bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender, leeftijd en armoede: een vergelijkende analyse van TIP-curves in België en Nederland
Authors: Dekkers Gijs J.M. , Debels Annelies
Published: May 2023

Conventional techniques for assessing income poverty fall short in grasping simultaneously incidence, intensity and inequality of poverty. TIP-curves, by contrast, constitute a convenient tool for representing these three dimensions in one diagram. In this article we provide TIP-curves for households with varying gender and age composition by means of data from the Belgian and Dutch samples of the ECHP. In the case of Belgium, gender in particular and old age to a lesser degree tend to lead to increased poverty incidence and intensity. The Belgian findings contrast with the Dutch ones both in the sense that the younger people run a higher risk of poverty in the Netherlands and in the sense that differences in poverty risk are almost nonexistent among Dutch elderly. The observed differences are linked to variations in the national pension systems. In contrast to the Netherlands, the combination of Bismarckian benefits and little generous minimum allowances in Belgium leads to a precarious situation for elderly women.
Ouderen, hun sociale contacten en de beleving ervan: continuïteit of verandering?
Authors: Vanderleyden Lieve , Heylen Leen
Published: May 2023

Social contacts with family, friends and acquaintances open up a world. Using data from the survey of living conditions of elderly persons in Flanders, this article focuses on the social contacts of the elderly from the perspective of the social integration approach, referring to the quantity of social contacts, the type and the frequency of contact. Next, the subjective component is integrated: the degree of loneliness of elderly people. Although contact with different relation categories decreases over time, there is no increase in the proportion of elderly feeling lonely. A logistic regression proves that living alone, a negative health perception and bad financial conditions, are important predictors of loneliness. The absence of formerly exercised activities too has an impact on loneliness. In contrast to the preconceived hypothesis, the actual social contacts are not significant, but the preferred contacts are: elderly people who are dissatisfied with their collateral and non-family relationships and do want additional contacts are more vulnerable for feelings of loneliness.
Siblingconstellatie en geslachtsrolattitudes: een onderzoek naar de invloed van broers en zussen in een Gentse ASO-school
Authors: Eeckhaut Mieke
Published: May 2023

The literature concerning the influence of siblings on the sex-role attitudes of adolescents is characterized by chaos and a lack of concensus. As a result, it is still unclear whether an influence is exercised by the sibling constellation and if so, what form this influence takes. The goal of this article is to find an answer to these questions. Data concerning 270 eleventh and twelfth grade stu¬dents (fifth and sixth year of secondary school) from an academically oriented school in Ghent (Belgium) are analysed. The influence of four variables is studied: family size, order of birth, sex of the sibling(s) and sibling spacing. The conclusion is that there are no reasons to think that the sibling constellation is an important factor in the development of the sex-role attitudes of adolescents.
Sociaaleconomische gezondheidsverschillen: sociologische beschouwingen bij een empiristisch onderzoeksgebied
Authors: Vanroelen Christophe , Louckx Fred , Beck Miriam
Published: May 2023

Social epidemiology, is a predominantly empirically-oriented discipline, that is mainly centred towards the identification of unequally distributed risk factors in explaining socio-economic health inequalities (SEHI). This article first presents an overview of the different empirical causes of SEHI. Then it is argued that the very convincing empirical results are in contrast with a poor social scientific operationalisation of the social mechanisms causing SEHI. In this paper the concept of fundamental social causes of disease, introduced by Link and Phelan (1995), is provided of a stronger social-theoretical framework. One point of special concern is the position of the fundamental causes within the “structure and agency-problem” of sociology. Next, the fundamental causes are described more accurately as “relational systems of means allocation”. It is our central argument that a careful conceptualisation of fundamental social causes is needed in order to be able to identify them. This is illustrated with two examples.
Bittere noodzaak: een essay over het maatschappelijk belang van een adequate seksuele gezondheidspolitiek
Authors: Vanwesenbeeck Ine
Published: May 2023

Sexual (including reproductive) health is fundamental to the human condition, important both on micro and macro levels, and an extremely relevant issue socially as well as politically. However, sexual health is no obvious part of (international) political conduct or proceedings. This essay first explores the historical background for this. Next, it expounds present societal conditions that make it all the more necessary as well as possible to (further) develop adequate sexual health politics now. This necessity is further illustrated with empirical evidence concerning, first, the magnitude of sexual health problems, in the Netherlands as well as worldwide. Secondly, the costs of sexual problems are illustrated, in medical terms (‘burden of disease’) as well as socially and economically speaking, both in the western world and globally. The possible benefits of adequate sexual health politics are sketched. ‘Europe’, in particular, is called upon to take the lead in this matter.
Sport voor allen?: sociale gelaagdheid van sportbeoefening in Europa
Authors: Van Tuyckom Charlotte , Scheerder Jeroen
Published: May 2023

