Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D3 levels and frailty in the elderly: A large sample cross-sectional study

Background Frailty is recognized as a cornerstone of geriatric medicine. Accurately screening and identifying frailty can promote better quality and personalized medical services for the elderly. Previous studies have shown that the association between vitamin D and frailty in the elderly population is still controversial. More research is needed to explore the association between them. Materials and methods We used three waves of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Based on the widely accepted AAH FRAIL Scale, we measured and evaluated the participants’ frailty from five aspects: fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and loss of weight. All possible relevant variables are included. Machine learning XGboost algorithm, the Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and univariate logistic regression were used to screen variables, and multivariate logistic regression and generalized additive model (GAM) were used to build the model. Finally, subgroup analysis and interaction test were performed to further confirm the association. Results In our study, XGboost machine learning algorithm explored the relative importance of all included variables, which confirmed the close association between vitamin D and frailty. After adjusting for all significant covariates, the result indicated that for each additional unit of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, the risk of frailty was reduced by 1.3% with a statisticaldifference. A smooth curve was constructed based on the GAM. It was found that there was a significant negative correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and the risk of frailty. Conclusion There may be a negative correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and the risk of frailty. However, more well-designed studies are needed to verify this relationship.
Digital filtering by polyphase network:Application to sample-rate alteration and filter banks

The digital filtering process can be achieved by a set of phase shifters with suitable characteristics. A particular set, named polyphase network, is defined and analyzed. It permits the use of recursive devices for efficient sample-rate alteration. The comparison with conventional filters shows that, with the same active memory, a reduction of computation rate approaching a factor of 2 can be achieved when the alteration factor increases. A more substantial gain can be obtained in the direct realization of a uniform bank of recursive filters through combination of the polyphase network with a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) computer; savings in hardware also result from the low sensitivity of the structure to coefficient word lengths.
Text Augmentation: Inserting markup into natural language text with PPM Models

This thesis describes a new optimisation and new heuristics for automatically marking up XML documents. These are implemented in CEM, using PPM models. CEM is significantly more general than previous systems, marking up large numbers of hierarchical tags, using n-gram models for large n and a variety of escape methods. Four corpora are discussed, including the bibliography corpus of 14682 bibliographies laid out in seven standard styles using the BIBTEX system and markedup in XML with every field from the original BIBTEX. Other corpora include the ROCLING Chinese text segmentation corpus, the Computists’ Communique corpus and the Reuters’ corpus. A detailed examination is presented of the methods of evaluating mark up algorithms, including computation complexity measures and correctness measures from the fields of information retrieval, string processing, machine learning and information theory. A new taxonomy of markup complexities is established and the properties of each taxon are examined in relation to the complexity of marked-up documents. The performance of the new heuristics and optimisation is examined using the four corpora.
Development of CAD models for space engineering

This article emphasizes cooperative work between a public research laboratory (XLIM) and an industrial company specialized in space technologies (Thales Alenia Space) for the development of advanced computer‐aided design (CAD) solutions. In particular, the article reviews two computer‐aided techniques that have been developed through collaborative research programs then integrated into industrial design flows. The first technique is devoted to the design of microwave filters and is based on coupling parameter extraction from simulated/measured data. The second technique consists in developing a CAD library of generic elements based on artificial neural networks for the packaging of multichip modules. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2012.
A cybernetic approach to the multiscale minimization of energy function: Grey level image segmentation

Segmentation is an important topic in computer vision and image processing. In this paper, we sketch a scheme for a multiscale segmentation algorithm and prove its validity on some real images. We propose an approach to the model based on MRF (Markov Random Field) as a systematic way for integrating constraints for robust image segmentation. To do that, robust features and their integration in the energy function, which directs the process, have been defined. In this approach, the image is first transformed to different scales to determine which one fits better to our purposes. Then, it is segmented into a set of disjoint regions, the adjacent graph (AG) is determined and a MRF model is defined on the corresponding AG. Robust features are incorporated to the energy function by means of clique functions and optimal segmentation is then achieved by finding a labeling configuration that minimizes the energy function using Simulated Annealing.
Senior CHAT: a model for health literacy instruction

