Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of falls on the balance, gait, and activities of daily living functioning in community-dwelling Chinese older adults.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of incident falls on the balance, gait, and Activities of Daily Living functioning in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS This was a population-based, 1-year prospective cohort study in older adults. We performed baseline assessment of potential predictors, the 1-year occurrence of falls, and then 1-year reassessment of the following outcome measures: the Barthel Index (BI), Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, gait speed, and Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation's total mobility score (TMS). At 1 year of follow-up, participants who had declined by > or = 1 standard deviation (SD) below the baseline mean value of each outcome measure were classified as "decliners. " RESULTS Of the 1517 participants, 93.5% (n = 1419) completed the 1-year follow-up reassessment of BI and IADL. For gait speed and TMS, respectively, 88.2% (n = 1338) and 88.3% (n = 1339) completed the 1-year outcome assessment. Fallers, particularly recurrent fallers, experienced significantly greater 1-year declines in the four functional measures. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that an incident fall was a significant independent predictor for decliners in the BI, Lawton's IADL score, gait speed, and TMS after adjustment of all significant confounding factors. The relative risks of an incident fall as an independent predictor for decliners in the BI, IADL score, gait speed, and TMS were 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.0; p =.01), 2.9 (95% CI, 1.7-5.2; p <.001), 2.4 (95% CI, 1.5-3.8; p <.001), and 4.6 (95% CI, 2.7-7.8; p <.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Incident falls have a significant negative impact on the balance, gait, and Activities of Daily Living functioning in community-dwelling older adults.
FogStore: Toward a distributed data store for Fog computing

Stateful applications and virtualized network functions (VNFs) can benefit from state externalization to increase their reliability, scalability, and inter-operability. To keep and share the externalized state, distributed data stores (DDSs) are a powerful tool allowing for the management of classical trade-offs in consistency, availability and partitioning tolerance. With the advent of Fog and Edge Computing, stateful applications and VNFs are pushed from the data centers toward the network edge. This poses new challenges on DDSs that are tailored to a deployment in Cloud data centers. In this paper, we propose two novel design goals for DDSs that are tailored to Fog Computing: (1) Fog-aware replica placement, and (2) context-sensitive differential consistency. To realize those design goals on top of existing DDSs, we propose the FogStore system. FogStore manages the needed adaptations in replica placement and consistency management transparently, so that existing DDSs can be plugged into the system. To show the benefits of FogStore, we perform a set of evaluations using the Yahoo Cloud Serving Benchmark.
A Comparative Study of Speech Segmentation and Preprocessing for Automatic Multi-lingual Recognition

Speech is the most intuitive way of communication between people after they were born, except those mutes and deaf-mutes. Hong Kong, a multicultural society, is an ideal place to develop a multilingual (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English) automatic speech recognition system. Once this happened, numerous techniques were explored of the three major stages on speech data: segmentation, preprocessing and recognition. In this paper, we apply the traditional zero crossing measurement to compare with our purposed speech segmentation method, which consists of Convex Hull algorithm, Spectral Variation Function (SVF) and Normal Decomposition for estimating the optimal number of sub-words in a speech phrase; the sub-words’ boundaries are set by Level Building Dynamic Programming (LBDP)-based method. On speech preprocessing, two common feature extraction methods are proposed, which are based on mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) and relative spectral processing (RASTA). In our speech recognition phase, some approaches such as Navie Bayesian (NB) classification, Hidden Markov Modeling (HMM) with Viterbi algorithm, and Back-propagation with two-hidden-layered structure are being studied and compared.
Database-Text Alignment via Structured Multilabel Classification

This paper addresses the task of aligning a database with a corresponding text. The goal is to link individual database entries with sentences that verbalize the same information. By providing explicit semantics-to-text links, these alignments can aid the training of natural language generation and information extraction systems. Beyond these pragmatic benefits, the alignment problem is appealing from a modeling perspective: the mappings between database entries and text sentences exhibit rich structural dependencies, unique to this task. Thus, the key challenge is to make use of as many global dependencies as possible without sacrificing tractability. To this end, we cast text-database alignment as a structured multilabel classification task where each sentence is labeled with a subset of matching database entries. In contrast to existing multilabel classifiers, our approach operates over arbitrary global features of inputs and proposed labels. We compare our model with a baseline classifier that makes locally optimal decisions. Our results show that the proposed model yields a 15% relative reduction in error, and compares favorably with human performance.
Supportive Group Therapy for Parents who Chronically Neglect Their Children

