bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level 4 Triple-P Positive Parenting Program and the Interaction of Parent-child With Special Needs: A Meta-analytic Study in Iran
Authors:   Department of Psychology and Education of People With Special Needs, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran., Ashori Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Background: Since positive parenting program (Triple-P) is one of the ways to improve parent-child interaction, conducting a meta-analysis will help determine its effect size. This study aimed to use meta-analysis to examine the effect of level 4 Triple-P on parent-child interaction with special needs in Iran. Methods: The current study is a meta-analysis review study. Before analyzing the effect size of the mean differences, the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) method was used to investigate the decision tree model. Then, the effect size of Triple-P was investigated using the meta-analysis method. Twelve studies (out of the 37) were collected with the keywords “Triple-P” and “parent-child interaction” from Google Scholar, IranDoc, IranMedex, Magiran, and SID according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were conducted in Iran during 2012-2021 and were analyzed through meta-analysis. The inclusion criteria of the articles included written in Persian, having a control group, being interventional, and using original data. The exclusion criteria included duplicate articles and non-compliance with the title with Triple-P level 4. The study instrument was a meta-analysis checklist. Funnel plot, fail-safe number, and Cochran Q test were used to assess the publication bias, expected confidence, and effect size heterogeneity, respectively. The obtained data were analyzed by comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software. Results: Findings showed that the effect size of the mean difference rate of level 4 Triple-P on parent-child interaction was 0.59 (P<0.0001), which is medium according to the Cohen table. Fisher’s z indicated a low standard error and no publication bias. The value of the Q test is significant, and the effect sizes are heterogeneous (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Given the moderate impact of level 4 Triple-P, this method of parenting program can play an important role in improving the interaction of parent-child with special needs.
Comparing the Resilience of the Medical Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic After Yalom Group Psychotherapy and Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy
Authors:   Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran., Haddadi Arya , Yazdi-Ravandi Saeid ,   Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran., Moradi Ali ,   Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran., Hajaghaie Elmira ,   Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Hamedan branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
Published: June 2023

Background: The medical staff working on the front-line battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are more exposed to mental health risks than the general population. Resilience is the ability to withstand challenging situations and help people defend their mental health against stressors. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Yalom and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on medical staff resilience in COVID-19 centers. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population includes all 600 medical staff of Hamedan City, Iran, caring for patients with COVID-19 in 2021. Based on the average variance of resilience obtained in previous studies, 45 people were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (each 15) and one control group (n=15). The experimental groups were divided into Yalom and ACT group psychotherapy, and all three groups responded to the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) before and after the intervention. The obtained data were analyzed by analysis of covariance in SPSS software, version 25. Results: Yalom group psychotherapy and ACT group therapy had different effects on the participants’ resilience and are statistically significant since the F statistics (106.722) was significant (P=0.001 and P=0.05, respectively). Based on the results, Yalom group psychotherapy has a better rate of improvement than ACT. Conclusion: Considering the significant efficacy of Yalom group psychotherapy and its relative ease of implementation compared to ACT, it is possible to employ this intervention to protect the mental health of medical staff during severe epidemics of diseases such as coronavirus.
The Effect of Family-centered Education on Stress and Anxiety in Caregivers of Patients With COVID-19
Authors:   Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Tayarani Darbandi Mohammadjamal , Mansoorian Mohammadreza ,   Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Rostamian Morteza ,   Department of English, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Scinences, Gonabad, Iran., Noori Reza ,   Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
Published: June 2023

Background: The COVID-19 disease has contributed to various psychological disorders, such as stress and anxiety, in patients and families. This study was conducted to determine the effect of family-based education on stress and anxiety in the caregivers of COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present clinical trial was conducted on 50 caregivers of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Allameh Bohlool Gonabadi Hospital, Gonabad City, Iran, in 2022. Caregivers were selected through convenience sampling and were assigned to either the experimental or the control group (25 caregivers in each group). The former received a family-centered educational program for four days, but the control group received the usual education. The depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) was completed for both groups before and after the intervention. The obtained data were statistically analyzed in SPSS software, version 22. Results: The present study revealed no statistically significant difference between the two research groups in terms of the demographic variables (P<0.005). The independent samples t-test showed that the Mean±SD of COVID-19 caregivers’ stress in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the pre-interventional phase. Yet, this change was insignificant in the control group (P<0.001). Also, the Mann-Whitney U test showed that after the intervention (in the post-test), the Mean±SD of caregivers’ anxiety in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the pre-test, but this change was not significant in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to this research, the family-based educational program can reduce the stress and anxiety of caregivers of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Health Literacy in Turkish Pregnant Women in the Framework of Prenatal Attachment and Coping Styles With Stress
Authors:   Department of Midwifery, Gulhane Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey., Kul Uçtu Arzu , Kaplan Veysel ,   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
Published: June 2023