Purpose – Senior CHAT (Consumer Health Awareness Training) improved health information literacy and promoted better health outcomes through basic computer instruction among senior citizens in a healthcare impoverished Louisiana parish. Librarians at a state university in southeast Louisiana partnered with senior citizen centers to promote National Library of Medicine databases in a project funded by National Network/Libraries of Medicine/South Central Region. This paper seeks to describe and discuss this initiative.Design/methodology/approach – Librarians responded to a community assessment demonstrating the need for basic computer instruction and increased health information literacy among the 1,800 clients served by the Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging (TVCOA). Senior CHAT included two series of hands‐on classes with 25 students. Seniors were instructed in the use of MedlinePlus and NIHSeniorHealth databases. TVCOA staff were trained to continue to assist seniors after the project's completion. A S.
Parameter estimation for a flotation process tracking simulator

Abstract A parameter estimation method for an online flotation process simulator is described. The applications of an online process simulator include soft sensor implementations, process trajectory predictions and advisory feedback to the operator, which have potential to improve the process efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of disturbances on the process or the environment. The online simulator uses a detailed and dynamic model of an actual industrial flotation process, and therefore accurately corresponds to the process phenomena present at the plant. Parameter estimation is required for the flotation kinetics in order for the simulator to adapt to changes in the process conditions. A relatively generic parameter estimation algorithm is developed and tested with a dual simulator setup. The particular requirements and limitations of adapting an online simulator are discussed, and modifications to well-known estimation algorithms are presented as a possible method of meeting the requirements and overcoming the limitations. The results show that online parameter estimation and simulation model tracking is possible with the chosen method, and point out areas of further development for application when the simulator is used alongside the real process.
A New Hybrid Model for Video Shot Saliency Extraction

Abstrac--Video screen shots of images are special, and they are motive compare to other images. To extract saliency maps from video images quickly and accurately is a hard task. This paper is inspired by some excellent works, employing the combination of several ideas to propose a hybrid model for extracting saliency. The hybrid model to extract salient region is based on visual attention theory, dynamic feature saliency maps extraction technique, and motionprior idea integrate spatial with time. We perform experiments to make extraction with itti model, and results prove the fact that the proposed model can get an ideal effect when extract salient region dynamically considering the combination of speed and direction is closing to biological visual mechanisms.
Microarray data classification using inductive logic programming and gene ontology background information

There exists many databases containing information on genes that are useful for background information in machine learning analysis of microarray data. The gene ontology and gene ontology annotation projects are among the most comprehensive of these. We demonstrate how inductive logic programming (ILP) can be used to build classification rules for microarray data which naturally incorporates the gene ontology and annotations to it as background knowledge without removing the inherent graph structure of the ontology. The ILP rules generated are parsimonious and easy to interpret. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating Transmission Quality in Mobile Telecommunication Systems Using Conversation Tests

Mobile and wireless telecommunication systems are expanding rapidly, and many new systems are in development. To address the impact on speech communication, this paper describes a new conversation-based test of transmission quality designed to be sensitive to degradations common in mobile systems. An experiment using this conversation test added roundtrip delays of 0, 600 and 1200 ms to the transmission path. Three types of dependent variables were collected: subjective ratings of quality and listening effort, measures of conversational dynamics, and scores of task performance. Although neither the subjective ratings or task performance varied across delay conditions, there was a significant effect on one measure of conversational dynamics, the number of interruptions. Arguments are presented that changes in conversational events may be superior to traditional subjective measures for evaluating mobile systems.
Topical Concept Based Text Clustering Method

Text clustering typically involves clustering in a high dimensional space, which appears difficult with regard to virtually all practical settings. In addition, given a particular clustering result it is typically very hard to come up with a good explanation of why the text clusters have been constructed the way they are. To solve these problems, based on topic concept clustering, this paper proposes a method for Chinese document clustering. In this paper, we introduce a novel topical document clustering method called Document Features Indexing Clustering (DFIC), which can identify topics accurately and cluster documents according to these topics. In DFIC, “topic elements” are defined and extracted for indexing base clusters. Additionally, document features are investigated and exploited. Experimental results show that DFIC can gain a higher precision (92.76%) than some widely used traditional clustering methods.
A 5-V-only operation 0.6- mu m flash EEPROM with row decoder scheme in triple-well structure

