bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Ducks (Muscovy) and Catfish (Clarias Lazera) Meat in Transmitting Trichinella Spiralis Infection
Authors: Malak Nermeen Makram Louis , Abdel-Radi Shimaa
Published: January 2022

Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic food-borne disease that causes public health problems. The present study investigated the role of domestic ducks (Muscovy) and catfish (Clarias lazera) in transmitting Trichinella spiralis infection in Egypt. Ducks, fish, and rats were inoculated by high doses of Trichinella spiralis (T. Spiralis) larvae in naturally infected muscles of pigs and by free larvae extracted from artificial digestion. Both methods failed to develop an infection in ducks. No worms or cysts could be detected in ducks slaughtered 10, 25, and 45 days after inoculation. Moreover, there was no significant increase in the mean ELISA optical density (OD) value, compared to the control non-inoculated ducks. Inoculation of fish resulted in a significant increase in the mean ELISA OD value, compared to the control non-inoculated fish. This elevation was associated with the temporary detection of a few adult worms in the intestine of these fish which decreased with time till disappeared 45 days after inoculation but a non-significant increase was observed, compared to that obtained in the inoculated rats at the same stages. A large number of T. spiralis adult worms and cysts associated with a significant increase in the mean ELISA OD were recorded in the inoculated rats. Infection of rats (xenodiagnosis) by muscles collected from the inoculated ducks or fish failed to induce infection or elevation in the level of anti-T. spiralis antibodies (ATs-Ab) in their sera. In conclusion, Muscovy ducks and Clarias lazera could not be infected by T. spiralis in their muscles and the consumption of their meat could not transmit this infection to consumers in Egypt. However, proper cooking of meat is still necessary to avoid infection with other species.
Impact of Replacing Soybean Meal with Sunflower Meal, Sesame Meal, and Black Seed Meal in diets of Barki Lambs
Authors: Ali El-Tanany Reham Roshdy , Ali Chiab Abderrahim Belkasim , Abd EL-Gawad El-Banna Hesham Mohamed , Ali Mostafa Ali Mohamed , Mahmoud Adel Eid Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Crude protein content in animal diet is considered the first important factor for nutritionists when they start to formulate a diet for different types of animals. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of substituting soybean seed meal by different protein sources on lamb’s diet in terms of nutrients digestibility, and growth performance. Therefore, four tested concentrate feed mixtures (CFM, 14% crude protein) were designed. The CFM1 contained soybean meal as the only source of protein, and 50% of soybean meal protein was replaced by either sunflower meal, sesame seed meal, or black seed meal in CFM2, CFM3, and CFM4 groups, respectively. A total of 28 growing Barki male lambs aged 6 months with an average body weight of 38.6 ± 0.4 Kg were used in feeding trials for 120 days. Depending on their body weight, lambs were divided into four groups (7 animals in each). Each group fed on one of the experimental diets, including D1 (CFM1+ clover hay), D2 (CFM2 + clover hay), D3 (CFM3 + clover hay), and D4 (CFM4 + clover hay). Results of digestion coefficients indicted that the digestibility of crude protein and the nitrogen-free extract was significantly higher for D1 and D4, compared to D2 and D3. The same trend was observed in nutritive values expressed as total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude protein (DCP), whereas the D1 and D4 recorded higher TDN and DCP, compared to D2 and D3. Results of rumen parameters demonstrated that there were insignificant differences among groups regarding the average pH, ammonia (NH3-N), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs). Data of growth performance indicated that the final live body weight, total body gain, and average daily gain of lambs feed D4 (56.75 kg, 18.62 kg, and 155 g, respectively) and D1 (56.62 kg, 17.60 kg, and 147 g, respectively) were higher than those for lambs fed D2 (53.40 Kg, 14.64 kg, and 122 g, respectively) and D3 (53.11 kg, 14.61 kg, and 122 g, respectively). The feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) was recorded better value with lambs fed D4 followed by that fed D1. In conclusion, black seed meal could be replaced with the 50% of soybean meal participation of protein in growing Barki lambs’ diets without any adverse effects on digestibility, rumen kinetics, and growth performance.
The Effect of Commercial Probiotics on the Phytoplankton Diversity Associated with Biofloc
Authors: Kurniawati Fitri Anisha , Masithah Endang Dewi , Rahardja Boedi Setya
Published: January 2022

