Query Optimization by Indexing in the ODRA OODBMS

We present features and samples of use of the index optimizer module which has been implemented and tested in the ODRA prototype system. The ODRA index implementation is based on linear hashing and works in a scope of a standalone database. The solution is adaptable to distributed environments in order to optimally utilize data grid computational resources. The implementation consists of transparent optimization, automatic index updating and management facilities

Multi-layer Architecture For Storing Visual Data Based on WCF and Microsoft SQL Server Database

In this paper we present a novel architecture for storing visual data. Effective storing, browsing and searching collections of images is one of the most important challenges of computer science. The design of architecture for storing such data requires a set of tools and frameworks such as SQL database management systems and service-oriented frameworks. The proposed solution is based on a multi-layer architecture, which allows to replace any component without recompilation of other components. The approach contains five components, i.e. Model, Base Engine, Concrete Engine, CBIR service and Presentation. They were based on two well-known design patterns: Dependency Injection and Inverse of Control. For experimental purposes we implemented the SURF local interest point detector as a feature extractor and $K$-means clustering as indexer. The presented architecture is intended for content-based retrieval systems simulation purposes as well as for real-world CBIR tasks.Comment: Accepted for the 14th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing, ICAISC, June 14-18, 2015, Zakopane, Polan

The Ergogenic Potential of Arginine

Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in protein synthesis, the detoxification of ammonia, and its conversion to glucose as well as being catabolized to produce energy. In addition to these physiological functions, arginine has been purported to have ergogenic potential. Athletes have taken arginine for three main reasons: 1) its role in the secretion of endogenous growth hormone; 2) its involvement in the synthesis of creatine; 3) its role in augmenting nitric oxide. These aspects of arginine supplementation will be discussed as well as a review of clinical investigations involving exercise performance and arginine ingestion

Dietary Supplements and Sports Performance: Amino Acids

This is the third in a series of six articles to discuss the major classes of dietary supplements (vitamins; minerals; amino acids; herbs or botanicals; metabolites, constituents/extracts, or combinations). The major focus is on efficacy of such dietary supplements to enhance exercise or sport performance

Muscle Loss: The New Malnutrition Challenge in Clinical Practice

Recent definitions of malnutrition include low muscle mass within its diagnostic criteria. In fact, malnutrition is one of the main risk factors of skeletal muscle loss contributing to the onset of sarcopenia. However, differences in the screening and diagnosis of skeletal muscle loss, especially as a result of malnutrition in clinical and community settings, still occur mainly as techniques and thresholds used vary in clinical practice. The objectives of this position paper are firstly to emphasize the link between skeletal muscle loss and malnutrition-related conditions and secondly to raise awareness for the timely identification of loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in high risk populations. Thirdly to recognize the need to implement appropriate nutritional strategies for prevention and treatment of skeletal muscle loss and malnutrition across the healthcare continuum. Malnutrition needs to be addressed clinically as a muscle-related disorder and clinicians should integrate nutritional assessment with muscle mass measurements for optimal evaluation of these two interrelated entities to tailor interventions appropriately. The design of monitoring/evaluation and discharge plans need to include multimodal interventions with nutrition and physical exercise that are key to preserve patient’s muscle mass and function in clinical and community settings

Heterogeneous Data Integration Architecture-Challenging Integration Issues

As of today, most of the data processing systems have to deal with a large amount of data originated from numerous sources. Data sources almost always differ regarding its purpose of existence. Thus model, data processing engine and technology differ intensely. Due to current trend for systems fusion there is a growing demand for data to be present in a common way regardless of its legacy. Many systems have been devised as a response to such integration needs. However, the present data integration systems mostly are dedicated solutions that bring constraints and issues when considered in general. In this paper we will focus on the present solutions for data integration, their flaws originating from their architecture or design concepts and present an abstract and general approach that could be introduced as an response to existing issues. The system integration is considered out of scope for this paper, we will focus particularly on efficient data integration

Content Repository in Object Oriented data model

The need for creating content repository stores for e-learning systems grows as the number of available materials increases. Moreover, along with the number of courses, the problem of describing them in a unified form appears. While there are standards used for strict classification of e-learning content, the store model still seems to be based on preservative relational databases approach. In this paper we introduce an idea to represent the e-learning content management information in the well organized object-oriented form based on a prospective object-oriented database