An experimental 4-Mb flash EEPROM has been developed based on 0.6- mu m triple-well CMOS technology in order to establish circuit technology for high-density flash memories. A cell size of 2.0*1.8 mu m/sup 2/ has been achieved by using a negative-gate-biased source erase scheme and a self-aligned source (SAS) process technology. A newly developed row decoder with a triple-well structure has been realized in accordance with its small cell size. The source voltage during the erase operation was reduced by applying a negative voltage to the word line, which results in a 5-V-only operation. The chip size of the 4-Mb flash EEPROM is 8.11*6.95 mm/sup 2/, and the estimated chip size of a 16-Mb flash EEPROM is 98.4 mm/sup 2/ by using the minimal cell size (2.0*10 mu m/sup 2/). >
Constant-gm constant-slew-rate high-bandwidth low-voltage rail-to-rail CMOS input stage for VLSI cell libraries

This paper introduces a general-purpose low-voltage rail-to-rail input stage suitable for analog and mixed-signal applications. The proposed circuit provides, simultaneously, constant small-signal and large-signal behaviors over the entire input common-mode voltage range, while imposing no appreciable constraint for high-frequency operation. In addition, the accuracy of the circuit does not rely on any strict matching of the devices, unlike most of the traditional approaches based on complementary input pairs, which need to compensate for the difference in mobility between electrons and holes with the transistor aspect ratios. Also, the technique is compatible with deep submicrometer CMOS devices, where the familiar voltage-to-current square law in saturation is not completely satisfied. Based on the proposed input stage, a transconductor with rail-to-rail input common-mode range and an input/output rail-to-rail operational amplifier were developed. Both cells were designed to operate with a 3-V single supply and fabricated in standard 0.8-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. Experimental results are provided.
Rationalization of the Path Search Algorithm

New algorithm, which allows organizing virtual scanner turn angle with resolution, not less than 1.29 minute, is proposed and implemented in virtual supervisory system. Implementation of new vector marks formation algorithm into supervisory system allows effectively reduce database, which is used for faster calculations of movement trajectory for any robot in any place in the environment. Usage.
Advances in applications of spiking neuron networks

In this paper, we present new findings in constructing and applications of artificial neural networks that use a biologically inspired spiking neuron model. The used model is a point neuron with the interaction between neurons described by postsynaptic potentials. The synaptic plasticity is achieved by using a temporal correlation learning rule, specified as a function of time difference between the firings of pre- and post-synaptic neurons. Using this rule we show how certain associations between neurons in a network of spiking neurons can be implemented. As an example we analyze the dynamic properties of networks of laterally connected spiking neurons and we show their capability to self-organize into topological maps in response to external stimulation. In another application we explore the capability networks of spiking neurons to solve graph algorithms by using temporal coding of distances in a given spatial configuration. The paper underlines the importance of temporal dimension in artificial neural network information processing.
Blending Firefly and Bayes Classifier for Email Spam Classification

Email spam is a serious worldwide problem which causes problems for almost all computer users. This issue not only affects normal users of the internet, but also causes a huge problem for companies and organizations since it costs a huge amount of money in lost productivity, wasting user’s time and network bandwidth. Recently, various researchers are presented several email spam classification techniques. In this paper, we have developed an efficient technique to classify the email spam using firefly and naive bayes classifier. Initially, the input email data is given to the feature selection to select the suitable feature for spam classification. The traditional firefly algorithm is taken and the optimized feature space is chosen with the best fitness. Once the best feature space is identified through firefly algorithm, the spam classification is done using the naive bayes classifier. The results for the spam detection are validated through evaluation metrics namely, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy. For comparative analysis, proposed spam classification is compared with the existing works such as particle swarm optimization and neural network. From the results, our proposed algorithm performed better than PSO algorithm and neural network in terms of accuracy and specificity.
Adaptive loading in the downlink of OFDM/SDMA-based wireless local networks

A combined OFDM/SDMA approach substantially increases the capacity of wireless local networks while maintaining a feasible implementation complexity. We introduce a new precompensating downlink OFDM/SDMA strategy which achieves diversity A-U+1 for all U users, with A the size of the basestation's antenna array. We compare this scheme with a pre-compensating strategy we have proposed previously. Furthermore, adaptive loading as a means for increasing the performance in the downlink of such OFDM/SDMA networks is studied. We derive an efficient closed-form expression for the optimal bit distribution and show that substantial gains in symbol error rate (SER) can be achieved at low additional complexity. Finally, a simplified loading algorithm is proposed which possesses a lower computational and signaling cost in return for a small performance penalty.
Impact of Learner-Centred Teaching Environment with the Use of Multimedia-mediated Learning Modules in Improving Learning Experience

