Applications and implementation of neuro-connectionist architectures.

by H.S. Ng.Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-97).Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1Chapter 1.2 --- Neuro-connectionist Network --- p.2Chapter 2 --- Related Works --- p.5Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.5Chapter 2.1.1 --- Kruskal's Algorithm --- p.5Chapter 2.1.2 --- Prim's algorithm --- p.6Chapter 2.1.3 --- Sollin's algorithm --- p.7Chapter 2.1.4 --- Bellman-Ford algorithm --- p.8Chapter 2.1.5 --- Floyd-Warshall algorithm --- p.9Chapter 3 --- Binary Relation Inference Network and Path Problems --- p.11Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.11Chapter 3.2 --- Topology --- p.12Chapter 3.3 --- Network structure --- p.13Chapter 3.3.1 --- Single-destination BRIN architecture --- p.14Chapter 3.3.2 --- Comparison between all-pair BRIN and single-destination BRIN --- p.18Chapter 3.4 --- Path Problems and BRIN Solution --- p.18Chapter 3.4.1 --- Minimax path problems --- p.18Chapter 3.4.2 --- BRIN solution --- p.19Chapter 4 --- Analog and Voltage-mode Approach --- p.22Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.22Chapter 4.2 --- Analog implementation --- p.24Chapter 4.3 --- Voltage-mode approach --- p.26Chapter 4.3.1 --- The site function --- p.26Chapter 4.3.2 --- The unit function --- p.28Chapter 4.3.3 --- The computational unit --- p.28Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.29Chapter 5 --- Current-mode Approach --- p.32Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.32Chapter 5.2 --- Current-mode approach for analog VLSI Implementation --- p.33Chapter 5.2.1 --- Site and Unit output function --- p.33Chapter 5.2.2 --- Computational unit --- p.34Chapter 5.2.3 --- A complete network --- p.35Chapter 5.3 --- Conclusion --- p.37Chapter 6 --- Neural Network Compensation for Optimization Circuit --- p.40Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.40Chapter 6.2 --- A Neuro-connectionist Architecture for error correction --- p.41Chapter 6.2.1 --- Linear Relationship --- p.42Chapter 6.2.2 --- Output Deviation of Computational Unit --- p.44Chapter 6.3 --- Experimental Results --- p.46Chapter 6.3.1 --- Training Phase --- p.46Chapter 6.3.2 --- Generalization Phase --- p.48Chapter 6.4 --- Conclusion --- p.50Chapter 7 --- Precision-limited Analog Neural Network Compensation --- p.51Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.51Chapter 7.2 --- Analog Neural Network hardware --- p.53Chapter 7.3 --- Integration of analog neural network compensation of connectionist net- work for general path problems --- p.54Chapter 7.4 --- Experimental Results --- p.55Chapter 7.4.1 --- Convergence time --- p.56Chapter 7.4.2 --- The accuracy of the system --- p.57Chapter 7.5 --- Conclusion --- p.58Chapter 8 --- Transitive Closure Problems --- p.60Chapter 8.1 --- Introduction --- p.60Chapter 8.2 --- Different ways of implementation of BRIN for transitive closure --- p.61Chapter 8.2.1 --- Digital Implementation --- p.61Chapter 8.2.2 --- Analog Implementation --- p.61Chapter 8.3 --- Transitive Closure Problem --- p.63Chapter 8.3.1 --- A special case of maximum spanning tree problem --- p.64Chapter 8.3.2 --- Analog approach solution for transitive closure problem --- p.65Chapter 8.3.3 --- Current-mode approach solution for transitive closure problem --- p.67Chapter 8.4 --- Comparisons between the different forms of implementation of BRIN for transitive closure --- p.71Chapter 8.4.1 --- Convergence Time --- p.71Chapter 8.4.2 --- Circuit complexity --- p.72Chapter 8.5 --- Discussion --- p.73Chapter 9 --- Critical path problems --- p.74Chapter 9.1 --- Introduction --- p.74Chapter 9.2 --- Problem statement and single-destination BRIN solution --- p.75Chapter 9.3 --- Analog implementation --- p.76Chapter 9.3.1 --- Separated building block --- p.78Chapter 9.3.2 --- Combined building block --- p.79Chapter 9.4 --- Current-mode approach --- p.80Chapter 9.4.1 --- "Site function, unit output function and a completed network" --- p.80Chapter 9.5 --- Conclusion --- p.83Chapter 10 --- Conclusions --- p.85Chapter 10.1 --- Summary of Achievements --- p.85Chapter 10.2 --- Future development --- p.88Chapter 10.2.1 --- Application for financial problems --- p.88Chapter 10.2.2 --- Fabrication of VLSI Implementation --- p.88Chapter 10.2.3 --- Actual prototyping of Analog Integrated Circuits for critical path and transitive closure problems --- p.89Chapter 10.2.4 --- Other implementation platform --- p.89Chapter 10.2.5 --- On-line update of routing table inside the router for network com- munication using BRIN --- p.89Chapter 10.2.6 --- Other BRIN's applications --- p.90Bibliography --- p.9

