bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating pupils’ strategies on mathematics achievement among private and public basic schools in the Chorkor Circuit of Accra Metropolis
Authors:   Tutor, St. Vincent College of Education, Yendi, Ghana., Hatsu Edo , Apawu Jones ,   Senior Lecturer, Mathematics Education Department, The University of Education, Winneba, Ghana., Mohammed Hashimu ,   Tutor, St. Vincent College of Education, Yendi, Ghana.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mathematics achievement and strategies of private and public schools in the Chorkor circuit of Accra Metropolis. The survey research design was used for the study. The population used for the study was 617 and a sample of 242 was selected which comprised of 160 from public schools and 82 from private schools. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The instrument used for the study was a self-made Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) on the topic “sets”. The test items were validated by the researcher’s supervisor and experts. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistics. This was used to obtain the reliability index of the instrument and was found to be 0.85. Mean, standard deviation, T-test and percentages were used to answer research questions. The findings of the study showed that the students in private schools performed higher than those in public schools. The study recommended that private school authorities and heads of public basic schools encourage mathematics teachers to emphasize on concepts, facts and principles during mathematics instruction on the various topics of the curriculum since it forms part of students’ Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK).
Knowledge acquisition practices among Library and Information Science educators in universities in South-West, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Library and Information Science, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria., Ajiboye Olubukola Oluyemisi , Aramide Olufemi Olakunle ,   Department of Library and Information Science, Adeleke University, Osun State, Nigeria., Oketunji Ibidapo ,   Department of Library and Information Science, Adeleke University, Osun State, Nigeria.
Published: January 2023

The study investigated the knowledge acquisition practices of LIS educators in universities in South-West, Nigeria. It became eminent to investigate the various knowledge acquisition practices, particularly in the current technological era. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised 480 Library and Information Science (LIS) educators in six federal, nine state and thirty private universities in South-West, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to obtain the sample size of 480 LIS educators. Four hundred and eighty copies of the questionnaire were administered and 334 copies were filled and found usable for the study representing a 69.5% response rate. The study showed that LIS educators acquired knowledge mostly through the Internet followed by expert lecturers and senior teachers. The study recommended that universities should improve internet connectivity and provide access to laptops and computers in the various departments of the universities. This will assist educators to acquire information via the Internet.
Annual trends of hepatitis C virus infection in Manitoba between 1998 and 2018: A focus on special populations
Authors: Gudi Sai Krishna , Eltonsy Sherif , Delaney Joseph , Osiowy Carla , Taylor Carole , Kaita Kelly , Alessi-Severini Silvia
Published: January 2023

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological data of HCV infection in the Canadian province of Manitoba are limited.

Methods:

A population-based retrospective study was conducted using data from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy repository. Using the test results provided by the Cadham provincial laboratory, individuals in Manitoba with a diagnosis of HCV infection were identified. Annual prevalence and incidence rates (crude and standardized) were calculated for the overall population and stratified by sex, regional health authority (RHA), residence area, income quintile, and special population groups (children, older adults, and pregnant persons).

Results:

A total of 8,721 HCV cases were diagnosed between 1998 and 2018 in Manitoba. Overall crude HCV incidence and prevalence were estimated as 0.03% and 0.37% during the study period, respectively. No significant change was observed in the standardized HCV incidence rate (per 100,000) during the study period (54.3 in 1998 and 54.8 in 2018). However, the standardized HCV prevalence (per 100,000) increased from 52.5 (95% CI 39.2–68.7) in 1998 to 655.2 (95% CI 605.9–707.3) in 2018. An overall average incidence rate based on sex, RHA, region, income, and special population groups was observed to be higher in males (40.1), Winnipeg RHA (42.7), urban region (42.3), low-income quintiles (78.5), and pregnant persons (94.3), respectively.

Conclusion:

Although incidence rates of HCV infection in Manitoba appeared to have initially declined, rates showed an upward trend by the end of the study period while prevalence increased steadily.
Analisis dan Solusi Numerik Model Matematika pada Penyebaran Covid-19 di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan dengan Metode Runge Kutta dan Adams-Bashforth-Moulton
Authors: Side Syafruddin , Rasyidah Amni , Sanusi Wahida
Published: January 2023

Penelitian terapan ini bertujuan untuk membangun model matematika SEIAR pada penyebaran Covid-19. Kemudian melakukan analisis dan menentukan solusi numerik dari model matematika penyebaran Covid-19 di Sulawesi Selatan. Analisis model dilakukan dengan menentukan titik kesetimbangan, kestabilan model, dan bilangan reproduksi dasar (. Solusi numerik model diperoleh dengan metode Adams-Bashforth-Moulton (ABM) orde lima. Solusi awal metode ABM diperoleh dengan metode Runge Kutta Klasik, Runge Kutta Fehlberg, dan Runge Kutta Merson. Uji model dilakukan dengan bantuan Maple dan berdasarkan data sekunder jumlah kasus Covid-19 di Sulawesi Selatan. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa titik kesetimbangan bebas penyakit model matematika Covid-19 dikatakan stabil asimtotik jika  dan tidak stabil ketika  serta titik kesetimbangan endemik model stabil asimtotik. Pada penentuan solusi numerik model menunjukkan metode Runge Kutta Klasik lebih baik dalam memberikan solusi awal pada metode ABM dengan jumlah iterasi yang lebih sedikit dan galat yang lebih kecil dibandingkan Runge Kutta Fehlberg dan Runge Kutta Merson..
Analysis of free access tools for hacking Wi-Fi networks
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Shevchenko R. Yu.
Published: January 2023