Malaysian tertiary education is still very much practicing the traditional teaching and learning approach. There had been a push by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia to move towards outcome-based education. Technology can be used to facilitate teaching and learning process moving towards outcome-based education. The use of technology can help forming learner-centred teaching environment where in this research students were exposed to online learning environment through the Internet platform and it was also known as a self-directed learning environment. Besides online platform, multimedia technology can be used to help enhance students’ learning experience by motivating them to learn. This research allowed students to have independent learning using multimedia learning module. With the aid of technology used in education, learner-centred teaching could be formed. Learner-centred teaching allowed the focus to be shifted from lecturers to students, and then learner understanding and motivation would be improved. This research was conducted using mixed-method research design. Results from pre/post-tests, survey and students’ comments were triangulated and indicated that learner-centred teaching environment with the use of multimedia-mediated learning module contributed in improving learner motivation compared to teacher-centred teaching environment. This research supported the benefits of shifting from teacher-centred teaching to learner-centred teaching environment.
Combining object-oriented process and information models

A project - known as the Integrated Co operative Workspace (ICW) - sponsored under the Department of Trade and Industry / Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (DTI/EPSRC) Computer Supported Co-operative Work (CSCW) Advanced Technology Programme, involves the Sheffield Area Health Authority as a demonstrator site for the technology and methods being developed within the project. The ICW project* is developing integrated methods and Open Standards-based software tools to facilitate enterprise-wide CSCW. This paper explains the business issues which provide the rationale for ICW, and describes each component of the ICW methods and tool sets, and the way the components fit together from a business perspective. The authors also report on the approaches developed within the project, which employ object-oriented extensions to information modelling techniques, allied to object- oriented process modelling and an enterprise information service. The notion of 'three views' of an organization is described as: • An information view. • A process view. • A human resources view is described. The discussion is within the context of a specific application, supporting collaborative management work in a health authority.
A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR PERCEPTUALLY LOSSLESS CODING OF STEREO 3-D VIDEO

In this conceptual paper, a theoretical framework is formulated and introduced to address the problem with application of a multichannel vision model based perceptual distortion measure to the rate-perceptual-distortion optimisation process for inter-frame and inter-view coding in a perceptually lossless video coder for high quality, e.g., full HD (high definition), stereo 3-D video communications, broadcasting and entertainment services and applications. It aims at enhancing and achieving the ultimate viewing experience at home for users to enjoy these aforementioned services and applications. The approach also offers backward compatibility from stereo 3-D video compression systems to standard video compression systems.
Using digital technologies and contemporary psychometrics in the assessment of performance on complex practical tasks

There is a critical need for research into the use of digital technologies to support the assessment of performance on complex tasks in schools. This paper reports on a component of a pilot study aimed at investigating the use of digital forms of performance assessment, manageable within schools, with high levels of reliability and capable of being scaled up for statewide implementation. Student practical performances were represented in digital files, placed in an online repository and marked using both a standards‐reference and comparative pairs method. It was found that the short performance tasks exam was readily implemented and the work easily marked. The resulting scores were shown to be highly reliable and well correlated when compared with the other case studies and suitable for ranking students. However, the limitations of the tasks, time and scaffolding of the tasks reduced the study’s validity in assessing student capability in the course. Overall the results were encouraging and provide a basis for a larger and longer study that has commenced.
A 10-b 100-Msample/s pipelined subranging BiCMOS ADC

The authors describe a 10-b, 100-Ms/s ADC (analog-to-digital converter) with a pipelined subranging scheme, a sample-and-hold amplifier with 7.6-ns acquisition time, and a 94-dB, 335-MHz op amp, enabling it to operate with 950-mW power dissipation from a single -5 V power supply. The design consists of sample-and-hold amplifiers, a coarse 6-b flash ADC, a fine 5-b flash ADC, a digital-to-analog converter, an analog subtractor, a register, and a digital adder with an error-correction function. The ADC is fabricated using a 0.8- mu m BiCMOS process featuring a double-layer polysilicon capacitor. The signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratio as a function of input frequency at a 100-Ms/s conversion rate is shown. >