bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R&D portfolio strategy on new spectrum in 5G invested by lagging firms
Authors: Wang Ji , Xu Chunming
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the issue of patent race in which 5G enterprises invest the patent package in the field of new spectrum to research and develop some core technologies. Based on the comprehensive interaction of expected profit, investment risk, and withdrawal cost, this paper aims to achieve the two objectives of maximizing the profit and minimizing the investment risk for a lagging firm. By numerical experiment analysis, the optimal portfolio strategy of a lagging firm is obtained, followed by the phenomenon in patent race of investment disinvestment. The result shows that the lagging firm can focus on certain self-interested technologies to realize the leap of key technologies in research and development (R&D) under the high degree selection condition independently. In addition, different initial investment shares affect the portfolio strategy.
Linear diophantine multi-fuzzy aggregation operators and its application in digital transformation
Authors: Jeevitha Kannan , Garg Harish , Vimala Jayakumar , Aljuaid Hanan , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem
Published: June 2023

Digital transformation is the significant phenomena in contemporary global environment. All the conventional fuzzy sets are extended by the Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Set (LDFS). LDFS is the most viable adaptable method for decision makers to choose their grade values as it includes reference parameters. The foremost vision is to promote the resilient integration of Linear Diophantine Multi-Fuzzy Set (LDMFS) as a model for constructing decisions in order to identify the appropriate standards for digital transformation. Aggregation Operators are crucial in fuzzy systems for fusing information. To aggregate the LDMF, a number of operators have been devised, such as the Linear Diophantine Multi-Fuzzy Weighted Geometric Operator (LDMFWGO), Linear Diophantine Multi-Fuzzy Ordered Weighted Geometric Operator (LDMFOWGO), Linear Diophantine Multi-Fuzzy Weighted Averaging Operator (LDMFWGO) and Linear Diophantine Multi-Fuzzy Ordered Weighted Averaging Operator (LDMFOWAO). By integrating preferred aggregating operations, a novel method for MCDM with LDMF data is studied. The best option from the current alternatives can be determined using these operators. Moreover, a comparison of LDMF operators is made. Additionally, the idea of a scoring function for LDF is designed to examine the rank of viable alternaties. Additionally, a novel approach to solving LDMF sets is suggested. The annals on organisational digital transformation is presented as the final section to test the supremacy of the theory. Accurate rankings for digital transformation are provided by the outcome. To exhibit the robustness of the MCDM methodology, a prompt comparative analysis is established between the suggested concept and the currently used approaches.
A hesitant fuzzy multiple-attribute decision-making method considering rank relation
Authors: Xiao Huimin , Yang Peng , Ma Xifeng , Wei Meng
Published: June 2023

A decision matrix is typically used to express hesitant information when solving multi-attribute decision problems in an uncertain environment. To further investigate the decision problem, this paper takes the property of matrix rank as the starting point, introduces it into the hesitant fuzzy theory, presents the concept of the rank of the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix and discusses the related properties, and then studies the hesitant fuzzy linear relation, obtaining the attribute reduction method based on the hesitant fuzzy linear relation and applying it to the multi-attribute decision making. It adds to the theoretical understanding of the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix. The aggregation operator first transforms the hesitant fuzzy information into a comprehensive decision matrix, and the row echelon transformation determines the rank of the matrix. Second, the hesitant fuzzy linear relationship is obtained using the rank property. A new hesitant fuzzy matrix is obtained after attribute reduction based on the hesitant fuzzy linear relationship, and the alternatives are sorted using the TOPSIS method. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are demonstrated through a comparison of actual case analysis and existing methods, and the expected research purpose is met.
MABAC method based on cumulative prospect theory for MCGDM with dual probabilistic linguistic term set and applications to sustainable supplier selection
Authors: Wang Zeyuan , Cai Qiang , Lu Jianping , Wei Guiwu
Published: June 2023

Dual probabilistic linguistic term set (DPLTS) is a new proposed decision-making environment. It uses probabilistic form to represent the appraisal of the alternative from decision makers. There are few methods to deal with DPLTS according to the literature proposed up to now. The purpose of this article is to proposed a new improved Multi-Attribute Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) method extended by cumulative prospect theory (CPT) and combined with DPLTS to address the multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problem of sustainable supplier selection. In order to make the decision procedure containing more fuzzy information, we also improved the equation of distance between DPLTSs with system of rectangular coordinates. This new improved MABAC method is combined with CPT and it is semi-objective method. Not only in the procedure of calculating distance between alternatives and border approximation area, but also in the procedure of determining the weights of attributes. At the end of this paper, the comparison of this new method with other proposed DPLTS methods, such as Correlation Coefficient Method and DPLTS-TODIM-CRITIC Method, demonstrates the availability and difference.
Levodopa Carbidopa Intestinal Gel in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: DUOGLOBE Final 3-Year Results
Authors: Chaudhuri K. Ray , Kovács Norbert , Pontieri Francesco E. , Aldred Jason , Bourgeois Paul , Davis Thomas L. , Cubo Esther , Anca-Herschkovitsch Marieta , Iansek Robert , Siddiqui Mustafa S. , Simu Mihaela , Bergmann Lars , Ballina Mayra , Kukreja Pavnit , Ladhani Omar , Jia Jia , Standaert David G.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) improves motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (aPD).