The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative analysis of neglecting mothers’ responses to participation in an evidence-based model of supportive group therapy. Six mothers with a history of neglecting their children were invited to participate. Two social workers applied a previously evaluated model of group psychotherapy for severe personality disorder. The analysis of transcribed therapy sessions yielded salient themes as to participants’ involvement in group process. Post intervention follow-up interviews provided participants’ subjective reflections on positive changes in interpersonal encounters with their children, partners, and the child welfare system. Although providing this intensive group program is costly, follow-up interviews showed that the chronically neglecting mothers viewed their participation in the group as having been helpful.
The nature and influence of motivation within the MOA framework: implications for social marketing

Social marketers acknowledge that to achieve optimum programme outcomes, identification and targeting of the non-conforming cohort is paramount. This article discusses the application of the social marketing framework, motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) with a particular focus on the motivation aspect of the model. Motivation is considered from the perspectives of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Previously, the degree or level of motivation has been used in the operationalisation of the motivation construct, while in this paper the type of motivation is used as the basis for the construct. The construct is then applied to an environmental land management study, namely a rabbit control programme. Specifically, the aims of this paper were to further develop the MOA constructs, with a particular focus on motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, to develop an understanding of the factors that are associated with ineffective behaviour and to develop a model to predict effective/ineffective control behaviour. Scales were developed to enable a study of the relationship between the MOA constructs, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the respondents control behaviour. Data were collected from a random sample of 566 respondents who were involved in the control programme. Using ANOVA and MANOVA techniques, significant differences were found between those landholders that exhibited effective control and ineffective control with regard to all MOA constructs. A multinomial logit (MNL) regression model was then developed to predict behaviour. This model showed that ability and intrinsic motivation were significant predictors of behaviour. The estimated model was able to predict recalcitrant landholders with 98% accuracy. The results of this study therefore provide a significant contribution to social marketing as it is the recalcitrant cohort that social marketers wish to understand and whose behaviour they frequently attempt to rectify in order to achieve stated social and/or environmental objectives. The implications for related social market theory, policy development and environmental management programmes are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test–retest stability of three tests for unilateral visual neglect in patients with stroke: Star Cancellation, Line Bisection, and the Baking Tray Task

Unilateral visual neglect, an attentional disorder, might show variability on repeated testing. This study investigated test–retest stability in elderly patients post-stroke, 85 with and 83 without neglect. Subjects repeated three common clinical tests for neglect within the hour; the Star Cancellation Test (SCT), Line Bisection (LB) and the Baking Tray Task (BTT). Data analysis indicated good to excellent test repeatability in subjects without neglect. For subjects with neglect, intraclass correlation analysis gave coefficients of . 89, . 97, and . 87 for the SCT, LB, and BTT, respectively, indicating good to excellent agreement. However, analysis of this group, using the 95% limits of agreement, indicated poorer stability, with maximum test–retest differences of: 15 more or 11 less stars cancelled on the SCT, 3 cm for LB, and five “buns” on one side of the “tray” for the BTT. Limits of agreement analysis of sub-groups demonstrated better test–retest stability for the SCT, and a trend for this in the LB, in subjects with more severe neglect. Clinically, limits of agreement analysis is useful, providing indication of the maximum difference, in the units of the test, which may be expected on retest. We suggest that, if SCT, LB, or BTT are used as outcome measures, subjects with severe unilateral visual neglect are likely to show better stability on repeated testing. This may be especially relevant for single-case design when stability of baseline measurement is of particular importance.
Stacked transistor based multimode power efficient MTCMOS full adder design in 90nm CMOS technology

High rate of power consumption in the digital integrated circuit is the major field of concern in the development of VLSI circuits. Demand of higher speed, multiple operations and smaller process geometry contributes in the leakage power. So today leakage power consumption is the most important source of power dissipation rather than run time power consumption. Previously many techniques have been proposed for the leakage reduction. Amongst all MTCMOS technique carries the property of being most efficient in leakage reduction. In this paper we are going to analyze the different types of low power adder circuits with different types of low power design methodologies. The comparison results have also been displayed in this paper. The circuits are simulated in 90nm CMOS technology using tanner EDA simulator.
Probabilistic shape parsing for view-based object recognition

