bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-structural possibilities in architectural design: deconstruction as a strategy to start architecture of postcolonial knowledge and ideology
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Rupasinghe R.
Published: November 2024

Architecture is politically powerful, and its interdisciplinary nature makes it rich and colourful. Postcolonial critique is one of the ways that one could look at and understand architecture and the built environment of post-independent Sri Lanka. By looking at architecture and architectural approaches through a postcolonial eye, one can see the remains of colonial dichotomies of colonials finding their other in indigenous people. Deconstruction, introduced by Jacques Derrida, understands that the logocentric vision is violent. Deconstruction is commonly used in reading and interpreting subtexts of literary texts, although there is an architectural style called ‘deconstructionism’. The deconstructive strategy leads to questioning the ideological approaches toward architectural designs considered as “good architecture” especially in postcolonial situations like Sri Lanka, where the most prominent architectural narratives are highly elite and colonial. And from pedagogical aspects, “problem-solving” architectural approaches are privileged in which the vernacular-inspired buildings are appreciated. In a postcolonial critique, these attempts are remnants of the colonial gaze on indigenous groups of people. This paper examines the ideological issue of the post-independent era architecture of Sri Lanka by using deconstruction and also suggests deconstruction as a way of approaching architecture of postcolonial ideology.
Online Education: teachers’ endeavours in adaptation and optimization of digital tools and features for distance learning in Sri Lanka during COVID19 pandemic
Authors:   Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, De Mel W.T.D. , Rodrigo K.B.U.
Published: November 2024

This research contributes to the knowledge of digital tools in the domain of online education. This is an exploratory study done to identify Teachers’ endeavours in adapting and optimising familiar digital tools and features for distance learning in Sri Lanka during the Covid19 Pandemic. Identifying and understanding teachers’ intentions of using the features and investigating whether those intentions were cohesive with the student expectations can be stated as the main objectives of the research. This study was carried out as a case study consisting of three sample cases from urban, suburban, and rural geographies. Data were collected primarily through non-participant observations where the education methods were observed, and in-depth interviews, interviewing both teachers and students within the cases. Collected data were encoded to analyse and identify themes using the thematic analysis method with an inductive approach. The analysis was done while establishing the connection between the encoded data to identify teachers’ intentions in using the features of the tool and to investigate whether the intentions were aligned with the student expectations. The study was concluded with the identification of the base intentions of the teachers in adaptation and teacher’s endeavour of mimicking the in-person classroom attributes in the online learning environment using digital tools were cohesive with the student expectations to an extent. The conclusion led towards a vital range of further studies and EdTech application development.
Prototyping fragile buffer packaging: from existing to potential
Authors:   Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Ariyathilake P.B.S.D. , Samarawickrama S.
Published: November 2024

The fragility of a product reflects its mechanical properties, particularly its ability to resist dynamic shock when subjected to impact or vibration. When the force exerted on the product exceeds its tolerance, the structure becomes compromised, leading to damage or failure. To prevent such occurrences, fragile buffer packaging plays a crucial role in packaging design. Its primary function is to absorb shocks and vibrations during handling and transport, thereby protecting delicate items from damage. This paper focuses on fragile buffer packaging through a single-case study—a waffle-based fragile product used as edible cutlery. It examines the existing packaging design that contributes to product damage and emphasizes the importance of applying fragile buffer packaging principles to develop a more effective final packaging through a step-by-step process of developing prototypes. Applying fragile buffer packaging requirements confirms that the proposed packaging design is a superior alternative to the existing one, with the potential for significantly enhanced product protection.
Mountain Jews: From a History of Local Groups to the Transnational History
Authors: Amosova Svetlana
Published: November 2024

This article is an introduction to the issue’s special theme on “Mountain Jews: Identity, Multilingualism, and History of Studying the Group”, featuring contributions by Dmitriy Sen’, Vladimir Kolesov, Svetlana Amosova, Arusyak Agababyan, Leonid Dreyer, Igor Kuznetsov, and Rita Kuznetsova. The theme is devoted to the discussion of a sub-ethnic Jewish group. Mountain Jews lived dispersed in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, and now this is a transnational group. This group has experienced processes of active migration and adaptation in new places of residence, economic and social changes over the past few decades. The main topics of the special theme are the ethnic identity of Mountain Jews, as well as their multilingualism and attitude towards their language.
On Local Groups of Mountain Jews of the Caucasus: The Case of g’ubonig’o – Dzhegonas Kuban Jews [O lokal’nykh gruppakh gorskikh evreev Kavkaza: na primere g’ubonig’o – dzhegonasskikh gorskikh evreev]
Authors: Kolesov Vladimir
Published: November 2024