Objective:

To present the final 36-month efficacy and safety results from DUOGLOBE (DUOdopa/Duopa in Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease – a GLobal OBservational Study Evaluating Long-Term Effectiveness; NCT02611713).

Methods:

DUOGLOBE was an international, prospective, long-term, real-world, observational study of patients with aPD initiating LCIG in routine clinical care. The primary endpoint was change in patient-reported “Off” time to Month 36. Safety was assessed by monitoring serious adverse events (SAEs).

Results:

Significant improvements in “Off” time were maintained over 3 years (mean [SD]: –3.3 hours [3.7]; p < 0.001). There were significant improvements to Month 36 in total scores of the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (–5.9 [23.7]; p = 0.044), Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (–14.3 [40.5]; p = 0.002), Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2 (–5.8 [12.9]; p < 0.001), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (–1.8 [6.0]; p = 0.008). Health-related quality of life and caregiver burden significantly improved through Months 24 and 30, respectively (Month 24, 8-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire Summary Index, –6.0 [22.5]; p = 0.006; Month 30, Modified Caregiver Strain Index, –2.3 [7.6]; p = 0.026). Safety was consistent with the well-established LCIG profile (SAEs: 54.9% of patients; discontinuations: 54.4%; discontinuations due to an adverse event: 27.2%). Of 106 study discontinuations, 32 patients (30.2%) continued LCIG outside the study.

Conclusion:

DUOGLOBE demonstrates real-world, long-term, reductions in motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with aPD treated with LCIG.
Facilitating self-employment as a competitive integrated employment outcome: Results of a focus group study with vocational rehabilitation professionals
Authors: Taylor Joshua P. , Inge Katherine J. , Malouf Emily
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Self-employment is defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 as a competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcome. However, an analysis of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) reveals that a limited number of people with disabilities receiving vocational rehabilitation services exit the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies with a self-employment outcome. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) professionals report as facilitators of self-employment outcomes for people with disabilities. METHOD: A national sample of VR professionals was recruited to participate in a series of focus groups. Using Zoom Meeting, participants discussed their experiences with self-employment when providing services to people with disabilities. The research team used NVivo12 software to conduct primary data analysis of the transcribed focus group sessions with the consent of the participants. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from the analysis to include 1) resources, 2) practices, 3) experiences, and 4) attitudes. Each of these major themes contained subthemes related to facilitators of self-employment for people with disabilities. CONCLUSION: A key finding was the need for more comprehensive and individualized training and support for VR counselors. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Identifying the knowledge, skills, and barriers for self-employment
Authors: Riesen Tim , Sullivan Molly , Snyder Aubrey , Keeton Beth
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: While self-employment is a viable and beneficial employment strategy for people with disabilities, there seems to be considerable variation in how state rehabilitation agencies support self-employment. Because of this variation, research is needed to identify the critical elements for facilitating self-employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to gather information from vocational rehabilitation counselors about what they believe are the knowledge and skills essential to facilitating self-employment and the barriers to business ownership throughout key phases of the vocational rehabilitation process, including (a) application and intake, (b) plan development and service delivery, and (c) employment and closure. METHODS: A Delphi method with three iterations was used to identify information from VRCs and managers about what they believe are the knowledge, skills, and barriers when facilitating self-employment and business ownership during the vocational rehabilitation process. RESULTS: Respondents rated 15 knowledge and skill items for the application and intake domain, 19 knowledge and skill items in the plan development and service delivery domain, and 12 knowledge and skill items in the employment and closure domain. Respondents also rated three barriers for application and intake, six plan development and service delivery barriers, and three barriers were rated in employment and closure. CONCLUSION: The VRCs identified a wide range of knowledge and skills and barriers across each area of the rehabilitation process. More research should be conducted to further operationalize the skills and proficiencies for self-employment.
Parent and student participation in IEP meetings: Transition-aged students still overlooked
Authors: Goscicki Brittney L. , Sanderson Kelli A. , Urbano Richard C. , Hodapp Robert M.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Although parents and transition-aged students are critical stakeholders in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, little is known about the extent to which both groups contribute during such meetings. OBJECTIVE: We examined the nature and extent of parent and student IEP meeting participation, similarities and differences in participation, and associated predictors for each group. METHODS: Responding to a national, web-based survey, 240 parents of transition-aged students (14– 21 years) completed a questionnaire related to their experiences at their child’s most recent IEP meeting. RESULTS: For both parents and students, participation items grouped into school- and transition-related input. Overall, parents participated more than students and both parties contributed more toward school-related versus transition-related topics. Predictors of parent involvement included sharing input about the student before the IEP meeting and reviewing data on the student’s past performance during the IEP meeting. Student involvement was predicted by students actively leading their meeting. CONCLUSION: We offer recommendations for research and practice for facilitating parents and transition-aged students to actively participate in IEP meetings.
Making the employment interview work for a neurodiverse workforce: Perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum, employers, and service providers
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Ying , Saleh Matthew C. , Bruyère Susanne M. , Vogus Timothy J.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: The traditional job interview process can pose numerous barriers which may disadvantage job seekers on the autism spectrum. Further research is needed to understand the specific dynamics of the interview process that pose the most significant challenges to hiring success and possible ways to remediate these challenges. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative research examined the barriers to, and facilitators of, successful employment interviews from the perspectives of three stakeholder groups: people on the autism spectrum, employers, and service providers. METHODS: We used qualitative content analysis to derive themes from interviews with 23 participants, including individuals on the autism spectrum with job interview experience, employers with experience in interviewing job candidates on the autism spectrum, and service providers who provide employment support to people on the autism spectrum. RESULTS: Five themes emerged across stakeholder groups: (1) navigating unpredictability, (2) introducing flexibility and modifications, (3) relationship-building strategies, (4) importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy, and (5) nuances of Self-disclosure. Across the themes, participants described how to modify the interview process to be more inclusive of neurodiversity. CONCLUSION: We conclude with how rehabilitation service providers can more effectively provide direct services to individuals on the autism spectrum and consult with employers on workplace policies and practices to enhance neurodiversity inclusion.
Sensory augmentation for a rapid motor task in a multisensory environment
Authors: Negen James , Slater Heather , Nardini Marko
Published: June 2023

