Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Racially Diverse Older Adults: Comparison of Consensus, Actuarial, and Statistical Methods.

BACKGROUND Actuarial and statistical methods have been proposed as alternatives to conventional methods of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with the aim of enhancing diagnostic and prognostic validity, but have not been compared in racially diverse samples. OBJECTIVE We compared the agreement of consensus, actuarial, and statistical MCI diagnostic methods, and their relationship to race and prognostic indicators among diverse older adults. METHODS Participants (N = 354; M age = 71; 68% White, 29% Black) were diagnosed with MCI or normal cognition (NC) according to clinical consensus, actuarial neuropsychological criteria (Jak/Bondi), and latent class analysis (LCA). We examined associations with race/ethnicity, longitudinal cognitive and functional change, and incident dementia. RESULTS MCI rates by consensus, actuarial criteria, and LCA were 44%, 53%, and 41%, respectively. LCA identified three MCI subtypes (memory; memory/language; memory/executive) and two NC classes (low normal; high normal). Diagnostic agreement was substantial, but agreement of the actuarial method with consensus and LCA was weaker than the agreement between consensus and LCA. Among cases classified as MCI by actuarial criteria only, Black participants were over-represented, and outcomes were generally similar to those of NC participants. Consensus diagnoses best predicted longitudinal outcomes overall, whereas actuarial diagnoses best predicted longitudinal functional change among Black participants. CONCLUSION Consensus diagnoses optimize specificity in predicting dementia, but among Black older adults, actuarial diagnoses may be more sensitive to early signs of decline. Results highlight the need for cross-cultural validity in MCI diagnosis and should be explored in community- and population-based samples.
The Construction of Gothic Cathedrals: A Study of Medieval Vault Erection

This book describes the process of erecting the great cathedrals in the Gothic era. Since there are no contemporary accounts of the techniques used by medieval builders, this study explains the building equipment and falsework needed, the actual operations undertaken, and the sequence of these operations as far as they can be deduced from manuscript illuminations and pictorial representations. The book shows the technical expertise and improvements which enabled the creative spirit of the day to find such splendid embodiment.
Teaching Approaches and Profile Analysis: An Exploratory Study With Trainee History Teachers

The objective of this study is to analyze the teaching approaches of trainee history teachers in Spain. A non-experimental quantitative design was employed with data being gathered via a questionnaire with a Likert-type scale (1–5). Six hundred forty-six students of master’s degrees in geography and history teacher training from 22 different universities took part in the study, of whom 358 were men (55.41%) and 280 women (43.34%). The analytical process was performed in four phases. In the first of them, the reliability of the measures was estimated (internal consistency, reliability of the individual indicators, and reliability of the construct). In the second phase, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out on the matrix of polychoric correlations between the items. In the third phase, evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was analyzed by way of a confirmatory factor analysis. In the fourth phase, a hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out in order to verify the presence of possible groups and, finally, to ascertain the differences between groups by way of an inferential analysis (ANOVA and Student’s t). No significant differences were detected in the scoring groups within the Conceptual Change/Student-Focused approach (CCSF subscale) according to the sex of the participants. However, there were significant differences in the Information Transmission Teacher-Focused approach (ITT subscale). A cluster analysis reveals significant differences with regard to the sex of future secondary education history teachers in Spain.
A Lightweight Network for Building Extraction from Remote Sensing Images

Building extraction is a fundamental research topic in remote sensing image interpretation. Convolutional neural network (CNN)–based building extraction algorithms have achieved high accuracy but require a large account of parameters and calculations, which hinders the practical application of these algorithms. To address the challenge, we propose a lightweight network (RSR-Net) for building extraction from remote sensing images. The network consists of three basic units with only a few parameters, and uses the idea of fusion of shallow features and deep features, which is proposed by U-Net. Before features fusion, the SE module in RSR-Net assignsed channel weights to these deep and shallow features. This operation can effectively reduce the influence of noise caused by shallow features in feature fusion, so as to improve the performance of the model. We estimated our network on datasets and achieved 88.32%, 71.58%, 77.07% intersection-over-union (IoU) on datasets of aerial image and satellite image in Wuhan University dataset, and the self-made building dataset of Guangzhou University Town, with only 2.81 M parameters and 6.91G floating point of operations (FLOPs). In addition, we propose a strategy combining target and background prediction, which makes RSR-Net achieve 0.37% improvement in IoU on WHU aerial image dataset. The effectiveness of RSR-Net is high. It showed that the proposed network is light and fast for the application of convolution neural network algorithm in practice.
Near-Optimal Estimates for Modelling Kurtosis-Matched GGL in TH-UWB Multiuser Systems

