bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the incidence of surgical site infections after geriatric hip fracture surgery: a retrospective study during 2017-2020
Authors: Gheshlag Reza Ghanei , Mohammadnejad Esmaeil , Jafarnejad Mahya , Sayadi Leila , Aliramezani Amir
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION. Geriatric hip fracture are a common and disruptive public health problem worldwide.
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) can be a devastating complication of this injury. By identifying these factors, the adverse outcomes of elderly hip fractures can be prevented. The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting the incidence of surgical site infection after geriatric hip fracture surgery.
METHODS. In this retrospective study, 440 patients (60 years or older) underwent hip surgery at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex were selected based on census between April 2017 and March 2020. Demographics information, and additional comorbidities and operation-related variables were extracted and analyzed. Data analyses were performed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. SPSS-19 software was used in this study and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS. The results of univariate analyzes showed that the type of surgery (p=0.005), readmission (p=0.0001) and level of self-care (p=0.001) were significantly associated with Surgical Site Infection (SSI). The results of regression analysis showed that history of readmission and self-care at all levels on SSI.
CONCLUSION. The findings showed that the history of readmission and self-care at all levels is effective on SSI in the elderly with hip fractures. Therefore, it can be concluded that by identifying the factors affecting the SSI with hip fractures, fewer acute complications, reduced death and shorter length of hospital stay.
The thick-borne encephalitis caused by alimentary transmission – case series report
Authors: Nagańska A , Garbacz-Łagożna E , Kowalski J , Cholewińska-Szymańska G , Chylak-Nowosielska A , Antosiewicz M , Szymański R
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a central nervous system zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is one of the main causes of lymphocytic meningitis in the areas of its endemic occurrence. A mode of transmission of TBEV which is rarely observed in clinical practice is an alimentary transmission through consumption of unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals. The following article contains detailed description of the clinical course of TBE among five family members, for whom the occurrence of TBE was temporarily associated with the consumption of unpasteurised goat’s milk from the same source. 
The epidemiological outbreak presented in this article is the fifth ever described case of the milk-borne TBE in Poland. More so, the clinical course of the disease has shown differences from the typical course characterised so far in the literature. Clinical cases of TBE described in this study were similar to infections caused by tick bites in humans. The following article discusses available methods of preventing TBE, with emphasis on alimentary transmission of TBEV, since possibility of serious detrimental long-term neurological complications resulting from TBE was stressed in prior literature.

STRESZCZENIE
Kleszczowe zapalenie mózgu, TBE (ang. Tick-borne encephalitis) jest odzwierzęcą chorobą ośrodkowego układu nerwowego, której wektorem są kleszcze. Wirus kleszczowego zapalenia mózgu, TBEV (ang. Tick-borne encephalitis virus) jest jedną z głównych przyczyn limfocytarnego zapalenia opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych w obszarach jego endemicznego występowania. Jedną z dróg transmisji TBEV u ludzi jest droga pokarmowa poprzez spożywanie niepasteryzowanych produktów mlecznych pochodzących od zakażonych zwierząt. Niniejsza praca zawiera charakterystykę przebiegu klinicznego TBE wśród pięciu osób należących do jednej rodziny, u których wystąpienie TBE było czasowo powiązane ze spożywaniem niepasteryzowanego mleka koziego pochodzącego z tego samego źródła. Opisywane ognisko epidemiologiczne stanowi piąty opisany przypadek TBE przenoszonego drogą pokarmową w Polsce, a przebieg kliniczny choroby wykazał odmienności od przebiegu typowego opisywanego do tej pory w literaturze. Przypadki kliniczne TBE przedstawione w pracy miały przebieg zbliżony do zakażeń spowodowanych ukłuciem człowieka przez kleszcza. Biorąc pod uwagę możliwość wystąpienia długotrwałych powikłań neurologicznych w następstwie TBE, w publikacji podkreślono dostępne metody zapobiegania transmisji TBEV zwracając szczególną uwagę na pokarmową drogę przenoszenia TBEV.
Biogas Desulfurization Using Iron Gram Waste Machining Practicum Process at The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Semarang
Authors: Apriandi Nanang , Widyaningsih Wiwik Purwati , Margana Margana , Surindra Mochamad Denny , Supriyo Supriyo , Luthfiana Nadia Tasya Ayu
Published: June 2023