The article discusses the prospects of studying local groups that are part and parcel of larger communities. The Mountain Jews of the Caucasus are taken as an example of the larger community of the kind, while Dzhegonas Kuban Jews represent a local group in this case. I examine various aspects of the group organization, such as local identity in its combinations with other patterns of identification, religious identity, material culture (dwelling, food, clothing), and traditional economic activities (leatherworking, barter trade). I further trace the history of the group from its origins in the early nineteenth century up to the point of its dissolution in the mid-twentieth century, and put forward arguments about the specific features distinguishing the group.
Children’s Agency in Migration Strategies and Integration Scenarios
Authors: Garipova Leisan
Published: November 2024

The article presents case studies examining various forms of children’s agency in migrant’s strategies and migration scenarios. Drawn on interviews and field research among migrant families in a large Russian city, it is thematically split into two parts. The first discusses the role of children in making decisions on the country of residence and education in the context of family migration. Here, a number of cases are taken to demonstrate how obstacles to education access influence children’s agency and how the latter gets embedded in family responsibilities. The second part specifically addresses a practice of acquiring a “Russian” name, that is the practice of engaging children in Russian-speaking communities that may be observed in the educational milieu.
Migrants Changing Themselves and Others: Translocality and Social Remittances – The Case of the Sivukh Rural Settlement
Authors: Starodubrovskaia Irina
Published: November 2024

The article discusses the influence of domestic migrants on the social relations in a sending community. The analysis draws on translocality and social remittances theories and focuses on the translocal community of Sivukh, a Dagestani rural settlement. The research is based on the results of fieldwork conducted in Sivukh as well as Saint Petersburg, Makhachkala, and Khasavyurt in 2022, which incorporated both villagers and urban migrants of the first and second generations. The analysis shows that the urban context and the lack of discrimination facilitate more intensive integration of migrants in the receiving community. Under the circumstances of translocality, such integration leads to the formation of better conditions for the generation of social remittances. The primary sources of remittances are young educated migrants and second-generation migrants, as well as higher status migrants that manage to achieve successful upward mobility in host societies. The types of localities where migrants settle can also have an impact on the forms of social remittances. The reception of social remittances in sending communities can be inconsistent and generate cultural conflicts. Some segments of sending communities are more receptive to innovations, while others are more committed to traditions.
Stability of the magnetic subsystem of 2D magnets from the method of the crystal orbital hamilton population
Authors: Kushchuk L. I. , Veretimus D. K. , Lega P. V. , Antonenkova A. Yu. , Kartsev A. I.
Published: November 2024

The densities of electronic states in quasi-two-dimensional vanadium nitrides have been studied using density functional theory and the method of the crystal orbital Hamilton population. The contribution of various orbital pairs and their influence on the stability of the magnetic subsystem of these compounds has been analyzed using the crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) algorithm. The calculation results and their analysis suggest that the formation of long-range magnetic order plays a role in the structural stabilization of magnetic quasi-two-dimensional transition metal nitrides. Comparing –COHP curves for different vanadium nitrides shows that the nitrogen stoichiometry in VxNy compounds affects the electronic properties and the nature of the chemical bond during the transition to the ferromagnetic state. Calculation data and total energies prove the structure-stabilizing effect of long-range magnetic ordering in quasi-two-dimensional vanadium-nitrogen compounds.
Consumer attitude as a mediator in the adoption of smart retail technologies in emerging market
Authors: Jaganathan Mathivannan , Perumal Selvan , Shaari Hasnizam , Sulaiman Yaty , Mat Nik Kamariah Nik
Published: November 2024

This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of smart retailing technologies in Malaysia, a developing retail market. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 391 valid questionnaires, the study highlights the significant role of perceived advantage, novelty, and risk in shaping consumer attitudes toward smart retailing. The results demonstrate that perceived advantage significantly and positively influences consumers' attitude toward smart retailing (β = 0.453, t = 7.461, p < 0.001). Similarly, perceived novelty strongly influences attitude (β = 0.286, t = 5.193, p < 0.001). In contrast, perceived risk has a negative effect on attitudes toward smart retailing (β = -0.152, t = 3.520, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study reveals that the attitude toward smart retail significantly influences the acceptance of smart retail technologies (β = 0.780, t = 26.484, p < 0.001). Moreover, the mediating role of attitude is confirmed, mediating the relationship between perceived advantage, novelty, risk, and the acceptance of smart retailing. Specifically, perceived advantage (β = 0.353, t = 6.806, p < 0.001) and perceived novelty (β = 0.223, t = 5.131, p < 0.001) positively influence acceptance through attitude, while perceived risk has a negative indirect effect (β = -0.118, t = 3.456, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the critical importance of consumer attitudes in mediating the impact of perceived advantage, novelty, and risk on the adoption of smart retail technologies. The conclusions of this study hold significant implications for retail managers and policymakers seeking to promote the adoption and utilization of smart retail solutions in emerging markets.
Warehouse operations optimisation through the implementation of lean methodology: A comprehensive review
Authors: Osman Mohd Khidir , Mohamad Effendi , Kamarudin Nurhayati , Rahman Arfauz A.
Published: November 2024

