Metaheuristic Algorithms to Enhance the Performance of a Feedforward Neural Network in Addressing Missing Hourly Precipitation

This research study investigates the implementation of three metaheuristic algorithms, namely, Grey wolf optimizer (GWO), Multi-verse optimizer (MVO), and Moth-flame optimisation (MFO), for coupling with a feedforward neural network (FNN) in addressing missing hourly rainfall observations, while overcoming the limitation of conventional training algorithm of artificial neural network that often traps in local optima. The proposed GWOFNN, MVOFNN, and MFOFNN were compared against the conventional Levenberg Marquardt Feedforward Neural Network (LMFNN) in addressing the artificially introduced missing hourly rainfall records of Kuching Third Mile Station. The findings show that the proposed approaches are superior to LMFNN in predicting the 20% hourly rainfall observations in terms of mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of correlation (r). The best performance ANN model is GWOFNN, followed with MVOFNN, MFOFNN and lastly LMFNN

Metaheuristic Algorithms to Enhance the Performance of a Feedforward Neural Network in Addressing Missing Hourly Precipitation

This research study investigates the implementation of three metaheuristic algorithms, namely, Grey wolf optimizer (GWO), Multi-verse optimizer (MVO), and Moth-flame optimisation (MFO), for coupling with a feedforward neural network (FNN) in addressing missing hourly rainfall observations, while overcoming the limitation of conventional training algorithm of artificial neural network that often traps in local optima. The proposed GWOFNN, MVOFNN, and MFOFNN were compared against the conventional Levenberg Marquardt Feedforward Neural Network (LMFNN) in addressing the artificially introduced missing hourly rainfall records of Kuching Third Mile Station. The findings show that the proposed approaches are superior to LMFNN in predicting the 20% hourly rainfall observations in terms of mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of correlation (r). The best performance ANN model is GWOFNN, followed with MVOFNN, MFOFNN and lastly LMFNN

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Older Adults: The Rehabilitation Perspectives

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term and debilitating condition that regards as a neurological disease. Its symptoms include profound physical and mental fatigue (characteristically made worse by exertion), muscle and joint pain, disturbed sleep, and both concentration and memory problems. CFS is a kind of human stress-related disorders that are characterized by alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Investigation of abnormal activity of the HPA axis in various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders can date back at least 60 years, and its relation to CFS had been reported in the early 1990s. This chapter further disseminated updated evidence for disruption of HPA function in CFS, with the explanation on the relationship between cytokines and HPA activities. Moreover, very limited literature had addressed the importance of rehabilitation to them . This chapter addresses this gap by sharing a pilot rehabilitation outcome on a single-blinded randomized control trial with a parallel group experimental design in the application of activity scheduling (AS) program of occupational therapy for a group of community-dwelling older adults with CFS. The primary objective is to study the outcome of physical functioning of individual participants. The second objective is to study the outcome of AS on impact of caring role through assessing individual caregivers’ perceived burden in care. The third objective is to study the time that needed in taking care; individuals’ perception of enjoyment and achievement in their participated activities will be evaluated. There was a significant effect of AS on the physical functioning of participants as measured by Functional Independence Measure (FIM), as the primary outcome measure, in experimental group, with Wilk’s λ = 0.72, F (2,57) = 18.75, p < 0.001. Moreover, in secondary outcome measures, there is a significant decrease in the impact of caring role as reflected by their perceived burden as measured by the Chinese Zarit Burden Interview (CZBI) in caring for experimental group, with Wilk’s λ = 0.72, F (2,97) = 18.75, p < 0.001. Another study set out to examine the effect of time on caring activities for those recruited couples in AS group. There was significant effect of AS on caring activities with Wilk’s λ = 0.71, F (2,97) = 12.47, p < 0.001. With proper coaching and regular facilitation regarding AS, activity participation in older adults with CFS can be greatly enhanced. Behavioral intervention, such as AS, can supplement therapeutic treatment or may lead to decline in CFS symptoms

Pilot Testing of Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (ACMC) in Evaluating Myoelectric Hand Function in Chinese Population