Background: Sensory substitution and augmentation systems (SSASy) seek to either replace or enhance existing sensory skills by providing a new route to access information about the world. Tests of such systems have largely been limited to untimed, unisensory tasks. Objective: To test the use of a SSASy for rapid, ballistic motor actions in a multisensory environment. Methods: Participants played a stripped-down version of air hockey in virtual reality with motion controls (Oculus Touch). They were trained to use a simple SASSy (novel audio cue) for the puck’s location. They were tested on ability to strike an oncoming puck with the SASSy, degraded vision, or both. Results: Participants coordinated vision and the SSASy to strike the target with their hand more consistently than with the best single cue alone, t(13) = 9.16, p <.001, Cohen’s d = 2.448. Conclusions: People can adapt flexibly to using a SSASy in tasks that require tightly timed, precise, and rapid body movements. SSASys can augment and coordinate with existing sensorimotor skills rather than being limited to replacement use cases – in particular, there is potential scope for treating moderate vision loss. These findings point to the potential for augmenting human abilities, not only for static perceptual judgments, but in rapid and demanding perceptual-motor tasks.
Identification of micro expressions in a video sequence by Euclidean distance of the facial contours
Authors: Kherchaoui S. , Houacine A.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an automatic facial micro-expression recognition system (FMER) from video sequence. Identification and classification are performed on basic expressions: happy, surprise, fear, disgust, sadness, anger, and neutral states. The system integrates three main steps. The first step consists in face detection and tracking over three consecutive frames. In the second step, the facial contour extraction is performed on each frame to build Euclidean distance maps. The last task corresponds to the classification which is achieved with two methods; the SVM and using convolutional neural networks. Experimental evaluation of the proposed system for facial micro-expression identification is performed on the well-known databases (Chon and Kanade and CASME II), with six and seven facial expressions for each classification method.
Firefly-Aquila optimized Deep Q network for handoff management in context aware video streaming-based heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Waghmode Uttam , Kolekar Uttam
Published: June 2023