The important matter about biogas as an alternative energy source was the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is very corrosive. The biogas desulfurization process was absolutely necessary to reduce the risk of damage to the equipment. For small-scale applications, the selection of the type of adsorbent became important to reduce additional costs. One alternative material that can be used was iron gram waste. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of iron gram waste resulting from the machining practicum process at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Semarang as an alternative material for making adsorbents. Iron gram waste was processed into Iron (III) Oxide (Fe2O3) and Iron (III) Hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), formed into billets with an average billet mass of 250 gr. The performance test of the adsorbent in the biogas desulfurization process was carried out under conditions of variation in the flow rate of biogas feed 1, 2, and 3 liters per minute, and the volume of biogas purified in one process was 50 liters. As a result, the most optimum performance was obtained in the test with a feed biogas flow rate of 1 liter/minute, with a percentage reduction in H2S levels contained in the biogas by an average of 82,56%.
Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Design: Utilization of Wasted Energy in Air Conditioning Systems
Authors: Apriandi MS Nanang , Herlambang Yusuf Dewantoro , Alfauzi Abdul Syukur , Lee Shun-Ching
Published: June 2023

This research aims to design a simple Shell and Tube (one pass) heat exchanger for applications in recovering wasted heat from air conditioning systems in the hospitality industry. The Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) standard is used as a reference in the design of heat exchangers in order to obtain the dimensional specifications of the device. In addition, mathematical calculations based on the technical properties of the working fluid are carried out with the help of the Microsoft Excel application to obtain values from other parameters in the design. The results showed that the designed heat exchanger met the standards in terms of device effectiveness. The heat exchanger has 152 tubes with an effective value of more than 90% with an impurity factor of 0.014. A high tool effectiveness value indicates a good heat exchanger performance. The results of this planning and design are expected to be a reference in designing an effective heat exchanger with high reliability.
Design And Simulation Of Solar Power Generation On Rooftops Towards Clean Technology
Authors: Samsurizal Samsurizal , Pasra Nurmiati , Adewijaya Shidarta Rico
Published: June 2023

Various efforts are continuously being encouraged and pursued in order to achieve the clean energy transition program. The clear goal is to reach a renewable energy mix target of 23% by 2025. The use of electrical energy is increasing each year, but the availability of fossil energy as the majority fuel used in power generation is becoming limited. Indonesia, being located near the equator, experiences high solar radiation intensity. This potential can be utilized for harnessing solar energy as a power source. Additionally, the utilization of solar energy as an alternative source is more environmentally friendly as it reduces emissions from fossil fuel-based power generation. In this research, the design and planning of a solar power plant are conducted to create clean and environmentally friendly energy. The technical aspects are discussed and simulated using software. The author utilizes the Helioscope application for analyzing the feasibility of installing a solar power plant and conducting simulations. Based on the research results, by utilizing a roof area of 13,725 m2 and installing 2,305 solar modules with a capacity of 550 Wp per module, the solar power plant's capacity amounts to 1,267.8 kWp. The performance ratio is calculated to be 80.6%, and the energy production over a year is estimated at 1,695,000 MW.
The Relationship Between The Prevalence of HIV/AIDS And Associated Socioeconomic And Behavioral Factors
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kolpacoff Viktoria
Published: June 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are a global epidemic affecting almost 40 million people. Studies show that the spread of HIV is associated with numerous and complex factors such as poverty, religious beliefs, hygiene practices, and gender inequalities. I analyzed the relationship between the prevalence of HIV and four socioeconomic and behavioral factors: per capita Gross Domestic Product, the Globalization Index, the Social Institutions and Gender Index, and literacy rates. I used logistic regression to regress the log-odds of becoming infected with HIV against the four associated factors and calculated an odds ratio for each factor, and determined the effect of continent and GDP range on HIV prevalence through one-way and two-way ANOVAs. The results exhibit strong inverse relationships between HIV prevalence and each factor, and show that there is significant variability between continents.
The Role Of Octopamine In Syllable-Period Selective Phonotaxis In Female Cricket Acheta Domesticus
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Magno Darley
Published: June 2023

Female crickets respond phonotactically to the calls of conspecific males. Females' phonotaxis has been reported to be variable, ranging from unselective to selectve in response to calls with varying syllable periods (30-90 ms). Octopamine, an intertebrate neurotransmitter, has been reported to increase aggressive behavior in crickets, (Stevanson et al. 2005) but the effects of octopamine on behaviors such as phonotaxis have not been investigated. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of octopamine on the syllable-period selective phonotactic response of females. Results suggest a decrease in phonotactic responsiveness shown by 5-10 day-okds after prothroacic nanoinjection of octopamine.
Look at That Little Macho: Surveillance And Hegemonic Masculinity in Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Francis Ludanne
Published: June 2023

No abstract available.
Effects of Eggshell Coloration on Egg Cannibalism among Glaucous-winged Gulls
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hwang Isabelle
Published: June 2023

