Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the risk and preventive factors for progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia: a 6-year follow-up study

Background: To investigate the cognition change of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) during a 6-year follow-up, and to evaluate the preventive and risk factors for MCI progression to dementia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on the results of the epidemiological survey in 2011 (No. PKJ2010-Y26). A total of 441 MCI individuals, 60 years and above were involved. Cognitive function was measured by the mini-mental status examination (MMSE), clinical dementia rating (CDR), montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and daily living scale (ADL). The association between demographic characteristics and MCI outcomes were evaluated using single-and multi-factor ordered logistic regression analysis models. Results: Exclusion of the relocated community, the final follow-up rate was 43.8%. Individuals who were older, had more children, not in marriage, and with high income were easily lost to follow-up. Of the 441 MCI, 77 progressed to dementia (MCIp, 17.5%, 95% CI: 14.4-21.6%), 356 remained stable (MCIs, 80.7%, 95% CI: 77.0-88.4%), and 8 reverted to normal cognition (MCIr, 1.8%, 95% CI: 0.6-3.0%) at follow-up in 2017. Diabetes (P=0.047) and past occupations as managers (P=0.028) increased the risk of MCI progression to dementia. While, high education (P=0.006) was the protective factor of MCI progression. Conclusions: High education, nondiabetic, and past occupation as a technical staff might prevent the progression of MCI to dementia. Keywords: Mild cognitive impairment; dementia; ordered logistic regression analysis; education; diabetes; past occupation.
A novel control scheme for four‐plate retardation polarization controller

In this letter, a control scheme with novel algorithm is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for a four‐plate retardation polarization controller. The presented control scheme consists of two steps. In the first step, a fast localization algorithm (FLA) is applied to transform the input state of polarization (SOP) into a relatively close state to the desired output state; in the second step, an ordinary gradient search algorithm is used to finely tune the wave plates and search for the optimum SOP from the current SOP. The mathematic description on the presented algorithm is presented with the help of Poincaré sphere. Experimental results demonstrate that the efficiency is greatly increased due to the application of the FLA. The performance of the given control scheme is compared with that without the FLA in an experiment with 200 randomly chosen input SOPs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 124–128, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24011
NUMERICAL WIND ENGINEERING: THE WAY AHEAD ?

This paper discusses the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the wind engineering context. It is argued that although the potential is undoubtedly great and CFD is thus increasingly being used in industry (for assessment of wind loads, pollutant dispersion, etc.) there are significant dangers. Without a sound understanding of the fluid mechanics appropriate to the particular problem being attacked, an awareness of the extent to which the code being used has been validated for similar problems and a clear understanding of the sources of uncertainty and the accuracy levels actually needed, great caution is required in using CFD as an integral part of the design process.
The Way Forward for Deepwater and Ultra Deepwater Drilling in Trinidad and Tobago

Future deepwater drilling in Trinidad and Tobago will definitely present enormous challenges. During the period 1999 to 2003, eight deepwater wells were drilled in deepwater acreage. None of these wells found hydrocarbon in economic quantities although abundant reserves have been found in the shelf area (<1000 meters water depth). The data from these wells would be useful for further deepwater and ultra deepwater drilling in Trinidad. To date, no wells have been drilled in our ultra deepwater acreage but seismic acquisition and processing has been undertaken. Thus lessons learned from the first deepwater campaign will definitely propel the way forward for further exploration works in deeper waters. We have to adapt our operations to accommodate the problems associated with our first phase of deepwater drilling in our area.This paper will look at the approaches we should adapt in the next phase of deepwater drilling. Some of these issues include rig selection, well location, well design and planning, environmental studies (wind, wave, climate etc.) and shallow hazard assessment. The key learnings from previous deepwater drilling events are useful in future operation in Trinidad and Tobago. Key words : Deepwater drilling; Trinidad and Tobago
What Inspires Undergraduate Design Students?

The importance of design inspiration sources and the way designers utilize them during their designing activities is well documented (Oxman, 1990). For example, the use of nature as a source of inspiration is widespread in a variety of design disciplines (Petroski, 1994), such as the invention of VELCRO in the early 1940s (Wake, 2000). More recently, architectural design firms such as Frank Gehry and the Future Systems Group have received widespread recognition for their creative use of design inspiration sources. Gehry, responsible for the design of the hugely successful Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, lists one of his main sources of design inspiration as ‘fish ‘. The Future Systems Group (1999) on the other hand are well known for their extraordinary range of inspirational sources in their design work such as the use of cross-sectional views of racing yachts in the design of the Lords Media Centre, London. In the realm of product design, inspirational sources are also viewed as a significant factor in the development of unique and innovative objects. For example, the hugely successful Michael Young includes the work of the American conceptual artist Jeff Koons, old tractors and milk bottles in his list of wide-ranging inspiration sources (Payne, 1999). Similarly, the British furniture designer Matthew Hilton has used imagery and inspiration sources in his Wait plastic chair from classic furniture pieces of the 1960s and 1970s including Vico Magistretti's Selene chair and Joe Colombo's Universale chair (McDermott and Dewing, 2000). However, studies into what inspires undergraduate design students, to date, have been neglected. Thus the goals of this paper are firstly to investigate what inspires undergraduate design students and secondly explore any correlation between the formal undergraduate coursework performances of the students and their design inspiration sources.
Probing Multivalent Lectin-Carbohydrate Binding via Multifunctional Glycan-Gold Nanoparticles: Implications for Blocking Virus Infection