Background: Prenatal attachment affects maternal and infant health throughout life. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the variables that may affect prenatal attachment. This study was carried out to investigate prenatal attachment, health literacy, and coping styles with stress among Turkish pregnant women by structural equation modeling. Methods:This is a descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study. It was conducted via a face-to-face interview with 420 pregnant women in a university hospital in Southeastern Turkey between May 15 and July 2022. The research analysis used a structural equation modeling using SPSS software, version 22 and AMOS software, version 23. Results: We found that the prenatal attachment levels of the pregnant women had a weak positive relationship with seeking social support and submissive approach styles, a moderate positive relationship with the optimistic approach styles, and a strong positive relationship with the self-confident approach styles (P<0.001). Also, there was a weak positive correlation between the prenatal attachment levels of the pregnant women and the subscales of understanding the information and appraisal/evaluation of the health literacy scale (P<0.001). Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between prenatal attachment, coping styles with stress, and the number of births. Also, health literacy and stress coping styles were effective variables in prenatal attachment. Therefore, it is very important to enrich the knowledge of women about their health during pregnancy.
The Effects of Group Discussion and Multimedia Package Education Interventions on Healthy Lifestyle of Pregnant Women: A Field Trial Study
Authors:   Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Moshki Mahdi
Published: June 2023

Background: Healthy lifestyle affects the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. This study aimed to compare the effects of group discussion and multimedia package education interventions on healthy lifestyles among pregnant women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 151 pregnant women during their 16-28 weeks of pregnancy who were referred to comprehensive health centers in Bajestan City, Iran. They were randomly allocated to three groups: Group discussion (n=50), multimedia package education (n=52), and control group (n=49). The demographic questionnaire and Walker’s health-promoting lifestyle profile II were used for data collection before and one month after the intervention. The educational intervention in the group discussion was held in 4 sessions. The multimedia package group received software consisting of text, video, animation, and audio materials. Finally, the control group received routine educational support in health centers. The study data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The result showed no significant difference between the three groups before intervention (P=0.073) regarding their mean lifestyle scores. However, the mean lifestyle score was significantly lower in the control group compared to the other two groups one month after the intervention (P<0.001). However, the mean lifestyle score was significantly higher in group discussion and multimedia groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings showed that multimedia package and group discussion methods improved lifestyle in pregnant women. Therefore, we suggest that health providers use these methods for pregnant women regarding their rationales and facilitations.
The Relationship Between Physical Factors and Architecture of Rehabilitation Educational Care Centers With the Quality of Rehabilitation Services in Children With Autism From the Perspective of Their Occupational Therapists and Parents
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Province Markazi, Iran., Irani Negin , Bavar Cyrus ,   Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture,College of Fine Arts ,University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Mirzakhani Araghi Navid ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims Autism is a common disorder among children. Physical and architectural factors of rehabilitation centers may affect the quality of rehabilitation. This study aims to investigate the effect of physical and architectural elements of educational and therapeutic spaces on autism rehabilitation. Methods The present analytical-observational research was cross-sectional. This study used the standard Minnesota Questionnaire (MSQ) to assess employees’ job satisfaction. The standard sensory profile questionnaire 2 (short form) was employed to determine the sensory function pattern of autistic children aged 3 to 14 years. Finally, a researcher-made questionnaire of architecture quality assessment was used to evaluate the quality of physical space architecture, interior architecture, and standard facilities of educational and therapeutic spaces. In this cross-sectional study, 32 occupational therapists from university and hospital treatment centers, welfare centers, and private clinics, and 50 parents of children with autism participated as the available sample group. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between variables. Results Findings from the study population showed significant relationships between the variables studied in the groups of sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, sensation sensitive, and sensation register (from the analysis of sensory profile) and improving the quality of rehabilitation of children with autism (P<0.05). Conclusion According to the study findings, job satisfaction, physical factors, sensory processing, and assessing the quality of architecture in the design of educational and therapeutic spaces of rehabilitation centers for children with autism are of particular significance. Utilizing the factors studied in this study will not only positively affect the treatment process of these patients, but it will also increase the job satisfaction of occupational therapists working in rehabilitation centers for autism.
ПУБЛІЧНЕ УПРАВЛІННЯ У СФЕРІ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ РОЗВИТКУ ДЕМОКРАТІЇ В УКРАЇНІ (КОНТЕКСТ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ)
Authors: Семенець-Орлова Інна , Клочко Анатолій , Амро Тайєр
Published: June 2023