Handoff management is the method in which the mobile node maintains its connection active when it shifts from location to other. The devastating success of mobile devices as well as wireless communications is emphasizing the requirement for the expansion of mobility-aware facilities. Moreover, the mobility of devices requires services adapting their behavior to abrupt context variations and being conscious of handoffs, which make an intermittent discontinuities and unpredictable delays. Thus, the heterogeneity of wireless network devices confuses the situation, since a dissimilar treatment of handoffs and context-awareness is essential for every solution. Hence, this paper introduced the Deep Q network-based Firefly Aquila Optimizer (DQN-FAO) for performing the handoff management. In order to establish the handoff management, the process of selecting network is very important. Here, the network is selected based on the devised FAO algorithm, which is the consolidation of Aquila Optimizer (AO) and Firefly algorithm (FA) that considers the metrics, such as Jitter, Handoff latency, and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) as fitness function. Moreover, the handover decision is taken by the DQN, where the hyper-parameters are tuned by the devised FAO algorithm. According to the hand over decision taken, the context aware video streaming is happened by adjusting the bit rate of the videos using network bandwidth. Besides, the devised scheme attained the superior performance based on the call drop, energy consumption, handover delay, throughput, handoff latency, and PSNR of 0.5122, 7.086 J, 10.54 ms, 13.17 Mbps, 93.80 ms and 46.89 dB.
Peran Environmental Management, ISO 14001 dan Environmental Cost dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Keuangan
Authors: Sugiyarti Listya , Agustin Rosalia , Hanah Siti , Asmilia Nur
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis pengaruh pengelolaan lingkungan, ISO 14001 dan biaya lingkungan terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahaan. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan manufaktur sektor industri barang konsumsi yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2018-2020. Jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 15 perusahaan, sehingga diperoleh 45 data laporan keuangan. Metode penelitian ini bersifat kuantitatif dengan menggunakan data sekunder yang bersumber dari laporan keuangan tahunan perusahaan. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengambilan sampel adalah metode purposive sampling. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif, uji asumsi klasik, dan analisis regresi linier berganda dengan menggunakan metode Random Effect (REM) dan menggunakan program software E-Views versi 9. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa secara simultan Manajemen lingkungan, ISO 14001 dan Biaya Lingkungan berpengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan. Sehingga variabel Manajemen Lingkungan tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan, ISO 14001 tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan dan Biaya Lingkungan tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Transformasional, Lingkungan Kerja, dan Kepuasan Kerja terhadap Komitmen Organisasi pada Karyawan CV. Aneka Metal Industri Klaten
Authors: Saputra Dika Tri , Prayekti Prayekti , Subiyanto Didik
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat pengaruh kepemimpinan transformasional, lingkungan kerja, dan kepuasan kerja terhadap komitmen organisasi? Metode penelitian menggunakan kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah karyawan CV. Aneka Logam Industri. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah 134 karyawan. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan accidental sampling. Untuk analisis data dalam penelitian ini yaitu uji T dan uji F. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara parsial variabel kepemimpinan transformasional dan lingkungan kerja berpengaruh signifikan terhadap komitmen organisasional, namun untuk variabel kepuasan kerja tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap komitmen organisasional. Secara simultan variabel kepemimpinan transformasional, lingkungan kerja, dan kepuasan kerja berpengaruh signifikan terhadap komitmen organisasi
Pengaruh Promotion dan Brand Positioning terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Green Product
Authors: Rahmadyah Niken , Lubis Fauzi Arif , Dharma Budi
Published: June 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh Promosi dan Brand Positioning terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Lampu LED Philips Green Product. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian lapangan ( Field Research) dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah pengguna yang pernah menggunakan dan merasakan manfaat dari Produk Lampu LED Tenaga Surya Philips. Teknik pengambilan sampel dengan purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 96 responden. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner. Metode analisis data menggunakan metode Analisis Regresi Linier Berganda, Uji Validitas, Uji Reliabilitas, Uji Koefisien Determinasi (R2), serta pengujian hipotesis yaitu uji t dan uji F diolah dengan menggunakan program SPSS ver 25. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa dari hasil uji F yang telah diperoleh, digunakan untuk menunjukkan pengaruh simultan variabel independen terhadap variabel dependen. Terlihat nilai signifikansi 0,000 < 0,05 dengan nilai F sebesar 23,554. Kemudian Promosi dan Brand Positioning memiliki pengaruh simultan dan signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian.
Pengaruh Manajemen Laba, Kinerja Keuangan dan Ukuran Perusahan terhadap Audit Report LAG
Authors: Fitriyana Fina , Rosyati Tati
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh manajemen laba, kinerja keuangan dan ukuran perusahaan terhadap audit report lag. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan sektor properti dan real estate yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2017-2021. Pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan purposive sampling. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 14 perusahaan. Analisis yang digunakan untuk pengujian ini menggunakan analisis regresi data panel dengan menggunakan Eviews 9. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa profit management tidak berpengaruh terhadap audit report lag, rasio aktivitas tidak berpengaruh terhadap audit report lag, rasio pasar berpengaruh tidak berpengaruh terhadap audit report lag, dan ukuran perusahaan tidak berpengaruh terhadap audit report lag.
The Hemoglobin A1C of African-Americans/Blacks with Diabetes Mellitus Type Two Using Low-Fat Diabetes Plate Diet
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Makori Ednah
Published: June 2023