La simulación de disfunción neurocognitiva en el campo de la neuropsicología forense. Aproximaciones teóricas/ Malingering neurocognitive dysfunction in the field of forensic neuropsychology. Theoretical approximations

ResumenSe presenta una revisión teórica de aspectos cruciales en el peritaje neuropsicológico que permita evaluar y detectar la posible Simulación de Disfunción Neurocognitiva (SDN) en ambientes jurídicos-legales.En los últimos años la neuropsicología ha aportado un gran número de estudios relacionados con la exageración o desproporción de síntomas cognitivos motivados por incentivos externos y este conocimiento brindará la oportunidad de una actuación relevante de los neuropsicólogos en el Sistema Penal Acusatorio colombiano, de tal manera que se pueda contribuir con la administración de la justicia con aportes científicos y claramente delimitados en el campo de la neuropsicología forense (Doerr & Carlin, 1991), de acuerdo con los criterios diagnósticos establecidos para la detección de la simulación contemplados en el Manual de Diagnóstico y Estadística de los Trastornos Mentales-IV (APA, 1994) y por Slick, Sherman e Iverson (1999).AbstractIn this article, a revision of the fundamental theoretical issues in neuropsychological expert witness participation are explored with particular emphasis on the evaluation and detection of possibleMalingering Neurocognitive Dysfunction (MND) in forensic settings. Within the past few years, the field of neuropsychology has produced an ample number of studies related to the exaggeration and disproportionate reporting of neurocogntive symptoms motivated by external incentives and it is this knowledge that will allow neuropsychologists to participate in a meaningful way in the Colombian Accusatory Penal System. This is made in such a way as to allow a contribution to the administration of justice with scientific information that is clearly within the field of forensic neuropsychology (Doerr & Carlin, 1991), according to the criteria for the identification of malingering set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (APA, 1994) as well as Slick, Sherman e Iverson (1999)

Fundamentos neuropsicológicos de la dislexia evolutiva

El siguiente artículo enmarca los principios de la neuropsicología de la dislexia evolutiva y realiza un recorrido desde su evolución histórica, en cuanto a su definición, hasta sus síntomas más característicos en los sujetos que la padecen. La dislexia se conoce como una alteración de la capacidad para aprender a leer que afecta un buen porcentaje de la población escolarizada. La dificultad se debe principalmente a una deficiencia en el desarrollo del lenguaje que se ve manifestado en sus síntomas iniciales en un retraso significativo del desarrollo de la conciencia fonológica que viene a ser un buen predictor de dicha alteración Mediante la revisión realizada para este artículo se da explicación al trastorno disléxico desde la neuropsicología, la que se ha encargado de exponer las características desde la relación cerebro-conducta y, además de la localización cerebral de la alteración, las perturbaciones visuales y auditivas y de las otras variables intervinientes en la aparición del trastorno como la genética y, más propiamente, la herencia. Por último, a manera de conclusión, se espera que con este artículo se abran nuevas líneas de investigación para el estudio del tema y contribuya al planteamiento de nuevas hipótesis sobre la neuropsicología de la dislexia