The intensive aquaculture industry faces two main problems, first, the decrease in the water quality caused by high concentrations of metabolites, and second, the use of low natural food in aquaculture activities with high water exchange intensity. For this reason, efforts are needed to develop biofloc to maximize the contribution of natural food which can increase aquaculture production. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of commercial probiotics on the differences in the phytoplankton diversity associated with biofloc. The fish were divided into three treatment groups. Treatment A involved biofloc formation without using probiotics, treatment B contained biofloc formation using commercial probiotics (Bacillus spp., lactic acid, Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces spp. 50/50 feed), and treatment C entailed biofloc formation using commercial probiotics (containing a native microbial consortium, 50/50 feed). The treatment groups were repeated six times so that there were 18 experimental units. The research was conducted from March to April 2015. The results indicated that the administration of probiotics with different types led to insignificant differences among the treatment groups. The highest diversity index value occurred in treatment C on day 34 of the experiment that was equal to 0.49. On the other hand, the highest value of the dominance index (C = 0.99) occurred in treatments A and B on day 21. It can be concluded that the addition of probiotics with different biofloc could result in insignificant phytoplankton diversity. Furthermore, the Nitrogen/Phosphorus (N/P) ratio as a limiting factor for phytoplankton growth indicated different results in each treatment.
3D Segmentation In The Clinic: A Grand Challenge II at MICCAI 2008 - MS Lesion Segmentation
Authors: Scully Mark , Magnotta Vincent , Gasparovic Charles , Pelligrimo Peter , Feis Delia , Bockholt H. Jeremy
Published: January 2022

This document examines the application of a new parametric method on the segmentation of MS lesions in brain sMRI, as applied to the data provided for the MS Lesion Segmentation Challenge at MICCAI 2008. The method uses the vector image joint histogram, built over a training set, as an explicit model of the feature vectors indicating lesion. The histogram is used to predict lesions in the test data by labeling feature vectors consistent with lesion feature vectors in the training set. The results are evaluated using STAPLE to compare against two separate human raters.
A software architecture for cell manipulation
Authors: Azizian Mahdi , Patel Rajni , Gavrilovici Cezar , Poulter Michael
Published: January 2022

A software architecture has been developed for image-guided robot-assisted cell manipulation. The system provides tools for positioning and navigation of multiple micromanipulators under live microscope images. The main application of this system is in multi-electrode patch clamp electrophysiology; however the same architecture can be used for any other type of cell micromanipulation as well as other applications such as micro-assembly.
Inverse Nonlinear Finite Element Methods for Surgery Simulation and Image Guidance
Authors: Pratt Philip
Published: January 2022

Nonlinear finite element methods are described in which cyclic organ motion is implied from 4D scan data. The equations of motion corresponding to an explicit integration of the total Lagrangian formulation are reversed, such that the sequence of node forces which produces known changes in displacement is recovered. The forces are resolved from the global coordinate system into systems local to each element, and at every simulation time step are expressed as weighted sums of edge vectors. In the presence of large deformations and rotations, this facilitates the combination of external forces, such as tool-tissue interactions, and also positional constraints. Applications in the areas of surgery simulation and minimally invasive robotic interventions are discussed, and the methods are illustrated using CT images of a pneumatically-operated beating heart phantom.
Segmentation of Head and Neck CT Scans Using Atlas-based Level Set Method
Authors: Zhang Xing , Tian Jie , Wu Yongfang , Zheng Jian , Deng Kexin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present an atlas-based level set automatic method for segmenting anatomical structures in head and neck CT data, such as mandible and brainstem. The proposed method is a hybrid method that combines two aspects. First, we register the atlas image to the image to be segmented using an intensity-based non-rigid image registration algorithm based on B-spline, the corresponding binary image of the atlas is also resampled into the reference image coordinate system according to the deformation field obtained from the registration process. Second, based on the initialization of the deformed atlas binary mask, the level set function is evolved to segment the object of interest in the test image. The proposed method was tested on CT images of head and neck and compared with expert segmentation of mandible and brainstem. The evaluation results show the method is available and effective.
Fully automated segmentation of carotid and vertebral arteries from CTA
Authors: Cuisenaire Olivier
Published: January 2022

We propose a method for segmenting and labeling the main head and neck vessels (common, internal, external carotid and vertebral arteries) from a contrast enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) volume. First, an initial centerline of each vessel is extracted. Next, the vessels are segmented using 3D active objects initialized using the first step. Finally, the true centerline is identified by smoothly deforming it away from the segmented mask edges using a spline-snake.

We focus particularly on the initial centerline extraction technique. It uses a locally adaptive front propagation algorithm that attempts to find the optimal path connecting the ends of the vessel, typically from the lowest image of the scan to the Circle of Willis in the brain. It uses a patient adapted anatomical model of the different vessels both to initialize and constrain this fast marching, thus eliminating the need for manual selection of seed points.