A common source of reproductive loss in gulls is egg cannibalism. At a large Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) colony on Protection Island, Washington, cannibalism accounts for 55% of egg loss. Because cannibalism is a form of predation and birds have a highly developed sense of vision, I hypothesized that visible light coloration of Glaucous-winged Gull eggs plays a role in determining whether they are cannibalized. I used logistic regression to test whether egg fate was related to egg brightness, specific coloration, specific spot coverage, coloration relative to the most common coloration, and spot coverage relative to the most common spot coverage. The odds that an egg was cannibalized increased increased when an egg was more intensely red, more intensely green, and its green value was closer to the most common green value, and when its combined color value was closer to the most common combined color value. These results suggest that cannibals may prefer eggs with the most common coloration.
Crawling Tor's Hidden Services and Depicting their Interconnectivity
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Navarro John-Luke
Published: June 2023

The Tor network is a popular online privacy platform that enables anonymous browsing, but is also notorious for the vast number of illicit marketplaces, goods and services available to users. Tor's protocols also secure hosted websites, known as hidden services, against unwanted tracking and location. Tor has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies, who are interested in hidden service data analysis. However, little large-scale analysis is currently performed. To help address this issue, I constructed two tools. A specialized web crawler downloads bulk page-content from Tor's hidden services. This program crawls the Tor Network broadly, securely, and with more ease of use than other similar solutions. A graphing program depicts connections between crawled hidden services as directed graphs. Both of these tools allow investigative agencies and researchers to more effectively gather and analyze Tor network content.
Efficacy of a Three-Week Intervention Program for a School-Aged Children in the Areas of Language, Literacy, Phonological Awareness, and Auditory Processing
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Weis Nicole
Published: June 2023

Research demonstrates that competency in the areas of language, phonological awareness, and auditory processing is vital to academic success in children, as well as in navigating adult life. The study's purpose is to measure the efficacy of an intensive, three-week summer camp therapy program for school-aged children in addressing these areas, and to identify areas of strength and weakness in the program and interventions implemented. Programs utilized during the summer camp included Visualizing and Verbalizing(TM), Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing(R), On Cloud Nine(R), Color My Conversation, Differential Processing Training Program(TM), as well as science experiments, and snack and crafts time.
AZBIO Sentence Accuracy for English as a Second Language Adults in Quiet and Background Noise
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Wiist Alexandra
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study is to examine indications of a significant difference in listening ability between native English speakers and English as a Second Language (ESL) students in quiet and background noise specifically on the AZBIO Sentence test. Three Language groups were analyzed: Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. AZBIO lists were used to assess ESL students' ability to repeat sentences. An analysis of errors was completed to determine variance and similarities between the four language groups. Native English speakers had no difficulty repeating sentences in either condition, ESL students' data suggested more difficulty in both quiet and background noise and a variance in age of acquisition of English.
Where Was I Going? What Was the Point? Archetypes, Frame, and Social Transgressions in Ovid and Twain
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bates Jessica
Published: June 2023

The sound of a narrator telling a story can be difficult to depict in written prose, and yet both Ovid and Twain capture the effect of an old man telling a story; Ovid through Nestor's Story in The Metamorphoses and Twain in "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." They both use this framework to discuss the theme of social transgressions. I maintain that both Twain and Ovid use a variation on the wise-mentor archetype as a frame to discuss, through the use of satire, social transgressions which neither of their narrators condemn. I aim to explore Ovid and Twain's treatment of their subjects thematically with the context of the wise-mentor archetype.
Synthesis of an Arylidene Pyrazolone and its Effects on Glioblastoma Cancer Cells
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Deonarine Joanna
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this research is to develop a new technique to synthesize a heterocyclic arylidene compound using fruit puree catalysis and investigate its anti-cancer activity on glioblastoma cancer cells. Recently, there has been interest in heterocycles due to their anticancer properties and they have been used in almost two-thirds of the novel molecular anticancer agents. Varying fruit purees were used to synthesize a novel hybrid arylidene pyrazolone from 3-methyl-1-phenyl-5-pyrazolone and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde by modifying methodology developed by Dr. Murray. This arylidene pyrazolone was then tested for its anticancer activity on glioblastoma brain cancer cells using Dr. Smith’s 12-well cell viability assay. The reagent and arylidene pyrazolone from two experiments that was tested for cell viability had notable anti-cellular effects of varying potencies. In future studies, (a) more fruits could be tested for their effectiveness in synthesis, (b) more arylidene pyrazolones can be synthesized, and (c) both the fruit puree and the purified products can be tested to determine their efficacy in inhibiting the initiation of tumors and for their anti-invasive properties.
Assessing Amino Acid Racemization in Avian Eggshells through Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Nelapudi Nikitha
Published: June 2023