The article discusses the most popular tools for hacking Wi-Fi networks that are freely distributed on the Internet. The advantages and weaknesses of each of the tools for research and detection of vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks are revealed. It is shown that when used correctly, these tools can be useful for the correct configuration of the protection of industrial and home Wi-Fi networks.
Automation of the process of responding to information security incidents of the organization
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Voloshko S. V.
Published: January 2023

The article discusses the process of automating the response to information security incidents of the organization. The main stages of automation planning, key points and a sequence of actions for developing a correct response scenario for a certain type of incident are recommended. As an example, the process of building a scenario for responding to a "phishing" incident in accordance with the set of information security solutions defined for the example, which may be available in the organization, is given. The corresponding steps of the response scenario are described in text, plan, and graphic format. A graphic example of the implementation of the developed plan in the SOAR class system is given.
Methods of detecting radio broadcast at objects of information activity
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Voronin M. O.
Published: January 2023

The threat of radio interception devices intercepting confidential acoustic speech information at the objects of information activity and the methods of detecting radio emissions of these devices using radio control tools are considered. The main principles of the construction of radio monitoring systems of electromagnetic radiation, their functionality, the algorithm of the method of detection of activated radio jamming devices are given.
Modern ethics as a practical philosophy of cyber security
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Skybun O. Zh.
Published: January 2023

The article examines the issue of morality and ethics within the framework of professional and corporate codes of conduct in the field of cyber security. It was noted that new means of production, digital technologies, digitalization of information and communication processes, construction of the economy created prerequisites for the emergence of new areas of production, new professions and specialties. In such new realities, the level of responsibility among employees who have access to automated management systems, databases of personal data and information arrays increases, when due to a low culture of production and a low level of cyber hygiene and the basics of cyber protection, it leads to the intervention of cyber attackers in the work of critical infrastructure, production processes, and this can cause the leakage of sensitive information, accidents at critical infrastructure facilities, the country's management system (in the sphere of security and defense), as well as the leakage of private data. In order to minimize the consequences of cyber incidents, it is necessary to raise the level of professional and corporate ethics of employees' behavior by adapting existing codes of conduct in the context of information security and cyber security. It is also proposed to add new ones to the list of basic and key competencies, namely: cyber hygiene and cyber security. At the same time, it is necessary to provide for inclusion in existing and development of new educational standards for new professions and specialties in the field of information security and cyber security, acquisition of new competencies related to cyber security and cyber protection.
Peculiarities of the modern approach to the consideration of internal (Corporate) communications
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Dubovyk N. A.
Published: January 2023

The article reveals key points and importance of internal (corporate) communications, defines the specificity of the modern approach to the consideration of their role in the development of the company. All concepts are necessary to form a general idea of the essence, meaning and role of internal corporate communication. Outlining general approaches to the conceptual notions, we can point out that the "internal communications" should be understood as part of the overall communication flow between employees of the company, the content of which consists of information of a rational-emotional nature, which is exchanged according to the principles of corporate ethics and culture, in order to form corporate identity and loyalty; to implement and to develop corporate cultural standards.
The main components of designing a brand of goods for children
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Vynohradova O. V.
Published: January 2023

The article researches the design of potential children's brands as a branding tool in the marketing system of goods for children. Systematized comparison of brand design models; analyzed the main conceptual elements of the LEGO children's brand are given, the stages of designing a potential children's brand using the Kidbranding method are proposed.
Innovative strategies in business management
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Hlushenkova A. A.
Published: January 2023

Every business, brand, company or organization innovates in one way or another in pursuit of various goals. The main reason most businesses fail to innovate is that they lack a clear innovation strategy. An effective innovation strategy makes the innovation process measurable. Innovative strategy promotes the development of innovative culture. Innovation greatly affects the development of new products or services, companies use different strategies to achieve this goal. Strategic thinking means the ability to make optimal business decisions based on available information. Without an innovation strategy, different parts of the enterprise can easily pursue conflicting goals, even if there is a clear business strategy. Understanding different innovation strategies can help determine which innovation strategy will be most effective. Therefore, the innovation strategy consists in making the right choice between several alternatives and strategies. To succeed in developing the best innovation strategy, the enterprise needs to identify the best innovation tools and develop the innovation infrastructure. In the process of developing an enterprise's innovative strategy, the following main stages can be distinguished. Formulating a clear goal and using the principles of a strategic approach. Conducting research on the target audience and leading competitors. Defining the value proposition. Evaluation and development of the main advantages. Creation of innovative systems and methods. Different types of innovative strategies used by enterprises can be distinguished. Product, service, process, technological, business model, marketing, architectural innovation, etc. The article formulates the main advantages of strategic innovation management, defines the stages of innovation strategy implementation, highlights the main types of innovation strategies.
Modeling the volatility of financial processes
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Kozhukhivsʹkyy A. D.
Published: January 2023