We present a novel probabilistic model for parsing shapes into several distinguishable parts for accurate shape recognition. This shape parsing is based on robust geometric features that permit high recognition accuracy. Although modelling shapes is an inherently uncertain process, our approach is lenient, in that the desired parse of a shape only needs to be within its k most probable parses. Using this set of shape decompositions, we can improve recognition accuracy even further by determining which parts of a shape are common across most views of objects in the same class.
Constrained randomization of time series for hypothesis testing

We propose a general scheme to create time sequences that fulfill given constraints but are random otherwise. Significance levels for nonlinearity tests are as usually obtained by Monte Carlo resampling. In a new scheme, constraints including multivariate, nonlinear, and nonstationary properties are implemented in the form of a cost function.
Performance Implications Of Strategic Coalignment: A Methodological Perspective

Strategic coalignment ‐ viewed in terms of internal consistency among key strategic decisions or the alignment between strategic choices and critical contingencies posed by either environmental or organizational contexts ‐ is an important theoretical perspective in strategic management. However, extant research is characterized by both poor clarifications of the theoretical meanings of coalignment as well as inappropriate statistical modelling. This article adopts a methodological orientation to examining a general proposition of the performance implications of strategic coalignment among three generic strategy dimensions: marketing, manufacturing and administrative. Such a proposition is evaluated using three seemingly complementary perspectives of statistical modelling: (a) interactionist; (b) profile‐derivation; and (c) covariation, and data collected from two hundred business units. The analysis and results generally support the proposition using two of three perspectives, thus raising critical methodological issues relating to multiple specifications of the statistical form of coalignment.
Analytical method for computing electromagnetic transient models of FACTS in hybrid simulation

The electromagnetic and electromechanical hybrid simulation combines the advantages of both methods, is able to simulate large-scale power systems and at the same time modeling the dynamic performance of power electronic devices. In traditional hybrid simulation, the differential equations of the electromagnetic transient models are generally computed by numeric integration methods. This paper proposes a new method for computing the TCSC/SVC electromagnetic transient models. In this paper, the TCSC/SVC models are represented as piecewise linear homogeneous differential equations by adopting new variables. Therefore, the response and fundamental component of the TCSC/SVC models can be derived analytically. Compared with numeric integration methods, the analytical method not only ensures computation accuracy, but also enhances computation efficiency. In the last part of this paper, test examples of SVC and TCSC are provided.
On the Minimum Supply Voltage for MOSFET Oscillators

In order to investigate the minimum supply voltage for MOSFET oscillators, three topologies were studied. Two of them, namely the enhanced swing inductive-load ring and the enhanced swing Colpitts oscillators, can operate with supply voltages below the thermal voltage. Simplified theoretical expressions for the minimum supply voltage of the oscillators were derived. Measurement results obtained using prototypes built with zero-VT transistors and high-quality-factor inductors confirmed the operation of one of the oscillators down to a supply voltage below 5 mV.
Institutional Repository The impact of occupational health and safety regulations on prevention through design in construction projects : perspectives from Spain and the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: Since the mid-1990s, Prevention through Design (PtD) has become increasingly prevalent in the built environment. The acceptance of PtD has largely been due to the removal or reduction of risks during the execution phase of construction projects. European States have had the added impetus of national legislation. OBJECTIVE: This paper analyzes the influence of European Union Directive 92/57/EEC on occupational safety and health injury prevention in the project design phase. METHODS: Qualitative methods comprised individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a panel of experts. Sixty individuals from construction and related professions (architects, engineers, constructors, developers, and other construction experts) answered 17 key questions to establish national perceptions of the effectiveness of Directive 92/57/EEC in Spain and the United Kingdom (UK). RESULTS: The implementation of PtD in the project design phase in the UK is clearer since the regulations explicitly state the obligations of project designers as well as those of the coordinator. Interviews with Spanish experts show that, in Spain, the prevention culture is less frequently implemented. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant differences of the European Directive and national regulations which influence PtD are linked to the Health and Safety Coordinator, and Health and Safety documents.
APE1/Ref-1 regulates PTEN expression mediated by Egr-1