The extent of amino acid racemization (AAR) observed in organic material offers insight into geochronology. Within the scope of AAR research, Avian eggshells are reliable sources of data due to retention of indigenous amino acids through calcification. This project develops a robust quantification methodology for up to 9 D/L amino acids using reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) with precolumn derivatization. Reliable quantitation is established via statistical assessment of detectability and calibration curves. Progress has focused on obtaining adequate enantioseparation and reproducible data of single D/L amino acids.
A Phenomological Study: The Adventist Musician Experience
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Steinweg Tiffany
Published: June 2023

What is the experience of a Seventh-day Adventist professional classical musician? Both Seventh-day Adventists and classical musicians have been the subjects of numerous studies in past decades; however, few to none of those studies have focused on individuals who identify as both. The current study seeks to better understand the experiences of Adventist musicians within their church and within the wider classical music community. Interviews were conducted with five musicians using an initial and a follow-up set of questions. Themes were identified from interview transcripts by a content analysis. Several predicted themes were confirmed such as the experience of one’s career as a ‘calling’, as well as Adventist musicians’ value of excellence and service. Contrary to expectations, Sabbath observance was not seen as a major obstacle. The discovered primary themes included a tension of values, identity realization, caution towards the broader Adventist Church, and a suppressed vision of connection and collaboration. Some limitations on the results and conclusions of this study were the small sample of subjects and the large number of different topic categories addressed. Further research is suggested to explore if the current study’s findings remain consistent when more subjects’ interviews are added to the data pool, and if further understanding can be gained by refining or modifying the interview questions.
Synthesis of Novel Temozolomide-Fatty Acid Imide Hybrid Compounds for the Chemotherapeutic Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Pakkianathan Janice
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer that originates from glial cells, which make up the supportive tissue surrounding neurons. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the current chemotherapeutic drug administered to treat GBM as it works to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells. This research study focused on developing a method for synthesizing novel hybrid compounds that combines TMZ with various fatty acids known to have anticancer properties, forming a series of imide compounds with potential chemotherapeutic effects. Before synthesizing the compounds, various methods for synthesizing an imide from a primary amide were tested to ensure that TMZ and fatty acids would successfully react with each other to form the novel hybrid compounds. Once the novel hybrid compounds are synthesized, they will be tested for their anticancer properties on glioblastoma cells.
Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) Administration Workshop and Its Effects on Job Motivation and Burnout of Pediatric Occupational Therapists
Authors:   Department of Rehabilitation Management, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Sadeghi Yalda , Hatamizadeh Nikta ,   Department of Rehabilitation Management, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shahshahani Soheila ,   Department of Rehabilitation Management, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Hosseinzadeh Samaneh ,   Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The presence of skilled, motivated therapists is critical to meet the rehabilitation needs of children with disability. This study aimed to determine whether on-the-job training on applying goal attainment scaling (GAS) affects pediatric occupational therapists' burnout and job motivation. Methods: This study was quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design. After signing the informed consent, 35 pediatric occupational therapists at a child rehabilitation center attended a course of five 1.5-2 h workshop sessions during 5 consequent weeks on applying GAS in their workplace. Through the workshop, the trainees practiced setting goals and making 5-point scales to measure the degree of reaching those goals. The participant asked to bring some of their client's descriptions (anonymous) to the workshop as samples to talk about them. Afterward, they were asked to fill in the GAS documentation form as part of their rehabilitation records. Participants' job motivation and burnout scores were measured by the Maslach questionnaire and Loudahel Kitchener's Job Motivation Scale, respectively, before the workshop and 30 and 60 days later. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used for comparisons. Results: The Mean±SD job motivation scores, which were 42.37±6.73 before the intervention, rose to 52.82±8.51 and 56±7.59 at the end of the workshop (day 30) and on follow-up measurement (day 60), respectively (P<0.001). The effect size was 0.556. The burnout scores slightly decreased from 58±12.86 before the intervention to 55.37±12.07, with an effect size of 0.117 on day 60 measurements. Discussion: A short on-the-job training workshop on applying GAS in the formal assessment of achievements in different aspects of child life by rehabilitation practices could help in enhancing therapists' job motivation. Positive effects of GAS administration on motivation and burnout in therapists should take into account along with the client benefits for judging the usefulness of the GAS.
Iatrogenic-induced Peripheral Gangrene: From Multiple Limb Amputations to Prosthetic Restoration
Authors:   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia., Joehari Linda , Ahmedy Fatimah ,   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia., Chua Vanessa ,   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia., Harzila Mohd Bahar Farhana ,   Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia., Joseph Jamie ,   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia., Sybil Shah Syahiskandar ,   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia., Bee Lee Kang ,   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Multiple limb amputations are an uncommon complication from inotrope-induced peripheral gangrene. Case Presentation: A 20-year-old lady with valvular heart disease had septic shock secondary to infective endocarditis and required prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, the patient had triple strength intravenous noradrenaline to maintain hemodynamic stability. On day 5 of post-shock, dry gangrene occurred in distal parts of all limbs, and inotrope was stopped. Although the gangrenous changes were non-progressive, she required a significant degree of assistance with mobility and daily function performance. The patient was counseled for multiple limb amputations to promote walking and hand function through prosthetic restoration. Five months after the event, she had a right transtibial amputation, left Chopart amputation, left wrist disarticulation, and right second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers amputation. Three specific goals for inpatient rehabilitation were independent short-distance ambulation with prostheses, performing basic activities of daily living with adaptive devices, and independent wheelchair propulsion for long-distance mobility using a right-sided transtibial prosthesis, left-sided Syme's prosthesis with Kingsley's foot, right-sided silicone-based cosmetic glove and left-sided body-powered transradial prosthesis. Discussion: Although an uncommon complication, inotrope may lead to multiple limb amputations secondary to peripheral gangrene. Following amputation, the ultimate rehabilitative goal is to restore the mobility and capacity to perform daily functions through prosthetic restoration, whether walking for lower amputees or functioning hand for upper limb amputees. Prescribing prosthesis in a single limb loss is relatively straightforward, but restoring multiple limb amputations bears many challenges toward successful recovery of walking and functions.
НОРМАТИВНО-ПРАВОВЕ РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ПРОТИДІЇ НЕЛЕГАЛЬНОЇ МІГРАЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: ОРЛЕНКО Валентина
Published: June 2023