Tasks of risk management meet in all branches of practical activity of the person. Especially topical problems of mathematical modeling, estimation and forecasting of risks (which are characterized by the level of possible losses and their probability) is for the banking sector, insurance, investment companies. manufacturing enterprises operating in conditions of fierce competition and changing conditions, and for other types of activity. For the mathematical description of possible losses today there is a set of ideologically different approaches, which are based on classical statistical methods and methods of intelligent data analysis. Thus, to evaluate market and some other types of risks, various variants of the Value-at-Risk (VaR) technique are used, which makes it possible to obtain acceptable quality results for practical use.In the assessment of credit risks found the use of nonlinear models of classification type on the basis of logistical regression, linear regression, method of reference vectors (MOV), discriminatory analysis, fuzzy logic, neuro-fuzzy models, methods of Bayesian data analysis and decision tree, as well as combinations of these methods. To assess financial risks in insurance, the above-mentioned methods are used, as well as the theory of distributions of random variables, generalized linear models, regression analysis (linear and nonlinear models), Bayesian networks and other models and methods. The created computer system makes it possible to estimate the value of possible losses of VaR according to the methods of historical modeling and Monte Carlo. To solve this problem, you must first obtain estimates of the volatility forecasts of the relevant financial heteroscedatic processes. To calculate estimates of volatility forecasts, a model of generalized auto-aggression with conditional heteroscedasticity (UARUG or GARCH) is often used.
Examination of Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of The Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale-DSM5 (EDDS)
Authors: DÜŞGÖR Bengi , KARAER Duygu
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to adapt the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale-DSM 5 Version (EDDS-DSM-5) as a diagnostic and statistical tool in the Turkish population and to examine its validity and reliability. After the translation procedures were completed, a demographic form, EDDS-DSM-5, and The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) were administered to participants (i.e., 237 females, 84 males, and 4 non-binary). Internal reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and factor structure of EDDS were examined. EDDS had four factors: (1) Body Concern (BC), (2) Binge Eating (BE), (3) Self-induced Compensatory Behaviors (SICB), and (4) Overeating Concern (OC), explaining the variance ranging from 8-20%. The internal reliability of the scale (α = .85) and the test-retest reliability (ICC: .97 [.93 – .98]) were found to be satisfactory. In terms of concurrent validity, the results of correlational analysis between EDDS symptom composite scores and EDE-Q total scores indicated a significant correlation (r = .61, p < .001). EDDS is a reliable and valid instrument for the Turkish sample. The current data highlighted the importance of generating additional tools which combine self-report measures with clinical observations for evaluating more complex and emotional dimensions of eating disorders other than concrete indicators.
Genç Erişkinlerle Yapılan Çevrim İçi Destek Gruplarında Anksiyete Kaynaklarına Yönelik Temalar
Authors: HOSGÖREN Yasemin , TÖRENLİ KAYA Zulal , ÖZÇÜRÜMEZ Gamze
Published: January 2023

Genç erişkinlik dönemi, gençlerin ruhsal sorunları açısından oldukça hassas olduğu, sorunlarını paylaşmaya, öneri almaya ve akran desteğine ihtiyaç duyduğu zorlayıcı bir süreçtir. Sanal dünyada iletişim kurmanın kolay olması ve internet özellikli mobil cihazların yaygınlaşması gençlerin psikososyal destek ihtiyacının çevrim içi destek grupları aracılığıyla karşılamasına olanak sağlamaktadır. Mevcut çalışmada, 18-30 yaş arasındaki genç erişkinlerin çevrim içi gruplarındaki etkileşimlerinin ve onlar için kaygı yaratan psikososyal faktörlerin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, psikiyatri polikliniğine kaygı şikâyeti ile başvuran 50 genç erişkin, kaygı yaşantılarını anonim olarak konuşmak üzere “YEVEZE” isimli uygulamaya davet edilmiştir. Uygulama üzerinden ortalama 90 dakika süren, “kaygı” temalı toplam 15 çevrim içi oturum yürütülmüştür. 42 kişinin dahil olduğu gruplardan elde edilen yazılı verilerin analizinde tematik analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonucunda, genç erişkinlerde kaygı yaratan etkenlerin bilişsel modelin çaresizlik temel inancı üst teması altında toplandığı gösterilmiştir. Bu temanın altında (i) ebeveynlerden kaynaklanan etkenler, (ii) sosyal ilişkilerde güçlük ve (iii) mükemmeliyetçi hedefler alt temalarının bulunduğu dikkati çekmiştir. Çalışmanın nitel tasarımı, genç erişkinlerde kaygıya neden temaların daha geniş bir bakış açısıyla incelenmesine olanak sağlamıştır. Sonuçlar tanı ve önleyici müdahaleler açısından önem taşımaktadır.
Intraoperative stimulation mapping of thalamocortical tracts in asleep and awake settings: novel electrophysiological, anatomical, and tractographic paradigms
Authors: Alexandratou Anna , Virjee Rania-Iman , Ghare Aisha , Sefcikova Viktoria , Micallef Caroline , Mancini Laura , Waraich Manni , Davies D. Ceri , Keeble Hannah , Samandouras George
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE

Despite the disabling deficits of motor apraxia and sensory ataxia resulting from intraoperative injury of the superior thalamocortical tracts (TCTs), region-specific electrophysiological localization is currently lacking. Herein, the authors describe a novel TCT mapping paradigm.

METHODS

Three patients, 1 asleep and 2 awake, underwent glioma resection affecting primarily the somatosensory cortex and underlying TCT. Stimulation was performed at the median, ulnar, and posterior tibial nerves. Parameters comprised single anodal pulses (duration 200–500 μsec, 2.1–4.7 Hz) with a current ranging from 10 to 25 mA. Recordings were captured with a bipolar stimulation probe, avoiding the classic collision technique. Positive localization sites were used to tractographically reconstruct the TCT in the third case.

RESULTS

Employing one electrophysiological paradigm, the TCT was localized subcortically in all 3 cases by using a bipolar probe, peak range of 19.6–29.2 msec, trough of 23.3–34.8 msec, stimulation range of 10–25 mA. In the last case, tractographic reconstruction of the TCT validated a highly accurate TCT localization within a specific region of the posterior limb of the internal capsule.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe the first electrophysiological technique for intraoperative localization and protection of the TCT in both asleep and awake craniotomies with tractographic validation, while avoiding the collision paradigm. None of the above paradigms have been previously reported. More data are required to further validate this technique.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BERBAGAI IMBANGAN RANSUM BERBASIS HIJAUAN ECENG GONDOK (Eichornia Crassipes) TERHADAP BERAT KARKAS DAN NON KARKAS ENTOG (Cairina Moschata) JANTAN
Authors: Arinal Khairul Fajri Ruhimat  , Dini Widianingrum  , Aaf Falahudin
Published: January 2023

Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh penggunaan imbangan ransum berbasis hijauan eceng gondok terhadap berat karkas dan non karkas entog. Penelitian dilakukan secara eksperimen menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Sebanyak empat perlakuan dan lima kali ulangan. Perlakuan yang digunakan P0 (100% dedak padi) sebagai kontrol, P1 (75% dedak padi + 25% eceng gondok), P2 (50% dedak padi + 50% eceng gondok), P3 (25% dedak padi + 75% eceng gondok). Variabel yang diamati antara lain bobot hidup, berat sembelih, berat darah, berat bulu, berat jeroan, berat kepala, berat ceker, berat leher, berat brutu, berat karkas, berat sayap, berat dada, berat paha. Data hasil penelitian dianalisis menggunakan analisis sidik ragam ( analisis of variance ) dan jika menunjukan perbedaan nyata maka diuji lanjut menggunakan uji jarak berganda Duncan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa perlakuan 50% dedak padi + 50% eceng gondok menghasilkan berat karkas dan non karkas yang baik pada entog jantan.
Physics against cancer
Authors: Weber Damien , Crompton Simon
Published: January 2023

Modern proton therapy is saving the lives of more and more children and adults with difficult-to-treat cancers. The spectacular rise of proton therapy might never have happened if it were not for the pioneering work of the Paul Scherrer Institute – a Swiss centre founded to explore physics and the nature of matter, but which turned its understanding of basic science into applications that would benefit mankind. This is the place that pioneered a technique of delivering protons to tumours called pencil beam scanning (also known as spot scanning) – now used in nearly every proton therapy centre in the world. It also developed techniques to more accurately deliver the correct proton dose to every part of a tumour – again, now used globally. This book is for anyone with an interest in scientists’ continual quest to find out more. It tells the remarkable story, spanning half a century, of the men and women at the Paul Scherrer Institute’s Center for Proton Therapy who had the knowledge, imagination and perseverance to bring their ideas to fruition. It demonstrates, perhaps most of all, just what can be achieved from close collaboration between physicians and scientists – bringing all the powers of physics to bear in the fight against cancer. "For a field to grow, and for the community of patients to be best served, it’s necessary to learn, grow, improve and share, the way it has been done at PSI. This book provides a look at that extremely important perspective. I, for one, read it with great pleasure." (Jay Flanz, Project Director and Technical Director of the Burr Proton Therapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital)
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived stress levels and psychological resilience of healthcare professionals
Authors: ÖZÇELİK KAYNAK Kezban , ÖZTUNA Barış
Published: January 2023

