실시하여 동질성 검사를 했으며, 실험집단 과 통제집단의 스트레스와 자기효능감의 사전-사후 변화를 검증하기 위해 대응표본 t-test 분석을 실시했다. 주요한 연구결과는 첫째, 실험집단에 참여한 저소득층 아동의 스 트레스 전체와 그 하위영역 부모, 가정환경, 학업, 친구, 주변 환경, 교사 및 학교 영역 등 의 스트레스 등이 사전에 비해 사후에 감소되었다. 둘째, 실험집단에 참여한 저소득층 아 동의 자기효능감 전체와 그 하위영역 자기조절 효능감, 자신감, 과제난이도 선호 등이 사 전에 비해 사후에 증가되었다. 결국 본 예술치료를 병행한 NLP 집단상담 프로그램이 저소득층 아동의 스트레스 감소와 자기효능감을 향상시키는 효과가 있음이 제시되었다. 본 연구의 한계점과 향후 연구과제가 논의되었다.

A tale of two epidemics: Contextual Word2Vec for classifying twitter streams during outbreaks

Unstructured tweet feeds are becoming the source of real-time information for various events. However, extracting actionable information in real-time from this unstructured text data is a challenging task. Hence, researchers are employing word embedding approach to classify unstructured text data. We set our study in the contexts of the 2014 Ebola and 2016 Zika outbreaks and probed the accuracy of domain-specific word vectors for identifying crisis-related actionable tweets. Our findings suggest that relatively smaller domain-specific input corpora from the Twitter corpus are better in extracting meaningful semantic relationship than generic pre-trained Word2Vec (contrived from Google News) or GloVe (of Stanford NLP group). However, domain-specific quality tweet corpora during the early stages of outbreaks are normally scant, and identifying actionable tweets during early stages is crucial to stemming the proliferation of an outbreak. To overcome this challenge, we consider scholarly abstracts, related to Ebola and Zika virus, from PubMed and probe the efficiency of cross-domain resource utilization for word vector generation. Our findings demonstrate that the relevance of PubMed abstracts for the training purpose when Twitter data (as input corpus) would be scant during the early stages of the outbreak. Thus, this approach can be implemented to handle future outbreaks in real time. We also explore the accuracy of our word vectors for various model architectures and hyper-parameter settings. We observe that Skip-gram accuracies are better than CBOW, and higher dimensions yield better accuracy.

Effects of linear periodization versus daily undulating periodization on neuromuscular performance and activities of daily living in an elderly population.

Periodization is a systematic training calendar designed to provide variations in performance targeting, while maximizing results and reducing the potential for overtraining. When provided across multiple weeks, termed a mesocycle, it may also incorporate active recovery periods using specified drills designed to translate neuromuscular gains into targeted functional abilities. There are a number of models that can be used when applying periodization to resistance training (RT). Among the most common are the linear (LP) and daily fixed non-linear (NLP) models. It is currently unknown whether an optimal periodization strategy exists that will maximize benefits for older adults; therefore, we compared the impact of these two periodization models on neuromuscular and functional measures in a group of older persons living independently in the community. Thirty-six older adults, 58-80 years of age, were randomly assigned to either a LP (n = 16; 69.3 ± 4.6 y) or NLP (n = 14; 68.9 ± 6.7 y) group. The LP group performed 12 weeks of training comprised of separate 4-week strength and power training cycles, each followed by a 2-week recovery period incorporating translational exercises. The NLP group performed the strength, power, and translational training on three separate days during the week. Neuromuscular testing included seated chest press and leg press strength and power tests, while physical function testing included the gallon jug shelf test, laundry transfer test, floor stand-up, chair-to-stand test, and 8 foot timed up-and-go. 3 (time) × 2 (sex) × 2 (group) repeated measures ANOVA revealed both periodization strategies were equally effective at inducing neuromuscular and functional improvements and that men generally produced more strength and power than women. Both LP and NLP can be used to improve strength, power, and functional performance in healthy untrained older adults when strength, power and functional training cycles are involved. Therefore, personal preference and variety should be considered when deciding which approach to use, provided high-speed power and translational recovery components are included.