In 2022, there was a slow growth in the developing nations' GDP, but Malaysia's economy grew strongly at 8.7% due to increased activity in a number of sectors, particularly in services. Malaysia’s strong economic growth has created a higher demand for warehouse facilities and efficient warehouse operations. As a result, the need for efficient warehouse operations to reduce expenses is evident. Thus, finding the best way to structure and design warehouse operations to maximise efficiency has been a significant problem for many organisations. Consequences, such as increased waste and a negative effect on the warehouse's overall performance, are due to lack of feedback and poor selection of logistical tools to improve flow efficiency. Therefore, this article contributed to bridge the gaps of knowledge on the lean theoretical framework for warehouse operations optimisation in finished goods warehouses. The study employs a qualitative research design methodology, reviewing and analysing 7 quality journals using thematic analysis. The analysis results have classified four key factors that influence warehouse operations optimisation: warehouse layout, material flow, inventory information, and resource allocations. These critical factors of warehouse operations efficiency are significantly affected by 5 primary wastes: waiting, transportation, defect, inventory, and underutilised employees. The findings has shown that the core lean tools, VSM and 5S, should be used sequentially to eliminate waste. The tools can also be used in conjunction with other complementary lean tools to further reduce primary waste. At the end, the study's findings highlighted the framework that aligned these key elements: warehouse operations factors, waste, and lean tools as the foundation structure and design of the theoretical framework for warehouse operations optimisation through the implementation of lean methodology to enhance production and orders. This work is anticipated to establish a basis for future research in the same field as a result of its innovative discoveries.
Challenges in designing and developing a virtual biology laboratory: A systematic literature review
Authors: Agustin Maya , Zubaidah Siti , Susanto Hendra , Habiddin Habiddin , Bilad Muhammad Roil
Published: November 2024

Biology is characterized by abstract and complex material, so most biology topics rely heavily on laboratory practicum activities. However, not all schools have adequate laboratory infrastructure. With the development of technology, virtual biology laboratories can be used as an alternative to overcome the limitations of real laboratory infrastructures. This paper highlights plenty previous published works that examined virtual biology laboratories. The review focused on several components, namely, research methodology, technology type, learning model, and instructional support used in virtual biology laboratories. The results of the review show that most virtual biology laboratories are more effective than passive media or physical laboratories when it is combined with passive media or physical laboratories. Topics covered in virtual biology laboratories tend to be abstract and complex, involving microscopic and even sub-microscopic level components, such as microbiology and cells. Quantitative and qualitative methods evaluate learning outcomes measured on cognitive, affective, and skill dimensions. The technology used in virtual biology labs varies from 2D desktop to immersive VR technology. The 2D desktop features simple geometry and dynamic visualizations. In addition, they do not require a computer with high specifications and large internet bandwidth. A higher level of realism can be achieved by integrating immersive VR technology in a virtual biology laboratory. This technology costs more than 2D desktops or 3D desktops. Some virtual biology laboratories follow the pattern of problem-based learning models and inquiry-based learning models. Virtual biology laboratories also have instructional support elements such as feedback and guidance. The effectiveness of virtual biology laboratories is highly dependent on the design and implementation process. Therefore, pedagogical and technical components need to be tailored to the learning outcomes to be achieved.
Law on compensation for damages owing to environmental pollution by business organizations in Vietnam
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Duy , Thanh Nguyen Duy
Published: November 2024

In recent years, Vietnam has made notable progress in strengthening its legal framework to address environmental pollution and hold business organizations accountable for resulting damages. Key components of this framework include the Civil Code (2015), the Law on Environmental Protection (2020), and Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP, which together offer fundamental guidelines for establishing liability and obtaining compensation from businesses responsible for environmental harm. These legal instruments set out a foundational approach to liability, mandating that businesses are responsible for preventing pollution, remedying any damage caused, and compensating affected individuals or communities. Despite these advancements, significant gaps persist in the practical application of these laws, primarily due to the generality of their provisions. The regulations tend to function more as guiding principles than enforceable mechanisms, offering limited specificity on how to effectively pursue compensation claims. This lack of procedural clarity presents challenges for stakeholders seeking redress, as the absence of precise guidelines and enforcement measures complicates the process of securing adequate compensation. Moreover, the absence of clear definitions for the scope of damages, standards of proof, and assessment criteria further constrains the effectiveness of these provisions. These limitations within the current framework highlight the pressing need for reform aimed at enhancing clarity and applicability. This article seeks to critically examine these deficiencies by analyzing the existing legal regime, identifying areas for improvement, and proposing targeted solutions to strengthen compensation mechanisms. The objective is to establish a more effective and transparent legal pathway for addressing environmental damage caused by business organizations in Vietnam, ultimately contributing to higher standards of environmental accountability and justice for impacted communities.
Bacteria Recognition Application Model Using Marker-Based Augmented Reality for Android Mobile Devices
Authors: Mulyani Asri , Kurniadi Dede , Fadillah Hadi Bagus
Published: November 2024