Aim: It is aimed to contribute to the literature with the broad support of participants actively working in the field during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. This study was conducted to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived stress levels and psychological resilience of healthcare professionals.Material and Method: A total of 856 healthcare professionals, actively working in the COVID-19 pandemic process across Turkey, participated in the research. The data in the study were collected using the “11 Demographic Questions”, the “Four-Item Perceived Stress Scale”, developed by Cohen and friends, and the “Six-Item Brief Resilience Scale”, developed by Smith and friends to measure psychological resilience levels. The statistical analysis of the study was performed by using SPSS 23. The data, which were not normally distributed, were compared using the Mann Whitney U test and the Kruskal Wallis test. Correlation between the variables was examined via Spearman’s correlation analysis and the data, which were not normally distributed, were presented as median.Results: It was found that the mean score of the perceived stress scale was 12.7±2.9 and the mean score of psychological resilience was 17.8±4.9. It was determined that there was a moderately negative significant correlation between perceived stress and psychological resilience (r:-0.542 p:<0.001).Conclusion: The results suggested that COVID-19, whose impacts have been felt globally, increased the stress level of healthcare professionals and decreased their psychological resilience.
The relationship of dietary antioxidant capacity with laboratory and anthropometric measurements in hemodialysis patients
Authors: ALATAŞ Hacer , ARSLAN Nurgül , PEMBEGÜL İrem
Published: January 2023

Aim: Dietary antioxidant intake correlates with blood antioxidant content and protects against oxidative damage and related inflammatory complications. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between total antioxidant capacity of diet and effective factors with laboratory and anthropometric parameters in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Material and Method: The present case-control study consisted of 62 cases and 59 controls individuals who received hemodialysis treatment between the ages of 35-75. Dietary intake, sociodemographic data, medical history, and anthropometric measurements were collected from participants using a validated questionnaire. Results: Examining the association between dietary components and diet's total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) reveals a positive correlation between dietary protein (kg/avg), beta carotene (mcg/day), vitamin C (mg/day), vitamin E (mg/day), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (g/day) (p=0.002). The serum albumin, serum neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and HDL-cholesterol have been reported to have a positive relationship with dTAC. And body mass ındex (BMI) and other anthropometric parameters were found to have a negative connection with dTAC (p=0.007). Conclusion: Total dietary antioxidant capacity is effective on anthropometric measurements and serum laboratory values. Increasing the antioxidant capacity of the diet in hemodialysis patients is important to prevent complications related to inflammation.
Distraksiyon ostegenizisi ve maksillofasyal bölge güncel uygulamaları :derleme
Authors: AKAY Neşet , AKKAYA Selda
Published: January 2023

Distraksiyon osteogenezisi kallusu gererek yeni kemik oluşturma tekniğidir. Bu teknik ilk olarak Rus bilim adamı ortopedist İlizarov tarafından uzun kemiklerde geliştirilmiştir.Distraksiyon osteogenezisi; osteotomi periyodu, latent periyod, distraksiyon periyodu ve konsolidasyon periyodu olmak üzere 4 safhadan oluşmaktadır. Kolay, etkili ve komplikasyonu az olan bir uygulamadır. Distraksiyon osteogenezisi, maksillofasiyal cerrahide yaygın olarak kullanılabilmesi için modifikasyonlara ve geliştirmelere ihtiyaç duyulan bir tekniktir. Distraksiyon osteogenezisi tekniğinin gelişmesi için materyal ve teknik olarak birçok araştırma yapılmıştır ve birçok gelişme kaydedilmiştir. Ancak bu araştırmalar henüz tam bir kesinlik kazanmamakla beraber olumlu sonuçlar vermektedir
Argumentative explanations for pattern-based text classifiers
Authors: Lertvittayakumjorn Piyawat , Toni Francesca
Published: January 2023

Recent works in Explainable AI mostly address the transparency issue of black-box models or create explanations for any kind of models (i.e., they are model-agnostic), while leaving explanations of interpretable models largely underexplored. In this paper, we fill this gap by focusing on explanations for a specific interpretable model, namely pattern-based logistic regression (PLR) for binary text classification. We do so because, albeit interpretable, PLR is challenging when it comes to explanations. In particular, we found that a standard way to extract explanations from this model does not consider relations among the features, making the explanations hardly plausible to humans. Hence, we propose AXPLR, a novel explanation method using (forms of) computational argumentation to generate explanations (for outputs computed by PLR) which unearth model agreements and disagreements among the features. Specifically, we use computational argumentation as follows: we see features (patterns) in PLR as arguments in a form of quantified bipolar argumentation frameworks (QBAFs) and extract attacks and supports between arguments based on specificity of the arguments; we understand logistic regression as a gradual semantics for these QBAFs, used to determine the arguments’ dialectic strength; and we study standard properties of gradual semantics for QBAFs in the context of our argumentative re-interpretation of PLR, sanctioning its suitability for explanatory purposes. We then show how to extract intuitive explanations (for outputs computed by PLR) from the constructed QBAFs. Finally, we conduct an empirical evaluation and two experiments in the context of human-AI collaboration to demonstrate the advantages of our resulting AXPLR method.
A novel directional sampling-based path planning algorithm for ambient intelligence navigation scheme in autonomous mobile robots
Authors: Ganesan Sivasankar , Natarajan Senthil Kumar
Published: January 2023