Diabetes Mellitus type two (DMT2) is a chronic disease that leads to high blood sugar in the body and if not corrected over a period of time, it leads to development of complications. Some of those complications include blindness, kidney failure, and retinopathy, among others. DMT2 continues to affect many people in the USA, especially African-Americans/Black who have the highest prevalence as compared to other races. Proper diet management especially the Low-Fat diabetes diet helps to decrease Hemoglobin A1c, which could result in reduction of risk of developing complications and morbidity related to DMT2. This project was done to educate African-American/Black population in Benton Harbor Health Center with DMT2 on Low-fat diabetes diet. The results indicated a significantly lower hemoglobin A1c and BMI among patients that were in the experimental group who had education intervention as compared to those who were in the control group and did not receive any diet education. This project took place over three months for each participant and pre-test and posttest measures were reported for HbA1C, BMI, as well as fat-related diet knowledge.
Effect of an Educational Intervention on Coronary Artery Disease Knowledge in Men and Women at Risk for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Anderson-Doyley Rochelle
Published: June 2023

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. The management of CAD, a preventable disease, has significant implications for health and wellness outcomes in the United States. Decades of research have examined the role and effectiveness of an educational intervention in promoting the patient's knowledge of and ability to manage risk factors for CAD. This project examined the effectiveness of an educational tool implemented in a primary care setting in improving patients' knowledge about CAD risk factors. Method The research design was a non-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design. After receiving institutional review board approval and permission from the participating family practice clinic, 150 charts were screened for CAD risk using the Pooled Cohort Risk Assessment Equation. A total of 25 participants with elevated CAD risk ultimately completed the study protocol, which involved completing a pre-test questionnaire (the CADE Q-II), watching an educational video, and completing the same survey as the post-test. Results Results demonstrate that the use of an educational intervention improved scores on a knowledge assessment of CAD risk factors. There was no difference in pre and post-educational knowledge between gender (F1,23 =0.366, p=.276) and between races (F1,23 = 1.926, p=.09). There were significant differences between CADE Q-II pre and post-education domain and total scores (t (24) =-5.655; p<0.001). The domains with the lowest scores were 'Nutrition' and 'CAD Risk Factors.' Both domains were below the acceptable 75% score in pre and post-tests results. Participants demonstrated the highest pre and post-test scores in the 'Medical Condition' domain. Conclusion Educational intervention is effective in increasing the knowledge about CAD among participants with increased risk for CAD. Results demonstrated the importance of education as a core component of patient care management. Nurse practitioners in family practice can assist their patients in adopting appropriate lifestyle modifications to manage their risk for CAD by implementing educational interventions.
The Effect of an Online Educational Intervention on the Community Knowledge of Physical Health, Mental Health and Self-Efficacy During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ferguson Kerstin
Published: June 2023

Background Community health education during times of pandemic is of utmost importance to disseminate information regarding safety precautions, educate the public regarding the disease process, and provide accurate health information during a time when individuals are specifically vulnerable to inaccurate sources of information. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical gatherings were highly restricted; therefore, it became important to incorporate technology into the educational process. Purpose The purpose of this project was to determine if a thirty-day, online community health education program would increase the health knowledge and self-efficacy of participants. Methods This project utilized a quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design from a convenience and snowball sample. The project manager worked in cooperation with Lincoln Amazing Grace Seventh-Day Adventist church during this project. Recruitment strategies targeted the areas of Lincoln, CA and the surrounding communities. The pre-test and post-test were performed in order to evaluate a health education intervention entitled Renew: Better Me, Better We which addressed topics relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was guided by the Health Belief Theory. Results Forty-five people completed the 30-day intervention. While the sample size was small and lacked some variety in demographics, there was a statistically significant increase in health knowledge following the intervention, t(44)=-5.288, 1-tailed p=<0.001. There was no significant change in self-efficacy following the intervention. Conclusion This thirty-day health educational intervention was found to increase the health knowledge of participants significantly. The results of this project validated the literature regarding the effectiveness of online health information during times of pandemic.
The Boricua Dialogues: Puerto Rican Identity in Conversation & Photography
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Borton Jonathan
Published: June 2023