The stimulatory effect of subluteal progesterone environment on the superovulatory response of passive immunization against inhibin in goats

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of subluteal progesterone environment on the efficacy of the ovarian responses in goats passively immunized against endogenous inhibin. Twelve cycling female Shiba goats were synchronized using two doses of prostaglandin F2α 11 days apart. After detection of ovulation (D0, by ultrasonography), goats were randomly assigned into 2 groups: (1) Subluteal P4 group (SLP; n = 6), treated with a previously once-used controlled intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (ou-CIDR) intravaginal from D 6 to D 12 concurrently with a luteolytic dose of PGF2α at D6 (2) Normal Luteal P4 group (NLP; n = 6), had neither ou-CIDR nor PGF2α. In both groups, goats were treated with an intravenous injection of 10 ml of inhibin antiserum at D10. After that, another luteolytic dose of PGF2α was administrated to goats in both groups at D12, and withdrawal of ou-CIDR in the SLP group. Detection of estrous behavior was checked again 24 h following PGF2α administration and or ou-CIDR withdrawal at 8 h intervals with a teaser buck. The follicle populations ≥4 mm in each goat were monitored through transrectal ultrasonography daily from 1 day after inhibin antiserum administration (0 h) and continued until ovulation had been detected (disappearance of large dominant follicles by ultrasonography). In addition, a repeated ultrasonographic scanning was performed 7 days after ovulation, and the ovulation rate had been estimated by counting the number of observed corpora lutea by ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected for measurement of plasma circulating inhibin binding activity, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) in both groups. Results revealed significant increases in maximum diameter of the preovulatory follicles (5.92 ± 0.17 mm vs 5.31 ± 0.26 mm; P < 0.05), and the mean maximum number of follicles ≥ 4 mm in diameter (18.45 ± 3.40 vs 12.15 ± 6.21; P < 0.05) in the SLP group compared with that of the NPL group. No significant differences were observed between both groups in term of inhibin binding activity %, and FSH. Following immunization, significant increases in the concentrations of circulating LH (at 72 h) and E2 (from 48 to 84 h) were noted in the SLP group as compared with the values obtained from the goats in the NLP group. Moreover, significant increases in ovulation rate (13.85 ± 1.40 vs 5.67 ± 2.10; P < 0.01) and subsequent P4 concentrations (from 192 to 288 h) were found in the SLP group as against those of the NLP group. In conclusion, maintaining a subluteal P4 environment concurrently with passive immunization against endogenous inhibin may improve the superovulatory response in female Shiba goats.

COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR BILINGUAL MACHINE TRANSLATION

Machine Translation has been a major focus of the NLP group since 1999, the principal focus of the Natural Language Processing group is to build a machine translation system that automatically learns translation mappings from bilingual corpora. This paper explores a novel approach for phrase based machine translation from English to Kannada and Kannada to English. The source text is analyzed then simple sentences are translated using the rules and the complex sentences are split into simple sentences later translation is performed.

A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of an NLP Group Counselling Program

A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of an NLP Group Counselling Program

Computer-guided normal-low versus normal-high potassium control after cardiac surgery: No impact on atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter

This study was designed to determine the effect of 2 different potassium regulation strategies with different targets (within the reference range) on atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) in a cohort of intensive care unit patients after cardiac surgery. The GRIP-COMPASS study was a prospective double-blinded interventional study in 910 patients after cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular surgery). Patients were assigned to either the normal-low potassium target (nLP group, 4.0 mmol/L) or the normal-high potassium target (nHP group, 4.5 mmol/L) in alternating blocks of 50 patients. Potassium levels were regulated using a validated computer-assisted potassium replacement protocol (GRIP-II). The primary end point was the incidence of AF/AFL on a 12-lead electrocardiogram during the first postoperative week. Of the 910 patients, 447 were assigned to the nLP group; and 463, to the nHP group, with no baseline differences between the 2 groups. The mean daily administered dose of potassium was 30 ± 23 mmol (nLP) versus 52 ± 27 mmol (nHP) (P < .001), which resulted in mean intensive care unit potassium concentration of 4.22 ± 0.36 mmol/L and 4.33 ± 0.34 mmol/L, respectively (P < .001). The incidence of AF/AFL after cardiac surgery did not differ: 38% in the nLP group and 41% in the nHP group. Also in several subgroups (eg, patients not known with prior AF/AFL or with valve surgery), there were no differences. There were no differences in incidence of AF/AFL with 2 potassium regulation strategies with different potassium targets and different amounts of potassium administered in patients after cardiac surgery.