У статті зазначено, що сучасний етап формування та реалізації стратегії національної безпеки України пов’язаний з необхідністю захисту її національних інтересів в умовах нових загроз її державному суверенітету та територіальній цілісності. Визначено основні принципи та актуальні загрози національній безпеці, відповідні цілі, а також механізми захисту національних інтересів України. Доведено, що основною метою державної політики України є подальше зміцнення національної безпеки як ключового чинника сталого суспільного розвитку. Інформаційна безпека України має основне стратегічне завдання: створити потужний національний інформаційний простір, як головний аспект, що засвідчує присутність країни на світовій інформаційній арені. Така мета також передбачає необхідність створення системи протидії будь-якій інформаційній загрозі та захисту власних інформаційних ресурсів, середовища та інфраструктурної складової країни. Національну безпеку України в інформаційній сфері слід розглядати як цілісну цілісність чотирьох складових – особистої, суспільної (публічної, комерційної (корпоративної) та державної безпеки. Було наголошено, що модернізація зовнішньої політики та дипломатичної служби України спрямована на зміцнення її позицій у міжнародному середовищі та забезпечення розвитку системи колективної безпеки в рамках євроатлантичної спільноти – Європейського Союзу та НАТО. Національні інтереси України у сфері інформаційної безпеки мають полягати у розвитку сучасних телекомунікаційних технологій, у захисті державних інформаційних ресурсів від несанкціонованого доступу. Сучасні інформаційні протистояння показали, що інформаційний простір України потребує додаткового захисту від зовнішнього негативного інформаційно-психологічного впливу. Доведено, що одним із пріоритетних завдань державної влади є комплексна реалізація Стратегії національної безпеки України в умовах зростання асиметричних загроз та конфліктних чинників.
ПРОФЕСІОНАЛІЗАЦІЯ ОФІЦЕРА-ЛІДЕРА У СИСТЕМІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ВІЙСЬКОВОЇ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Усаченко Олександр Олександрович
Published: June 2023

В умовах сучасних загроз повномасштабного вторгнення Російської федерації зростає інтерес до військового лідерства, як способу вирішення багатьох проблем. Збройні Сили України потребують сильних та креативних особистостей для проходження служби в складних екстремальних умовах Підготовка військових лідерів є однією із найважливіших умов розвитку сучасних Збройних Сил України. Мета роботи. Метою статті є теоретичний аналіз організації процесу професіоналізації офіцера-лідера у системі професійної військової освіти. Методологія. У запропонованій статті особливу увагу приділено порівняльному аналізу вітчизняного та зарубіжного досвіду професіоналізації офіцера-лідера у системі професійної військової освіти. Наукова новизна. Доведено, що професійна військова освіта повинна бути спрямована на підготовку сучасного офіцера-лідера з набутими новими компетентностями, прийнятними у збройних силах держав євроатлантичного альянсу. Розглянуто приклади успішних запроваджень ініціатив НАТО в Україні у сфері військової освіти. Висновки. Зазначається, що військовий лідер повинен приймати ефективні рішення та розв’язувати проблеми, які стоять перед ним. Для кожного військовослужбовця, що захищає Україну в бойовій обстановці, важливо розвивати характер і професіоналізм, досягаючи досконалості. Констатовано, що розвиток лідерства треба розглядати не лише як розвиток лідера, а як розвиток офіцера і його чи її здатність виконувати професійне завдання. Відповідно, становлення майбутнього офіцера також безпосередньо пов’язане з установками та цінностями, які формують основу рішень, які повинен приймати офіцер у службово-бойовій діяльності.
Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancy Complicated with Pre- and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Maheswara Ayya , Razmaeda Sarastry  , Kristanto Herman , Julian Dewantiningrum  , Putri Sekar Wiyati
Published: June 2023

Objective: To analyze maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by pre-gestational and gestational diabetes.

Methods: This is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. We examined 57 women, 39 of pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) women, and 19 had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The data were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact test.

Results: There were no maternal deaths in either group. Pre-eclampsia was significantly higher in the PGDM group. Perinatal deaths and asphyxia were the same in both groups. Prematurity was higher in the PGDM group. Neonates of GDM women appeared to be heavier. Intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) rates were higher in the GDM group. Congenital anomalies were found in the GDM group.

Conclusion: There were differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes in both groups, namely pre-eclampsia and congenital anomaly.
Dinoprostone Gel versus Intra-cervical Foley’s Catheter for Pre-induction Cervical Ripening: An audit
Authors: Chawla Dolly , Tomar Akanksha , Renjhen Prachi , Malik Neeru
Published: June 2023

Background  One of the common practices in modern obstetrical care is labour induction when foetal and maternal complications arise. We endeavoured to compare the efficacy and safety of the inexpensive mechanical method of induction Foley’s catheter to the more established pharmacological agent Intracervical Prostaglandin E2 gel

Method  The present prospective randomised control study was carried out on 200 women with a term singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation, with an unfavourable cervix and a valid indication for induction of labour. The patients were randomly allocated using the chit method to either Foley’s catheter [group A, n=100] or PGE2 gel [group B, n=100] . Augmentation with oxytocin was done if required and labor was closely monitored till delivery and the perinatal outcome and maternal side effects was recorded Quantitative variables were compared using unpaired t-test/Mann-Whitney Test and qualitative variables were compared using Chi-Square test /Fisher’s exact test. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0

 

RESULTThe caesarean section rate did not show a significant difference between the Foley’s group(18%) and PGE2 group(11%) The incidence of fetal distress, Meconium stained liquor and APGAR score <7 at 5 minutes  was significantly with PGE2  as compared to group A. (P<.05) Incidence of hyperstimulation of uterus was reported in 6% women who received PGE2  as compared to none in Foley’s group. The induction delivery interval did not show any significant difference between the two groups.

