Credit Scoring Based on Hybrid Data Mining Classification

The credit scoring has been regarded as a critical topic. This study proposed four approaches combining with the NN (Neural Network) classifier for features selection that retains sufficient information for classification purpose. Two UCI data sets and different approaches combined with NN classifier were constructed by selecting features. NN classifier combines with conventional statistical LDA, Decision tree, Rough set and F-score approaches as features preprocessing step to optimize feature space by removing both irrelevant and redundant features. The procedure of the proposed algorithm is described first and then evaluated by their performances. The results are compared in combination with NN classifier and nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test will be held to show if there has any significant difference between these approaches. Our results suggest that hybrid credit scoring models are robust and effective in finding optimal subsets and the compound procedure is a promising method to the fields of data mining

Comparison of breast motion at different levels of support during physical activity

Optical tracking systems have been used in previous studies to capture the motion of the nude breast and breasts in bras, under the assumption that no breast-bra relative movement occurred within the bra. This study compared breast and bra movement through electromagnetic tracking and optical tracking systems to determine the relative breast movement occurring with different breast support and exercise-induced breast discomfort. Total of 30 female participants (mean age: 21.5 ± 2.3 years; cup sizes: A-F) were recruited and their movement at four different levels of breast support was recorded in two motion capture systems for further analysis and comparison. Significant differences between bra and breast vertical displacement were found at all support levels during periods of intense movement (r = 0.556; p < 0.05). Because the greatest bra displacement was observed when participants wore an everyday bra and the greatest breast displacement was observed when participants wore a crop-top bra, there was evident inconsistency in bra and breast motion and a high-impact sports bra was the most effective to reduce breast movement and discomfort among the four types of bras. An electromagnetic tracking system provided direct observation of the actual movement of the breasts, and an optical tracking system enabled us to monitor bra displacement. Significant differences were observed in bra and breast displacement during the intense movements included in this study. The results bring into question the assumption made in previous studies that no relative movement occurs within a breast support garment.This study is supported by Ministry of Science and Technology grants 103-2815-C-006-037-H and 105-2410-H-006-052, TAIWAN, and OT Motion Lab, Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University

The effects of rapid urbanization on forest landscape connectivity in Zhuhai city, China

Urban forests can provide the necessary ecosystem services for their residents and play an important part in improving the urban environment. Forest landscape connectivity is a vital indicator reflecting the quality of the ecological environment and ecological functions. Detecting changes in landscape connectivity is, therefore, an important step for providing sound scientific evidence for the better urban planning. Using remote sensing images of a study area in Zhuhai City in 1999, 2005, 2009 and 2013, the dynamic forest landscape connectivity of Zhuhai city can be evaluated based on a graph-theoretic approach. The aims of our study were to discover and interpret the effect of rapid urbanization on forest landscape connectivity. The construction of ecological corridors helps us specifically compare the landscape connectivity of three parts of urban forests. On the basis of functional landscape metrics, the correlation of these metrics and patch area was discussed in order to comprehensively identify the key patches. The analysis showed that the total areas of forestlands reduced from 1999 to 2009 and then increased from 2009 to 2013, and the same trend was found in overall forest landscape connectivity. To improve the overall landscape connectivity, construct urban ecological network and appropriately protect biodiversity in the future, the existing important patches with large areas or key positions should be well protected. This study revealed that urbanization reduced the area of key patches and consequently reduced the forest landscape connectivity, which increased while the patch areas increased due to the environmental protection policy. Functional connectivity indicators could provide more comprehensive information in the development of environmental protection strategies

Burden of rheumatoid arthritis among US Medicare population: co-morbidities, health-care resource utilization and costs

Objectives. The study aimed to assess the burden of RA among the US Medicare population (aged 65 years) by comparing co-morbidities, health-care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs against matched non-RA Medicare patients. Methods. Data were obtained from the Medicare fee-for-service claims database from 2010 to 2013. RA Medicare patients were identically matched with Medicare patients without RA (controls) based on demographics. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine differences between cohorts for comorbidities, HCRU and costs. A generalized linear model was used to test relationships between patient-level characteristics, HCRU and costs. Results. The study population included 115 867 RA patients and 115 867 age-, sex-, race- and region-matched non-RA controls. Mean age was 75.2 years; 79.4% were female. Co-morbidities were greater in RA vs non-RA patients [Charlson Co-morbidity Index (excluding RA): 1.86 vs 1.00; P Conclusions. Among US Medicare patients, those with an RA diagnosis had a significantly greater burden of co-morbidities, HCRU and costs compared with a matched cohort without RA

Team Quotients, Resilience, and Performance of Software Development Projects

Past studies have examined actions and strategies that software project teams can take to reduce the negative impact of uncertainties, such as changing requirements. Software development project teams often have to be flexible to follow the pre-defined plans and strive to meet project goals. Sometimes uncertainty may go extreme to temporarily slow projects down and set project teams into reduced productivity. Project teams should be resilient to recover from the reduce productivity condition and move forward toward predefined goals. This study focuses on understanding the importance of team resilience for software project teams and exploring the antecedents of team resilience. Specifically, we investigate the impacts of intelligence and emotional quotient on team resilience capability, the extent to which project team can recover from the impediment and move forward. This is a research-in-progress work. A future empirical test plan has been discussed at the end

SOC Design for Speech-to-Speech Translation

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