[Thesis has no abstract.]
Comparison of Enamel Microstructure of Ictidomys Tridecemlineatus Formed during Hibernation versus the Active Season
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Cho Amanda
Published: June 2023

Ground squirrel incisors grow continuously, preserving a record of their most recent weeks of life. Previous research demonstrated that an abnormality in the surface of incisor enamel and dentin of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) corresponded with hibernation. Using scanning electron microscopy, we compared internal microstructure of incisor enamel deposited during and outside of hibernation to determine if surface disruptions corresponded to differences in internal microstructure. For one specimen, hibernation enamel displayed irregularities in microstructure that were not present in non-hibernation enamel, but this difference was not observed in other specimens. Given these inconclusive results, further research is warranted.
A Note on Cannibalism and Synchrony in Seabird Egg-Laying Behavior
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Nurhan Yosia
Published: June 2023

During years of high sea surface temperature, food resources for glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) are scarce. In response, male gulls cannibalize the eggs of neighbors. When this occurs, female gulls in dense areas of the colony adopt a tactic of egg-laying synchrony, in which they lay eggs synchronously on an every- other-day schedule. Field observations show that the first laid egg of each clutch is the most likely to be cannibalized. In this paper, we analyzed a discrete-time model of egg-laying behavior that tracks egg order in the nest. Using Jury Conditions, we found that the equilibrium destabilizes into a two-cycle as colony density increases through a critical value, and that the two-cycle becomes increasingly synchronous as density increases further. We demonstrated that synchronous colonies produce more eggs than non-synchronous colonies in the presence of egg cannibalism.
Producing Music Using Negative Harmony
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ahn Jeremy
Published: June 2023

This project uses Negative Harmony as a basis and reference point for producing original songs in the style of instrumental jazz and funk. Negative harmony is a loose term that describes a technique of reharmonization made popular by musician Jacob Collier. While negative harmony is best understood as a reharmonization technique, writing new songs and chord progressions that strive to replace common chord progressions with their negative harmony counterparts can also be an effective way to demonstrate negative harmony. Music can be made with unconventional sounding but harmonically viable chords that challenge both the musician and the listener to grow in the process.
Evaluation of Phonotactic Behavior in Male-Exposed Female Cricket Acheta domesticus
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, An Janelle
Published: June 2023

Phonotaxis is defined as the movement of organisms in response to an auditory stimulus. It plays an important role in helping animals find a potential mate, and thus it is worthwhile to understand what factors may influence phonotaxis. Phonotactic behavior in virgin female cricket Acheta domesticus has been the focus of multiple studies, which have reported a degree of variability among individuals. Several factors that have been reported to influence such variability include age, environmental temperature, and the presence of certain neuromodulators. This study investigated possible changes in the behavioral responses of young females when raised with males but not allowed to mate. The results of this study showed a significant difference in the behavioral response of young male-exposed females compared to young virgin females. These results suggest that factors other than mating may alter selectivity in the females’ phonotactic response and its underlying neural elements controlling behavior.
Finding Optimal OPA-IBLC Derivatized Amino Acid Analysis Parameters with Three-Dimensional Fluorometric Scans for HPLC Method Validation
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Jacobs Aaron
Published: June 2023

Three-dimensional fluorometric scans of OPA-IBLC derivatized glutamic acid and histidine solutions revealed that decreasing concentration maintained maximum λem but produced different maximum λex. In pH 0.4 M sodium borate buffer (pH 10.4), 50 μM derivatized amino acid solutions had maxima around 350- to 450-nm λex-λem where 12.5 μM solutions had maxima around 230- to 450-nm λex- λem. In the lower concentration, the λex peak at 230 nm was about 80% higher than 350 nm. Thus, collecting spectra with 230 nm λex would provide better LOD and LOQ. Results inform HPLC standard concentrations since differential quenching effects may produce non-linear calibration curves.
Variable Autoencoders for Biosensor Data Augmentation
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kim Solomon
Published: June 2023

Over the past decade machine learning and artificial intelligence's resurgence spawned the desire to mimic human creative ability. Initially attempts to create images, music, and text flooded the community, though little has been learned regarding constrained, one-dimensional data generation. This paper demonstrates a variational autoencoder approach to this problem. By modeling biosensor current and concentration data we aim to augment the existing dataset. In training a multi-layer neural network based encoder and decoder we were able to generate realistic, original samples., These results demonstrate the ability to realistically augment datasets, improving training of machine learning models designed to predict concentration from input signals.
Modulation of Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells MDA-MB-157, 93A and 93B by Aqueous Extract of Chinese Medical Herb Scutellaria barbata
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Manrique Nathaly
Published: June 2023