The method is evaluated by applying it to the datasets of the MICCAI 2009 carotid bifurcation challenge, for which this paper is the only fully automatic method submitted.
Fast image-based model of mitral valve closure for surgical planning
Authors: Hammer Peter , Vasilyev Nikolay , Perrin Douglas , del Nido Pedro , Howe Robert
Published: January 2022

Surgical repair of the mitral valve results in better outcomes than valve replacement, yet diseased valves are often replaced due to the technical difficulty of the repair process. A surgical planning system based on patient-specific medical images that allows surgeons to simulate and compare potential repair strategies could greatly improve surgical outcomes. The system must simulate valve closure quickly and handle the complex boundary conditions imposed by the chords that tether the valve leaflets. We have developed a process for generating a triangulated mesh of the valve surface from volumetric image data of the opened valve. The closed position of the mesh is then computed using a mass-spring model of dynamics. In the mass-spring model, triangle sides are treated as linear springs supporting only tension. Chords are also treated as linear springs, and self-collisions are detected and handled inelastically. The equations of motion are solved using implicit numerical integration. The simulated closed state is compared with an image of the same valve taken in the closed state to assess accuracy of the model. The model exhibits rapid valve closure and is able to predict the closed state of the valve with reasonable accuracy.
MR Brain Segmentation using Decision Trees
Authors: Jog Amod , Roy Snehashis , Prince Jerry L. , Carass Aaron
Published: January 2022

Segmentation of the human cerebrum from magnetic resonance images (MRI) into its component tissues has been a defining problem in medical imaging. Until recently, this has been solved as the tissue classification of the T1-weighted (T1-w) MRI, with numerous solutions for this problem having appeared in the literature. The clinical demands of understanding lesions, which are indistinguishable from gray matter in T1-w images, has necessitated the incorporation of T2-weighted Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) images to improve segmentation of the cerebrum. Many of the existing methods fail to handle the second data channel gracefully, because of assumptions about their model. In our new approach, we explore a model free algorithm which uses a classification technique based on ensembles of decision trees to learn the mapping from an image feature to the corresponding tissue label. We use corresponding image patches from a registered set of T1-w and FLAIR images with a manual segmentation to construct our decision tree ensembles. Our method is efficient, taking less than two minutes on a 240x240x48 volume. We conduct experiments on five training sets in a leave-one-out fashion, as well as validation on an additional twelve subjects, and a landmark validation experiment on another cohort of five subjects.
Evaluation Framework for Algorithms Segmenting Short Axis Cardiac MRI.
Authors: Radau Perry , Lu Yingli , Connelly Kim , Paul Gideon , Dick Alexander J , Wright Graham A
Published: January 2022

The motivation of the segmentation challenge is to quantitatively analyze global and regional cardiac function from cine magnetic resonance (MR) images, clinical parameters such as ejection fraction (EF), left ventricle myocardium mass (MM), and stroke volume (SV) are required. Calculations of these parameters depend upon accurate delineation of endocardial and epicardial contours of the left ventricle (LV). Manual delineation is time-consuming and tedious and has high inter-observer variability. Thus, fully automatic LV segmentation is desirable.

The automatic segmentation of the LV in cine MR typically faces four challenges: 1) the overlap between the intensity distributions within the cardiac regions; 2) the lack of edge information; 3) the shape variability of the endocardial and epicardial contours across slices and phases; and 4) the inter-subject variability of these factors. A number of methods have been proposed for (semi-) automatic LV segmentation, including using a probability atlas [1], dynamic programming [2-3], fuzzy clustering [4], a deformable model [5], an active appearance model [6], a variational and level set [7-10], graph cuts [11-12] and an image-driven approach [13]. For a complete review of recent literature describing cardiac segmentation techniques, see [14]. Although the segmentation results have improved, accurate LV segmentation is still acknowledged as a difficult problem.

The goals of this contest are to compare LV segmentation methods by providing an evaluation system, and a database of images and expert contours. Comparing segmentation results across research studies can be difficult due to unspecified differences in the method or implementation of evaluation metrics. This contest will provide open-source code for contour evaluation. Furthermore, the database will provide a set of images such that confounding segmentation differences due to image quality or pathology could be eliminated.
AAM Segmentation of the Mandible and Brainstem
Authors: Babalola Kola , Cootes Tim
Published: January 2022

The 2009 MICCAI Head and Neck Auto-Segmentation Challenge was aimed at assessing algorithms for automated segmentation of the brain stem and mandible from CT images for use in radiotherapy planning. The organisers provided 10 datasets with associated manual segmentations by experts, and 8 test datasets on which the algorithms had to be run. In two of the test datasets (subjects 13 and 15) the field of view was truncated. The results were independently analysed by the organisers.

To address the problem posed by the challenge we describe a method based on active appearance models (AAMs) which involves four stages: Initialisation with a parts-and-geometry model, search with a global AAM followed by search with local AAMs, then post-processing using linear regressors.