This article aims to develop a multimedia application model for bacterial recognition using Marker-Based Augmented Reality (Marker-Based AR) technology for Android mobile devices. Marker-based tracking creates mobile augmented reality markers to increase user interaction in Marker-Based Augmented Reality systems. The software development method uses the Multimedia Development Life Cycle, which consists of 6 phases: concept, design, material collecting, assembly, testing, and distribution. The results of this study are a model of a multimedia application for bacterial recognition using Marker-Based AR, which has a marker-based tracking feature and displays bacterial objects in 3 dimensions along with their explanations and exercise questions. Based on user tests, it shows that the application model developed helps and makes it easier to learn about bacteria independently using Android mobile devices more easily and interestingly. This is proven based on beta testing towards users who got a score of 73.68% is obtained which agrees.
ANALISIS MANAJEMEN KEUANGAN DAN PEMBIAYAAN PADA PENGEMBANGAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN DAN UKM DI PEKON SINAR PETIR
Authors: Azzahra Faizah , Solihin Ahmad , Wijaya Sastra
Published: November 2024

Pembangunan ekonomi daerah adalah salah satu prioritas utama untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat Indonesia. Salah satu metode yang dinilai efektif untuk mencapainya adalah dengan memajukan kewirausahaan dan Usaha Kecil Menengah (UKM). Pekon Sinar Petir merupakan salah satu daerah yang sedang berkembang di sektor kewirausahaan dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah (UKM). Di Pekon Sinar Petir, banyak pelaku usaha kecil dan menengah masih mengalami kesulitan dalam menerapkan praktik manajemen keuangan yang efektif, disebabkan oleh kurangnya pengetahuan atau akses terbatas terhadap teknologi dan sistem informasi keuangan yang memadai. Dalam konteks ini, manajemen keuangan dan pembiayaan menjadi elemen krusial yang berpengaruh terhadap keberlangsungan dan pertumbuhan usaha. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis praktik manajemen keuangan yang diterapkan oleh pelaku usaha di Pekon Sinar Petir serta mengeksplorasi sumber-sumber pembiayaan yang tersedia. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif  data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan analisis dokumen terkait manajemen keuangan dan pembiayaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar pelaku UKM di Pekon Sinar Petir masih menghadapi kendala dalam manajemen keuangan. Serta terdapat hasil tentang bagimana tantangan dalam manajemen keuangan, pelaku usaha di Pekon Sinar Petir mampu memanfaatkan potensi lokal dan sumber daya yang ada untuk mendukung pengembangan usaha mereka. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan rekomendasi bagi pengembangan kebijakan yang mendukung kewirausahaan di tingkat local khususnya Pekon Sinar Petir.
ANALISIS RISIKO KREDIT DAN MAKRO EKONOMI PADA BANK UMUM SYARIAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Yulfiswandi Yulfiswandi , Wen Wel
Published: November 2024

Sebagai bagian dari sistem keuangan nasional, perbankan syariah memainkan peran yang signifikan dalam aktivitas ekonomi. Baik perbankan konvensional maupun syariah memengaruhi ekonomi Indonesia. Ada perbedaan antara keduanya berdasarkan prinsip yang mendasari transaksi keuangan. Dengan mengumpulkan dana dari masyarakat dan memberikan mereka melalui pembiayaan atau kredit, perbankan syariah bertindak sebagai intermediasi. Pembiayaan mudah, musyarakah, murabahah, ijarah, dan lain-lain adalah beberapa jenis produk yang ditawarkan oleh pembiayaan bank syariah. Dalam penelitian ini, variabel dependen adalah rasio ROA, yang merupakan ukuran kinerja BUS. Di antara variabel independen yang diteliti, NPF (Non-Performing Financial) menunjukkan risiko kredit; NIM (Net Interest Margin) menunjukkan risiko kredit; ALR (Actual Liquidity Ratio) menunjukkan rasio kredit; GDP (Gross Domestic Product) menunjukkan makroekonomi; dan inflasi menunjukkan makroekonomi. Fokus penelitian ini adalah semua bank umum syariah Indonesia yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia dan memiliki total 9 BUS. Data panel digunakan dari tahun 2018 hingga 2022.
PENGARUH HARGA, GAYA HIDUP, KUALITAS DAN PROMOSI TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK FASHION DI ECOMMERCE ZALORA
Authors: Ulya Zahrotul , Purusa Nanda Adhi , Anomsari Ariati , Haziroh Awanis Linati
Published: November 2024

Pertumbuhan pengguna internet di Indonesia mendorong peningkatan aktivitas e-commerce, termasuk di Zalora. Penelitian dilakukan untuk menguji pengaruh harga, gaya hidup, kualitas produk, dan promosi terhadap keputusan pembelian di ecommerce Zalora. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dan metode sampling mengunakan Purposive Sampling. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 125 responden yang merupakan pengguna aktif Zalora di kalangan mahasiswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa harga, kualitas, dan promosi memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian. Harga produk fashion menunjukkan pengaruh yang signifikan (t hitung = 4.048, signifikansi = 0.000), di mana harga yang kompetitif menjadi pertimbangan utama konsumen. Kualitas produk juga berpengaruh signifikan (t hitung = 2.424, signifikansi = 0.017), dengan konsumen cenderung memilih produk berkualitas tinggi. Promosi terbukti menjadi faktor paling berpengaruh (t hitung = 6.263, signifikansi = 0.000), di mana berbagai bentuk promosi efektif menarik minat beli konsumen. Sebaliknya, gaya hidup tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian (t hitung = 0.689, signifikansi = 0.492). Kesimpulannya penelitian ini dapat memberikan indikasi terhadap ecommerce Zalora untuk meningkatkan keputusan pembelian produk fashion.
Investigation of Advertising Marketing in University Communities in the Post-Epidemic Era: AI Technology Analysis and Research
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Wang Yao
Published: November 2024

The epidemic situation in COVID-19 has a far-reaching impact on society, especially on enterprise management. For all kinds of enterprises, changes in the general environment will also affect their marketing methods. Digital marketing provides an innovative path for the economic recovery of enterprises in the post-epidemic era. College students are an important group of domestic residents’ consumption. Under this background, this paper is based on the empirical investigation of college students, so as to solve the related problems of digital marketing in the post-epidemic era.
Development of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-Based Automatic Food Classification (AFC) Model for Visual Impairments of Nigerians
Authors: Olasina J.R. , Aliu O.H.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of a transfer learning approach utilizing LeNet-5 and a CNN-based AFC model for the classification of Nigerian swallow foods. Leveraging the lightweight LeNet-5 architecture, originally designed for 32×32×3 image inputs, we adapted our dataset with 100×100×3 images to meet its requirements. Meanwhile, the CNN-based AFC model was constrained to accept 100×100×3 images and classify them into 20 categories. Training, validation, and testing were conducted on both models, yielding distinct results. The CNN-based AFC model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 0.9494 and a validation accuracy of 0.9524, with corresponding losses of 0.4778 and 0.4735, respectively. Conversely, LeNet-5 achieved a training accuracy of 0.9418 and a validation accuracy of 0.9524, with losses of 0.0808 and 0.0421. Notably, the CNN-based AFC model exhibited significantly faster training times, outperforming LeNet-5 in this regard. This study lays the groundwork for further research, with plans to integrate the CNN-based AFC model into a mobile app to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying safe foods. The deployment of such a system has the potential to enhance the autonomy and quality of life for visually impaired individuals, reducing reliance on caregivers and mitigating health risks associated with improper food consumption. Future work will focus on expanding the model to encompass a wider range of Nigerian foods and finalizing its integration into the mobile app.
Empirical Study on Green GDP Accounting of Various Provinces in China – PVAR Analysis Based on Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Xiao Wenbo , Wang Long , Xu Zhihao , Zhu Qinying , Liu Yi , Xiao Yi
Published: November 2024

With China’s rapid economic development, the demand for natural resources is increasing, and resource and environmental issues have become serious constraints to sustainable economic development, so it is especially important to adopt green GDP instead of traditional GDP to measure a country’s sustainable development. Based on the resource and environment perspective, this paper accounts for the green GDP of each province in mainland China from 1997 to 2020 by constructing a green GDP accounting system, and divides provinces according to energy use efficiency, and establishes a panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR) between green GDP and environmental and economic indicators in energy-efficient, medium-efficient and inefficient regions based on the panel data of each province for empirical research. It was found that the effects of each variable on green GDP differed among the divided regions. In the energy-inefficient and energy-medium zones, both the total consumption of CO2 clean mechanism trade and the total consumption of solid waste recycling have positive effects on green GDP development, while in the energy-efficient zone, only the total consumption of solid waste recycling has a positive effect on green GDP, while the total consumption of energy has a negative effect. To achieve sustainable green GDP development, we need to take comprehensive measures, including improving CO2 clean mechanism trading, enhancing solid waste recycling and sustainable disposal, reducing reliance on electricity and coal, finding sustainable alternatives to crude oil, and integrating natural gas resources with renewable energy. Achieving a long-term driving effect on green GDP.
Formation of a Strategy for Managing Scientific Research
Authors: Borovik V.S. , Borovik V.V.
Published: November 2024

A model for control strategy realization when automating the research process was developed. The control strategy is considered as a certain realizable control trajectory carried out within the boundaries of the hypersurface area which surrounds the optimal control trajectory. The distance from the optimal control trajectory, which determines the range of acceptable values, is assessed by the quality of control -ρ, which is the total statistical value of the “distance” of the real trajectory from the optimal one. This approach allows us to move to a certain realizable control trajectory, carried out within the boundaries of the hypersurface area which surrounds the optimal control trajectory. The model creates the prerequisites for the development of a computer program that allows automating the research process. The program will allow you to calculate quickly the implementation of the optimal control trajectory according to a given strategy, evaluate the quality of control and present ways to have optimal control taking into account the real conditions of research process.
On Some Methods of X-Ray Production from Relativistic Electron Beams
Authors: Pellegrini Claudio
Published: November 2024

We discuss the production of x rays from relativistic electron beams using synchrotron radiation, free electron lasers, and Compton backscattering of intense laser beams. We review the characteristics, and compare the flux and brightness, of x rays produced from these three processes. We show that free electron lasers can produce coherent x ray pulses in the keV region with a brightness much larger than that of synchrotron radiation facilities, and that in the 10-keV region Compton backscattering systems can be competitive with synchrotron radiation. We describe some of the existing or planned free electron lasers and Compton backscattering facilities.
Linear diophantine equations for discrete tomography
Authors: Ye Yangbo , Wang Ge , Zhu Jiehua
Published: November 2024

In this report, we present a number-theory-based approach for discrete tomography (DT),which is based on parallel projections of rational slopes. Using a well-controlled geometry of X-ray beams, we obtain a system of linear equations with integer coefficients. Assuming that the range of pixel values is $a(i,j)=0,1, …, M-1, with M$ being a prime number, we reduce the equations modulo $M$ . To invert the linear system, each algorithmic step only needs $log^2_2 M$ bit operations. In the case of a small $M$ , we have a greatly reduced computational complexity, relative to the conventional DT algorithms, which require $log^2_2 N$ bit operations for a real number solution with a precision of $1/N$ . We also report computer simulation results to support our analytic conclusions.
Synergistic effect of photothermal and photoimmunological	reactions in treatment of metastatic tumors
Authors: Chen Wei R. , Liu Hong , Carubelli Raoul , Nordquist Robert E.
Published: November 2024

The use of several different drugs and different treatment modalities often leads to synergistic effects in treating diseases, such as cocktail therapy in AIDS treatment and combination therapy in chemotherapy treatment of cancer patients. With the wide application of lasers in the treatment of cancers, can the synergistic effect manifest itself in the combination application of lasers and other treatment components, particularly those related to immunological stimulation? Selective photothermal interactions using a laser and a light-absorbing dye have been used in combination with immunological interactions using an in situ immunoadjuvant in treating metastatic tumors. Three components were used in this method: a near-infrared laser, a light-absorbing dye and an immunoadjuvant. This new method -- Laser Immunotherapy -- has achieved the synergistic effect. This novel approach has been applied in treating metastatic mammary tumors in rats. In our animal studies, when the components were applied individually, or in two-component combinations, the long-term effect of cancer treatment was almost negligible. However, when the three components were used at the same time, the treatment effect improved significantly. In this study, we show the synergistic effect using an 805~nm laser, indocyanine green (ICG) as the light-absorbing dye, and glycated chitosan, a novel compound, as the immunostimulant. Furthermore, optimization of the laser-dye photothermal interaction using different laser and dye parameters in an in vitro study using tissue-simulating gel phantoms was performed. Our results showed that the optimal photothermal effect could be achieved using 1.8 watts and 0.5~cm beam radius, and an ICG concentration between 0.08 to 0.14% effect of immunoadjuvant, three additional adjuvants, complete Freund's adjuvant, incomplete Freund's adjuvant, and C-parvum were also used in laser immunotherapy. Glycated chitosan appeared to be the most effective. The complete Freund's adjuvant at a dose of 200 μl and 50% concentration resulted in a cure rate comparable to that using glycated chitosan. Incomplete Freund's adjuvant and C-parvum showed relative weak effects in treating the metastatic tumors.
Laser speckle metrology: Implication for biomedical	diagnostics
Authors: Ulyanov Sergey
Published: November 2024

Different methods of speckle-metrology, which may be used in biomedical diagnostics, are considered in this paper. Cross-correlation technique, digital speckle-photography, speckle-interferometry and phase-shifting interferometry are compared. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods are demonstrated; the limits for minimal resolution are studied.
Automatic segmentation of contrast-enhanced time resolved image	series
Authors: Kim Junhwan , Zabih Ramin
Published: November 2024

Medical imaging often involves the injection of contrast agents and the subsequent analysis of tissue enhancement patterns. Many important types of tissue have characteristic enhancement patterns; for example, in MR mammography, malignancies exhibit a characteristic "wash out" temporal pattern, while in MR angiography, arteries, veins and parenchyma each have their own distinctive temporal signature. In such time resolved image series, there are substantial changes in intensities; however, this change is due primarily to the contrast agent, rather than to motion. As a result, the task of automatically segmenting contrast-enhanced images poses interesting new challenges.

In this paper, we propose a new image segmentation algorithm for time resolved image series with contrast enhancement, using a model-based time series analysis of individual pixels. We take an energy minimization approach to ensure spatial coherence. The energy is minimized in an expectation-maximization fashion that alternates between segmenting the image into a number of non-overlapping regions and finding the temporal profile parameters which describe the behavior of each region. Preliminary experiments on MR angiography and MR mammography studies show the algorithm's ability to find an accurate segmentation.
An automatic calibration method for dual energy material	decomposition
Authors: Bellers Erwin B. , de Bruijn Frederik J. , Mistretta Charles A. , Wang Yi
Published: November 2024

A generally applicable calibration algorithm is developed for dual energy material decomposition in digital x-ray based imaging. The following two facts are employed: 1) the constancy of the difference between the low and high energy intensities when there is no attenuation material and 2) the existence of boneless regions in field of view. Scatter correction is optimally incorporated into the calibration algorithm by requiring that the scatter correction on measured boneless data is consistent with the scatter-free body matrix. Experiments in dual chest radiography demonstrated that the new calibration was feasible, the image scatter noise was reduced, and the automated 2D decomposition generated material selective images similar to previous manual decomposition.
A dual detector approach for X-ray attenuation and phase	imaging
Authors: Wu Xizeng , Liu Hong
Published: November 2024

Current clinical x-ray imaging is based on the attenuation contrast. In order to better explore the phase-contrast inherent in tissue, we propose a dual detector approach for reconstruction of x-ray attenuation and phase images of an object. A new phase image reconstruction algorithm is derived for polychromatic x-ray source in a dual-detector configuration. With the dual detector approach investigated in this work, two images are acquired by one x-ray exposure. The 1st image is the attenuation image of the object. The 2nd image is a phase-contrast image of the object and the 1st detector. Yet the 3rd image reconstructed by the algorithm developed in this work, is the object's phase image, a completely new type of image with a great potential for clinical applications. The analysis conducted in our research showed that the dual detector approach has advantages in reduction of radiation dose and alignment errors, and avoiding the problems with motion artifacts and x-ray exposure reproducibility. The design option for the critical 1st detector is analyzed as well.
Quantitative simulation of coherent X-ray scatter measurements on	bulk objects
Authors: Bomsdorf H. , Müller T. , Strecker H.
Published: November 2024

During the past decade methods for non-destructive identification and imaging of materials within bulk objects have been developed based on the measurement of coherent X-ray scatter. Their applicability to a given medical or industrial problem, however, strongly depends on the individual system design since the key features resolution, sensitivity and spatial resolution are strongly interrelated.

In this paper quantitative simulation is presented as a means for system optimization without the requirement for time consuming experiments. By means of a full 3D model of the scatter geometry, which holds for rotationally symmetric collimator arrangements, possible photon scatter paths are evaluated using a Monte Carlo algorithm. This enables simulation of energy resolved scatter patterns based on powder diffraction (PDF) literature data. In addition, the influence of the attenuation caused by the object is taken into account by calculating the transmission spectrum. For quantitative assessment of sensitivity, scatter count rates and thus signal-to-noise ratios are calculated based on a calibration procedure combining the result of a simulation with that of a corresponding measurement.

The results of the simulation are shown to be in very good agreement with experimental data. Taking various examples of application as a basis, the usability of the simulation program for the assessment and individual optimization of system performance is demonstrated.
Technique for measurement of photon intensity for the	determination of μm in the low photon energy region
Authors: Nagabhushan N.M. , Kerur B.R. , Lagare M.T. , Nathuram R. , Abani M.C. , Thontadarya S.R. , Hanumaiah B.
Published: November 2024

A new and accurate method to determine the mass attenuation coefficient, μm, for low photon energy employing NaI(Tl) X-ray detector and radioactive source is described. Effect of size of collimator and the selection of width of photopeak for integration on the contribution from scattered photons to the transmitted intensity is studied systematically and optimum size of collimator and photopeak limits for integration are established. With a 6 mm diameter collimator and FWHM for photopeak limits it was found that Beer-Lambert's law was rigorously valid over transmission range of 50–2%. Using this method μm was determined for six elements that covered a wide atomic number range (12 < Z < 73) and two biological equivalent materials. The values so obtained agreed with theoretical values within 1% establishing the validity and accuracy of the present method which uses inexpensive moderate resolution detector. As the method permits higher transmission range better counting statistics is an added advantage.
Multiple point spread function modeling for deconvolution of 3D	X-ray diffraction data
Authors: Zhu Daan , Razaz Moe , Hemmings Andrew , Wang Bin Hai
Published: November 2024