Scutellaria barbata (S. barbata), a Chinese herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine has been known to contain anti-cancer properties. SB has been investigated as a potential treatment for multiple types of cancer including colon cancer, glioblastoma, and ovarian cancer. Breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-157 and its APC-mutants 93A and 93B are more resistant to treatment due to genetic modifications. In this study, the effectiveness of S. barbata in apoptotic modulation of breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-157, 93A, and 93B was investigated. Assessments were performed using green/red/blue fluorescent Apoptosis/Necrosis Detection Kit and the Human Apoptosis Antibody Array - Membrane (43 Targets) test by the Abcam corporation. Our data demonstrated that 1-hour and 3-hour treatments with 2 mg aqueous extract of S. barbata induced a statistically significant percentage of apoptosis in all cell lines. Additionally, modulation of various apoptotic markers such as pro-apoptotic proteins Bad, Bax, BIM, IGFBP-4, p53 and p27 was observed.
Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity as Predictors of Childhood Career Aspirations
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Saint-Jean Sydney
Published: June 2023

Beginning at an early age, children discuss what they want to be when they grow up. This is known as their career aspirations. There are multiple factors that influence the career aspirations of children. Some of which includes familial income level, grade level and ethnicity. Although studies suggest that there is a relationship between income level and career aspirations, there is a gap in the literature when examining the relationships between socioeconomic status, ethnicity, grade level, and their effects on the career aspirations of children. This study explores this multi-level relationship on what a child wants to be when they grow up, by surveying students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11, from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. In addition, it aims to differentiate if social class, ethnicity, or a combination of these factors, predicts the career aspirations of children. Although the results of this study suggest that ethnicity, socioeconomic status and grade level do not have a significant effect on what a child wants to be when they grow up, the trend of the findings suggest that minority students were twice as likely to choose unskilled and semiskilled careers. Also, the trend in the results showed that middle school and high-school students had a higher percentage of students who aspired to unskilled and semi-skilled careers than third grade students. This suggests that as children become older, they are aware of their skill levels and aspire to more personal and realistic careers. Researching factors that influence the career aspirations of children, allows parents and institutions to gain insight on the career goals of their students. This also allows them to provide any support that children need, to gain access to social mobility that education should provide
The Exploration and Analysis of Mancala from an AI Perspective
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hunter Trevon
Published: June 2023

Through the study of popular games such as Chess and Go, countless artificial intelligence (AI) research has been conducted in an attempt to create algorithms equipped for adversarial search problems. However, there are still a plethora of avenues that offer insight into further development. Mancala is traditionally a two-player board game that originated in the East and offers a unique opponent-based playing experience. This thesis not only attempts to create a competitive AI algorithm for mancala games by analyzing the performance of several different algorithms on this classic board game, but it also attempts to extract applications that may have relevance to other “game-solving” AI problems.
Modeling of COVID-19 Utilizing Various Compartmental Models to Predict Infection Rates Throughout Michigan
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Staniszewski Colleen
Published: June 2023

Compartmental modeling is a method of employing math to create a visual representation of a disease interacting with a select population, typically used in epidemiology analyses. This project applies compartmental modeling equations to data collected on the various aspects of COVID-19 in Michigan. Comparing current data to past predictive models, as well as the visual representations that were developed through the various compartmental modeling methods, allows an assessment of the effects of the preventative measures taken by the state, the various rates at which the infection is able to spread, as well as the potential path and spread of the virus in the future.
Enamel Corrosion Levels on Squirrel Teeth from the Fox Canyon Locality, Pliocene of Kansas
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Tennyson Emma
Published: June 2023

The enamel of teeth may be corroded after death, especially if the teeth pass through the digestive tract of a predator with low gastric pH. This study characterized enamel corrosion of fossil squirrel teeth from two species (Otospermophilus rexroadensis and Ictidomys meadensis) obtained from the Fox Canyon locality of Kansas. Using microscopic imaging, I categorized teeth based on corrosion level. Overall, 45% of specimens exhibited heavy to extreme corrosion. There were no significant differences in the distribution of corrosion categories between both upper and lower teeth of either species (O. rexroadensis: X2 (3, N = 140) = .562, p= .905; I. meadensis: X2 (3, N = 327) = 5.855, p= .119). However, there was a significant difference in the distribution of corrosion categories between the two species (X2 (3, N = 467) = 8.321, p= .040); teeth of I. meadensis more frequently displayed heavy to extreme corrosion than teeth of O. rexroadensis. These findings suggest that these species had different taphonomic pathways, with specimens of I. meadensis more commonly passing through the guts of predators.
Economically justified technological map of the cultivation of giant miscanthus (on the example of the Kaluga region)
Authors: Kuznetsova L. V. , Mazuro V. N.
Published: June 2023

Relevance. Recently, the demand for paper of non-wood origin has increased. One of such sources is a perennial herbaceous plant Miscanthus giganteus from the bluegrass family.