Sports and Europe are inextricably interwoven. On the one hand the Old Continent is the birthplace of modern sport and the Olympic Movement. On the other hand active sport participation has developed into one of the most common forms of leisure activities. Using Eurobarometer-data from 2005 (N = 29193) this paper paints a picture of (the social stratification of) sport participation in Europe, and in Belgium in particular. The results show that even now four out of ten Europeans are not exposed to sport or physical activity in their leisure time. Moreover, physical activity patterns are still characterized by social differentiation according to sex, age, educational level, occupation, marital status and socio-geographical status. In spite of 30 years Sport-for-all policy, Europe still has to strive for a further democratization of sport participation.
De gevaren van partiële bibliometrische evaluatie in de sociale wetenschappen
Authors: Hicks Diana
Published: May 2023

In the social sciences it is largely impossible to substantiate statements about research excellence with reliable indicators for international benchmarking of fields and institutions. Governments that must decide how to use taxpayer money to support social science research would like statements of research excellence intended to influence distribution of resources to be backed by evidence widely considered to be objective. Even social scientists who accept this premise are often extremely uncomfortable with emerging evaluation systems. In this essay, I accept the value of evaluation. However, I reject the idea that sociological research should be distorted until it fits into an evaluation system of convenience. Currently, systems can be established without due regard for the nature of the scholarship they are evaluating. Thus incentives can be established that will likely change scholarship in potentially damaging ways. I argue that the nature of sociological and other social science research needs to be understood and respected and then evaluation systems designed that do not distort scholarly research. My argument is based on a review of studies examining social science publishing, particularly in comparison to publishing in the sciences.
Onderwijsexpansie en -democratisering in Vlaanderen
Authors: Groenez Steven
Published: May 2023

This paper addresses the question if and to what extent educational expansion in Flanders has led to the equalisation of educational opportunities. We demonstrate how equalization trends can be separated from expansion through the use of odds ratio’s and log-linear models. We apply this method to a pooled data set of 26 Flemish surveys. By examining both the complete educational distribution as well as the successive educational transitions, we can address questions with respect to the nature and timing of equalization in terms of educational opportunities. The results indeed demonstrate the need for a combined analysis of conditional models (for the successive transitions of increasingly selective populations) and unconditional models (taking into account the entire distribution) as argued by Vallet (2004). A downward trend in origin effects for the entire educational distribution can be compatible with stable or even increasing origin effects in the upper transitions, but is generated by the consequences of declining origin effects in the bottom transitions. As regards to the mechanisms driving these conclusions, both the vertical inequality hypothesis (maximally maintained inequality, Raftery & Hout 1993) and the horizontal inequality hypothesis (effectively maintained inequality, Lucas 2001) are supported.
Huwen in het hart van Europa: Europese binationale huwelijken in België
Authors: Koelet Suzana , De Valk Helga , Willaert Didier
Published: May 2023

Research into interethnic marriages is mainly oriented towards union formation by non-western migrants. European binational marriages are still understudied. However, as is often assumed, in intermarried relationships group boundaries are blurring, European binational couples are particularly interesting because of the contribution they potentially make to European identity formation. In this article we first study the patterns and trends in binational European marriages in Belgium. Second we analyse the diversity in people binationally married and third pinpoint the characteristics of these European couples. We use the marriage registers (2000-2009) as well as the census data for Belgium. Findings show that binational European marriages form a relatively small proportion of marriages contracted in Belgium and patterns remain stable over the past decade. At the same time we find variety in the level at which intermarriage occurs among different origin groups. We finally distinguish six types of binational marriages with different characteristics.
De Europese publieke sfeer: dovemansgesprek of dialoog tussen de Europese Commissie en haar burgers?
Authors: Van Brussel Annelies , Huyst Petra
Published: May 2023

Closing the gap between the EU and its citizens, and increasing the levels of involvement and participation has been high up on the Commission’s agenda for the last fifteen years, but a common European public sphere (EPS), in which a dialogue takes place between the Commission and its citizens, is nevertheless still a long way off. This article looks at what efforts the Commission is taking to facilitate such a direct dialogue. These efforts are illustrated based on a case study analysis of the public consultation the Commission organised for the launch of Europe 2020. Our article begins by discussing, based on a policydocument analysis and several semi-structured elite interviews, the evolution of the Commission’s communication policy and the changing underpinning logics of this policy, before then going into detail about the Europe 2020 case. Our case study analysis, using seven evaluation criteria, clearly illustrates different shortcomings in the way the Commission approaches the creation of a heterogeneous, inclusive forum in which people can discuss and contribute to the shaping of EU-policymaking.
Echtscheiding en contacten tussen kleinkinderen en grootouders
Authors: Jappens Maaike , Van Bavel Jan
Published: May 2023