ABSTRACT This study discusses near-optimal estimates for a generalized Gaussian Laplace (GGL) distribution based on the method of moment estimation (MME) to precisely comply with the multi-user interference (MUI) in an ultra-wideband (UWB) system. The GGL distribution is a good candidate for modelling non-Gaussian noise, whereas the MME equations based on sample moments sometimes have invalid solutions in the parameter estimation process. In order to overcome this drawback, theoretical moment analysis based on the statistics of the interference is introduced. Additionally, the theoretical approach of the MME combined with a kurtosis matching (KM) method is proposed to accurately model the impulsive feature of the MUI-plus-noise. The suggested GGL approaches show the same results as the existing GGL model adopting infinite training bits, and the system performance is compared to that of existing UWB receivers.
Incorporating inhabitants’ everyday practices into domestic retrofits

Energy-focused retrofit projects are often framed in terms of overcoming technical problems and optimizing the technical and economic performance of houses. However, this paper argues that the success of energy-focused retrofit projects (in terms of saving energy) is conditioned by their compatibility with the everyday practices of the families living afterwards in the retrofitted house. The question is whether ideas of the future everyday practices of the inhabitants are included in the planning and design of the retrofit and, if they are included, is this in order to create a material setting to accommodate environmentally preferred everyday practices? The theoretical framework of the study is founded on the crossroads between a practice–theoretical approach and a concept of design dispositions. Empirical material includes three different case studies: a do-it-yourself retrofit project; a retrofit project where idea, initiative and work are performed by professional building companies; and retrofit projects where the municipality is the main initiator of the retrofit. It is found that context-rich retrofits, in which homeowners are involved in taking decisions on the basis of technical input, are the best framing of energy retrofits. The facilitation of everyday practices (and appropriate feedback loops) can actually help to reduce consumption.
Epidemiological Study of the Discoid Meniscus: Investigating Demographic-Based Predictors in Large-Scale Claims Database

Purpose To better define the epidemiology of discoid meniscus by analyzing a large, national database for incidence rates and associations with demographic variables. Methods From Optum’s Clinformatics® Data Mart Database, incidence rates and proportions of reported racial categories - Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Caucasian - of diagnosed discoid meniscus cases (n = 198) in the study population of patients receiving arthroscopic meniscectomy or repair procedures (n = 60,042) were calculated and compared via chi-square tests to the total population. To control for age, sex, and socioeconomic factors such as income, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Proportions of discoid meniscus patients who were Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Caucasian were <6%, <7%, 15.7%, and 73.7%, respectively; proportions of each racial category in the study population were 2.2%, 7.4%, 9.9%, and 80.5%, respectively. Incidence rates per 1000 for these were 5.95, 2.92, 5.19, and 3.01, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and income, race was not a statistically significant predictor. Odds of a discoid meniscus diagnosis decreased by 6% for each increment in age (p <0.001) and by 40% if male (p <0.001) in our total study population. In patients <=20 years old, sex was not a significant risk factor. Conclusions Younger age and female sex were identified as significant predictors for symptomatic discoid meniscus in the total study population. Unlike prior studies, this investigation did not show a significant association between this condition and race in the US, potentially increasing the diagnostic accuracy and estimated pretest probabilities for this condition based on patient demographics. What this study adds to existing knowledge This study provides new data on the role racial category plays in estimating the risk of having a symptomatic discoid meniscus requiring arthroscopic management, finding that it is unlikely to be a significant factor when controlling for other demographic variables. Furthermore, we report incidence statistics for this pathology in Black and Latinx populations, which so far have had little representation in peer-reviewed published literature on discoid meniscus epidemiology. In addition, this study suggests that age and sex possess statistically significant associations with a diagnosis of discoid meniscus requiring arthroscopic management, with the risk of diagnosis decreasing with age and increasing if female.
Physics of Failure approach to wind turbine condition based maintenance

Wind turbine condition monitoring systems provide an early indication of component damage, allowing the operator to plan system repair prior to complete failure. However, the resulting cost savings are limited because of the relatively low number of failures that may be detected and the high cost of installing the required measurement equipment. A new approach is proposed for continuous, online calculation of damage accumulation using standard turbine performance parameters and Physics of Failure methodology. The wind turbine system is assessed in order to identify the root cause of critical failure modes and theoretical damage models are developed to describe the relationship between the turbine operating environment, applied loads and the rate at which damage accumulates. Accurate estimates may then be made in real time concerning the probability of failure for specific failure modes and components. The methodology is illustrated for a specific failure mode using a case study of a large wind farm where a significant number of gearbox failures occurred within a short space of time. Such an approach may be implemented at relatively low cost and offers potential for significant improvements in overall wind turbine maintenance strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of Cobalt Oxide Electrochemically Deposited on Stainless Steel Meshes with Co-Mn Thin Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering: Effect of Preparation Method and Application to Ethanol Oxidation