 

CONCLUSION In women undergoing induction of labour at  term in resource constraint set ups like ours, Foley catheter is a good  alternative to the more established  prostaglandin E2 gel, with good efficacy and better neonatal and maternal safety profile.

 

Keywords: cervical ripening; dinoprostone; obstetric labor, induced
In vivo detection of lanthanum via x-ray fluorescence
Authors: Nguyen Joanna
Published: June 2023

Phosphate binding drugs are crucial in reducing blood phosphate concentrations in individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to prevent hyperphosphatemia. While many phosphate binding drugs exist, lanthanum carbonate [La2(CO3)3, LaC] has been reported to be better tolerated than previously used calcium- and aluminum-based phosphate binders. However, since large doses ranging up to 3750 mg LaC/day is orally administered to ESRD patients, concerns have been raised as to whether chronic exposure to lanthanum (La) may lead to La toxicity on bone health.

In this thesis, a robust x-ray fluorescence (XRF) detection system was developed and can be potentially used to non-invasively measure La in ESRD patients. The first step in testing the feasibility of the system was by measuring La in a series of bone mimicking hydroxyapatite phantoms doped with known concentrations of La. The sensitivity of the detection system was evaluated by investigating the minimum detection limit of the system. Initially a 90° irradiation-detection geometry was utilized but was deemed inadequate for in vivo measurements due to challenges in experimental reproducibility. Therefore, a 180° backscatter irradiation-detection geometry was adopted for all subsequent measurements. Since it is anticipated that the developed XRF system will be used clinically to measure bone La concentrations in the ESRD population who are administered LaC, interpatient variability such as amount of overlying tissue thickness at the measurement site, bone size and subject-source movement will affect the intensity of the La x-ray signal. Therefore, a coherent normalization correction procedure was investigated to determine whether these factors could be accounted to allow the true value of the bone La concentration to be estimated during in vivo measurements involving living subjects. In addition, a dosimetry study was performed to determine the radiation dose delivered to a participant during a 2000 s XRF measurement. Lastly, since literature data on the natural accumulation of La in bone from the environment and diet is limited, an ex vivo study was performed on 10 excised human cadavers obtained from deceased donors with no previous exposure to La. Based on these studies, this dissertation presents the development of an XRF system that is robust, safe and has the potential to determine in vivo bone La concentrations in the ESRD population who are orally administered LaC.
A Study of the Effect of Yoke Size on Propeller Performance
Authors: Al-Sa'D Mohammed
Published: June 2023

The following study explores the effect of yoke size on propeller performance. The yoke is the part which attaches the propeller to the rotor, this acts as a sort of a moment arm, which when extended the local speed of the blade will be higher due to the increase in radius. The method used to test the performance of the yoke will be based on blade element momentum theory. This is done by comparing the performance of the geometric model created to actual wind tunnel data. Although there won’t be a perfect match, their results should be close and have a small difference for more accurate results. The propeller used and tested is the Aeronaut 20x8. The 20x8 is being tested for the means of improving the overall power train efficiency of CREATeV, a lightweight solar powered aircraft built for endurance. The flight speeds considered for the analysis are between 8-12, with an rpm range of 2000 to 5500. The results find that increasing the yoke size increases the propeller efficiency by up to 4%. With a decreased power requirement during cruise for CREATeV. The yoke size for maximum propeller efficiency does not change much with speed, indicating that the yoke size mainly depends on the geometry of the propeller more than it does flight conditions.
Frequency Analysis of Wing with Morphing Winglets
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad Mohsin
Published: June 2023