Multivalent lectin-glycan interactions are widespread in biology and are often exploited by pathogens to bind and infect host cells. Glycoconjugates can block such interactions and thereby prevent infection. The inhibition potency strongly depends on matching the spatial arrangement between the multivalent binding partners. However, the structural details of some key lectins remain unknown and different lectins may exhibit overlapping glycan specificity. This makes it difficult to design a glycoconjugate that can potently and specifically target a particular multimeric lectin for therapeutic interventions, especially under the challenging in vivo conditions. Conventional techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) can provide quantitative binding thermodynamics and kinetics. However, they cannot reveal key structural information, e.g. lectin’s binding site orientation, binding mode, and inter-binding site spacing, which are critical to design specific multivalent inhibitors. Herein we report that gold nanoparticles (GNPs) displaying a dense layer of simple glycans are powerful mechanistic probes for multivalent lectin-glycan interactions. They can not only quantify the GNP-glycan-lectin binding affinities via a new fluorescence quenching method, but also reveal drastically different affinity enhancing mechanisms between two closely-related tetrameric lectins, DC-SIGN (simultaneous binding to one GNP) and DC-SIGNR (inter-crosslinking with multiple GNPs), via a combined hydrodynamic size and electron microscopy analysis. Moreover, a new term, potential of assembly formation (PAF) has been proposed to successfully predict the assembly outcomes based on the binding mode between GNP-glycans and lectins. Finally, the GNP-glycans can potently and completely inhibit DC-SIGN-mediated augmentation of Ebola virus glycoprotein-driven cell entry (with IC50 values down to 95 pM), but only partially block DC-SIGNR-mediated virus infection. Our results suggest that the ability of a glycoconjugate to simultaneously block all binding sites of a target lectin is key to robust inhibition of viral infection.
One structure for wide-bandwidth and high-resolution fractional delay filter

This paper presents one structure for wide-bandwidth and high-resolution FIR fractional delay filters (FDF) with a small number of multipliers per output sample (MPS) and small coefficient computing time. The proposed structure is a modification of the model proposed by J. Vesma et al. (Proc. IEEE Int. Symp. Circuits and Systems, Hong Kong, pp. 2256-2259, Jun. 1997). Instead of the direct use of the frequency domain design, we use the time domain structure proposed by N.P. Murphy et al. (Electronics letters, vol. 30, no. 20, pp. 1658-1659, Sep. 1994). The frequency domain design is made by a least square approximation of each branch filter C/sub i/(z) with an l/sup th/ order differentiator, but only up to half of the Nyquist frequency. Several design examples confirm that the modified structure has smaller magnitude response ripples and flatter group delay than the original one.
Principal-Agent Activities on Small World Network

As a medium forcommunication and coalition, social network plays an important role in economicactivities. Empirical researches indicate that most of social networks performsignificant small-world characteristics, so this paper assumes the socialnetwork among merchants is a small-world network, and then studies the agencyactivities of merchants by means of simulation based on a game model. We findthat if the average degree of the network increases, the wage of agents willdecrease and social efficiency will increase, but the probability of emergenceof third-part institutions such as courts, which is the basis of modern marketeconomy, will decrease.
Improving the Performance of MEMS GYROS via Redundant Measurements: Theory and Experiments