Path planning algorithms determine the performance of the ambient intelligence navigation schemes in autonomous mobile robots. Sampling-based path planning algorithms are widely employed in autonomous mobile robot applications. RRT*, or Optimal Rapidly Exploring Random Trees, is a very effective sampling-based path planning algorithm. However, the RRT* solution converges slowly. This study proposes a directional random sampling-based RRT* path planning algorithm known as DR-RRT* to address the slow convergence issue. The novelty of the proposed method is that it reduces the search space by combining directional non-uniform sampling with uniform sampling. It employs a random selection approach to combine the non-uniform directional sampling method with uniform sampling. The proposed path planning algorithm is validated in three different environments with a map size of 384*384, and its performance is compared to two existing algorithms: RRT* and Informed RRT*. Validation is carried out utilizing a TurtleBot3 robot with the Gazebo Simulator and the Robotics Operating System (ROS) Melodic. The proposed DR-RRT* path planning algorithm is better than both RRT* and Informed RRT* in four performance measures: the number of nodes visited, the length of the path, the amount of time it takes, and the rate at which the path converges. The proposed DR-RRT* global path planning algorithm achieves a success rate of 100% in all three environments, and it is suited for use in all kinds of environments.
Real-time optical dart detection and scoring algorithm for steel tip dartboards
Authors: Domazet Ervin
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we present a real-time scoring algorithm for steel dartboards, by using five (configurable) low-cost cameras that are positioned parallel to the baseline (surface) of the dartboard. In order to achieve that, firstly the cameras are placed at suggested places. Then, their central focus is configured to look at the center of the dartboard. Subsequently, the dartboard is calibrated and thresholds are adjusted for each camera respectively. After this step, the software runs and processes in real-time, detecting the darts with high precision as they are thrown. The algorithm is a daemon process, requiring high processing power. We detect parts that require long processing times by profiling the algorithm. Using techniques of parallel-programming, important parts of the algorithm are adjusted to run in parallel, in order to achieve a real-time effect. In our experiments, our algorithm achieved a detection accuracy rate of 99.63%, by using five low-cost cameras having an 85 degree horizontal field of view (HFOV). Simultaneously, each throw is detected in less than 600 ms, giving the real-time effect to players. This algorithm is tested with a variety of professional steel dartboards, and dart arrows of different materials (tungsten, steel etc.). The obtained outcomes indicate the robustness of the proposed algorithm, producing promising results.
Poor Oral Health as a Risk Factor for Dementia in a Swedish Population: A Cohort Study with 40 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: He Fei , Luo Huizi , Yin Li , Roosaar Ann , Axéll Tony , Zhao Hongwei , Ye Weimin
Published: January 2023

Background: Whether poor oral health is associated with dementia risk remains unclear. Objective: We conducted a cohort study of 14,439 participants who were followed up for up to 40 years in Uppsala County, central Sweden, aiming to explore the association between poor oral health, namely the number of tooth loss, dental plaque status, and oral mucosal lesions, and the risk of dementia. Methods: We used Cox proportional hazards regression model to derive cause-specific hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), while adjusting for baseline potential confounders as well as a time-varying covariate, Charlson’s Comorbidity Index score. Results: Dementia risk was substantially higher among those with a higher number of tooth loss; compared to the group with tooth loss 0-10, the HRs were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.42), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.40), and 1.30 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.54) respectively for groups with increasing number of tooth loss. There was some evidence of dose-risk association in this study, with a HR of 1.10 (1.04, 1.18) comparing adjacent groups (ptrend = 0.001). In a stratified analysis by attained age, tooth loss was more pronouncedly associated with the risk of dementia onset before age 80 (those with 21-32 versus 0-10 lost teeth, HR = 1.82, (95% CI: 1.32, 2.51); HR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.35) comparing adjacent groups, ptrend < 0.001). Conclusion: In summary, there are some indications that poor oral health, as indicated by more tooth loss, is positively associated with an increased risk of dementia, especially for dementia onset before age 80.
Fully Connected Multi-Kernel Convolutional Neural Network Based on Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Deng Lan ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Wang Yuanjun
Published: January 2023