This thesis report presents a structural and vibrational analysis experiment of a wing model with morphing winglets. It details the theory behind Aeroelasticity and its importance to the aircraft’s structural integrity. It provides methods to validate the structural integrity and performance of the wing which will allow engineers to optimize the wing design. The experiment was developed and designed by undergraduate thesis students in collaboration with the faculty of the Aerospace Department at Toronto Metropolitan University. The wing model of the wing was created based on the dimensions obtained for the wind tunnel at Toronto Metropolitan University. The wing was designed to have a locking mechanism that allows the morphing winglets at various cant angles to attach safely and firmly onto the wing. After creating the CAD models of the wing with morphing winglets at 15°, 25°, 35°, and 45° on a popular design software known as Solidworks, the static structural and vibrational analysis were conducted on ANSYS Workbench. Using vibrational analysis, the first 6 mode shapes of the model were determined. It was found that the natural frequency of the wing with morphing winglets was around 29 Hz for the various cant angle configurations. An analytical solution was also obtained on MATLAB through several iterations. The flutter speed of the analytical solution was found to be 57.65 m/s. Through the principle of damping extrapolation, the natural frequency of the analytical solution was found to be 33.2 Hz which was similar to the theoretical results. For further study in this undergraduate thesis, the next steps involve manufacturing the wing and conducting the Ground Vibration Test (GVT) and the wind tunnel test on the model to determine the frequency of vibration, mode shapes, and damping ratios.
Comparison of Dim Star Detection Algorithms for Star Trackers
Authors: Phan James
Published: June 2023

In the following study, the dim star detection performance of a baseline detection algorithm with no image processing was compared to a one-dimensional dilation-based top hat algorithm and a two-dimensional white top hat algorithm which utilized two different structuring elements. The subjects of the experiment consisted of 600 synthetically generated images at varying brightness levels containing increasingly dimmer sets of 15 imaged stars. The detected locations of each star were compared to their true generated location to evaluate the total number of true positives, false positives, and false negatives. It was found that both considered detection algorithms produced similar results in terms of true positives, but the two-dimensional white top hat algorithm produced a lower rate of false positives indicating better denoising properties.
Novel Method of Optimizing L1 to L2 Lyapunov Transfer Trajectories
Authors: Singoji Shashank
Published: June 2023

This thesis utilizes the Planar Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (PCRTBP) to develop a novel method of optimizing transfer trajectories between L1 and L2 Lyapunov orbits. As future space projects progress, the desire for placing spaceports and cargo storage systems in orbits around the Moon or other planets increases, and trajectory optimization will be a vital instrument. The method outlined in this thesis utilizes differential correctors, and a gradient descent method iterates a given trajectory to produce a more optimized trajectory. Although free transfers can be achieved between Lyapunov orbits sharing equivalent Jacobi constants, this thesis aimed to produce an optimized trajectory for Lyapunov orbits of varying Jacobi constants. To accomplish this, a free transfer was utilized as the initial transfer orbit between L1 and L2. Multiple orbits were selected between the free transfer and a final selected orbit. These intermediary orbits would provide steps for the iteration to be conducted within. Each trajectory being inputted would include the position vectors, velocity vectors, and time. The initial trajectory would be scaled to a resolution, which would be defined by the number of points (segments) within the stable or unstable manifolds. As iterations are run, a cost value is outputted, defining the optimization of the trajectory.

Analysis results found a direct relationship between the cost and trajectory resolution. As the resolution of the trajectory increases, as more segments are added, the finer the control of the trajectory becomes. This contrasts with a lower-resolution trajectory, allowing for more significant shifts in the trajectory's position with fewer iterations. Although a higher resolution trajectory could achieve the same cost value, the compute time would be much longer than that of the latter. A hybrid method was designed to utilize the lower resolution optimization method for a majority of the trajectory optimization, then to convert the final trajectory to a higher resolution trajectory and run it through another larger iteration batch for finer modifications. This method was found to be the ideal method as it provided a much lower cost value than running the same number of iterations on a constant resolution optimization. Further improvements can be made to the optimization technique, such as running higher iterations and increasing the intermediary orbits to provide a much smoother transition between the orbits allowing higher optimization to occur. Overall, the final result of the thesis achieved the goal of developing a method for optimizing the trajectories between L1 and L2 Lyapunov orbits with excellent accuracy.
Key-Point Detection Based on Sparse Coding
Authors: Thanh Hong Phuoc
Published: June 2023

Numerous key-point detectors such as Harris corner, SIFT, SURF, proposed for detection of corners, blobs, or junctions in images, may demonstrate good performance under geometric changes, yet the very nature of depending on a human-defined structure could make these detectors inflexible to different contexts. Additionally, dramatic non-uniform lighting variations could also degrade their performance. Thus, we aim to develop an integrated key-point detection solution that is flexible to changed scenarios, and robust with images featuring simultaneous geometric as well as non-uniform illumination transformations.