Fundamentos neuropsicológicos de la dislexia evolutiva

Resumen El siguiente artículo enmarca los principios de la neuropsicología de la dislexia evolutiva y realiza un recorrido desde su evolución histórica, en cuanto a su definición, hasta sus síntomas más característicos en los sujetos que la padecen. La dislexia se conoce como una alteración de la capacidad para aprender a leer que afecta un buen porcentaje de la población escolarizada. La dificultad se debe principalmente a una deficiencia en el desarrollo del lenguaje que se ve manifestado en sus síntomas iniciales en un retraso significativo del desarrollo de la conciencia fonológica que viene a ser un buen predictor de dicha alteración Mediante la revisión realizada para este artículo se da explicación al trastorno disléxico desde la neuropsicología, la que se ha encargado de exponer las características desde la relación cerebro-conducta y, además de la localización cerebral de la alteración, las perturbaciones visuales y auditivas y de las otras variables intervinientes en la aparición del trastorno como la genética y, más propiamente, la herencia. Por último, a manera de conclusión, se espera que con este artículo se abran nuevas líneas de investigación para el estudio del tema y contribuya al planteamiento de nuevas hipótesis sobre la neuropsicología de la dislexia. Abstract The following article explains the neuropsychological principles of developmental dyslexia exposing a historical evolution, its definitions and most common characteristics in individuals who develop this handicapping condition. Dyslexia is known as a disability that unables a person to develop reading abilities which affects an important percentage of the school population. This disability is mainly characterized by an impairment due to an inadequate language development that manifests itself in the inappropriate development of phonological awareness skills. After revising scientific literature for writing this article, neuropsychology has explained dyslexia, its symptoms, and the relation between brain and behavior for this, brain functioning, visual and auditoy perceptual impairments, and other factors associated to this disability such as genetics and heredity. At last, as a conclusion, it is expected that this article contributes to new research and thinking on more hypotheses about neuropsychology and developmental dyslexia

Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle conditions in older adults from Centro American countries

The impact of quarantine in older adults have been reported in several studies with contradictory results, reporting from negative effects to no significant outcomes or even beneficial consequences. Heterogeneity in aging plays a role in each region, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of quarantine on health conditions (physical and mental) and lifestyle in older adults in five Centro American countries during COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, n = 712 older adults 60 years and older from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica were assessed by telephone. Sociodemographic data, physical and mental health, lifestyle and quarantine conditions were asked previous informed consent. In general, mean of days in quarantine at the moment of the study was 142 days (approximately four months and three weeks). In the analysis of the impact of the days in quarantine effects were found on the frequency of falls, functional ability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), general cognitive function, memory, orientation, language, frequency of drinking alcohol, having a balanced diet, and being active cognitively. Some differences were found between countries. Effects of quarantine on older adults in Centro America, requires attention of governments and healthcare to prevent long term morbidity and disability, and to promote healthy aging