Автором досліджено що, на сьогоднішній день Україна завдяки своєму вигідному територіальному положенню стала транзитною державою для потоку мігрантів у країни Європейського Союзу, адже Україна має спільні сухопутні кордони з Румунією, Польщею, Словаччиною та Угорщиною. Підкреслено, що поняття “нормативно-правовий механізм” це система законів та підзаконних нормативно-правових актів, стратегій, програм, методів, інструментів, правових способів, засобів та прийомів впливу, законодавчого забезпечення процесів регулювання. З’ясовано, що ключовими елементами нормативно-правового регулювання протидії нелегальній міграції також є: об'єктно-суб’єктна складова, головна мета його функціонування, важелі, принципи, функції а також інструменти його реалізації. Визначено, що головною метою механізму протидії нелегальній міграції є забезпечення виконання встановленого та регламентованого нормативно-правовими законодавчими актами порядку перетину іноземцями та особами без громадянства державного кордону України, транзитного проїзду її територією та перебування на її території. В ході дослідження визначено пріоритетні напрямки та завдання щодо комплексного державного регулювання в сфері протидії нелегальній міграції, зокрема, це легальне працевлаштування; інформаційна робота; розвиток страхових, іпотечних та пенсійних програм; розвиток підприємництва, малого та середнього бізнесу; інфраструктурних програм. Зроблено висновок про те, що нелегальна міграція в Україні є гострою проблемою, що впливає на стан правопорядку, економічну ситуацію та міжнародний імідж не лише нашої держави, а й інших країн. Наголошено на тому що, удосконалення нормативно-правового регулювання проблеми нелегальної міграції є важливим фактором забезпечення національної безпеки України, розвитку суспільних відносин, збереження ресурсів та економіки.
РУШІЇ РОЗВИТКУ ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ ІНДУСТРІЇ В УМОВАХ СУЧАСНОСТІ
Authors: Денищенко Людмила , Дорошенко Тетяна
Published: June 2023