To take on this seemingly insurmountable task, we took a progressive approach, splitting the development of the solution into two stages. Firstly, a novel Sparse Coding based Key-point detector (SCK) is proposed to address simultaneously the flexibility and illumination problems, a predicament hindered the performance of almost all the detectors reported in the literature. In SCK, a key-point is mainly determined by a complexity measure calculated from a sparse representation of its surrounding block. Relying on no human pre-designed structure, SCK is expected to be very flexible. Meanwhile, the use of normalization in the sparse coding step results in its robustness with non-uniform lighting change. In the second stage, a Scale and Rotational Invariant Sparse Coding based Key-point detector (SRI-SCK) is introduced, taking the invariance of geometric transformation (scale and rotation) of images into consideration while maintaining other properties of SCK. In SRI-SCK, an automatic means to select key-points’ sizes/scales is proposed. Its rotational invariance is fundamentally created with a combination of multiple rotated versions of the sparse coding dictionary. Along with vigorous verifications, experiments on public datasets have revealed the advantages of SCK and SRI-SCK over other techniques.

Finally, we explore SRI-SCK’s application in retinal image registration, a very challenging topic in medical domain, which supports ophthalmologists to diagnose and monitor advancement of several eye disorders such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Essentially, an automated image registration solution that incorporates SRI-SCK is proposed to fully exploit its flexibility, scale, rotational, and non-uniform lighting invariance. Experiments in different datasets have verified the remarkable performance gain achieved by the solution compared with state-of-the-art works.
Receipts and Receipts NB
Authors: Colangelo Dave , Dávila Patricio , Mèn Immony
Published: June 2023

This paper reports on two iterations of our ongoing Receipts project. The project serves as a means to experiment with and propose processes that use social practice and machine learning technologies to prepare testimonies and listeners to more clearly and impactfully speak, hear, and feel what it is like to respond to mimetic trauma and be part of an equity-deserving group in public space. The work is guided by the following question: How can the process of facilitating the preparation and presention of anonymized testimonies of discriminatory aggression in public spaces with the witnesses and victims of said agressions create structures of accountability, solidarity, healing, and community?
The first project, Receipts (2020), was presented as part of The Bentway’s Safe in Public Space program in Toronto, and addressed anti-Asian aggression in public spaces. The second project, Receipts NB, in collaboration with ArtFix, an organization that works with artists with substance abuse and mental health lived experience in North Bay, will address the stigmatization and isolation of this community during the pandemic. It will be presented as part of IceFollies 2023, a week-long public art festival on frozen Lake Nipissing.
These explorations emerge from and reflect upon a theoretical framework that connects visual culture, data creation, visual perception, cognition, machine learning processes, human-computer interaction, social practice and a practice-based framework for research-creation. The work is also informed by an approach to technoscience that uses a critical race, feminist, and decolonial lens. A necessary component of this framework is to prioritize equity through an emphasis on critical pedagogy, co-creation, and participatory art and design practice.
The critical media art practices and processes of Receipts do not aim to replace identifying video as an important means of holding people accountable. Instead, we hope that the project can shape technical, social, cultural practices of testimony and listening and make collectivized community resistance resonate more deeply.
We also reflect on how computer vision and artificial intelligence tools increasingly deployed as part of “smart city” infrastructures have been proposed as a means to address these issues in real time by predicting, identifying, and aggregating transgressions. Yet, in practice, these tools lack nuance, approximate and automate-out the importance of relationship building with communities, and have generally been used to identify patterns and build predictive surveillance that disproportionately disadvantages already discriminated-against groups. We hope that Receipts can serve as an example of how to engage the potentials of urban technology while also highlighting some of its pitfalls.
NILAI SUSILA PADA TOKOH MAGI DIELA DALAM NOVEL PEREMPUAN YANG MENANGIS KEPADA BULAN HITAM KARYA DIAN PURNOMO
Authors: Hasanah Robyatul , Gafar Abdoel
Published: June 2023

This study aims to describe the moral value of conveying the life phenomenon of the character Magi Diela in the novel is something amazing to guide the reader's life values. Therefore, the author is interested in analyzing the novel Perempuan yang Menangis Kepada Bulan Hitam Karya Dian Purnomo. Moral values come from conscience, even though it is not written, this norm exists in the human heart, this value distinguishes between right and wrong, guiding daily life according to human nature. The type of research used in this study is descriptive research. The approach used is qualitative. Qualitative is a research approach that the author will use in processing data. Based on the research that has been conducted on the Novel Perempuan yang Menangis Kepada Bulan Hitam Karya Dian Purnomo about the form of moral value of Magi Diela's character, the research results can be obtained as follows: (1). Fairness is obtained as many as 11 quotes, (2) Honesty is obtained as many as 10 quotes, (3). Help each other is obtained as many as 13 quotations, then the total number of quotations obtained is 34 quotations. So it can be concluded that the character of Magi Diela is a figure who can be emulated and inspired to fight for women's right
The Study of Semen Quality for Evaluation of Male Factor Infertility
Authors: Khanam Mafruha , Banerjee Aditi , Jerin Jesmin , Fazyl Mohamed Mazih
Published: June 2023

Background: The global infertility rates are increasing at an alarming pace.Standard semen analysis is the basic and initial investigation in clinical practice for understanding male infertility. The objective of this study is to evaluate male infertility by studying the quality of semen according to the WHO protocols, identify the semen abnormalities to correlate the relationship between semen parameters and infertile couples.

Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional prospective study conducted in Surgiscope Fertility Centre, Chattogram, Bangladesh over 9 months on 1348 couples who received services from the fertility centre from November 2018 to July 2019. Multiple variables were selected such as, patient parameters like age of the couple, smoking history, duration of infertility, semen abnormalities which were recorded and statistically analyzed. The procedure and reference values were according to the WHO guidelines 2010.

Results: The minimum age of the patients was 19 and the maximum age of the patients was 60 with a mean age of 33.3 +/- 0.5 years.The majority of the patients whose wives conceived were between the ages of 34 to 44 years and the lowest number of patients whose wives conceived were 55+ years. Moreover,359 patients (26.63%) conceived while 989 patients (73.37%) did not conceive.No significant relationship between number of conceptions and addiction was recorded. There is a statistically significant negative relationship between total motile sperm and age of patient and a marginally positive relationship between the number of sperm and total motility.  

 Conclusion: This study showed a higher incidence of abnormal semen quality among husbands of infertile couples in our population. This revealed the importance of emphasizing on the need for managing male infertility.

JCMCTA 2020 ; 31 (1) : 13-18
Comperative Study of Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty and Miligan-Morgan Haemorrhoidectomy in 2nd and 3rd Degree Haemorrhoid
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Nur Hossain , Nath Pradip Kumar , Shaha Emon Kalyen , Khan Hussain Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Background: Arterial overflow in the superior hemorrhoidal arteries would lead to dilatation of the hemorrhoidal venous plexus, according to the ‘‘vascular’’ theory. Hemorrhoid laser procedure (LHP) is a new laser procedure for outpatient treatment of hemorrhoids in which hemorrhoidal arterial flow feeding the hemorrhoidal plexus is stopped by laser coagulation. Compare the hemorrhoid laser procedure with Miligan-Morgan open surgical procedure for outpatient treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids.  

Material and methods: This study was conducted at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) and Private Hospital in Chittagong. Patients with symptomatic grade II or grade III hemorrhoids with minimal mucosal prolapse were eligible for the study: 30 patients treated with the laser hemorrhoidoplasty, and 30 patients–with Miligan-Morganhemorrhoidectomy.  Operative time and postoperative pain with visual analog scale, were evaluated.

Results: A total number of 60 patients (33 men and 27 women, mean age 45 years) entered the trial. Significant differences between laser hemorrhoidoplasty and Miligan-Morgan surgical procedure were observed – i) Operative time ii) Early postoperative pain. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding peri-operative and the early postoperative period: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 1 month after respective procedure.

Conclusions: Laser hemorrhoidoplasty procedure is more preferred in comparison with conventional open surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Postoperative pain is significantly lesser in laser procedure compared with surgical procedure

JCMCTA 2020 ; 31 (1) : 86-89
Prevalence of Partial Edentulousness Among The Bangladeshi Adults
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Kamal , Khan Md Azom , Das Ripon , Mahmud Md Riad , Ahmed Sadia
Published: June 2023

Background: The study was done to determine the occurrence of various missing teeth pattern among the partial edentulous patients residing in Chattogram district of Bangladesh. Study was undertaken from January to August 2018.  

Materials and methods: The design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Two hundred and thirty three persons aged between 13 and 87 years (106 males and 127 females) were included, intraoral examination was done visually and results were recorded on specially designed clinical examination forms. Data were analyzed using statistical package SPSS 19.0 version to investigate the relationship between quantitative variables.  

Results: The results showed the patients with Kennedy's Class III were found to be the most prevalent among all the groups (38.67%). The most common modification in all the groups was Class III modification I (14.5%).  

Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the Kennedy's Class III was the most commonly occurring and were found to be more predominant in the younger group of population.

JCMCTA 2020 ; 31 (1) : 120-124
Clinical Characteristics of Deformities in Leprosy Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Mowla Mohammad Rafiqul , Hasan Zahidul , Angkur Debashish Mondol , Sultana Most Nasrin , Afrin Subarna , Akhter Mosammat Sultana
Published: June 2023

Background: Disability assessment in leprosy patients is a very important factor in the evaluation of the effectiveness of a leprosy elimination program. Little information exists on deformities of leprosy in Bangladesh. To describe the pattern and prevalence of deformities in leprosy patients after leprosy has been declared eliminated in Bangladesh in 1998.

Materials and methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in Chittagong Medical College Hospital using the registered records of patients between the periods 2004 and 2013. No of respondence was 670.