Lumbopelvic pain associated with catastrophizing and fear‐avoidance beliefs in early pregnancy

To examine and compare levels of catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, physical ability, and health-related quality of life in women with and without lumbopelvic pain (LP and NLP) in early pregnancy. A cross-sectional study of early pregnancy. Five midwife clinics, one in the center, two in the outskirts of Stockholm, and two in a medium-sized town. Three hundred and twenty-four women in the 19th-21st week of pregnancy. Questionnaires. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale of exaggerated negative thoughts about pain experiences, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire of beliefs about how physical activity and work affect back pain, the Disability Rating Index of physical ability, and the Nottingham Health Profile to assess health-related quality of life. Two groups were defined: LP (n=141) and NLP (n=183). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparisons. Pregnant women with LP had significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of exaggerated negative thoughts and fear-avoidance beliefs. They also had lower physical ability and health-related quality of life compared to women in the NLP group. It is important to consider exaggerated negative thoughts about pain experiences and fear-avoidance beliefs when treating women with LP during pregnancy and to be aware of the great impact lumbopelvic pain has on women's lives during early pregnancy.

Experimentally induced subnormal or normal luteal phases in sheep: reproductive hormone profiles and uterine sex steroid receptor expression

This study investigated if ewes expected to have subnormal luteal phases (SNLP) present a different pattern of uterine oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression at the expected time of premature luteolysis. The concentrations of uterine ER, PR and ERalpha mRNA, and the steroid ovarian hormone were determined in anoestrous ewes treated with either gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to develop a SNLP (n = 16), or progesterone + GnRH to develop a normal luteal phase (NLP; n = 16). The ER, PR and ERalpha mRNA concentrations were measured using binding and solution hybridisation assays, while the hormone level concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. In all ewes, a luteinising hormone- and follicle-stimulating hormone-synchronised surge was found. The SNLP group had lower preovulatory oestradiol levels than the NLP group. On Day 5, the SNLP group had lower progesterone levels, and higher uterine ER, PR and ERalpha mRNA concentrations than the NLP group. While in the SNLP group the receptor expression increased from Days 1 to 5, in the NLP group the receptor expression decreased. The results suggest that the induction of steroid receptor expression in the uterus and the hormonal environment found in the experimental SNLP group at the expected time of premature luteolysis may be involved in the mechanisms causing SNLP.

The relationship of late potentials to assessment of heart rate variability in post-infarction patients

In order to investigate the relationship of late potential (LP) to assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we studied 101 Chinese patients with AMI (10±2.4 days) in Taiwan by collecting 24-h ECG from a Holter tape recorder and signal-averaged ECG from a high-resolution ECG cart. Of the 101 patients, 36 patients had LP (LP group) and 65 patients did not (NLP group). The mean heart rate was significantly lower in the LP group than in the NLP group ( P<0.05). The LP group had a significantly increased high-frequency (HF) spectral component of HRV compared with the NLP group ( P<0.005), but their low-frequency (LF) to HF ratio (LF/HF) was lower ( P<0.05). Analysis of the circadian variation of HRV revealed significant difference of morning SDRR (standard deviation of normal RR intervals) compared with noon SDRR ( P<0.05 in the LP group, P<0.005 in the NLP group) and evening SDRR ( P<0.05 in the LP group, P<0.005 in the NLP group). In the NLP group, morning HF (normalized unit, nu) was 0.258±0.098 compared with noon HF (nu) of 0.219±0.83 ( P<0.05) and evening HF (nu) of 0.225±0.085 ( P<0.05). Nine patients died during follow-up from cardiac causes, three (8.3%) in the LP group and six (9.2%) in the NLP group. In post-MI patients, there was higher vagal tone in patients with late potentials compared to those without late potentials. NLP patients had more circadian change in vagal tone compared with LP patients.