Application of the method to the test images resulted in a mean (excluding subject 13) Dice overlap value of 76.1 +/- 5.1% for the mandible, and 72.9 +/- 24.6% for the brainstem. The method failed to segment both the mandible and brainstem in subject 13, and the whilst giving a successful segmentation of the mandible in subject 15, gave poor results on the brainstem. It takes about 10 minutes to run on a 64 bit Linux workstation with 2GB RAM, and a 2GHz pentium processor. We were encouraged by its performance on this dataset, and believe that its accuracy can be improved with some modifications to the segmentation pipeline.
VV: a viewer for the evaluation of 4D image registration
Authors: Seroul Pierre , Sarrut David , Sarrut David
Published: January 2022

We propose an open source and cross platform medical image viewer, named VV, designed for qualita tive evaluation of images registration, in particular for deformable registration of 4D CT images. VV can display multiple spatio-temporal image sequences (2D+t or 3D+t) and contains several tools for comparing images using transparency or fusion, for visualizing deformation ﬁelds, for deﬁning landmarks. It is used in the ﬁeld of radiation therapy to help researchers and clinicians evaluate deformation in 4D CT images of the thorax. It is implemented in C++, with ITK, VTK and QT open source version, runs on Linux and windows and is freely available to the community.
Tensor Spectral Matching of Diffusion Weighted Images
Authors: Orasanu Eliza , Melbourne Andrew , Lorenzi Marco , Modat Marc , Lombaert Herve , Eaton-Rosen Zach , Robertson Nicola J. , Kendall Giles S. , Marlow Neil , Ourselin Sebastien
Published: January 2022

Very preterm birth coincides with a period of major development in the brain, with striking changes in volume, cortex folding and significant change at the microstructural level. Diffusion MRI is sensitive to motion of water on the scale of microns, allowing us to investigate some of these changes. Mapping of diffusion tensors is a challenging process, and existing methods fail to account for the major changes that take place between 30 and 40 weeks equivalent gestational age. In this paper we introduce the spectral matching in the context of non-linear registration of diffusion images. Spatial correspondences are defined with respect to the main spectral modes of the images, which are global descriptors of the tensor information. We apply tensor spectral matching (TSM) in two different ways: by estimation of spatial correspondences uniquely based on the spectral decomposition of diffusion tensor images, and by combination of TSM with a standard diffusion tensor registration algorithm (TSM-DTI-TK). We validate the proposed approaches on 20 adult controls, and we compare it to the state-of-art registration method. We then apply these methods to longitudinal diffusion data acquired from 6 extremely preterm-born infants scanned shortly after birth and at term equivalent age. The experimental results combining TSM with standard tensor registration outperform the state-of-art when applied to both adult and preterm data. Having a reliable anatomical correspondence in preterm infants allows us to quantify microstructural changes and to work towards developing biomarkers of neurological impairment.
User Interface Integration and Remote Control for Modular Surgical Assist Systems
Authors: Bohn Stefan , Hilbert Tobias , Burgert Oliver
Published: January 2022

Today’s operating rooms consist of numerous medical devices, clinical IT systems and systems for computer assisted surgery. The majority of these systems comes from different vendors and has different user interface designs and interaction schemes. This diversity introduces a high risk of accidental misuse, which is critical in the surgical domain. The proposed framework integrates user interfaces of heterogeneous components into one central control console using a uniform screen design and interaction scheme. To accomplish this, the standards Universal Remote Console (URC) and Device Profiles for Web Services (DPWS) have been combined and integrated. The prototype results are demonstrated in the ICCAS integrated operating room.
The cisst libraries for computer assisted intervention systems
Authors: Deguet Anton , Kumar Rajesh , Taylor Russell , Kazanzides Peter
Published: January 2022

Computer assisted intervention (CAI) systems require the integration of an increasing number of devices, including medical monitors, sensors, tracking devices and robots. This complexity makes applications harder to develop, more difficult to debug and the accumulation of ad hoc interfaces reduces the overall portability. We describe a set of libraries, the cisst libraries, developed at the Johns Hopkins University to address some of the problems encountered when integrating devices for CAI. We focus on three main characteristics of the cisst libraries: software architecture, multi-threading and CAI specific interfaces.
Liver Tumor Segmentation Using Implicit Surface Evolution
Authors: Hame Yrjo
Published: January 2022

A method for automatic liver tumor segmentation from computer tomography (CT) images is presented in this paper. Segmentation is an important operation before surgery planning, and automatic methods offer an alternative to laborious manual segmentation. In addition, segmentations of automatic methods are reproducible, so they can be reliably evaluated and they do not depend on the performer of the segmentation. In this work, the segmentation is performed in two stages. First a rough segmentation of tumors is obtained by simple thresholding and morphological operations. The second stage refines the rough segmentation result using fuzzy clustering and a geometric deformable model (GDM) that is fitted on the clustering result. The method was evaluated with data provided by Liver Tumor Segmentation Challenge 08, to which the method also participated. The data included 10 images from which 20 tumors were segmented. The method showed promising results.
Small Computings for Clinicals and SCCToolKit, OR friendly Trial Package and Software Development Kit
Authors: Chinzei Kiyoyuki , Kobayashi Etsuko , Suzuki Takashi , Yamashita Juli , Yamauchi Yashushi
Published: January 2022