Results: Out of 670 leprosy patients 213 (31.79%) had a deformity. The prevalence of deformity was for grade 1: 92 (43.20%) for the grade 2: 121 (56.80%). Among the patients with deformity males 144 (67.60%) out numbered females 69 (32.40%). Four age groups were considered. The calculated age-specific cumulative detection rates showed the highest case detection in > 40 years group at 81 (38.02%). The rate of children (<14 years) was less at 7 (3.29%). Of the 213 patients with deformity, the BT patients counted 79 (37.08%), which was higher than other forms of leprosy. Among the 121 patients with limb deformity 57 (8.50%) had claw hand followed by wrist drop 31 (4.63%), foot drop 30 (4.48%). Three (0.45%) had a nerve abscess, 27 (4.02%) had a trophic ulcer and 7 (1.05%) patients had ocular complications.

Conclusion: The grade 2 deformities among newly detected leprosy patients still occur high. Claw hand was the most common deformity in the upper limbs, whereas foot drop and trophic ulcer were the most common deformities in the lower limbs. Although leprosy according to the WHO has been eliminated globally, the disease continues to be a significant cause of peripheral neuropathy, deformity, disability and disfigurement in some developing countries like Bangladesh.

JCMCTA 2020 ; 31 (1) : 113-119
Näkökulmia hyvinvointiin aluesuunnittelussa
Authors: Moilanen Heikki
Published: June 2023

Heikki Moilanen (arkkitehti, SAFA) kirjoitti koosteen vuosittaisen Kestävä aluesuunnittelu -seminaarin sisällöstä. Seminaarin järjestivät Green Building Council Finland, Rakli ja Ympäristöministeriö.
Hyvinvointipaikat lähiössä asuvien lasten kokemana
Authors: Honkanen Kati , Poikolainen Jaana , Karlsson Liisa , Havu-Nuutinen Sari
Published: June 2023

Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin millaiset paikat ovat merkityksellisiä 2–12-vuotiaiden lähiöissä asuvien lasten hyvinvoinnille heidän oman kokemuksensa perusteella ja miksi. Teoreettisena viitekehyksenä on subjektiivinen hyvinvointi ja paikkakokemukset. Tutkimusmenetelminä käytettiin valokuvahaastattelua ja piirustusryhmäkeskustelua. Tulosten mukaan hyvinvointipaikkojen merkitysten syntymisessä ratkaisevia tekijöitä havaittiin olevan sosiaalinen vuorovaikutus, mielekäs toiminta ja positiivinen tunnekokemus. Lapset ovat aktiivisia subjekteja määritellessään omaa liikkumistaan ja asuinalueitaan. Lapset käyttävät ja muuntavat paikkoja omiin tarkoituksiinsa; he tekevät paikoista omia. Jos hyvinvointia haastavaksi kuvatulla asuinalueella tarkastellaan vain sosioekonomisten indikaattoreiden valossa, yhteisölähtöinen hyvinvointi ja alueen voimavarat voivat jäädä piiloon.
A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Early Fertility, Knowledge and Behaviors among Indigenous Young Women in Guatemala
Authors: Hansen Shiho
Published: June 2023

Despite that Guatemala has health inequality among non-indigenous and indigenous women, adolescent fertility has been scarcely studied. This study investigates the mechanism of early fertility among indigenous women aged 20-29 using data from the Guatemalan Demographic Health Survey 2014–2015 (N=8,110). Partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis (PLS-SEM) were conducted in among indigenous women in urban area (UI) or rural area (RI) and non-indigenous women in rural area (RN) to examine the associations between socioeconomic variables, mediators (knowledge and attitudes toward early pregnancy prevention) and an outcome (early fertility). Results showed that geographical difference had stronger influence than ethnicity. Early fertility in RI is influenced by more factors than UI and RI, such as media exposure, attitudes and knowledge on pregnancy prevention, contraceptive use, in addition to education and risky sexual behaviors. Having better knowledge on contraceptive methods did not reduce risky sexual behaviors. Further discussion on elaboration of variables measuring the actual decision-making related to risky sexual behaviors are suggested.
Corpus-based Analysis of the Use of the Passive Voice by Armenian Learners
Authors: Nemishalyan Emma , Soghomonyan Zaruhi
Published: June 2023

The concept that learners' first language (L1) influences their second language (L2) acquisition and production is employed in a variety of studies on English language learners.However, so far, no research has been carried out on the Armenian learners of English. The fundamental question that this paper tries to answer is whether these theories apply for Armenian learners too, considering the specific features of the Armenian language. To this end I have identified the use pattern of the passive voice by Armenian learners in contrast to native speakers, aiming at revealing the influence of the Armenian language. The research is based on the contrastive interlanguage analysis of native speakers’ corpora (LOCNESS) and Armenian learners’ corpora (compiled by me in accordance with ICLE guidelines). The results yielded suggest that the pattern of Armenian learners’ use of the passive voice is drastically different from the native ones’ and that their L1 did have an impact on their production of passive voice.