Grandparents can play a supportive role in the lives of their grandchildren when their parents split up, but at the same time divorces also raise concerns about the impact on grandchild-grandparent ties. Based on data from more than 1000 children between ten and 25 years old and their married or divorced parents participating in the survey ‘Divorce in Flanders’, this article investigates the as¬ sociation between a parental divorce and contacts between children and their grandparents. Results show that compared to children whose parents are still married, children of divorced parents have less frequent contact with their grand¬ parents, and especially paternal grandparents. Longer traveling times to grand¬ parents explain a large part of the negative relationship between divorce and contact frequency. The living arrangement of grandchildren seems to be decisive for contacts with maternal as well as paternal grandparents.
De combinatie van arbeid en gezin: een panelanalyse van de impact van deeltijdwerk op de ervaring van tijdsdruk
Authors: Laurijssen Ilse , Glorieux Ignace
Published: May 2023

In this article we consider the consequences of work-family reconciliation and investigate in particular the extent to which the adjustment of the labour market career to family demands by young working women contributes to a better work¬ life balance. Using cross-lagged models and synchronous effects panel models, we analyse (1) how family and work conditions affect feelings of time pressure, as well as (2) reverse effects which may point to (working career) adjustment strategies of coping with time pressure. Part-time work is both a response to high time pressure, and effectively lowers time pressure. The effect of part-time work is not affected by concomitant changes in the type of paid work. Rather, work characteristics that increase time pressure increase the probability that women reconcile work with family life by reducing the number of work hours.
Saint-Simon, Comte en de waan van het positivisme
Authors: Weyns Walter
Published: May 2023

The 20th century ‘Positivismusstreit’ seems a remote memory. This may at first seem a good thing, since the old debates were more often than not sterile. But there is little reason for joy. The big winner of the debate was positivism itself, not because of its arguments, but because it made a coalition with the powers that be. As an ideology, hidden under a veil of objectivity, positivism has conquered the world. We only have to look into the mirror of early positivism − when it still was radical, almost insane, even for its practitioners − to understand how radical that conquest was. Saint-Simon and Comte, the early positivists, were stubborn megalomaniacs. Yet, their megalomania is no secondary trait. Positivism, it is argued, is a scientistic totalitarianism, that catches people and things and forces them, willynilly, to function optimally. Bizarre as the positivistic notions might have seemed in the eyes of Saint-Simon’s contemporaries, as soon as we remove the old varnish, we discover something that is almost indiscernible from the ideas that occupy today’s minds. The delusions of positivism conquered our hearts and minds, were declared reality and prevail everywhere.
Tijd voor de toekomst
Authors: Elchardus Mark
Published: May 2023

The concept of time dominant in sociology stands in the way of a creative sociology of time. It moreover leads to the neglect of the close relationship between temporality and power. The prevailing conception of time is extrinsic to social systems, sees time as a stream and a sequence of states and the present as volatile. In this conception, the time is clearly directed: causality goes from past to present and from present to future, not vice versa. Against such a conceptualization this article proposes one that is: intrinsic to social systems, which considers the present as broad, not fleeting, and in which the arrow of time runs in two directions, allowing for time travel. Based on this conceptualization, different levels of temporal structuration and the institutions that produce them are distinguished. The paper also identifies different paradigms for dealing with the uncertainty of the future. Concerning the development of contemporary temporal structures it is observed that, as a consequence of the financialization of the economy and growing inequality, the institutions that give many people a hold on the future are under pressure and are being weakened in many societies. The way of dealing with future uncertainty is shifting from the paradigm of insurance to the paradigm of the bet. Both of those developments are contributing to growing inequalities and to institutions that promote and reproduce inequality.
Sociologen socialiseren: representatie van de sociologie en de socioloog in Vlaamse inleidende handboeken
Authors: Van Deynze Freek
Published: May 2023

We investigated how sociology and the role of the sociologist have been represented in a selection of introductory sociology textbooks. These textbooks date back to the beginning of the twentieth century up until now and have been used or have likely been used at one or more of the Flemish universities of Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven and Ghent. More specifically we highlight how sociology is represented as a science, the role of values and objectivity, the possible public role of the sociologist and his or her knowledge, and how this representation evolves through time. These themes are less prevalent in the first half of the twentieth century, yet at the same time they are subject to more varied interpretations. Sociology is seen more as a social philosophical refection and taxonomy of society. The aforementioned themes become more uniform and widespread starting from the sixties. Sociology is represented more as an objective, empirical science that can serve social policy and can help resolving social problems. This evolution parallels the expansion and institutionalization of the sociology as a scientific discipline and the accompanying professionalization of sociology as an occupation. In the last three decades, differing viewpoints on these matters are mentioned more often, as well as more social reformist and public intellectual positions. The role of values and power in the production and utilization of sociological knowledge also receives more attention in textbooks.
Biopolitesse: naar een kosmopolitiek van verantwoordelijkheid en solidariteit
Authors: Hendrickx Kim , Meyers Gert , Wauters Annet , Van Hoyweghen Ine
Published: May 2023

In this theoretical research article, we develop a new approach towards the implications of the nature/nurture debate for our understanding of responsibility and solidarity. More specifically, we will consider how new (epi-)genetic information may prompt us to rethink these notions. Our starting point is Evelyn Fox Keller’s important book The Mirage of a Space between nature and nurture. While scientists are wondering whether the nature/nurture distinction is still tenable, Keller’s main question is already a step ahead of such considerations: in view of the fact that the nature/nurture distinction is no longer tenable, why do we keep thinking in those terms? To us, this is an important sociological question. We do not agree, however, with Keller’s answer to that question, and this requires us to discuss the moral and political stakes of the nature/nurture distinction. With examples from insurance, healthcare and migration policy, we show how certain societal institutions implicitly draw upon the nature/nurture distinction to determine who is to be included into organized systems of solidarity. Next, we argue that moving beyond the nature/nurture division requires us to rethink our notions of responsibility and solidarity in society, including the sciences. We give examples from the field of epigenetics. Aligning with thinkers such as Bruno Latour, Isabelle Stengers and Donna Haraway, we characterize the step beyond nature and nurture as a speculative and cosmopolitical challenge. In so doing, this article develops a political-ontological or cosmopolitical perspective on questions concerning responsibility and solidarity in the postgenomic age.
Stedelijke regeneratie in Amsterdam-Noord: over de politiek van erfgoed en creativiteit
Authors: van de Kamp Linda
Published: May 2023

In the context of debates on the role of culture in the development of cities, I discuss how the emphasis on creativity and the ‘creative class’ in the regeneration of urban neighborhoods generates a dynamic of socio-cultural heritage formation. My analysis is based on ethnographic research in different former working-class neighborhoods in Amsterdam North, where the imagination of the industrial past and the lives of the workers has come to play an important role in the practices of regeneration. Government, welfare institutions and housing corporations have been focusing on the ‘social mixing’ of the ‘working class’ and the ‘creative middle class’ in recent years, in order to tackle different problems in the so-called disadvantaged neighborhoods. An important method was the use of creative professionals who tried to promote positive emotions and interactions between residents through artistic neighborhood projects that mobilized values like pride, authenticity and diversity on the basis of cultural characterizations of Northerners. During those projects, stereotypical images came about as well as apparent contradictions between ‘old North’ and ‘new North’ – the ‘working class’ versus the ‘middle class’, which contributed to practices and feelings of inclusion and exclusion.
Mantelzorgbelasting ontrafeld: dimensies in de ervaren belasting van mantelzorgers en de rol van sociale steun
Authors: Vandezande Véronique , Bronselaer Joost , Vanden Boer Lut , Demeyer Barbara
Published: May 2023

Flemish care policy is headed towards more community care, meaning that care should be given not only in, but also by the community. Therefore carers are given a central role in the organisation of care. Most of them have positive experiences with giving care, but some are feeling burdened as well. In this article we study experienced burden and look at multiple individual and contextual factors that may add to the risk of over-burdening the informal carer or protecting him/her from it. We use data from the survey ‘Duurzame Mantelzorg in Vlaanderen’, conducted with 2.148 informal carers. We find three dimensions in experienced burden measured by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) with 12 items: personal strain, negative emotions and guilt. Using path analysis (structural equation modeling) we study which variables explain those dimensions. We looked at the impact of the individual carer characteristics, the care situation and of mediating support variables. The results confirm the importance of a supportive social environment. The quality of the relationship between the carer and the person in need, emotional support and the use of professional services all have a significant impact. Background characteristics of the carer are less influential than stressors from the care situation. The largest total effects stem from effects of behavioral problems of the person in need. Intensive carers report more personal strain and negative emotions, but at the same time experience less guilt. People caring for closer relationships experience more burden. Both background characteristics and stressors in the care situation influence burden indirectly via mediating support variables. This study points to important issues and possible instruments that policy makers and care professionals can use in their effort to strengthen informal care.
A Systematic Review for Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Waste Management in Thailand
Authors: Chounchaisit Pornarit , Moorapun Chumporn
Published: May 2023

China's 2018 waste import ban caused Thailand to receive excess waste without proper waste management, causing pollution, overflowing landfills, and exploitation of waste pickers. Using mobile platforms to transform Thailand's recycling industry can improve waste pickers' income and well-being, reduce middlemen and transportation costs, and increase government tax revenue. This can contribute to achieving SDGs 1, 8, and 12, reducing poverty, promoting economic growth and decent work, and promoting sustainable consumption and production.
Quieting the Monkey Mind. Enhancing Mindfulness Meditation by Incorporating the Cocktail Party Effect
Authors: Rossetto Michelangelo
Published: May 2023

Mindful meditation is bedeviled by the tendency of the meditators mind to wander away from concentrating on the breath, or other focus, and wandering to random subjects stimulated by memories and distractions. The underling goal of meditation training is to learn how to silence the incessant chatter of the unfocused mind, Poetically referred to as the monkey mind, to enable being in the moment.The Cocktail Party Effect is a well studied, but little understood, higher level characteristic of the human acoustic system. It allows a conversation between two speakers to function in the presence of the overwhelmingly loud background noise of a cocktail party or noisy Bar.Consciously incorporating the Cocktail Party Effect into a meditation practice can enhance the ability to silence the bedeviling monkey mind chatter.
Comparing Labor Productivity of Vietnam to Some Asian Countries
Authors: Thang Le Cao , Thi Thanh Xuan Duong , Thanh Xuan Hoang
Published: May 2023

In Vietnam, social labor productivity is an indicator of the National Statistical Indicator System (specified in the Law on Statistics), which is calculated by the average GDP per employed worker per year. Research results show that in the 2016-2020 period, labor productivity of the whole economy has improved markedly, with an average increase of 5.78%/year in the 2016-2020 period. However, Vietnam’s labor productivity still has internal limitations that have not been overcome. In comparison with selected Asian countries, Vietnam’s labor productivity has a low absolute value despite its relatively high growth since 1991. In most of the sectors compared, it is basically at the lowest level. As a result, proposing solutions to improve and enhance labor productivity aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth in Vietnam in the coming time is an urgent issue for the development of the country.
Late Modernism in Literary Works
Authors: A. Rishika
Published: May 2023

This writing highlights relatively the writings of late modernism in literature. It gives an overview of the development of late modernism and writers responded to it. The second half of the 20th century writings created its own genre in the literary field. There is a study to conceptualize and historicize late modernism with greater precision. We can put our attentions to the writings 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s. Each of these sections serves a double function. First, they offer close readings of late modernism writings that deal how the society witnessed changes after II World War. Second, it focuses on the aesthetic dimensions of late modernism and the writers who contributed to this through their works. Many poets responded to late modernism and highlighted the features of late modernism in their writings.
Fake Product Identification Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Pore Prof. Yogita
Published: May 2023

Abstract: The most significant problem affecting today's retail industry is product counterfeiting. Products that are counterfeited are just poor imitations of a legitimate brand. Due to the lack of transparency, supply chain management frequently experienced problems with service redundancy, ineffective coordination among departments, and lack of standardisation. Nowadays, it is very common for products to be counterfeited, and it is nearly impossible to tell if a product is fake just by looking at it. Various strategies, including RFID tags, artificial intelligence, machine learning, QR code-based systems, and many more, have been used from time to time to prevent product counterfeiting.
Cyber-Security in UPI Payments
Authors: Kaur Simran , Mishra Himanshu , Goyal Anuj
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an innovative online banking system. Made inIndia has reached the peak of popularity ina short time wingspan. Growth in UPI alsoleads to higher data frequencies violate. Social engineering attacks are India's biggest security risk encountered duringconfinement (lockdown). Users of the Unified Payment Interface are Cyber criminals are easily enticed. These fraudsare not due to default in the UPI systems or interfaces, but are tactics to deceive customers. By the way of phishing, vishing, or smishing. Social engineering attack techniques are planned to exploit users by utilizing significant UPI features such as "Collect Request", " Virtual Private Address, " or" QR Code. " Reverse-engineering the UPI protocol through seven well-known UPI apps, this paper employs a principled methodology toconduct a thorough security analysis of theprotocol. We find previously unreported design-levelflaws in the UPI 1.0 specification's multi- factor authentication that, when coupled with an installed attacker-controlled application, can result in serious attacks. Even if a victim had never used a UPI app, the flaws in the attack's extreme version might have allowed a victim's bank account to be linked and emptied. Scalable and remotely executable attacks were possible. Most users blindly follow the instructions received through SMS or phone call and become a victim of cyber fraud. Analysis data collected from respondents reveals the grim fact that age or occupation has no impact on user behavior in response to technical attack techniques.
Rule Based Analysis of Disease Detection
Authors: Agarwal Dr. Shivani
Published: May 2023