Magnetron sputtering is an advantageous method for preparing catalysts supported on stainless steel meshes. Such catalysts are particularly suitable for processes carried out at high space velocities. One of these is the catalytic total oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), economically feasible and environmentally friendly method of VOC abatement. The reactive radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering of Mn and Co + Mn mixtures in an oxidation Ar + O2 atmosphere was applied to form additional thin oxide coatings on cobalt oxide layers prepared by electrochemical deposition and heating on stainless steel meshes. Time of the RF magnetron sputtering was changed to obtain MnOx and CoMnOx coatings of various thickness (0.1–0.3 µm). The properties of the supported CoOx-MnOx and CoOx-CoMnOx catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic activity was investigated in the deep oxidation of ethanol, which was employed as a model VOC. According to the specific activities (amount of ethanol converted per unit mass of metal oxides per hour), the performance of CoOx-MnOx catalysts was higher than that of CoOx-CoMnOx ones. The catalysts with the smallest layer thickness (0.1 µm) showed the highest catalytic activity. Compared to the commercial pelletized Co-Mn-Al mixed oxide catalyst, the sputtered catalysts exhibited considerably higher (23–87 times) catalytic activity despite the more than 360–570 times lower content of the Co and Mn active components in the catalytic bed.
Simultaneous AM-AM/AM-PM distortion measurements of microwave transistors using active load-pull and six-port techniques

A programmable active load-pull measurement system using two six-port reflectometers and three passive two-port standards has been developed to obtain load-pull contours of the transistor's input-output phase shift variations over a wide dynamic range of the input power. The output power, gain, power-added efficiency, and phase shift are measured simultaneously at the transistor's input and output reference planes. The phase distortion versus input power, /spl phi//spl sim/P/sub in/, and the AM-PM conversion coefficient at various power levels, k/spl sim/P/sub in/, are obtained for different load impedances by post-measurement calculations. A NE8001 MESFET is tested at f=1.7 GHz for the class A operation. The experimental results are also given. >
The Outcomes of Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma in a Tertiary Center in Abuja, Nigeria

Background Acute traumatic subdural hematoma is life-threatening and is associated with high unfavorable outcomes in developing countries. Objective We aim to identify factors contributing to outcomes after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to acute subdural hematoma (SDH) in patients admitted to National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Methods This was a retrospective review of 34 patients who consecutively underwent neurosurgery for acute SDH over five years (from January 2015 to December 2019). Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and the time intervals from injury to surgery were investigated to determine the interactions between all these factors and outcome. Outcome was graded according to the Glasgow outcome scale at the three-month follow-up. Results Out of 34 patients who had surgical evacuation for traumatic acute subdural hematoma, 15 patients died (44.1%). A significant correlation was identified between outcome and the Glasgow coma scale score at admission. No significant correlation was seen between the outcome and the age, gender and the time from injury to surgery (chi2 test, p>0.05). Conclusion The rate of unfavorable outcomes in acute subdural hematoma is high. The Glasgow coma score at admission is an important predictor for outcome in traumatic acute subdural hematoma.
Development of chemical engineering course methods using action research: case study

This paper reports on the systematic development of a teaching methodology for two chemical engineering courses. The aim was to improve the quality of teaching to achieve expected learning outcomes more effectively. The development was carried out over a period of several years based on an action research methodology with data systematically extracted from student feedback and teacher reflection. Two new development targets were set every year based on teacher reflection and analysis of the data. Using action research as a development tool is an approach that can also be adopted in many other teaching fields. The results show that persistent development work leads to better learning outcomes and positive course feedback.
Two Year Study of Aflibercept and Ranibizumab Intravitreal Therapy in Patients with Wet AMD

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic results in patients with exudative AMD treated with ranibizumab and aflibercept intravitreal injections over a two-year observation period. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a clinical hospital on a group of patients who randomly qualified for treatment with Aflibercept (group A) and Ranibizumab (group B) as part of the Polish National Health Fund Medical Program for exudative AMD. Group A consisted of 90 patients, and group B contained 54 patients. The choice of drug in a patient depended solely on the availability of the medication at the time. Before each injection, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on the ETDRS scale and central retinal thickness (CRT) were assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients from both groups were treated in the first year of treatment with a rigid scheme of 3 doses of 2.0 mg Aflibercept (group A) and 0.5 mg Ranibizumab (group B) at monthly intervals, followed by 4 doses at bimonthly intervals. In the second year, a “pro re nata” scheme was applied. The aim was to evaluate changes in BCVA and CRT after three injections, after 7 injections (about 12 months), and after the second year of therapy (24 months) with reference to the baseline and to compare the effectiveness of the medications. The influences of the following factors were studied: age, gender, initial BCVA, and initial CRT, as well as the number of injections received. Results: No significant statistical differences were found between patients receiving Aflibercept and Ranibizumab therapy in terms of achieving improved visual acuity and reducing retinal thickness after two years of therapy. Conclusions: Both aflibercept and ranibizumab were found to be effective for treating exudative AMD.
Strengthening Schemes for Flexure and Torsion Using FRP Laminates: A State of Art Review