Prevalence and factors associated with subjective cognitive complaints in Latin American health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción y objetivos: Se ha observado un incremento de alteraciones emocionales y quejas sobre el rendimiento cognitivo en el personal sanitario latinoamericano durante la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2; lo cual puede afectar a las capacidades de atención y aumentar los niveles de estrés y burnout de estos profesionales. El objetivo es analizar las quejas cognitivas subjetivas (QCS) y los factores asociados en el personal sanitario durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en 5 países de América Latina. Métodos: Estudio transversal multicéntrico que incluyó a 3.738 profesionales de Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia y Perú. Se utilizó la Escala de Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada (GAD-7) y el Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) para valorar la depresión y el Mini-Z para evaluar el burnout. Para las QCS se usó un ítem sobre preocupaciones cognitivas en atención y memoria. Resultados: Se observó una prevalencia de queja cognitiva del 69,2%. Los factores asociados con un mayor riesgo de QCS fueron las puntuaciones en GAD-7, PHQ y Mini-Z, además de ser parte del personal de salud del Ecuador. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de QCS en el personal sanitario es alta y está modulada por estados emocionales y estrés.Background and objectives: An increase in emotional disturbances and complaints about cognitive performance has been observed in Latin American healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which can affect attention capacity and increase the levels of stress and burnout of these professionals. The objective was to analyse subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) and associated factors in health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in five Latin American countries. Methods: Multicentre cross-sectional study, which included 3,738 professionals from Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression, and the Mini-Z to assess Burnout. For the SCC, an item on cognitive concerns in attention and memory was used. Results: The prevalence of cognitive complaints was 69.2%. The factors associated with a higher risk of SCC were the scores in the GAD-7, PHQ and Mini-Z, in addition to being part of the Ecuadorian health personnel. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of SCC in health personnel, which is modulated by emotional states and stress

La evaluación colegiada de las competencias básicas en la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias : hacia un modelo de escuela inclusiva y sostenible

Precede al título: Educación Primaria y Educación Secundaria ObligatoriaLa Ley Orgánica de Educación (LOE) introduce el concepto de «competencias básicas» como eje articulador del currículo, conectando de pleno con las reflexiones y las estrategias que se están desarrollando en otros sistemas educativos internacionales a la luz del informe Delors (1996), el documento DeSeCo (Definición y Selección de Competencias fundamentales) elaborado por la OCDE, de las evaluaciones PISA (Programa para la Evaluación Internacional del Alumnado), etc. Esta propuesta centra el foco en la dimensión formativa de la «evaluación», aspecto inacabado con la LOGSE (Ley Orgánica General del Sistema Educativo), a pesar de los esfuerzos realizados en esa dirección. Trabajar en las aulas para la consecución de las «competencias básicas» lleva ineludiblemente al problema de cómo evaluarlas de forma colegiada —cuando la propia ordenación del sistema educativo fragmenta cada una de las enseñanzas en diferentes áreas o materias— y de cómo emplear la información que proporciona esta labor para hacer valer el sentido formativo y regulador que debe tener la evaluación de las competencias básicas.Consejería de Educación y Universidades. Dirección General de Ordenación, Innovación y Promoción Educativa; Avda. Buenos Aires, 5; 38071 Tenerife; Tel. +34922592592; Fax +34922592570; [email protected]

Global economic burden of unmet surgical need for appendicitis

Background There is a substantial gap in provision of adequate surgical care in many low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the economic burden of unmet surgical need for the common condition of appendicitis. Methods Data on the incidence of appendicitis from 170 countries and two different approaches were used to estimate numbers of patients who do not receive surgery: as a fixed proportion of the total unmet surgical need per country (approach 1); and based on country income status (approach 2). Indirect costs with current levels of access and local quality, and those if quality were at the standards of high-income countries, were estimated. A human capital approach was applied, focusing on the economic burden resulting from premature death and absenteeism. Results Excess mortality was 4185 per 100 000 cases of appendicitis using approach 1 and 3448 per 100 000 using approach 2. The economic burden of continuing current levels of access and local quality was US $92 492 million using approach 1 and$73 141 million using approach 2. The economic burden of not providing surgical care to the standards of high-income countries was $95 004 million using approach 1 and$75 666 million using approach 2. The largest share of these costs resulted from premature death (97.7 per cent) and lack of access (97.0 per cent) in contrast to lack of quality. Conclusion For a comparatively non-complex emergency condition such as appendicitis, increasing access to care should be prioritized. Although improving quality of care should not be neglected, increasing provision of care at current standards could reduce societal costs substantially

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licenseBackground: 80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality. Methods: This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70–8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39–8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11–3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26–11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08–7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications. Interpretation: Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit