Multi-agent knowledge integration mechanism using particle swarm optimization

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in Technological Forecasting and Social Change. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2011 Elsevier B.V.Unstructured group decision-making is burdened with several central difficulties: unifying the knowledge of multiple experts in an unbiased manner and computational inefficiencies. In addition, a proper means of storing such unified knowledge for later use has not yet been established. Storage difficulties stem from of the integration of the logic underlying multiple experts' decision-making processes and the structured quantification of the impact of each opinion on the final product. To address these difficulties, this paper proposes a novel approach called the multiple agent-based knowledge integration mechanism (MAKIM), in which a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) is used as a knowledge representation and storage vehicle. In this approach, we use particle swarm optimization (PSO) to adjust causal relationships and causality coefficients from the perspective of global optimization. Once an optimized FCM is constructed an agent based model (ABM) is applied to the inference of the FCM to solve real world problem. The final aggregate knowledge is stored in FCM form and is used to produce proper inference results for other target problems. To test the validity of our approach, we applied MAKIM to a real-world group decision-making problem, an IT project risk assessment, and found MAKIM to be statistically robust.Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Korea

Effectiveness of an mHealth intervention combining a smartphone app and smart band on body composition in an overweight and obese population: Randomized controlled trial (EVIDENT 3 study)

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is currently among the supporting elements that may contribute to an improvement in health markers by helping people adopt healthier lifestyles. mHealth interventions have been widely reported to achieve greater weight loss than other approaches, but their effect on body composition remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to assess the short-term (3 months) effectiveness of a mobile app and a smart band for losing weight and changing body composition in sedentary Spanish adults who are overweight or obese. Methods: A randomized controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted involving the participation of 440 subjects from primary care centers, with 231 subjects in the intervention group (IG; counselling with smartphone app and smart band) and 209 in the control group (CG; counselling only). Both groups were counselled about healthy diet and physical activity. For the 3-month intervention period, the IG was trained to use a smartphone app that involved self-monitoring and tailored feedback, as well as a smart band that recorded daily physical activity (Mi Band 2, Xiaomi). Body composition was measured using the InBody 230 bioimpedance device (InBody Co., Ltd), and physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The mHealth intervention produced a greater loss of body weight (–1.97 kg, 95% CI –2.39 to –1.54) relative to standard counselling at 3 months (–1.13 kg, 95% CI –1.56 to –0.69). Comparing groups, the IG achieved a weight loss of 0.84 kg more than the CG at 3 months. The IG showed a decrease in body fat mass (BFM; –1.84 kg, 95% CI –2.48 to –1.20), percentage of body fat (PBF; –1.22%, 95% CI –1.82% to 0.62%), and BMI (–0.77 kg/m2, 95% CI –0.96 to 0.57). No significant changes were observed in any of these parameters in men; among women, there was a significant decrease in BMI in the IG compared with the CG. When subjects were grouped according to baseline BMI, the overweight group experienced a change in BFM of –1.18 kg (95% CI –2.30 to –0.06) and BMI of –0.47 kg/m2 (95% CI –0.80 to –0.13), whereas the obese group only experienced a change in BMI of –0.53 kg/m2 (95% CI –0.86 to –0.19). When the data were analyzed according to physical activity, the moderate-vigorous physical activity group showed significant changes in BFM of –1.03 kg (95% CI –1.74 to –0.33), PBF of –0.76% (95% CI –1.32% to –0.20%), and BMI of –0.5 kg/m2 (95% CI –0.83 to –0.19). Conclusions: The results from this multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial study show that compared with standard counselling alone, adding a self-reported app and a smart band obtained beneficial results in terms of weight loss and a reduction in BFM and PBF in female subjects with a BMI less than 30 kg/m2 and a moderate-vigorous physical activity level. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to ensure that this profile benefits more than others from this intervention and to investigate modifications of this intervention to achieve a global effect

Evolución de los valores de n.b.v.t. en pescado fresco y congelado

El presente estudio se refiere a la importancia que tiene la determinación química de las Bases Volátiles como medida objetiva para juzgar la frescura del pescado. Se describe el método utilizado y el compartamiento que experimentan las mismas en Pescadilla de calada (Scynoscion striatus) y Corvina (Micropogon opercularis), frescas y congeladas. Se comprobó la correlación existente entre estas determinaciones y los caracteres físico-organolépticos. ABSTRACT: The present study deals with the importance of Volatile Base Chemical determination as an objetive measure for judging fish fresness. Description of the method utilized and the behavoir experimented by the Volatile Bases in fresh and frozen Sea Trout (Scynoscion striatus) and White Croaker (Micropogon opercularis) are presented. Direct correlation is established among these determinations and the physical-organoleptic characteristics

Ensayos de elaboración de marinados de pescado

En esta publicación se describe la tecnología empleada para la elaboración de marinado en frío a partir de filetes con la piel de pescadilla de calada (Cynoscion Striatus) y palometa (Parona Signata). Se menciona la composición de los baños de terminado y empaque y las distintas variaciones de las concentraciones de cloruro de sodio, ácido acético y relación pescado-líquido de cobertura utilizados. Se hace referencia a los resultados de los ensayos efectuados y los parámetros a tener en cuenta para lograr un producto estable y de buena calidad

Tecnología del ahumado, su aplicación en algunas especies de pescado

In this study smoking is described as an alternative process for certain fish species, (White croaker, Striped weak-fish, Brazilian menhadens, King weak-fish). Reference is made to the two main types of smoking, cold and hot, as well as to pre and post smoking treatment. Pilot plant experiences in cold smoking are mentioned and the model and operating procedure for the mechanical smoker used are described. An organoleptic evaluation was conducted on the different products by a testing panel. Better characteristics were found on the Striped weak-fisf and on the King weak-fish than on the other species. No differences were detected on the salting times for the lean and the fatty species. A quick smoking with greater production of smoke proved more efficient than slow smoking

Estudio de la inhibición de la rancidez oxidativa en pescado congelado

Se realizó un estudio del poder de inhibición de la rancidez por medio del ácido ascórbico en las especies de pescado Merluza (Merluccius Merluccius Hubbsi) y Pescadilla (Cynoscion striatus). En el trabajo se presentan las tablas con los valores de densidad óptica obtenidos y las características del pescado congelado a los 60 y 150 días de efectuado el tratamiento. Fue comprobado, en las mecionadas especies congeladas, un retardo en la oxidación manifestada en la aparición de colores y olores rancios. Se observó además, una mayor velocidad de oxidación de la pescadilla de calada comparada con la merluza. ABSTRACT: A study was undertaken on the inhibition of rancidity by ascorbic acid in the fish species Whiting (Merluccius Merluccius Hubbsi) and Sea trout (Cynoscion striatus). In this report tables with the optional density values obtained are given as well as the frozen fish characteristics 60 and 150 days postreatment. Evidence of delayed oxidation was obtained as manifested by ..

Congenital disseminated juvenile xanthogranuloma with unusual skin presentation and renal involvement

We present a case of congenital juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) with both cutaneous and renal involvement. Skin lesions consisted of bluish papules and nodules (blueberry muffin baby) located on the head, trunk and proximal extremities. Subsequent investigations revealed a renal mass. Histopathology of both cutaneous and renal specimens was consistent with JXG. Both clinical presentation and extracutaneous localization were remarkable.Case ReportsJournal ArticleFLWINinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

EVIDENT 3 Investigators. Long-term Effectiveness of a Smartphone App Combined With a Smart Band on Weight Loss, Physical Activity, and Caloric Intake in a Population With Overweight and Obesity (Evident 3 Study): Randomized Controlled Trial.

[eng] Background: Multicomponent mobile health approaches can improve lifestyle intervention results, although little is known about their long-term effectiveness. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness (12 months) of a multicomponent mobile health intervention combining a smartphone app, an activity tracker wristband, and brief counseling, compared with a brief counseling group only on weight loss and improving body composition, physical activity, and caloric intake in Spanish sedentary adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled, multicenter clinical trial (Evident 3). A total of 650 participants were recruited from 5 primary care centers, with 318 participants in the intervention group (IG) and 332 in the control group (CG). All participants were briefly counseled about a healthy diet and physical activity at the baseline visit. For the 3-month intervention period, the IG received training to use the app to promote healthy lifestyles and the smart band (Mi Band 2, Xiaomi). All measurements were performed at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Nutritional habits were assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Adherence to Mediterranean diet questionnaire. Results: Of the 650 participants included, 563 (86.6%) completed the 3-month visit and 443 (68.2%) completed the 12-month visit. After 12 months, the IG showed net differences in weight (−0.26, 95% CI −1.21 to 0.70 kg; P=.02), BMI (−0.06, 95% CI −0.41 to 0.28 points; P=.01), waist-height ratio (−0.25, 95% CI −0.94 to 0.44; P=.03), body adiposity index (−0.33, 95% CI −0.77 to 0.11; P=.03), waist circumference (−0.48, 95% CI −1.62 to 0.66 cm, P=.04) and hip circumference (−0.69, 95% CI -1.62 to 0.25 cm; P=.03). Both groups lowered daily caloric intake and increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with no differences between the groups. The IG increased light physical activity time (32.6, 95% CI −30.3 to 95.04 min/week; P=.02) compared with the CG. Analyses by subgroup showed changes in body composition variables in women, people aged >50 years, and married people. Conclusions: The low-intensity intervention of the Evident 3 study showed, in the IG, benefits in weight loss, some body composition variables, and time spent in light physical activity compared with the CG at 3 months, but once the devices were collected, the downward trend was not maintained at the 12-month follow-up. No differences in nutritional outcomes were observed between the groups