X-ray diffraction imaging is an important analytical tool in a variety of biological and medical imaging applications. However, the images obtained are often degraded by the point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system. An accurate knowledge of the system PSF is essential for a successful deconvolution of the degraded images. In this paper, we present a novel modeling procedure to determine the PSF of an X-ray diffraction (XRD) system based on experimental data. Different regions of an XRD pattern have different orientations due to the diffuse light distortion (DLD). A new multiple PSF model is introduced and used to restore XRD data. Raw PSFs are collected using isolated spots from XRD data in high resolution regions. An adaptive ridge regression (ARR) technique is first used to remove noise and baseline from the raw PSF data. A target Gaussian function is used to model the raw PSFs. A gradient descent algorithm is used to find optimum parameters of the Gaussian function. A set of XRD data are restored by a nonlinear iterative deconvolution algorithm using the modeled PSFs. Experimental results using a single and multiple PSFs are presented and discussed. We show that by using a multiple PSF model in the deconvolution algorithm, improved restored XRD data are obtained and as a result the symmetry estimator and integration error are enhanced.
A probability model-based level set method for biomedical image	segmentation
Authors: Lin Pan , Zheng ChongXun , Yang Yong , Zhang Feng , Yan XiangGuo
Published: November 2024

Level set methods are useful tools for medical image segmentation. In this paper, a novel image segmentation technique was developed that combines region statistical information with the level set method. The classical level set methods depend mainly on local edge-based image features to guide the convergence of the contour. This makes the method sensitive to noise and the initial estimate. The method has two features. The first is that it uses obtain region-based information by a mixture model. The second feature is that we combine region statistical information with curvature-based regularization penalizing the length of curve. The method is useful for a large variety of segmentation problems. We present some preliminary experimental results using synthetic images and, magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) images to demonstrate our methods. The experimental results show that by incorporating region statistical information into the level set framework, an accurate and robust segmentation can be achieved.
A method based on interpolation for metal artifacts reduction in	CT images
Authors: Gu Jian-wei , Zhang Li , Chen Zhi-qiang , Xing Yu-xiang , Huang Zhi-feng
Published: November 2024

X-ray CT plays a great role both in medical fields and in industrial nondestructive tests. In imaging, metal objects absorb X-rays greatly, which introduces streaks on reconstructed images. In this paper, we propose a method for metal artifacts reduction. Firstly, the metal projection region is accurately identified and an interpolation method based on such identification is applied to get the projection data without metal. The image excluding metal is reconstructed from the modified projection data. Secondly, the image without metal is combined with the image of metal to form a complete reconstruction. Numerical simulations and a phantom experiment demonstrate that the metal artifacts can be effectively suppressed using our method and the reconstructed image is more accurate in depicting the details of cross-sections, especially in the immediate neighborhood of the metal object. The proposed method is computationally efficient and can be easily adapted to current commercial CT scanners.
Accurate image reconstruction from few-views and limited-angle	data in divergent-beam CT
Authors: Sidky Emil Y. , Kao Chien-Min , Pan Xiaochuan
Published: November 2024

In practical applications of tomographic imaging, there are often challenges for image reconstruction due to under-sampling and insufficient data. In computed tomography (CT), for example, image reconstruction from few views would enable rapid scanning with a reduced x-ray dose delivered to the patient. Limited-angle problems are also of practical significance in CT. In this work, we develop and investigate an iterative image reconstruction algorithm based on the minimization of the image total variation (TV) that applies to divergent-beam CT. Numerical demonstrations of our TV algorithm are performed with various insufficient data problems in fan-beam CT. The TV algorithm can be generalized to cone-beam CT as well as other tomographic imaging modalities.
Analytic resolution of FDK algorithm
Authors: Zhang Li , Tang Jie , Xing Yuxiang , Cheng Jianping
Published: November 2024

The resolution of practical CT systems depends on many factors. Reconstruction algorithm is one of the most important factors. In this paper, we investigate the resolution of the standard FDK algorithm, present a formula to analytically compute the in-slice point-spread function in FDK reconstructions, and validate the analytic PSF by numerical simulations. The experimental results show that this process can predict the in-slice point spread function in FDK reconstructions quite well.
A note of reconstruction algorithm for the strip-based projection	model in discrete tomography
Authors: Li Xiezhang , Zhu Jiehua
Published: November 2024

The line projection with a lattice of points and the strip projection with a lattice of cells are popularly used in modeling the raw detector reading in discrete tomography (DT). In the strip-based projection model for a 2D rectangular region, the projection equations are formulated according to the fractional areas of the intersection of each strip-shaped beam and the rectangular grid of an image. We propose, in this paper, a scheme to formulate a real system of linear equations for the strip-based projection model and to convert it into a binary linear system. Thus all the existing reconstruction algorithms for the line-based projection model in DT can be accordingly adapted. Numerical examples are given to illustrate our algorithm.