Upper limb amputations cause marked functional disability and lower the individual’s self-body image, with severepsychological implications. Many rehabilitation parameters are involved in the successful rehabilitation of upper limbamputations. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Assessment ofCapacity for Myoelectric Control (Chinese-ACMC) in upper limb amputated subjects and with a myo-electric-poweredprosthetic hand.To validate the Chinese version of Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (Chinese-ACMC) in upper limbamputee subjects (children and adults) with a myo-electric-powered prosthetic hand. A sample of convenience samplingof 22 subjects (11 males, 11 females) with upper limb amputation and myoelectric prosthetic hands were recordedduring a regular clinical visit for ACMC. Each subject was evaluated according to four criteria: (a) Upper Limb Amputationincluding all levels of amputation; (b) No specific pain type – no matter phantom or pain in the stump; (c) With intactcognitive function; (d) Age ranged from 12 to 40 years. With instruction, occupational therapists and prosthetic-orthoticswith at least twenty years’ clinical experience of myoelectric prosthesis training would conduct the 30-items ChineseACMC for each subject. A serial of errand tasks of activities of daily living were designed for evaluation. Individuals’ratings were repeated after 4 weeks. Through test-retest reliability, internal consistency testing, factor analysis, intra andinter factor correlation analysis. A four-factor structure, namely, “Gripping”, “Holding”, “Releasing” and “Coordinating”are identified

An Epstein-Barr virus–encoded microRNA targets PUMA to promote host cell survival

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), gastric carcinoma (GC), and other malignancies. EBV is the first human virus found to express microRNAs (miRNAs), the functions of which remain largely unknown. We report on the regulation of a cellular protein named p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) by an EBV miRNA known as miR-BART5, which is abundantly expressed in NPC and EBV-GC cells. Modulation of PUMA expression by miR-BART5 and anti–miR-BART5 oligonucleotide was demonstrated in EBV-positive cells. In addition, PUMA was found to be significantly underexpressed in ∼60% of human NPC tissues. Although expression of miR-BART5 rendered NPC and EBV-GC cells less sensitive to proapoptotic agents, apoptosis can be triggered by depleting miR-BART5 or inducing the expression of PUMA. Collectively, our findings suggest that EBV encodes an miRNA to facilitate the establishment of latent infection by promoting host cell survival

Semi-structured Interview to Analyse Needs of Family Caregivers for People with Dementia

Background: Globally, our population is aging. The prevalence of dementia increases dramatically with advancing age. Caring for a person living with dementia affects different people in different ways. Objectives: In response, this research study was conducted to explore the role, needs and stress of family caregivers (FCGs) for people with dementia as a means of understanding their experience of caring. The study also targeted to identify coping strategies employed by FCGs and explore positive aspects of the caring relationship in relation to their quality of life, information needs, day care and respite care, and emotional support.Methods: To measure individuals’ uniqueness and their specificity in their care-giving experience, this study employed qualitative research design, through semi-structure interview (SSI) as research methods to explore the grounded theory on role, needs and stress of caregivers. The needs of caregivers were documented under their continuum of care: seeking understanding, stabilization, preparation, implementation and adaptation. Results: Twenty FCG were recruited through purposeful sampling. Results indicated caregiving to dementia is a very demanding task both mentally and physically. Two main categories were formulated from the data: the impact of caring and the need to support their caregivers' role. The need to develop understanding of the effectiveness of specific health and social care interventions showed as highly important. Conclusion: Individuals’ perspectives need to be integrated into future service planning and decision-making processes. Suggested strategies from FCG’ perspectives that can potentially alleviating their care stress would be illustrated

Thermal comfort and energy performance of public rental housing under typical and near-extreme weather conditions in Hong Kong

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. Building performance evaluation is crucial for sustainable urban developments. In high-density cities, occupants suffer from poor living conditions due to building overheating, especially during increasingly frequent near-extreme summer conditions caused by climate change. To represent this situation, the summer reference year weather data was employed for building simulations using DesignBuilder. This study aims to evaluate the thermal comfort and energy consumption of four typical public rental housing (PRH) building types in Hong Kong. For free-running flats, results show generally higher air temperatures in the oldest PRH type (Slab) with a compact linear building form and the most sensitive response to outdoor temperature changes for another older PRH type (Trident) with a Y-shaped design, possibly owing to its high wall conductivity. Occupants in all building types experience a ???10% increase in the proportion of discomfort hours when compared to results for typical summer conditions, but overheating is the most severe in Slab type PRH. Following an initial assessment of the cooling energy usage, a simple sensitivity test was conducted to explore the potential energy savings by various passive design strategies, including shading and reducing the exposed cooled space. A cross-shaped building form also appears to be more energy efficient. These findings, complemented by further parametric analyses, may prove useful when designing buildings for climate change