This paper is about a design policy for operation-room (OR) friendly research system, software and a software toolkit SCCToolKit for this purpose, and a few examples. Examples are image processor for endoscope, OR event detector, vision based registration of ultrasound and endoscopic images, etc. We name the design policy as Small Computations for Clinicals (SCC). A system is SCC savvy if it is 1) single purpose, 2) turn-key system without need of using mouse and keyboard, 3) small form factor PC based, and 4) cost less than $1,000 USD. SCCToolKit is OpenCV extension that could minimize the number of buffer copies from receiving image frames from operating system to render it to display buffer. It is open source under BSD license. We measured the latency of image capture to display of the endoscope image processor was between 0.13 to 0.2 second for 1920x1080 size display with chroma-key image mixing. Considering of the acceptable latency of 0.2 second, the performance was as good as commercially available, custom hardware processor that could cost over 10,000 USD, while our PC based system cost 773 USD.
Assessment of Peri-Articular Implant Fitting Based on Statistical Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Bonaretti Serena , Reimers Nils , Reyes Mauricio , Nikitsin Andrei , Joensson Anders , Nolte Lutz-Peter , Buchler Philippe
Published: January 2022

We present a framework for statistical finite element analysis allowing performing statistical statements of biomechanical performance of peri-articular implants across a given population. In this paper, we focus on the design of orthopaedic implants that fit a maximum percentage of the target population, both in terms of geometry and biomechanical stability. CT scans of the bone under consideration are registered non-rigidly to obtain correspondences in position between them. A statistical model of shape is computed by means of principal component analysis. A method to automatically propagate standardize fractures on the statistically-based bone population has been developed as well as tools to optimize implant position to best-fit the bone surface. Afterwards, finite element analysis is performed to analyse the biomechanical performance of the bone/implant construct. The mechanical behaviour of different PCA bone instances is compared for tibia representing the Asian and Caucasian populations.
Development and Validation of an Open-Source Real-Time Freehand 3-Dimensional Ultrasound Navigation System for Liver Surgery with GPGPU Acceleration
Authors: Gumprecht Jan , Tokuda Junichi , Liu Haiying , Hata Nobuhiko
Published: January 2022

To achieve longterm survival after resection of liver tumors, accurate resection margins are essential. Image guided surgery with navigational support has the potential to increase surgical accuracy significantly, thus making the operation more reliable. In this article we describe an image guided navigation system for liver surgery. Our platform uses GPU acceleration to display in real-time reconstructed 3-dimensional freehand ultrasound volumes in combination with tracked surgical instruments. We evaluated the accuracy and the performance of our system on a phantom study. The results of our study demonstrate that our image guided navigation system has the potential to introduce significant improvements in the field of liver surgery.
Head and Neck Auto Segmentation Challenge based on Non-Local Generative Models
Authors: Orbes Arteaga Mauricio , Cárdenas Peña David , Castellanos Dominguez German
Published: January 2022

A new patch based label fusion method based on generative approach is proposed for segmentation of mandible, brainstem, parotid and submandibular glands, optic nerves and the optic chiasm in head and neck CT images. The proposal constructs local classifiers from a dictionary of patches and weights their contribution using a generative probabilistic criterion. Also, a gaussian slide window is used to weight the multiples estimations of neighboring voxels. The proposed method was evaluated on a set of 15 CT images (10 off-site and 5 onsite) provided by the organizers of the Head and neck Auto-Segmentation challenge(MICCAI 2015), where the obtained results are comparable to many of the other methods used in the challenge.
An entropy based multi-thresholding method for semi-automatic segmentation of liver tumors
Authors: Choudhary Anirudh , Moretto Nicola , Pizzorni Ferrarese Francesca , Zamboni Giulia A.
Published: January 2022

Liver cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. A precise analysis of the lesions would help in the staging of the tumor and in the evaluation of the possible applicable therapies. In this paper we present the workflow we have developed for the semi-automatic segmentation of liver tumors in the datasets provided for the MICCAI Liver Tumor Segmentation contest. Since we wanted to develop a system that could be as automatic as possible and to follow the segmentation process in every single step starting from the image loading to the lesion extraction, we decided to subdivide the workflow in two main steps: first we focus on the segmentation of the liver and once we have extracted the organ structure we segment the lesions applying an adaptive multi-thresholding system.
Left Ventricle Segmentation in Cardiac Ultrasound Using Hough-Forests With Implicit Shape and Appearance Priors
Authors: Milletari Fausto , Yigitsoy Mehmet , Navab Nassir , Ahmadi Seyed-Ahmad
Published: January 2022