Background: There is a shortage of clinicians with sufficient expertise in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and cerebrospinal fluid biometric collection and positron emission tomography diagnosis are invasive. Therefore, it is of potential significance to obtain high-precision automatic diagnosis results from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) through deep learning, and simultaneously output feature probability maps to provide clinical auxiliary diagnosis. Objective: We proposed a factorization machine combined neural network (FMCNN) model combining a multi-function convolutional neural network (MCNN) with a fully convolutional network (FCN), while accurately diagnosing AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI); corresponding fiber bundle visualization results are generated to describe their status. Methods: First, the DTI data is preprocessed to eliminate the influence of external factors. The fiber bundles of the corpus callosum (CC), cingulum (CG), uncinate fasciculus (UNC), and white matter (WM) were then tracked based on deterministic fiber tracking. Then the streamlines are input into CNN, MCNN, and FMCNN as one-dimensional features for classification, and the models are evaluated by performance evaluation indicators. Finally, the fiber risk probability map is output through FMCNN. Results: After comparing the model performance indicators of CNN, MCNN, and FMCNN, it was found that FMCNN showed the best performance in the indicators of accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and area under the curve. By inputting the fiber bundles of the 10 regions of interest (UNC_L, UNC_R, UNC, CC, CG, CG+UNC, CG+CC, CC+UNC, CG+CC+UNC, and WM into CNN, MCNN, and FMCNN, respectively), WM shows the highest accuracy in CNN, MCNN, and FMCNN, which are 88.41%, 92.07%, and 96.95%, respectively. Conclusion: The FMCNN proposed here can accurately diagnose AD and MCI, and the generated fiber probability map can represent the risk status of AD and MCI.
The Association of Kidney Function with Plasma Amyloid-β Levels and Brain Amyloid Deposition
Authors: Sedaghat Sanaz , Ji Yuekai , Hughes Timothy M. , Coresh Josef , Grams Morgan E. , Folsom Aaron R. , Sullivan Kevin J. , Murray Anne M. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Mosley Thomas H. , Lutsey Pamela L.
Published: January 2023

Background: Reduced kidney function is related to brain atrophy and higher risk of dementia. It is not known whether kidney impairment is associated with higher levels of circulating amyloid-β and brain amyloid-β deposition, which could contribute to elevated risk of dementia. Objective: To investigate whether kidney impairment is associated with higher levels of circulating amyloid-β and brain amyloid-β deposition. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed within the community–based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study cohort. We used estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine and cystatin C levels and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) to assess kidney function. Amyloid positivity was defined as a standardized uptake value ratios > 1.2 measured with florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET) (n = 340). Plasma amyloid-β1 - 40 and amyloid-β1 - 42 were measured using a fluorimetric bead-based immunoassay (n = 2,569). Results: Independent of demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, a doubling of ACR was associated with 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01,1.20) higher odds of brain amyloid positivity, but not eGFR (odds ratio per 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.95,1.23). A doubling of ACR was associated with a higher level of plasma amyloid-β1 - 40 (standardized difference: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.09,0.14) and higher plasma amyloid-β1 - 42 (0.08; 95% CI: 0.05,0.10). Lower eGFR was associated with higher plasma amyloid-β1 - 40 (0.36; 95% CI: 0.33,0.39) and higher amyloid-β1 - 42 (0.32; 95% CI: 0.29,0.35). Conclusion: Low clearance of amyloid-β and elevated brain amyloid positivity may link impaired kidney function with elevated risk of dementia. kidney function should be considered in interpreting amyloid biomarker results in clinical and research setting.
Brain Gray Matter Volume Mediated the Correlation Between Plasma P-Tau and Cognitive Function of Early Alzheimer’s Disease in China: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Wan Ke , Yin Wenwen , Tang Yating , Zhu Wenhao , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhou Xia , Zhang Wei , Zhang Cun , Yu Xianfeng , Zhao Wenming , Li Chenchen , Zhu Xiaoqun , Sun Zhongwu
Published: January 2023

Background: The primary manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include cognitive decline and brain gray matter volume (GMV) atrophy. Recent studies have found that plasma phosphorylated-tau (p-tau) concentrations perform better in diagnosing, differentiating, and monitoring the progression of AD. However, the correlation between plasma p-tau, GMV, and cognition remains unclear. Objective: To investigate whether GMV plays a mediating role in the association between plasma p-tau concentrations and cognition. Methods: In total, 99 participants (47 patients with AD and 52 cognitively unimpaired [CU] individuals) were included. All participants underwent neuropsychological assessments, laboratory examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Plasma p-tau217 and p-tau181 concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to assess participants’ brain GMV. Partial correlation and mediation analyses were conducted in AD group. Results: Plasma p-tau concentrations were significantly higher in the AD group than in the CU group. Patients with AD had significant brain GMV atrophy in the right hippocampus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, and right inferior temporal gyrus. In the AD group, there were significant correlations between plasma p-tau217 concentrations, GMV, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Brain GMV of the right hippocampus mediated the association between plasma p-tau217 concentrations and MMSE scores. A significant correlation between plasma p-tau181 and MMSE scores was not identified. Conclusion: The findings indicate that p-tau217 is a promising biomarker for central processes affecting brain GMV and cognitive function. This may provide potential targets for future intervention and treatment of tau-targeting therapies in the early stages of AD.
Applications to biogas-plant implementation problem based on type-2 picture fuzzy matrix game under new minkowski type measures
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Ali Zeeshan , Pamucar Dragan
Published: January 2023