У статті досліджуються рушії розвитку туристичної індустрії в умовах сучасності. Встановлено, що туризм являється однією з найбільш високо прибуткових та інтенсивно розвиваючих галузей світової економіки. З’ясовано, що міжнародні туристичні потоки поступово зростають, де відповідно до даних ЮНВТО, у 2022 році понад 900 мільйонів туристів здійснили міжнародні подорожі, що вдвічі більше, ніж у 2021 році, проте це тільки 63% від рівня, який був до пандемії. Встановлено, що пандемія COVID-19 створила безпрецедентні проблеми для світового ринку подорожей та туризму у 2020 та 2021 роках, оскільки країни у всьому світі запровадили обмеження та заборони на поїздки для стримування поширення інфекцій. Визначено, що у 2021 році США отримали найвищий внесок від подорожей та туризму у ВВП, при цьому ці галузі прямо чи опосередковано принесли приблизно 1,27 трильйона доларів США, а Китай та Німеччина посіли друге місце у рейтингу, де загальний внесок подорожей та туризму у ВВП становив 814 млрд і 251 млрд доларів США відповідно. З’ясовано, що до основних рушіїв розвитку туристичної індустрії в умовах сучасності належать: зростання потоку прямих іноземних інвестицій в країні; покращення стану інфраструктури та засобів розміщення; соціально-економічні, культурні, демографічні, матеріально-технічні та політичні рушії; збільшення туристичного попиту; використання сучасних технологічних інновацій; зміна попиту та очікувань туристів; зростаюча конкуренція у туристичній індустрії та глобалізація; законодавчі та регуляторні зміни. Встановлено, що широкомасштабне застосування інформаційних технологій є передумовою для того, щоб цифрова економіка стимулювала розвиток туризму, сприяла розробці та впровадженню туристичних інновацій, а також у свою чергу вплинула на зміни у відносинах між виробниками та споживачами туризму. Зʼясовано, що веб-сайти соціальних мереж відіграють важливу роль в індустрії туризму, оскільки туристи використовують дані платформи для обміну онлайн-контентом, які пов'язаним з їх поїздками, а компанії та впливові особи використовують їх як маркетинговий інструмент, пропонуючи місця для відпочинку та рекламуючи диференційовані туристичні продукти.
ЛЮДСЬКИЙ КАПІТАЛ – БАЗА ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЇ ІНДУСТРІЇ ДЕРЖАВИ
Authors: Ляшенко Ганна
Published: June 2023

У статті розглянуті проблеми цінностей, які формує людський капітал. Обґрунтовано, що на стадії постіндустріальної економіки знання, навички, творчі здібності, досвід, вміння вносять свій вклад в економічні результати за рахунок підвищення виробничих і управлінських процесів, на підприємстві забезпечується наростання вартості і доходів, а держава отримує економічне зростання і накопичення національного багатства. Також у статті дана характеристика знанням. За допомогою людського капіталу формуються нові галузі й інтелектуальна індустрія.
Point Process Tools
Authors: Kling Jose , Vetter Mathias , Schindlbeck-Belo Julie C. , Jegen Marion D. , Kutterolf Steffen
Published: June 2023

This toolbox implements various tools for working with simple, non-marked, one dimensional point processes. The highlight of this toolbox is the new goodness-of-fit test developed for parametric models.
On Optimization of Mixed Photon Energies in Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
Authors: Momin Shadab
Published: June 2023

This dissertation investigates the dosimetric influence of mixed photon beams in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for prostate cancer and presents new algorithmic frameworks for simultaneous optimization of mixed photon beams in VMAT.

The potential scope of using mixed photon VMAT for prostate cancer was first studied by using a clinical treatment planning software. A significant reduction in doses to bladder (P < 0.05) and rectum (P < 0.05), and similar target dose conformity was achieved by mixed photon (6&15 MV) VMAT compared to single energy (6 or 15 MV) VMAT. Radiobiological effectiveness was evaluated through tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Across four different parameter sets for grade ≥ 2 rectal bleeding, mixed energy reduced NTCP by 1.3%, 4.1%, 0.1% and 2.6%, respectively, compared to single energy (P < 0.05). For bladder, mixed energy reduced mean equivalent uniform dose by 2 Gy (P < 0.05). In this study, however, each energy plan had to be optimized separately followed by their summation in order to generate a mixed photon VMAT plan. From optimization standpoint, this approach limits the solution search space.

With the aim of furthering current optimization approach, a comprehensive algorithmic framework was presented for simultaneous optimization of mixed photon beams (6 & 18 MV) in VMAT (MP-VMAT). This was solved heuristically in two steps, accounting for dosimetric and mechanical constraints. This novel proof of concept was tested for its practicality and dosimetric outcome on two prostate cancer cases. In both cases, the proposed approach was able to reduce doses to rectum and bladder while maintaining the target dose coverage. Overall results suggested the viability and dosimetric benefits of the proposed concept, compared to single energy approach, in VMAT planning.

Next, the concept of MP-VMAT was expanded for a single-arc treatment, consisting of energy dependent partial arcs. To this end, the first formalism was presented to optimize mixed photon energy (6 & 18 MV) fluences along with corresponding arc locations and lengths over a full 360o gantry rotation. The radiobiological and dosimetric effectiveness of this framework was tested on prostate cases with varying body types. The proposed technique was able to reduce bladder and rectum complication by 14% and 7%, respectively, in large size patients compared to single energy VMAT.

The novel concept of simultaneous optimization of multi-energy introduced in this dissertation can also be employed in learning based approach for beam angle optimization in intensity modulated radiation therapy treatments as well as in optimization of mixed modality treatments.
Large-Pitch Methods for 2D/3D Synthetic Transmit Aperture Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Li Ying
Published: June 2023

This dissertation describes ultrasound algorithms developed on 2D/3D synthetic transmit aperture (STA) imaging. They demonstrate significant reduction in the hardware complexity of the 2D/3D STA ultrasound imaging system while maintaining the reasonable image quality.