We propose a learning based approach to perform automatic segmentation of the left ventricle in 3D cardiac ultrasound images. The segmentation contour is estimated through the use of a variant of Hough forests whose object localization capabilities are coupled with a patch-wise, appearance driven, contour estimation strategy. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on a dataset of 30 images acquired from 15 patients using different equipment and settings.
The MUSiiC Toolkit: Modular Real-Time Toolkit for Advanced Ultrasound Research
Authors: Stolka Philipp , Kang Hyun-jae , Boctor Emad
Published: January 2022

Ultrasound is a very useful and convenient modality in medical imaging, due to its relatively small footprint, high resolution, negligible adverse effects, and real-time imaging capability – in spite of its well-known artifacts. However, it is fairly difficult to fully benefit from its resolution and speed in advanced imaging research because of the closed nature of most ultrasound systems.

We propose a modular and extensible open-source toolkit MUSiiC S/W for rapid development and system setup for ultrasound research. Aimed at algorithm and experimental system builders as well as at clinical research, it allows standardized access to various types of ultrasound-derived real-time data streams, incorporates various tracking facilities, volume reconstruction, and connections to external software tools. By providing well-defined open standard interfaces between those building blocks, we aim at easy extensibility for third-party researchers.
Pengaruh Edukasi melalui Leaflet Terhadap Pengetahuan Swamedikasi Antinyeri Rasional di Kecamatan Kedungwuni Pekalongan
Authors: Yulianti Karima
Published: January 2022

Nyeri seringkali dirasakan seseorang, nyeri dapat mengganggu aktivitas sehingga harus segera diobati. Penggunaan obat nyeri banyak digunakan bebas oleh masyarakat karena keterbatasan pengetahuan dalam pelaksanaan swamedikasi dapat menyebabkan kesalahan, sehingga diperlukan edukasi supaya pengobatan tersebut rasional. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh edukasi melalui leaflet terhadap pengetahuan penggunaan obat yang rasional untuk swamedikasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode prospektif desain quasi experimental tipe one group pretestpostest with control group, dengan pengambilan sampel secara purposive random sampling. Responden penelitian berjumlah 100 dibagi menjadi dua kelompok. Total 50 responden kelompokkontrol dan 50 responden kelompok eksperimen. Hasil penelitian karakteristik responden di Kecamatan Kedungwuni pada penelitian ini berjenis kelamin laki-laki 38% dan perempuan 62%,responden berusia 18-28 tahun sebesar 35%, pendidikan terakhir responden paling banyak SMA sebesar 21%, pekerjaan yang mendominasi adalah ibu rumah tangga sebesar 30%, penghasilan responden <Rp.1.000.000 dan jarak dari rumah ke apotek paling banyak jarak dekat <1km sebesar 66%. Tingkat pengetahuan masyarakat di Kecamatan Kedungwuni sebelum diberikan edukasi masuk dalam kategori baik sebesar 66% dan tingkat pengetahuan sesudah diberi edukasi masuk dalam kategori baik sebesar 92%. Terdapat pengaruh edukasi melalui leaflet terhadap pengetahuan swamedikasi antinyeri rasional di Kecamatan Kedungwuni dikarenakan pada uji mann-whitney nilai p-value <0,05. Masyarakat diharapkan aktif mencari informasi dalam melakukan swamedikasi agar rasional dan lebih memperhatikan obat yang akan digunakan untuk pengobatan mandiri.
Alone or Not Alone? – The Attitudes of Hungarians Towards Solo Travel
Authors: Ernszt Ildikó , Marton Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2022

Before the COVID pandemic, solo travel was getting more and more popular – especially among women travelers. Both demographic, social trends, and inner motivations enhanced the popularity of this type of travel. The aging society and the single lifestyle increased the demand on the one hand, while on the other hand, the desire for self-realization, to find new ways of life, escapism, the thirst for self-confidence drive more tourists to travel alone. In the case of women travelers, their increasing decisive power and independence also boosted solo travel. The tourism industry also offers several attractions specially designed for them. The post-pandemic era will show how this special group of travelers will react to the changed circumstances and how they will change their travel habits. The paper examines how frequently Hungarian respondents travel alone and what their attitudes towards this type of traveling are.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Purchase Intention in a Transition Economy: The Mediating Role of Brand Awareness and Brand Engagement
Authors: Emini Adelina , Zeqiri Jusuf
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to investigate the impact of social media marketing on purchase intention among consumers in Kosovo as a transition economy. The survey research has been conducted with a sample of 334 respondents in Kosovo, using an online survey tool for response collection. Structural equation modeling was used for assessing the proposed theoretical model. The bootstrapping technique was used to test the hypotheses and the mediating effects of brand awareness and brand engagement. The findings revealed a positive indirect impact of social media marketing on purchase intention and a full mediating effect of brand awareness and brand engagement in the relationship between social media marketing and purchase intention. The contribution of this study is that it provides insights into the impact of social media marketing on brand awareness, brand engagement, and purchase intention in transition economies. Moreover, it highlights the impact of social media marketing on enhancing brand awareness, brand engagement, and purchase intention in emerging economies in general and in particular in Kosovo. On a practical level, research results provide customers’ insights relevant for designing effective social media marketing strategies for their potential prospects in transition economies.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Digital Transformation: Challenges for Human Resources Management
Authors: Barišić Anton Florijan , Rybacka Barišić Joanna , Miloloža Ivan
Published: January 2022