Abstract : A redundant sensor array is a device composed of more than one sensor of a given type, for example an array of rate gyroscopes. Previous work has shown that redundancy can enhance the failure tolerance of the sensor suite and can also be leveraged to improve the accuracy of the measurements. This thesis further explores the possibility of improving the performance of low-cost micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) gyroscopes using the redundancy concept. To this end, an experimental sensor array test bed is constructed that allows data from up to 12 three degrees of freedom MEMS gyroscopes to be acquired and combined under various geometric configurations. By organizing the MEMS gyroscopes in ideal geometric configurations, it is shown how the effects of sensor noise can be reduced in order to increase the precision of the measurements. Experiments using the constructed sensor array test bed show that the 1-sigma sensor noise can be reduced by nearly 65 percent through the proper combination of multiple measurements using ten 3 degrees of freedom gyros. It is further observed that realizing this improvement relies, in part, upon accurate estimation of the sensor bias. This aspect motivates future work on bias estimation schemes for arrays of sensors.
Non-linear dynamical feature of center of pressure extracted by approximate entropy in people with various stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction : Postural instability, one of the most important features of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), is associated with increased falls and loss of independence in these population. It is postulated the abilities of individuals to adjust to environmental perturbation for postural control is different in various stages of PD. The aim of current study is to investigate the non-linear dynamical feature of COP in various stages of PD and in different environmental challenges. Method : 38 persons with PD (mild PD =19, moderate PD =6 and sever PD =13) and 33 healthy aged, gender, weight and height matched subjects were asked to stand on force plate in four test conditions included: 1) Rigid Surface with Opened Eyes, 2) Rigid Surface with Closed Eyes, 3) Foam Surface with Opened Eyes, and 4) Foam Surface with Closed Eyes. COP velocity and Approximate Entropy (ApEn) in both Anteroposterior (AP)/Mediolateral (ML) directions were calculated. A Mixed ANOVA 4*2*2 (Group*Vision*Surface) test was applied for statistical analysis . Results : Both COP velocity and COP ML ApEn were significantly higher in participants with PD in comparison to healthy individuals. Moreover, COP ML ApEn increased by eye closure in all studied groups but the amount of this increase was lesser in PD groups. For COP velocity, vision, surface and group interaction was significant in all directions (P ≤ 0.016). For COP ApEn, vision, surface and group interaction (P = 0.002) were statistically meaningful in only ML direction. Conclusion : Balance system irregularity is more in people with PD compared to healthy matched individuals. In addition, their adaptive capacity of the postural control system in response to environmental perturbation is reduced. PD induced complexity of the postural control system is associated with the loss of adaptive behavior that is organized over the confluence of constraints of the individual, environment and task.
Tactical Network Load Balancing in Multi-Gateway Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract : A tactical wireless sensor network (WSN) is a distributed network that facilitates wireless information gathering within a region of interest. For this reason, WSNs are finding increased use by the Department of Defense. A challenge in the deployment of WSNs is the limited battery power of each sensor node. This has a significant impact on the service life of the network. In order to improve the lifespan of the network, load balancing techniques using efficient routing mechanisms must be employed such that traffic is distributed between sensor nodes and gateway(s). In this thesis, we study load balancing from a cross-layer point of view, specifically considering energy efficiency. We investigate the impact of deploying single and multiple gateways on the following established energy aware load balancing routing techniques: direct routing, minimum transmission energy, low energy adaptive cluster head routing, and zone clustering. Based on the node die out statistics observed with these protocols, we develop a novel, energy efficient zone clustering algorithm called EZone. Via extensive simulations using MATLAB, we analyze the effectiveness of these algorithms on network performance for single and multiple gateway scenarios and show that the EZone algorithm maximizes network lifetime and service area coverage.
The influence of technology transfers on the development of innovations in the process industry of Croatia (Istrian County case)

This paper studies the influence of technology transfers on the development of innovations in the process industry in Croatia (Istrian County case). The technological regime identifies characteristics of the learning processes, sources of knowledge and the nature of knowledge bases linked to the innovative process in the company happening as part of production activities. The research supports Schumpeter’s standpoint in his theory of creative destruction. When a new and more efficient design for the production of a commodity is created, the enterprise that first starts using the new design conquer a part of its competitors’ market. The competition reacts either by introducing the same design or one even newer or completely loses the market, as this is the case in the process industry in Croatia.
Comparison of Feedlot Performance, Carcass Merit and Chemical Composition of Crossbred Cattle

Feedlot performance, carcass merit and chemical composition were compared using Waguli , Brangus, Hereford x Tuli and Wagyu x Crossbred Gene Combination (CGC) breeds. Steers were penned in the following manner: 6 Waguli steers, 6 Hereford x Tuli, 6 Wagyu x CGC and 8 Brangus. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between Brangus and Waguli for ADGs. F:G was lower (P<0.05) for Hereford x Tuli compared to the other crossbreeds. A heavier final weight was observed (P<0.05) for the Wagyu x CGC than all other crossbreds. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) for REA between Wagyu x CGC and Hereford x Tuli and Waguli. Wagyu x CGC had higher shear force values (SFV) (P<0.05) than all other crossbreeds. Cost of gain was lower (P<0.05) for Hereford x Tuli compared the other breeds. Hereford x Tuli also had less protein (P<0.05) than to the other breeds. A second study was conducted comparing limit feeding (LF) vs. full feeding (FF) strategies. 23 steers and 27 heifers were penned by sex and were randomly assigned a treatment; 4 pens received the LF treatment and 4 were FF. ADG was lower (P<0.05) for LF and FF heifers compared to both LF and FF steers. Dressing percentage was lower (P<0.05) for LF steers compared to LF and FF Heifers. LF heifers YG was higher (P<0.05) compared to FF steers. Quality grades were higher (P<0.05) for LF and FF heifers compared to LF and FF steers. REA /cwt was significantly higher (P<0.05) for FF heifers compared to LF and FF steers. SFV were
The Design of Oscillating Hydrofoil Current Generation Device