APE1/Ref-1, the mammalian ortholog of E. coli Xth, and a multifunctional protein possessing both DNA repair and transcriptional regulatory activities, has dual role in controlling cellular response to oxidative stress. It is rate-limiting in repair of oxidative DNA damage including strand breaks and also has co-transcriptional activity by modulating genes expression directly regulated by Egr-1 and p53 transcription factors. PTEN, a phosphoinositide phosphatase, acts as an ‘off’ switch in the PI-3 kinase/Akt signalling pathway and regulates cell growth and survival. It is shown here that transient alteration in the APE1 level in HeLa cells modulates PTEN expression and that acetylatable APE1 is required for the activation of the PTEN gene. Acetylation of APE1 enhances its binding to distinct trans-acting complexes involved in activation or repression. The acetylated protein is deacetylated in vivo by histone deacetylases. It was found that exposure of HeLa cells to H2O2 and to histone deacetylase inhibitors increases acetylation of APE1 and induction of PTEN. The absence of such induction in APE1-downregulated HeLa cells confirmed APE1's role in regulating inducible PTEN expression. That APE1-dependent PTEN expression is mediated by Egr-1 was supported by experiments with cells ectopically expressing Egr-1. Thus, the data open new perspectives in the comprehension of the many functions exerted by APE1 in controlling cell response to oxidative stress.
Extreme value theory as a theoretical background for power law behavior

Power law behavior has been recognized to be a pervasive feature of many phenomena in natural and social sciences. While immense research efforts have been devoted to the analysis of behavioral mechanisms responsible for the ubiquity of power-law scaling, the strong theoretical foundation of power laws as a very general type of limiting behavior of large realizations of stochastic processes is less well known. In this chapter, we briefly present some of the key results of extreme value theory, which provide a statistical justification for the emergence of power laws as limiting behavior for extreme fluctuations. The remarkable generality of the theory allows to abstract from the details of the system under investigation, and therefore allows its application in many diverse fields. Moreover, this theory offers new powerful techniques for the estimation of the Pareto index, detailed in the second part of this chapter.
Bradykinin-induced alterations of insulin-receptor interaction in rat adipose tissue under normo- and hypothermic conditions.

BACKGROUND In this study we compared the effect of bradykinin (BK) on insulin-receptor interaction in rat adipose plasma membranes under normothermic and hypothermic conditions. MATERIAL/METHODS Plasma membranes were prepared and purified according to Havrankova and binding assay was performed using (125I) - insulin. The kinetic parameters of the hormone-receptor interaction were analyzed according to Scatchard using the LIGAND - Pc v.3. 1 computer program. Additionally, we determined blood glucose and insulin concentrations. The results were interpreted statistically according to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS Statistically significant changes mainly involved the low-affinity receptor class. In normothermic rats, BK provoked a decrease in insulin-receptor affinity (expressed as a drop in the association constant Ka2 by 64% and enhancement in the dissociation constant Kd2 by 215%), which was compensated by a 188% increase in the number of insulin receptors. Therefore, association constant times binding capacity remained unchanged. Administration of BK resulted in a decrease in serum glucose concentration by about 50%, while the insulin level did not change. Hypothermia lowered insulin concentration by 68% and elevated both the value of the association constant times binding capacity by 166% and the insulin-receptor affinity (Kd2 decreased by 71% and Ka2 increased markedly by about 771%). Administration of BK to hypothermic rats elevated blood insulinl level by180% and diminished (by about 64%) the value of association constant times binding capacity. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that bradykinin plays a significant role in carbohydrate metabolism and may influence insulin-receptor interaction under both normothermic and hypothermic conditions.
Gallstone is correlated with an increased risk of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives This study aims to test the hypothesis that gallstone disease (GSD) is a risk factor for the development of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Research has shown risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with GSD; however, well-conducted English studies on the association between GSD and the development of ISSNHL are lacking. Design and setting Retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Participants We compared 26 449 patients diagnosed with GSD between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2007, with 52 898 age-matched, gender-matched and comorbidities propensity scores-matched controls. Outcome measured We followed each patient until the end of 2011 and evaluated the incidence of ISSNHL for at least 4 years after the initial GSD diagnosis. Results The incidence of ISSNHL was 1.42 times higher in the GS cohort than in the non-GS cohort (9.27 vs 6.52/10 000 person-years). Using Cox proportional hazard regressions, the adjusted HR was 1.44 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.74). In the cohort of patients with GSD who needed a cholecystectomy, 37 patients suffered from ISSNHL. Among those patients, 31 (83.7%) patients sustained ISSNHL before cholecystectomy and 6 (16.2%) patients sustained ISSNHL after cholecystectomy. Conclusions A diagnosis of GSD may be an independent risk for ISSNHL. This finding suggests that an underlying vascular and inflammatory mechanism may contribute to the development of ISSNHL. Physicians may want to counsel patients with GSD to seek medical attention if they have hearing impairments, because patients may be at an increased risk of developing ISSNHL.