A large-pitch synthetic transmit aperture (LPSTA) method integrated with a spatial response function (SRF) was designed in this dissertation. The LPSTA demonstrated the better lateral resolution (+25%), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (+24.6%) and contrast ratio (CR) (+42.3%) than B-mode with the similar hardware complexity. LPSTA with 15-fold reduction in number measurement channels (the product of number of transmission events and the number of digital receive channels) achieved comparable image contrast to the standard STA with a full array at the cost of a reduced field of view.

We extended the LPSTA method to 2D matrix array for 3D imaging, referred to as 3D-LPSTA system. A new Gaussian approximated SRF (G-SRF) was derived and integrated in the image reconstruction process to significantly improve the image contrast. With approximately 1900-fold reduction in number of measurement channels, 3D-LPSTA can provide image contrast at the specific region of interest (ROI) comparable to the standard 3D-STA with a full array and significantly better than a periodically sparse array with similar complexity. In addition to reducing the system complexity, the 3D-LPSTA achieve 700-fold reduction in computational complexity and 523-fold reduction in data storage.

We proposed to combine the LPSTA with micro-beamforming technique to focus in a ROI: focused transmission and focused receiving (XTXR). The proposed XTXR method showed the image quality comparable to the standard STA a full array at the selected ROI. Moreover, the proposed XTXR method demonstrated significantly superior image quality compared to the conventional B-mode imaging with the similar micro-beamforming configuration. Finally, the beam pattern analysis was used to estimate the lateral FOV of XTXR and demonstrated a good agreement with the experimental measurement.

This dissertation investigates all these proposed advanced ultrasound algorithms, with the goal of implementing these methods to extend its application in clinics.
Photoacoustic Imaging for Monitoring Vascular Disrupting Agents
Authors: Fadhel Muhannad N.
Published: June 2023

The tumour vasculature supplies the tumour with oxygen and nutrition that are vital for the survival and growth of cancer cells. Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) are a category of cancer therapeutic drugs that target the endothelial cells lining the vessels and damage tumour vasculature. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has high sensitivity in detecting vascular changes due to the high optical absorption of hemoglobin. PA quantitative analysis can be used to further extract structural and biochemical changes of hemoglobin through ultrasound spectral analysis and multi-spectral PA imaging. I proposed the use of simulations, in-vitro, and in-vivo PA imaging to assess the efficacy of VDAs in cancer therapy.

PA signals acquired from single and a collection of red blood cells (RBCs) were examined before and after acid sphingomyelinase exposure (SMase is a signaling molecule excreted due to endothelial cells damage) to investigate changes at the cellular level. Bleeding of tumour vasculature was simulated using a fractal-based model of bifurcating cylinders and the diffusion of blood to the tumour interstitium. Wavelength selection and fluence matching approaches were proposed to improve chromophore quantification in real time for PA imaging. In-vivo experiments were conducted to examine how PA imaging can be used to monitor the effect of the VDA 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA). PA ultrasound frequency analysis and multi-spectral PA imaging were used to detect structural and biochemical changes to the tumour vasculature.

PA quantitative analysis of the in-vivo data demonstrates a decrease in the total hemoglobin 72 hrs post DMXAA injection and an increase in Hb 24 hrs post DMXAA injection. The changes in the chromophores’ composition are due to changes in the environment as the RBCs extravasate to the surrounding tissues as seen from the in-vitro experiments. A decrease in the average spectral slope at 24 hrs post injection was measured. The decrease in the spectral slope was correlated to an increase in the effective vessel size due to bleeding, which was also supported by the vascular tree simulations. The combination of simulations, in-vitro and in-vivo studies demonstrate the capability of PA signal analysis in monitoring VDA at early time points.
Software-based charge sharing correction for spectroscopic x-ray detectors
Authors: Lalonde Robert
Published: June 2023

Spectroscopic x-ray detectors, which are currently under development, may have the potential to revolutionize diagnostic x-ray imaging through their ability to perform single-shot, multi-energy imaging. However, the sharing of charge between neighbouring detector elements results in degraded image quality. The goal of this project was to develop a computer algorithm to correct for the effects of charge sharing. The 3 primary objectives were: (1) to develop a model of the system response of spectroscopic x-ray detectors which accounts for the spatio-energetic effects of charge sharing, (2) to develop a charge sharing correction algorithm, based on the maximum likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) algorithm which incorporates the spatio-energetic system response model and (3) to assess the accuracy of the charge sharing correction algorithm by applying it to simulated x-ray images. The MLEM algorithm was able to correct for the spectral distortion resulting from charge sharing with reasonable accuracy. Its performance was somewhat erratic due to the non-linearity of the algorithm, but was found to perform better when applied high-energy x-ray spectra.
Design of a Spatially Anchoring Framework Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Device and Fisheye Lens
Authors: Lai Philips
Published: June 2023

The development of improved Augmented Reality (AR) Head-Mounted Devices (HMDs) have led to many potential applications for augmented reality. In the case of surgery, an HMD could be used as an assistive tool to address some deficits that popular neuronavigation devices have, such as a disturbance to surgical workflow and surgeon comfort.