Methods. The technology of growing giant miscanthus was developed by scientists of the Kaluga Research Institute. The study was conducted in accordance with generally accepted methods and recommendations of leading technological and economic research institutes. Technological maps are calculated on the basis of the methods of M.A. Bunkov, V.M. Golovach, as well as E.V. Fastov, O.A. Kovalenko, N.G. Belova. The economic component of miscanthus production is calculated based on the methods of V.R. Boev and I.G. Ushachev.

Results. During the calculations, it was found that the production of 1 ton of giant miscanthus straw according to the proposed production technology, with a planned yield of 15 tons/ha, will require 1,370 rubles. In the third year of using crop cultivation, the profitability of production, depending on the studied yield parameters (10, 15, 20 c/ha) is, respectively, 94,6%, 192,0%, 287,2%. The payback period of the project is five to eight years.
Dynamics of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in cows with various clinical states during gestation
Authors: Vostroilova G. A. , Shaposhnikov I. T. , Brigadirov Yu. N. , Zhukov M. S. , Khokhlova N. A. , Chusova G. G.
Published: June 2023

Relevance. It is known that among cows there is a wide spread of anemia and pathologies accompanied by chronic inflammation. Anemia, like chronic inflammation, leads to disorders that contribute to metabolic changes during pregnancy in cows and have their own characteristics.

The aim of the work is to study the effect of pregnancy on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of cows with anemia syndrome and chronic systemic inflammation.

Methods. In the conditions of the livestock complex, studies were conducted on cows (n = 30) of a red-mottled breed with a pregnancy period of 150–160 days. Based on clinical and laboratory examination, the animals were divided into three groups: 1st (n = 15) — healthy, 2nd (n = 8) — with hypochromic microcytic anemia, 3rd (n = 7) — with low-intensity chronic systemic inflammation syndrome. Blood sampling was performed on the 150–160th, 210–220th and 260–265th days of pregnancy to determine the level of total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, lactic and pyruvic acid.

Results. The levels of total lipids and glucose have a significant (р ˂ 0.05) inverse and the level of pyruvic acid has a significant direct correlation of noticeable and high strength according to the Chaddock scale with an increase in the duration of gestation in all studied groups. The presence of anemia or chronic systemic inflammation syndrome of low intensity in the transient period creates risks of metabolic failures, which are manifested by a decrease in the intensity of triglyceride deposition by 31.0–34.5% (р ˂ 0.05) and the appearance of a tendency to a negative energy balance.
Some aspects of antioxidant protection in the body of young cattle
Authors: Bogolyubova N. V.
Published: June 2023

Relevance. Of scientific interest are studies to assess the pro- and antioxidant status of the body of productive animals with age, since they are interconnected with health, the state of the immune and reproductive systems.

Methods. In order to study the indicators of antioxidant protection in the body of young cattle of different ages in the conditions of the PZ «Ladozhsky» (Krasnodar district), the following groups of animals were formed in the winter period of 2022: young animals at the age of 1 month (n = 15), 3–4 months (n = 19), young animals 6–7 months old (n = 14), heifers (n = 16). The following indicators were determined in the blood of the studied animals: the concentration of ceruloplasmin (CP), products reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBA-AP), the total content of water-soluble antioxidants (TAWSA), the total antioxidant status (TAS), peroxidase activity, the ratio of TBA-AP/CP, metabolic processes and hematological indicators were calculated. Correlations between the determined indicators were calculated.

Results. The results obtained indicate changes in the LPO and AOD indicators depending on age and physiological state. A significant increase in the concentration of TBA-AP in the blood of young animals 6–7 months old and heifers, compared with analogues of 1 and 3–4 months of age, indicates the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products with age. The decrease in the AOP level in the 6-month-old group of animals is also indicated by the minimum concentration of TAWSA and the trend towards a decrease in the total antioxidant status and peroxidase activity. Due to the high level of ceruloplasmin, the ratio of TBA to CP was at the level of other groups. The age of the animals had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.001) on the content of TBA-AP, ceruloplasmin, TAWSA, and the overall antioxidant status. SLE and TBA-AP are significant markers of the state of LPO and AOP in the body. The results obtained will allow monitoring the health status of animals and will help to provide timely preventive measures that increase the adaptive capabilities of young animals and the most complete realization of the genetic potential of productivity.