The global economic situation and need to be better prepared for competitive challenges put pressure on modern companies to shift toward automation and digitalization. As a consequence of rapid technological development and the speed of change and therefore forced transformation of business models and work design, organizations are faced with a need for a massive change of features and an extended role of HR management processes. To be able to drive future organizational performance, HR leaders and professionals are required to make changes in the skills and competencies they have and to acquire and possess new ones. The critical components of a digital transformation strategy that can help achieve a competitive advantage are human capital, intellectual capital, and knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to explore and elaborate on the contemporary position and the changing function of HRM in light of digital transformation. In that sense, a comprehensive analysis of available literature has been conducted addressing the domains of HR planning, reward management, performance management, employee engagement, training and development, health and safety, employee relations, as well as their change under the influence of digital transformation. As the main conclusion of this research, it can be stated that although digitalization, i.e., digital transformation, strongly affects HR practices and procedures specifically by using human resources information systems, the role of HR in contributing to the digitization strategy is not sufficiently emphasized. However, it can be argued that the results of this research represent a valuable contribution to future research and can certainly be an important benchmark for organizations when preparing strategies to respond to the challenges of the digital age.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The Behaviour of Intelligent Investors at Financial Markets: Insight from Slovenian Investors
Authors: Trančar Vesna
Published: January 2022

Intelligent investors differ from speculative or non-professional investors in the fact that intelligent investors act countercyclically; that is, they act against the trend, or otherwise, they buy when prices have already fallen and sell when their rate of selected investment has already risen. An example of countercyclical behavior can also be explained by the thinking of professional investor Warren Buffett, who points out a simple investment rule: "Be scared when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are scared." Since crypto markets have recently emerged, there is a need for researching the best strategy for investments in their financial instruments. To get an insight into the behavior of Slovenian investors, in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of financial experts. The article presents tips for the correct responses of intelligent investors in financial markets.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality-Based Technology in Cultural Tourism
Authors: Garbin Praničević Daniela
Published: January 2022

The paper intends to scrutinize the effects of augmented (AR) reality and virtual reality (VR) technology implementation in cultural tourism. Therefore, the paper explored and presented the following: (i) AR, and VR (AR/VR) based technology concept in general, (ii) AR/VR technologies application in cultural tourism with an emphasis on their potential to protect cultural heritage; (iii) the overview of AR/VR presence in cultural tourism in the 27 European Union countries (EU-27). In the discussion part, besides empirical results based on the EU-27 desk research, AR/VR technologies in cultural tourism are additionally reconsidered from the aspect of climate change. In conclusion, what is encouraged is the application of AR/VR in cultural tourism due to the benefits AR and VR bring in terms of (i) delivering quite substantial content to their visitors any time from any place, (ii) reducing the negative impact of tourism on cultural heritage and (iii) developing related strategies based on more sustainable principles and concepts.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The Impact of Digital Marketing and Digital Transformation on Brand Promotion and Brand Positioning in Kosovo’s Enterprises
Authors: Istrefi-Jahja Arta , Zeqiri Jusuf
Published: January 2022

Digitalization is very important for every company in today’s fierce competition. The development of Information Technologies has helped companies change means of reaching their clients and changing their working practices. The paper tries to assess digital marketing (DM) and digital transformation (DT) techniques that impact enterprises in Kosovo in the process of their brand promotion and brand positioning using google analytics, social media, e-commerce, search engines, mobile apps, or other digital channels. DT is profoundly important to every company, yet the correlation between DT, brand promotion, and brand positioning for Kosovo’s enterprises has not been researched a lot. With the DT, many companies are redefining business procedures and marketing strategies. The research will collect data using a survey with 150 companies generated by the Kosovo Business Registration Agency. Partial Least Square is used to analyse the collected data. Structural Equation modelling is used to assess the relationship between exogenous and endogenous variables used in the research proposed model. A moderation effect is used to test whether COVID-19 or the company's size is linked to the usage of DM and DT. The results are expected to reveal that DM and the digitalization process of enterprises affect brand promotion and brand position. The findings also imply that social media are widely used relative to other marketing channels. Companies that use DM and invest more in technology have better chances to promote and position their brands.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Analysis of the Effects of Control Parameters Variation of ABC Algorithm Used in Filter Bank Design on the Performance
Authors: Ozdemir Gokcen , Karaboga Nurhan
Published: January 2022