This thesis aims to bring an HMD-based overlay framework that can be used in the operating room. Through a combination of Android Studio, OpenCV, and OpenGL, a method to localize an HMD (ODG R9s) was created. This framework used a fisheye lens and a marker-based tracking method to localize the headset and renders a spatially-anchored 3D model in real time. A “Focus” mode was also developed in stabilizing the camera pose estimation and translational and rotational errors were quantified.
Optimal Energy Storage Solution to Reduce Electricity Bills for Class-A Customers in Ontario
Authors: Kadri Abdeslem
Published: June 2023

This work presents a methodology based on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) to reduce the annual electricity cost of class-A customers in Ontario. The main objective is to size a BESS based on the customer load profile such that the maximum financial benefit is gained. Multiple revenue streams of the BESS operation are stacked to increase the benefit. Such streams include Global Adjustment (GA) cost as the biggest chunk of saving as well as energy price arbitrage, peak demand charge reduction, and enrollment in demand response programs.

As phase one in this work, energy arbitrage is inspected as one of the fundamental applications of BESS. The concept of energy arbitrage depends on purchasing energy during low-price hours and releasing it back during a high-priced time. The economic viability of energy arbitrage is examined in three different markets. It is emphasized through results that energy arbitrage using BESS makes economic sense in some markets only based on the range of daily price volatility and market regulations.
Cross-Platform Profiling and Tuning Framework for Design and Development of Heterogeneous Applications
Authors: Tayyub Mohid
Published: June 2023

Parallel computing with heterogeneous platforms that include multi-core CPUs, GPGPUs, traditional GPUs and FPGAs are increasingly being employed to meet high performance demands. However, the application developer must thoroughly understand the application to parallelize tasks. It is known that careful architecture specific adjustments are required for tuning an application to effectively utilise the underlying heterogeneous devices. A cross-platform expandable profiling framework is presented that can be used to highlight bottlenecks in the application and guide design changes by providing both coarse and fine grain application statistics. Machine learning models are trained to understand the application behaviour and underlines features relating to performance. While code instrumentation is used to unlock individual code statistics of processes and kernels. The presented framework is applied to a variety of applications by profiling and tuning various benchmarks and real-life cases studies such as collision detection. Through these case studies, comparisons are made with the current industrial tools and other state of the art tuning approaches. The results highlight the unique parameters that can be extracted from the proposed framework and effectiveness of the framework due to the notable performance increase achieved.
Exploring Interactivity in Digital Comics
Authors: Sayılgan Özge
Published: June 2023

The digital revolution has reconditioned our media landscape, instigating hybridity in traditional forms and reshaping the nature of storytelling through enhanced interactivity. This paper scrutinizes the transformative interplay of digital technologies and comic books, engendering new media narrative forms such as interactive comics and redefining conventional sequential storytelling. As a reflection of this evolution, comic books, long recognized as sequential art, have broadened their narrative scope by integrating elements of motion, interactivity, and game-like attributes.
This research explores four distinct types of digital comics: Meanwhile: An Interactive Comic Book (Zarfhome Software, 2018), Framed (Noodlecake Studios, 2014), Florence (Mountains Studio, 2018), and Our Plague Year (Burton, 2022). By adopting Sheldon’s categories of interactivity and Lebowitz and Klug's interactive story spectrum, we analyze these stories' levels of interactivity and linearity. The findings indicate that the complexity, diversity, and multitude of reader agency do not necessarily render a story interactive in terms of content. While these digital comics vary significantly in design, most still adhere to a traditional linear narrative framework despite the diversity and many interactive elements. Only “Meanwhile: An Interactive Comic Book” deviates from linearity, manifesting non-linear, web-like narrative structures and branching story paths.
This analysis unravels the nuanced hybridization of digital media and comic books, illuminating how digital technologies reshape and augment our narrative practices. The digital revolution has not only brought about a new storytelling habitat but also expanded our understanding of co-authorship, thus pushing the boundaries of sequential storytelling in an ever-evolving digital culture.
It also highlights the importance of recognizing the differences between interacting with the medium and interacting with the story itself. Consequently, this research contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between digital technologies, interactivity, and sequential storytelling, paving the way for further exploration in the field of digital comics.