To manage ambiguity and uncertainty information in real life problems, certain intellectuals have initiated numerous modifications of fuzzy sets. But, in certain situations, the decision-makers have been neglected to take a feasible decision. For instance, when an intellectual provides information in the form of a two-dimension or type-1 fuzzy set, then the prevailing theories have been neglected. For this, in this study, we elaborated the new idea of type-2 picture fuzzy sets (T2-PFS) and their algebraic laws have been given. Moreover, by using the T2-PFS, Hamacher aggregation operators are proposed and discussed their important properties. The Minkowski sorts of measures under the T2-PFS are also initiated. In the current study, we aim to utilize the matrix game in a type-2 picture fuzzy environment. By using the proposed operators and measures based on the Hausdorff metric. The elaborated idea has been defined with the biogas-plant implementation dilemma to verify the pertinence and authenticity. Lastly, to discuss the sensitivity analysis and geometrical shown of the initiated works, certain examples are illustrated to determine the supremacy and consistency of the proposed approaches.
The influence of bed height as a percentage of participant height on low back forces when boosting a patient up in bed
Authors: Larson Robert E. , Johnson A. Wayne , Bruening Dustin A. , Ridge Sarah T. , Mitchell Ulrike H.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND: Repositioning patients is a frequent task for healthcare workers causing substantial stress to the low back. Patient handling methodologies that reduce low back load should be used. Some studies have observed the effect of bed height on back forces using a limited range of heights. This study details a wider range. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to discover an optimal bed height for reducing low back force when boosting a patient. METHODS: 11 university students and local residents participated by completing a series of boosts with a 91.6 kg research assistant acting as dependent. The bed was adjusted 3% of participant height and 3 boosts were completed at each height which resulted in 8–10 different bed heights depending on the height of the participant. Motion and force data were collected to estimate low back forces via 3DSSPP. Pearson’s R was performed to observe the correlation between caregiver height and low back forces. RESULTS: There were significant negative correlations between bed height and low back compression force at L4-L5 (r = –0.676, p = <0.001) and L5-S1 (r = –0.704, p = <0.001). There were no significant correlations with any shear forces. CONCLUSION: The highest bed height led to decreased low back compression forces regardless of participant height, but there was not a significant difference in shear forces. Thus, healthcare workers may experience less low back stress with the bed at a higher height. There may be a force tradeoff between the low back and other parts of the body that needs further exploration. Healthcare workers need to be made aware of the implications of adjusting the environment when performing patient handling tasks.
Child and adolescent self-harm in a pandemic world: Evidence from a decade of data
Authors: Cawthorpe David
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND
Little is known about the COVID-19 pandemic impact on child and adolescent mental health, specifically self-harm. This paper serves to form a basis for understanding and planning an appropriate response to the present and longstanding child and adolescent mental health needs with global recommendations for integrated community support and disaster preparedness.

METHODS
Anonymous, aggregated data from an established regional child and adolescent addictions and mental health service was employed to examine differences in the rates of self-harm as the primary reason for referral among the health-seeking population represented by quarter by year since 2010 to examine whether self-harm rates have increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS
Female rates of self-harm referral were greater than male rates. Neither male nor female quarterly rates of total or first-time self-harm referrals exceeded the highest quarterly rates since 2010.

DISCUSSION
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, self-harm rates in one Canadian region remain stable and lower than the highest rates observed over the last decade. Given misplaced alarmist news and reports, a coherent, evidence-based, dynamic national response to mental health, social support, and disaster planning is required to fully understand how best to respond to the pandemic in general with a sustainable social support and disaster preparedness policy strategy and specifically the ongoing and pandemic-related mental health needs of the child and adolescent help-seeking population.
Comparison of Energy Consumption of Wireless Sensor Network at Various Topology Deployment: Array, Grid, and Random
Authors: Nugroho Ari Sriyanto , Prasojo Ipang
Published: January 2023

This paper is review wireless sensor network and it’s energy consumption at different deployment methods. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are emerging with many applications, because of the advances in large scale wireless communications. These networks are deployed to serve single objective application, with high optimization requirements such as power saving. The WSN design problem is of high complexity, and requires robust methodologies, including simulation support. We use NS2 as simulation program for this model. In this paper, the authors compare the energy consumption on three different deployment methods of WSN. These deployment methods refer to topology deployment. In this simulation, we deploy WSN on grid, array, and random topology. We use different numbers of WSN nodes for showing the scalability. We use AODV as routing protocol and CBR as the traffic. After that, we compare the energy consumption that consume by that networks. Based on simulation result, the array topology is the best topology for deployment. This topology is the lowest on energy consumption, 0.560%. 