In this work, Cosine Modulated Filter Bank (CMFB) is designed using Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm. In heuristic algorithms, one of the important factors affecting the performance of the algorithm is to determine the control parameters of the algorithm. The performance of the designed filter bank is investigated according to the change in the control parameters of the ABC Algorithm. The effects on the filter bank performance parameters of the change in the control parameters are detailed.
Predictive policing: een balans na zes jaar empirisch evaluatieonderzoek in België
Authors: Hardyns Wim , Rummens Anneleen
Published: January 2022

Predictive policing: a balance after six years of empirical evaluation research in Belgium

Predictive policing is the use of historical crime and other data in complex statistical models to predict where and when there is a high risk of new crime events. These predictions can then be used to direct police patrols proactively. Despite the increasing use and commercialisation of predictive policing worldwide, academic research into the methodological and operational dimensions of predictive policing is relatively limited. Since 2015 we have researched and tested several predictive crime models methodologically and operationally, based on police and other (big) data sources in several Belgian police districts. In this article, we summarise the results of six years of empirical research into predictive policing and look to the future of predictive policing research and practice.
What does a wounded body testify to, i.e., what is nonsuicidal self-injury and how to recognize it?
Authors: Korporowicz Marta
Published: January 2022

This article is a review, its aim is to present the phenomenon of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the context of current research. The article discusses the terminological, definitional and epidemiological issues, as well as the forms, functions and determinants of NSSI, according to the analysis of Polish and foreign literature. Particularly important are the functions of NSSI, which allow you to understand why an individual hurts his own body and thus better understand such people. The article also includes an application aspect by presenting warning signals of NSSI and the methods of reacting to information about nonsuicidal self-injury committed by a person in the immediate vicinity.
Artificial intelligence: a new educational challenge
Authors: Kuruliszwili Sergo
Published: January 2022

Rapid development of Artificial Intelligence is influencing most of the human’s domains. It impacts our reality in quantitative and qualitative way. This situation is challenging, also for the educational system – in many aspects. Analysis of this situation in the educational context is important and urgent matter. In the article author is attempting to explain and to structure the problem, pointing out, both chances and the threats, of the phenomenon, focusing on the area of educational content the measures.
Temporal perspective and mental functioning of socially maladjusted youth held in conditions of institutional isolation
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna , Marek-Banach Joanna , Zimbardo Philip
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The aim of the research presented was to determine whether the temporal perspective of socially maladjusted adolescents, held against their will in conditions of institutional isolation, can be linked to the level of their mental functioning.
Method: The researchers applied standardized psychological tests in a survey of a group of 311 adolescents (38 females, 273 males), aged 13–18, who were held in a youth education center (YEC) following family court rulings.
Results: After a psychological characterization of three groups of adolescents with different temporal perspectives, distinguished on the basis of cluster analysis, it was proven that the temporal perspective of adolescents held in institutional isolation is crucial to the quality of their mental functioning. The participants who scored significantly lower in all dimensions of temporal perspective seemed to be experiencing lower-intensity loneliness, depression and stress. Those, on the other hand, whose perspective was of the present-hedonistic or past-negative types felt lonelier, lived under more stress and suffered from more severe forms of depression. The teenagers whose temporal perspective was past-positive and future-oriented turned out to be most balanced in terms of the investigated psychological variables, which may confirm the importance of a balanced temporal perspective for good quality of life.
Conclusions: The strongest effect was found in relation to peer and family loneliness, which indicates the importance of family and peers in the teenagers’ psychosocial development. These findings promote further reflection on the legitimacy of institutional measures used in the rehabilitation of socially maladjusted youth to date, and the search for new, effective kinds of social rehabilitation intervention.
Polish Association of Social Work Schools in the first decade: anniversary study
Authors: Marynowicz-Hetka Ewa
Published: January 2022

Polish Association of Social Work Schools in the first decade: anniversary study
ABSTRACT
The subject of the article is an analysis of the first ten years of the activity of the Polish Association of Social Work Schools (PSSPS) from the point of view of the process of becoming and sharing experiences in various areas and during critical events interpreted in the context of a historical generation. The documentary reference is the timeline of activities systematically updated on the PSSPS home page and personal experience of the author who has participated in the events.