The oscillating hydrofoil current generation device utilizes a typical movement type, which can transform energy effectively from current. The study shows that the geometrical profile of blades is the fundamental factor to the efficiency. In order to resolve the problem, this paper adapt the BEM(blade elements momentum) theory, which plays an important role in resolving the turbine blade design. Use the MATLAB to calculate of the constraint equations, then translate the coordinates which has got through the calculation to Solidworks which is a convenient 3D modeling soft. In the end we will give an example which has modeled 3-D hydrofoil BEM theory.
Population Stereotypes: An Attempt to Measure and Define

Population stereotypes relating to the indication of changes in magnitude (greater/less, higher/ lower, etc.), direction of rotation (switches, faucets, doors, etc.), location (left/right, up/down, etc.), and color were tested by means of several pictorial and verbal examples of each variety of stereotype. 127 university students of both sexes and a wide range of disciplines were asked to respond dichotomously (i.e., Is this switch ON or OFF? ) to 21 pictorial examples of commonly experienced situations, and to indicate their color associations to 12 concepts such as HOT, FAR, GO, etc. Results indicated that of the 21 possible non-color stereotypes presented, 18 yielded group choices favoring one of the two alternatives at a level significant beyond a 1% probability. The range of choices for the significant examples was from 66% to a high of 93% for a vertical moving pointer display. In terms of colors, two (RED and GREEN) yielded virtually perfect associations to the STOP and GO concepts, but were also ambiguously associated with several other concepts. The most numerous associations were predictably made to the three primary colors.
Dispersion Analysis in Geotechnical Laboratory Tests: Time-frequency and Time-scale Signal Transforms

Signal processing techniques are very important for the analysis of dispersion characteristics in geotechnical laboratory applications. The scope of this paper includes the study of advanced time-frequency and time-scale methods with regard to the development of an efficient method of group velocity determination based on the time-frequency behavior of propagating wave fields. The paper analyzes different time-frequency and time-scale transform methods for further use in group velocity determination as alternatives to conventional techniques. Besides the alternative itself, the presented scheme overcomes some existing problems of conventional methods in velocity determination. The advantages and disadvantages of the time-frequency and time-scale methods are presented and discussed. Finally, the applicability of given time-frequency and time-scale methods is validated by synthetic and experimental data.
AN INTEGRATIVE PROJECT IN MICROPROCESSOR INTERFACES

In the third-year microprocessors course given to Mechatronics Engineering students at the University of Waterloo, the lab studies have been redesigned as a scaffolded project. The project aims to provide a more authentic learning opportunity that integrates concepts from the concurrent courses, as well as prior courses. The project was carefully designed to provide some student autonomy while ensuring competence can be achieved by students with a broad range of initial skill levels through the completion of authentic tasks. The impacts of the revised project on student learning were measured using pre- and postproject surveys, course grades and course critiques. Despite significant challenges that were encountered during the first two offerings, the results show that students perceived an increased competence in several key skills, and an increase was seen in overall course satisfaction.
III-V Multi-junction solar cells and concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems

Abstract It has been proven that the only realistic path to practical ultra-high efficiency solar cells is the monolithic multi-junction approach, i.e., to stack pn-junctions made of different semiconductor materials on top of each other. Each sub pn-junction, i.e., sub solar cell, converts a specific part of the sun’s spectrum. In this way, the energy of the sunlight photons is converted with low thermalization losses. However, large-area multi-junction solar cells are still far too expensive if applied in standard PV modules. A viable solution to solve the cost issue is to use tiny solar cells in combination with optical concentrating technology, in particular, high concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV), in which the light is concentrated over the solar cells more than 500 times. The combination of ultra-high efficient solar cells and optical concentration lead to low cost on system level and eventually to low levelized cost of electricity, today, well below 8 €cent/kWh and, in the near future, below 5 €cent/kWh. A wide variety of approaches exists for III-V multi-junction solar cells and HCPV systems. This article is intended to provide an overview about the different routes being followed.