Abstract: We employ fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic for illness diagnosis. By utilizing a fuzzy logic framework, uncertainty in data and decision-making processes may be made up for. Diagnostic models that can manage enormous volumes of complex and raw medical data may be made using fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic has a number of advantages when it comes to disease detection, having the ability to deal with incomplete and inaccurate data, the ability to incorporate expert knowledge and feedback, the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the number of false positives and false negatives, as well as the capacity for handling incomplete and inaccurate data. The method known as "multiple disease detection using fuzzy rules" combines fuzzy logic with rule-based systems to identify various diseases based on symptoms given by the user. The system accepts user-provided symptoms, converts them into fuzzy sets using fuzzy logic. The fuzzy rules are then evaluated using these fuzzy sets, and the degree of integration of each illness is then determined. The level of integration shows the extremely exact likelihood that a user accurately predicts when they will experience a specific circumstance.
New York City Taxi Trip Duration Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: K Nandeshvar R , K Dr. Janaki , Joseph Avin , Sakthivel K , S Shiyam Anandharajan
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Given the complexity of urban transportation networks and the multiple variables that might affect journey times, estimating the length of cab rides in New York City (NYC) is a difficult process. In this study, we provide a unique method for resolving this issue that makes use of machine learning techniques and a wide range of attributes gleaned from taxi trip data. We start by gathering a sizable collection of historical records of NYC taxi trips,providing specifics like pick-up and drop-off points, timestamps, and lengths of trips. To deal with outliers, missing values, and geographical and temporal irregularities, we preprocess the data. Furthermore, we design a broad range of characteristics, such as geographic coordinates, time of day, day of the week, and weather conditions, to capture the spatial, temporal, and contextual elements of each journey. Then, using gradient boosting methods, we create a prediction model that efficiently uncovers the intricate patterns seen in the data. We carefully adjust the model's hyperparameter to enhance performance and use cross-validation techniques to guarantee resilience. In addition, we apply ensemble techniques to enhance prediction precision and minimise model bias. We conduct lengthy tests on a held-out test set and compare the performance of our model to a number of baseline techniques frequently employed in triptime prediction in order to assess the efficacy of our suggested strategy. The outcomes show that our strategy works better than the competition, with lower prediction errors and higher accuracy. We also do interpretability assessments to learn more about the variables that have the most impact on estimates of trip time. Our results demonstrate the potential of feature engineering and M L approaches for precise and trustworthy taxi trip length prediction in NYC. The suggested method not only helps taxi service companies by allowing them to more accurately predict journey lengths, but it also improves customer experience by giving more precise travel time estimates. Additionally, our approach may be used as a starting point for future studies in the field of urban transportation prediction, enabling better efficiency and planning in urban mobility networks.
Eye Facial Gesture System Controller Based on AI ML
Authors: Kaur Karamjeet
Published: May 2023

Abstract: This paper presents a ground-breaking real-time algorithm for accurately detecting eye blinks in video sequences captured using standard cameras. The algorithm utilizes advanced landmark detectors trained on diverse datasets to ensure robustness against variations in head orientation, illumination, and facial expressions. By employing precise landmark detection techniques, the algorithm estimates the level of eye opening using the eye aspect ratio (EAR) in each frame. An SVM classifier analyses the patterns of EAR values within a short temporal window to identify eye blinks. Comparative evaluations on popular datasets demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm compared to existing methods. Additionally, the research explores the utilization of eye movements for controlling computer programs, evaluating four distinct approaches in a user-friendly photo viewer. The evaluation process considers various factors such as component sizes, execution time, unintended selections, and gesture repetitions. User experiments reveal that component sizes of 200px provide a convenient and efficient means of application control. The gaze-based method and gestures based on joining points receive positive feedback and exhibit satisfactory performance. This paper contributes significantly to the field of eye-based interaction by introducing an innovative blink detection algorithm and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of eye movement approaches for application control.
Generation and Detection of Face Morphing Attacks
Authors: Reddy G. Sarika , Reddy K. Sai Narsimha , Pooja Guntha , Sreelekha K.
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Face morphing attacks are a growing concern in the digital world, with the potential to compromise personal privacy and security. In this project, we investigate the application of deep learning methods for both generating and detecting face morphing attacks. For the generation of morphed, we use a combination of convolutional neural networks and auto encoders to learn the underlying facial features and generate realistic-looking images. On the detection side, we develop a framework based on facial feature consistency analysis to differentiate distorted images from real ones. The proposed framework achieves high accuracy in detecting face morphing attacks, even in cases where the morphed images are visually similar to the genuine ones. This project highlights the potential of deep-learning based approaches for addressing the problem of face morphing attacks and provides insights for further research and development in this area
Semi-analytical solution to steady-state and transient heat transfer problem with variable conductivity properties of the domain
Authors: Sidorov Vladimir N. , Primkulov Alim M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Present paper studies the case of heat transfer problem where the conductivity property of the domain is not a constant value but varies depending on its temperature. In particular, a conductivity that linearly dependent onthe temperature is reviewed. A semi-analytical formulation is developed and proposed to solve steady-state and transient types of these kinds of heat transfer problems.

Materials and methods. The domain is mathematically modeled by using finite element method where non-linearity property of the problem has been incorporated. For time-dependent (transient) case, the temporal solution has been achieved by analytical methods wherefore all necessary formulation has been derived. Non-linear equations have been solved by both Newton and Picard methods.

Results. In order to proof check, the proposed calculations a wall with three layers has been calculated by using the proposed transient problem formulation. The derivative boundary conditions at the faces of the wall are given as the functions of time. Non-linearity has been solved by two different methods that gave the identical results. Having solved the non-linearity by these two methods, allowed to compare the efficiency of Newton method versus Picard method. Both methods reached the solution with the same number of iterations. The paper proposes the algorithms for solving the problems. The authors have used MatLab environment to implement those algorithms.

Conclusions. Proposed formulation solves coupled heat transfer problems in multi-layered exterior walls. Multi-layered calculation ability allows to cover all non-homogeneous cases of the computation domain. The formulation solves the heat loss problems through the multi-layered walls with due and reliable accuracy.
Energy-efficient Nanocomputing Circuit by Multiferroic Nanomagnets
Authors: Wei Bo , Li Jia , Cui Huanqing , Dou Shuqing , Xia Yongshun , Feng Chaowen , Yang Xiaokuo
Published: May 2023

Magnetoelastic switching in multiferroic nanomagnets with a small
voltage is a promising substitute for current charge-based CMOS devices.
Here, we study strain-mediated multiferroic majority logic gate by
solving Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation and establish an energy-
efficient CMOS compatible equivalent circuit analogy to capacitor’s I- V
characteristics. We can easily simulate nanomagnet logic units using
this tool. After that, the circuit is verified by SPICE simulations.
Results show that the output voltage polarity is determined by the
majority of input voltage polarity with ultralow energy consumption,
working similarly to majority logic function. The SPICE circuit model
shows ultralow energy consumption because of the conserved dynamic
current, which can serve as a promising logic unit, consequently,
integrated into large-scale nanomagnetic logic circuits and even a
nanomagnetic chip.
Analysis of warpage in multi-layer printed circuit boards depending on the trace structure
Authors: Kim Dongshin , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: May 2023

Warpage is a critical concern in printed circuit boards (PCBs) because
it can result in various issues, such as solder joint failure,
electrical shorts, and compromised mechanical integrity. This study
investigates the warpage behavior of PCBs by considering the structure
of a Cu trace using finite element analysis simulations. Four types of
Cu trace structures were investigated depending on the placement of Cu.
The warpage behavior was analyzed by systematically varying these
parameters and subjecting the PCB to simulated thermal and mechanical
stresses. The effects of different material properties, such as the
coefficient of thermal expansion of the PCB substrate and copper layers,
were considered. The results provide valuable insights into the
relationship between the trace structure and PCB warpage, which can help
engineers and designers make informed decisions regarding PCB layout and
manufacturing processes. Moreover, optimizing the trace structures
facilitates the minimization of the warpage and reliability enhancement
while ensuring the proper functioning of PCBs in various electronic
applications.
Challenges and suggestions for healthcare insurance of internal migrants in China
Authors: Chen Zhao-Xin
Published: May 2023

With its rapid social and economic development, China?s medical and healthcare services are also continually evolving. At present, China?s medical and healthcare field mainly comprises two aspects: service institutions and insurance systems. Healthcare insurance refers to the basic security system that provides medical services to the population and pays part of their remedial expenses by rationally organizing financial resources. It is not only a safety net but also a social stabilizer for the population. It is also an important part of China?s medical and healthcare reform. Internal migrants are those who do not belong to the household registration system within a city?s jurisdiction and constantly move between districts. They primarily include temporary residents, people in transit and registered tourists. The main purpose of healthcare insurance is to meet the needs for medical funds in line with the current level of economic development. In short, it is a basic security system that grants people access to a doctor, regardless of their income. However, since internal migrants move between districts, it can be difficult to guarantee their healthcare insurance. Healthcare service needs of the internal floating population are constantly growing, but the coverage of remedial services provided by medical insurance is still not comprehensive, and the guarantee is not sufficient. We should solve the medical security problem of the internal floating population by improving the measures of transferring medical insurance, implementing a more reasonable medical insurance system for employees, lowering the threshold for participation and expanding the scope of assistance.
Revision and Psychometric Evaluation of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire for People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zuñiga Julie A. , Huang Ya-Ching , Bang So Hyeon , Cuevas Heather , Hutson Tara , Heitkemper Elizabeth M. , Cho Emma , García Alexandra A.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Diabetes knowledge is associated with health, including lower A1C levels. The Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24), developed 30 years ago for Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes and since used with diverse samples in many countries, contains outdated items that no longer accurately assess current knowledge needed for diabetes self-management. We revised the DKQ-24 and tested psychometric properties of the DKQ-Revised (DKQ-R) with a diverse sample.

Methods

We conducted a five-phase instrumentation study as follows: 1) DKQ-24 items were revised to reflect current diabetes care standards; 2) the Delphi method was used to evaluate the DKQ-R’s content validity (n = 5 experts); 3) cognitive interviews were conducted with people with type 2 diabetes (n = 5) to assess their interpretations of DKQ-R items; 4) cross-sectional administration of the DKQ-R to adults with type 2 diabetes was carried out to assess internal consistency reliability and convergent validity; and 5) an item analysis was conducted using discrimination index and point biserial analysis.

Results

After receiving the experts’ feedback and conducting the cognitive interviews, 39 items were administered to 258 participants with type 2 diabetes (42.2% women; 29.1% Latino, 42.6% Asian, mean age 55.7 years). To select the final items, we considered the item discrimination index, as well as item-to-total correlations, content area, and participant feedback. The final 22-item DKQ-R uses the same yes/no/I don’t know response format as the DKQ-24. The DKQ-R is strongly correlated with the DKQ-24 (r = 0.71, P <0.01) and is weakly correlated with diabetes numeracy (r = 0.23, P <0.01), indicating adequate convergent validity; a Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficient of 0.77 indicated good reliability.

Conclusion

The DKQ-R is a reliable and valid updated measure of diabetes knowledge for diverse populations with type 2 diabetes.
The Abilities of Junior High School Students in Solving PISA-Like Mathematical Problems on Uncertainty and Data Contents
Authors: Sujadi Imam , Budiyono  , Kurniawati Ira , Wulandari Arum Nur , Andriatna Riki , Puteri Hanifa Alifia
Published: May 2023

Indonesia's participation in PISA is less satisfactory, particularly in mathematics. Uncertainty and data are two of the PISA content areas being evaluated. Therefore the aim of this study is to analyze students' abilities to solve mathematical problems such as PISA on uncertainty and data content to map student readiness for PISA. This study is kind of qualitative study used a case study design. The sample in this study was 84 students of grade IX junior high school who were selected with a simple random sampling technique. The data collection method employs both test and non-test instruments. The data analysis technique used in this study consist of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion and verification. The results showed that 689 students scored out of 1344, representing 51.41%. These results show that students' ability to solve math problems such as PISA on uncertainty and data content is in the moderate category. While each material, namely statistics and opportunities, is in the high and low categories. This condition is based on learning that has yet to lead students to contextual problems. With these results, it is hoped that there will be efforts to improve the learning process by involving problems such as PISA as habituation.
Islands Education Studies and Challenges in Learning Science
Authors: Leasa Marleny , Batlolona John Rafafy , Jamaludin
Published: May 2023

Learning science in the archipelago has challenges and obstacles even though there has been a change in curriculum.  The problem in this study is how science is taught in the context of the KBK, KTSP and K-13 curricula. The aims of this research is to develop the curriculum from the KBK to the 2013 Curriculum in science learning. Qualitative research was carried out using case studies to check conditions through in-depth interviews with informants. The informants involved were teachers and principals at 17 elementary schools as well as the head of the local education office. Data collection was carried out through structured interviews with informants. The research instrument was an interview question sheet containing approximately 7 question items developed by the researcher based on the research objectives. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively through reduction, data display, and conclusion. The research findings show that 80% of informants prefer science learning to be managed separately from other lesson content. Although each curriculum has advantages and limitations. This is considered more effective in ensuring a broader and deeper understanding of the science concept. In addition, it was also revealed that the availability of facilities and teacher competence are factors that support the success of learning science in elementary schools. For future researchers, it is recommended that learning and curriculum be designed by showing partiality to subject matter and not combining one field of science with another.