RC beams as a structural member contain a variety of non-uniform loads. These non-uniform loads caused combined effects of flexure and torsion. There are numerous studies available, that suggests different strengthening schemes using FRP laminates, as a solution for flexure and torsion deficient beams. Most of the experimental studies suggested individual strengthening schemes for flexure or torsional deficiency RC beams. However, the combined effects were not studied due to difference in experimental setup, testing procedure and specimen detailing. Therefore, the outcome of previous studies was needed to combine together to facilitate the strengthening process as a guideline case of such deficiency. Therefore, a combined review is presented by suggesting different configuration for flexure and torsion deficient RC beams. Most of the studies suggested that the application of FRP laminates at the soffit of beam is suitable for flexural strengthening. The application of U-shape or full wrap are suitable for strengthen torsion deficient beams. Similarly, 45° wraps are more effective than 90°wraps for improving ductility of torsion deficient beams.
Asymmetrical Attention to Gambling-related Stimuli and Pupillary Dilation in Response to Wins and Losses in Problem Gamblers

Gambling disorder and problem gambling are characterized by persistent and repetitive problematic gambling behavior. Attentional bias toward gambling-related stimuli such as casino chips, dice, roulette, etc. have been observed in problem gamblers (PGs), but it remains unclear whether stimuli in gambling tasks elicit greater attention and pupillary responses in PGs. To address this issue, we administrated PGs and non-problem gamblers (NPGs) a gambling task accompanied by eye-tracking measurements, in which the participants were required to choose one of the paired pictures to receive monetary rewards and avoid punishments. Concerning attentional allocation, PG showed a greater attentional preference for the right-hand pictures in the decision and feedback phases, and compared to NPGs, PGs’ attention was narrower and more focused on the left-hand pictures in the decision phase. Concerning pupillary dynamics indicative of noradrenergic locus coeruleus activity, pupillary dilation in response to rewards and punishments was observed only in PGs. Studies of unilateral spatial neglect have proposed that asymmetric attention is induced by hemispheric imbalance. Accordingly, asymmetrical allocation of attention by PGs may reflect hemispheric imbalance, and pupillary dynamics may reflect sensitivity to wins and losses.
A Lower CD4 Count Predicts Most Causes of Death except Cardiovascular Deaths. The Austrian HIV Cohort Study

(1) Objective: To investigate changes in mortality rates and predictors of all-cause mortality as well as specific causes of death over time among HIV-positive individuals in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. (2) Methods: We analyzed all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality among the Austrian HIV Cohort Study between 1997 and 2014. Observation time was divided into five periods: Period 1: 1997–2000; period 2: 2001–2004; period 3: 2005–2008; period 4: 2009–2011; and period 5: 2012–2014. Mortality rates are presented as deaths per 100 person-years (d/100py). Potential risk factors associated with all-cause mortality and specific causes of death were identified by using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Models were adjusted for time-updated CD4, age and cART, HIV transmission category, population size of residence area and country of birth. To assess potential nonlinear associations, we fitted all CD4 counts per patient using restricted cubic splines with truncation at 1000 cells/mm3. Vital status of patients was cross-checked with death registry data. (3) Results: Of 6848 patients (59,704 person-years of observation), 1192 died: 380 (31.9%) from AIDS-related diseases. All-cause mortality rates decreased continuously from 3.49 d/100py in period 1 to 1.40 d/100py in period 5. Death due to AIDS-related diseases, liver-related diseases and non-AIDS infections declined, whereas cardiovascular diseases as cause of death remained stable (0.27 d/100py in period 1, 0.10 d/100py in period 2, 0.16 d/100py in period 3, 0.09 d/100py in period 4 and 0.14 d/100py in period 5) and deaths due to non-AIDS-defining malignancies increased. Compared to latest CD4 counts of 500 cells/mm3, lower CD4 counts conferred a higher risk of deaths due to AIDS-related diseases, liver-related diseases, non-AIDS infections and non-AIDS-defining malignancies, whereas no significant association was observed for cardiovascular mortality. Results were similar in sensitivity analyses where observation time was divided into two periods: 1997–2004 and 2005–2014. (4) Conclusions: Since the introduction of cART, risk of death decreased and causes of death changed. We do not find evidence that HIV-positive individuals with a low CD4 count are more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases.