bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of the Bone Marrow Aspirate Injection Effect into Denervated Muscle (Clinical Manifestations of Limb Denervation)
Authors: Strafun S.S. , Lysak A.S. , Huzovatyi O.Yu.
Published: August 2022

Relevance. Peripheral nerve injuries are potentially disabling lesions, which account for about 2-3% of all injuries. In order to study the clinical manifestations of limb denervation in the early and late stages, we conducted an experimental study.

Objective: in the experiment, to study the effect of bone marrow aspirate injection into the target muscles on denervation-reinnervation processes by studying the clinical manifestations of denervation (presence of trophic ulcers, edema, or muscle wasting).

Materials and Methods. The experiment was performed on 36 rabbits, which were divided into four groups: a group of pseudo-operated animals, group 1 (neurotomy and sciatic nerve suture), group 2 (on-time injection of bone marrow aspirate), and group 3 (delayed injection of bone marrow aspirate). Detection of hypotrophy or edema of the tibia was performed by determining the percentage of leg circumference of the operated on and intact limbs. Clinical manifestations of limb denervation were recorded during the examination of experimental animals before their euthanasia.

Results. When comparing the number of complications in group 1 and group 2, more complications of the denervation process was observed in group 1. At the same time, no difference was found between group 1 and group 3, as well as between group 2 and group 3. When comparing the indicators of hypotrophy, the difference between group 1 and group 2, as well as a significant difference (p<0.05) between group 1 and group 3, with a predominance of hypotrophy in group 2 and group 3 were revealed.

Conclusions. The injection of bone marrow aspirate into the target muscles during surgery and in the early stages of reinnervation helped to reduce the clinical manifestations of the denervation process. Delayed administration of bone marrow aspirate to target muscles significantly (p<0.05) helped to reduce edema of denervated target muscles.
The Method of Contact Area Assessment between the Femoral Head and Acetabulum in Children that Takes into Account Triradiate Cartilage
Authors: Filipchuk V.V. , Suvorov V.L. , Melnyk M.V. , Ziablovskyi Ye.V.
Published: August 2022

Relevance. Specific hip joint pathologies in children are characterized by insufficiency of the femoral head (FH) coverage by the acetabulum. This is reflected in the contact area reduction between the FH and acetabulum. In order to correct these acetabular deformities properly, the pediatric orthopedist must know in which direction develops a deficit of contact area between the FH and acetabulum and be able to assess the level of this deficit.

Objective: to create an algorithm for the contact area assessment between the FH and acetabulum in children taking into account triradiate cartilage.

Materials and Methods. Pelvic CT scans of a 6-year-old male child without hip joint pathologies were selected. A digital model of the pelvis was created using these CT scans. The pelvic model was transferred to a custom-made software, where the contact area between the FH and acetabulum was assessed in an indirect way.

Results. The algorithm of the contact area assessment between the FH and acetabulum in children that takes into account triradiate cartilage was developed. Using the abovementioned algorithm, the contact area between the FH and acetabulum from both sides was assessed in a 6-year-old male child.

Conclusions. Assessment of the normal contact area between the FH and acetabulum and in various pathological conditions in children will help pediatric orthopedists to understand better different hip joint pathologies and improve preoperative planning.
Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearings in Total Joint Arthroplasty. Part 1
Authors: Zazirnyi I.M.
Published: August 2022

Summary. Ceramic bearings were first employed as alternatives to polyethylene (PE) bearings in total joint arthroplasty about a decade after Sir John Charnley introduced the first durable total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a metal-PE articulation. Charnley’s approach was based on a metal stem bonded to bone with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and an acetabular component made of ultra-high-molecular-weight PE (UHMWPE). Microscopic particulate debris in the joint space from bearing wear has been shown to lead to periprosthetic inflammation, osteolysis, and implant loosening. Cross-linking can reduce the wear of UHMWPE, but it also compromises UHMWPE’s mechanical properties. Accordingly, there are concerns related to potential brittleness if UHMWPE implants are not positioned optimally. Also, the smaller particles generated from cross-linked UHMWPE may present an increased particulate load in vivo. Thus, there is a need for data on the long-term outcomes of cross-linked UHMWPE. Any technology that can reduce bearing wear rates in THA and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can potentially decrease the morbidity and risks associated with premature revision surgery related to wear. Improved wear resistance also allows the use of large-diameter femoral heads in THA, leading to increased arc of movement and less risk of prosthesis dislocation. The ideal joint bearing for THA and TKA would be able to withstand high cyclic loading for several decades without undergoing corrosion or fretting at modular metal tapers, and would possess proven biocompatibility and material stability in vivo, as well as ultralow wear rates. The search for the ideal total joint bearing has led to the development of ceramic bearings.
Proximal Femoral Fractures: Structure, Factors of Occurrence, and Treatment Principles (Literature Review)
Authors: Kalashnikov A.V. , Lazarenko Yu.V. , Kalashnikov O.V.
Published: August 2022

Summary. Proximal femoral fractures (PFF) constitute a significant medical and social problem, as they cause reasonable economic loss throughout the world. In 1990, the number of such traumas reached about 1.3 million, and by 2050, it is expected within 7-21 million cases. With the share of 17% in the structure of locomotion system traumas, they have large mortality and invalidity rate among the injured. The research analyzes international literature sources on incidence, factors of occurrence, mechanisms of development, and known classifications of PFF patients; basic methods of conservative and surgical treatment, as well as rehabilitation principles for this category are provided. We have found that, despite a large amount of literature, a clinical and diagnostic approach to the differentiated use of internal fixation for PFF is still not finally developed.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with probiotics in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with intestinal microbiota disorder: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis
Authors:   Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, yu luyou , yang jinping , meng xi , ling yanhua
Published: September 2022

Review question / Objective: Efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with probiotics in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with intestinal microbiota disorder: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis. Eligibility criteria: 1.The literatures of type 2 diabetes patients were included without restriction on gender, age, race, disease course and blood glucose control of the subjects. 2. The relevant literatures included in human intestinal flora do not strictly restrict the test methods and key indicators of fecal specimens. 3. Relevant literatures with no statistically significant difference in general data between the experimental group and the control group were included. 4.There is no restriction on whether blind method or distributive hiding method is used to include Chinese and English literatures whose research type is correlation study. 5. References that clearly indicated standard deviation (SD), mean value or which could be calculated by formula were included.
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Authors: n k
Published: August 2022

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Motor and somatosensory symptoms determine cognitive error levels in functional neurological symptom disorder/conversion disorder
Authors: Orum Mehmet Hamdi , Atmaca Murad
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The level of cognitive error in functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD, conversion disorder) subtypes [psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES), motor (M), PNES plus motor (PM), motor plus somatosensory (MS)] have not yet been investigated.

Aim: We aimed to qualify the level of cognitive error in FNSD subtypes.

Materials and methods: The disorder symptoms were assessed via the somatoform dissociation questionnaire (SDQ), the symptom check list-90-revised (SCL-90-R), and the global assessment scale (GAS). The cognitive distortions scale (CDS) was used to evaluate cognitive errors.

Results: Mean ages of groups were 28.37±6.99 years (PNES, n=24), 27.90±6.22 years (M, n=21), 30.36±7.86 years (PM, n=19), 31.38±9.02 years (MS, n=21), and 30.87±7.17 years (control, n=48) (p=0.377). In terms of the global severity index of SCL-90-R, there were significant differences between PNES and PM (p=0.003); PNES and MS (p0.999); PM and MS (p=0.172). There was no significant difference between the CDS-PA scores of the patient groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that in FNSD, the somatosensory symptoms were more associated with cognitive errors related to interpersonal relationships than the motor symptoms and the motor symptoms were more than PNES.
Ultrasound fusion imaging system in neurology practice
Authors: Peycheva Marieta V. , Chervenkov Lyubomir , Harizanova Zdravka , Ahmed-Popova Ferihan , Zahariev Zahari I.
Published: August 2022

The ultrasound fusion imaging (UFI) system is a new promising imaging modality that combines live ultrasound investigations with preregistered CT, MRI, or PET images. In this study, we want to present our initial experience with the new method that combines the transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) in different insonation planes and the 3T-weighted MRI cerebral images. The study validates the diagnostic capabilities of the system to detect different normal cerebral structures in healthy volunteers. In the present paper, we also discuss the advantages of US fusion imaging technology and its clinical applications in Neurology.
Prosthetic treatment of cleft lip and palate patient – a case report
Authors: Doshev Atanas , Doshev Vasko
Published: August 2022

It is assumed that most cleft lip and palate are due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors (maternal diseases, smoking, alcohol intake, infections, and ionizing treatment) that alter morphogenesis. Treatment of these cases begins from birth to adulthood and requires a number of interventions depending on the period of development of the maxillofacial area and teeth.

We present the case of a patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Surgery and orthodontic treatment were carried out subsequently, and then a metal-ceramic bridge was made to correct the defect. In the course of the treatment, we made decisions that were determined by the available space.

The construction restored the dentition, the aesthetics, speech, and masticatory functions of the patient. The treatment of such defects requires good collaboration between individual specialists in order to achieve optimally good results. We believe that in such cases of crucial importance is the contribution of a prosthetic dentistry expert since surgical and orthodontic treatments alone are insufficient to achieve complete recovery and rehabilitation of patients.
Nest structure, associated parasites and morphology of mature larvae of two European species of Pseudoanthidium Friese, 1898 (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)
Authors: Bogusch Petr , Houfková Marešová Petra , Astapenková Alena , Heneberg Petr
Published: August 2022

The bee genusPseudoanthidiumis represented by nine species in Europe. Of these nine species,Pseudoanthidium nanumis the most widespread, occurs mainly in xerothermic open habitats and creates nests in various cavity types. In this study, we provide information on the nest structure of this species in reed stalks and oak galls and about its parasitic species. We provide the first report ofP. nanumas a host ofXylophrurus augustus(Ichneumonidae). The biology of the much rarer related speciesPseudoanthidium tenellumis described here for the first time. This species occurs in terrestrial reed beds and wet meadows with the presence of reed galls and flowering plants in the family Asteraceae and is rare throughout its entire distribution area. This species nests inside reed galls induced byLiparafrit flies, and the nest structure is very similar to that ofP. nanum. We report new parasitic species of this bee, namely, the cuckoo beeStelis punctulatissima, the predator-inquilineGasteruption nigrescensand two parasitoids,Leucospis biguetinaandMiltogramma punctata. This bee collects pollen mainly from wetland plants inBidensandPulicaria. We also describe mature larvae of both species. The larvae do not differ greatly from one another; only the shape of mandibles and sclerotisation of mouthparts are slightly different. Further research should address the ecological requirements ofP. tenellum, a poorly understood reed gall inquiline.
Technologies in English Online Learning for Vendors
Authors: Toomnan Parichart , Putsayainunt Bodee
Published: August 2022

The purposes of the present investigation were: 1) to scrutinize whether, after us-ing the English for Vendors (EV hereafter) program, the vendors improve their language learning achievement; and 2) to explore vendors’ attitudes toward learn-ing through the EV program. There were twenty participants involved in this in-vestigation. The main research instruments were EV program and a questionnaire of vendors’ attitudes toward EV program. After completing the EV program, the participants were asked to answer the questionnaire about their attitudes toward learning through the EV program. The results of the present investigation re-vealed that the participants’ performance scores between the pretest and the post-test were statistically and significantly different at p<.00. Consequently, the EV program is shown to have improved the vendors’ performance in their communi-cative competence. According to their attitudes toward learning through the EV program, the results obtained from the questionnaire showed that the vendors be-lieved the EV program was appropriate (
Great Goals Are the Secret Sauce in Performance Review
Authors: Piggot-Irvine Eileen
Published: September 2022

Despite the fact that creating employee focus, motivation, and improved outcomes through performance review is widely encouraged, such a constraining and potentially isolating activity is also equally derided. This chapter outlines that many obstacles in performance review can be overcome through inclusion of focused goal pursuit, which has a simple, collaborative, flexible, personal, and organizational learning and improvement emphasis whilst combining both rigor and responsiveness. An overview cycle is offered for performance review with such an embedded focused action research (FAR) approach. The overview cycle and FAR approach are underpinned by three key principles encouraging: depth of learning, stretch in challenge, and collaboration based on dialogue and openness. The chapter moves beyond outlining processes and principles to briefly drawing links to recent thinking from the neuroscience and neuroleadership fields on regions of the brain relevant to goal pursuit. Finally, an example of the FAR approach illustrates practical application in leadership.
Toward the Freedom of the Human Spirit
Authors: Strohschen Gabriele
Published: September 2022

These days, educators in academia are simply no longer the only knowledge producers and disseminators. Yet, as political, social, economic, ecological, and technological structures are changing, educational leadership is called upon to ready adults for global challenges. The 21st century knowledge society requires leadership with appropriate traits and skills: emotional intelligence; spirituality; finely honed facilitation of learning within cross-cultural, cross-sector, and inter-disciplinary settings; and a willingness toward a praxis of partnering. In this chapter, the author explores the interdependence of the multi-dimensional roles of education, educational leadership, and research. Examined within collaborative and contextual paradigms, she suggests research to become a re-searching to align the purpose of education institutions and the role of educators to empowerment of people by freeing the human spirit in service of creating a sustainable world with critically thoughtful human beings.
Teachers as Researchers
Authors: Cranton Patricia
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce readers to how teachers can be taught about research in ways that are meaningful for them and relevant to their practice. The three main research paradigms are described, paradigms that are defined based on the kind of knowledge being sought. Mixed methods research is also acknowledged as possibly being in a fourth paradigm. It is action research and participatory action research (also called “teacher research”) that most closely illustrates how teachers can meaningfully engage in research relevant to their practice. These methodologies are described, and then a template for a research course for teachers is provided. Finally, practical examples of participatory and action research are provided, followed by suggestions for the future development of teacher research, including narrative inquiry and arts-based research.
Developing a Translanguaging Reading Model for Indian ESL Learners
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Lina , Patil Vrishali K. , Selvan Chelsy
Published: September 2022

Studies have proven that multilingual children's second language learning and reading comprehension skills are influenced by the complex linguistic repertoire they possess. But when multilingual learners from low SES and migrant families acquire reading through a medium of instruction (MoI) that is not their L1, they face challenges in general language comprehension and literacy development as their L1 knowledge remains untapped as elaborated upon in the previous chapter. Therefore, this chapter proposes a task-based translanguaging model within the socio-cognitive framework for scaffolding reading in low resource Indian classrooms. The scaffold is provided through a series of incrementally complex tasks to build learners' lexical coverage, inferencing skills, and whole-text comprehension through translanguaging pedagogy at pre-, while-, and post-reading stages. The model activates learners' prior knowledge through L1-L2 lexical equivalents, develops inference generation abilities through peer interaction, and aids whole-text comprehension through bilingual sequential summary.
Can Multiple Channels Coexist?
Authors: Bhatnagar Swati , Yadav Rajan
Published: September 2022

As markets mature, businesses adopt the multiple channel strategy to compete head on. With the intention of acquiring new markets and new customers, this strategy appears good and logical. However, if implemented in haste without a business model and proper orientation, can this multichannel strategy be beneficial in the long run? The press articles are rife with news of inter-channel competition and its consequences in different sectors. This case is set in the context of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in India where the facts and figures are pointing to a disruption in the distribution network. How should distributors of different trade channels coexist? This case is developed from a general trade distributor's point of view on the challenges he faces and attempts to examine what should be the way going forward. Essentially, how should managers manage multiple channels? This question in channel literature has been commonly advised as a future area of research; it is unfortunate that still not much work has been done in this area.
Can Digital Transformation Be a Solution for Maternal Health?
Authors: Ota Rachita , Agrawal Supriti , Ray Sushree Sangita
Published: September 2022

Due to ineffective management, the attainment of the maternal health goals by the primary healthcare in the state of Odisha turns out to be a great challenge. Hence, it is imperative for the government to come up with various interventions with an effective implementation of the digital solutions to bring down the fatalities during pregnancy and childbirth. The researchers through this study have attempted to identify the variation in the usage and accessibility of maternal and child healthcare services among the marginalized groups of Northern and Central Zones of Odisha and have also highlighted the impacts of the digital transformation and their subsequent challenges. The researchers have utilized a mixed approach for the attainment of the objectives. Based on the findings of the study, the policymakers and health strategists may focus on improvising the management of the maternal health resources and facilities meant for the maternal healthcare across the masses to bring down the maternal mortality and morbidity rate of Odisha.
Building Online Faculty Learning Communities
Authors: Haseeb Muhammad
Published: September 2022

The higher education at the 1890 land-grant universities is constantly changing. This is due to advances made in the academic disciplines, technology, and demands of the employing organizations in the nation and globally. Therefore, academic faculty need to adjust their instruction and student learning outcomes based on these changes and demands. In recent years, numerous minority-serving institutions have allocated more resources and opportunities toward professional development to improve instruction and student success rates. For example, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has updated its learning management system (LMS) to enhance synchronous and asynchronous instruction. This has helped the university better serve the students and community during the COVID-19 challenge. This chapter highlights and explains current challenges and opportunities for faculty in the minority-serving institution for higher education with a reflection on the FAMU, a leading minority institution of higher education in the United States.
The Use of Rubrics to Facilitate Critical Thinking
Authors: Weatherspoon Marilyn A.
Published: September 2022

This chapter aims to shed light on the importance of using rubrics to prepare students for writing and to stimulate critical thinking to achieve student learning outcomes. The scores on 615 writing assignments in two classes were compared to determine the efficacy of rubrics. A t-test was performed to determine the differences in the scores on writing assignments that implemented the use of rubrics after the author received training in the Writing-Across-the-Curriculum Summer Learning Institute. The statistical significance of the differences in the scores on the reaction papers were P<.001 indicating rubrics facilitate critical thinking as evidenced by scores on written assignments. Although the discussion board scores did not yield statistically significant results: the mean scores on the discussion board using the rubric in Fall 2021 were higher than in Spring 2021, 9.58 and 8.94, respectively. These results are evidence that given the right tools and instruction to complete written assignments, students can meet and even exceed expectations.
Application-Based Learning and Digital Tools to Enhance Student Outcomes in Socio-Behavioral and Economic Sciences
Authors: Sherbeny Fatimah M. , Ali Askal Ayalew
Published: September 2022

In healthcare education, comprehending and integrating information from socio-behavioral and economic principles can be challenging when students learn through traditional didactic instruction. They may experience difficulties applying knowledge from lectures to real-world problems and decision-making situations in their work-life or independent research projects. Active learning and innovative teaching strategies are needed to enhance students' outcomes and prepare graduates and researchers for the real world. This chapter will discuss the faculty's experience during the faculty learning community Digital Learning Initiative and the potential of developing the learning process through the use of application-based learning teaching philosophy and digital tools in optimizing the students' learning experience, developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and illustrating the relevance of the classroom information to the real world.
Algorithm Enhancements for Improvement of Localized Classification of Uterine Cervical Cancer Digital Histology Images
Authors: Almubarak Haidar , Guo Peng , Stanley R. Joe , Long Rodney , Antani Sameer , Thoma George , Zuna Rosemary , Frazier Shelliane R. , Moss Randy H , Stoecker William V. , Hagerty Jason
Published: September 2022

In prior research, the authors introduced an automated, localized, fusion-based approach for classifying squamous epithelium into Normal, CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3 grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) from digitized histology image analysis. The image analysis approach partitioned the epithelium along the medial axis into ten vertical segments. Texture, cellularity, nuclear characterization and distribution, and acellular features were computed from each vertical segment. The individual vertical segments were CIN classified, and the individual classifications were fused to generate an image-based CIN assessment. In this chapter, image analysis techniques are investigated to improve the execution time of the algorithms and the CIN classification accuracy of the baseline algorithms. For an experimental data set of 117 digitized histology images, execution time for exact grade CIN classification accuracy was improved by 32.32 seconds without loss of exact grade CIN classification accuracy (80.34% vs. 79.49% previously reported) for this same data set.
Similarity Measure of Breast Cancer Datasets Using Fuzzy Rule-Based Classification by Attribute
Authors: Li Tengyue , Fong Simon
Published: September 2022

To compare with two datasets based on attributes by using classification algorithms, for the attributes, the authors need to select them by rules and the system is known as rule-based reasoning system which classifies a given test instance into a particular outcome from the learned rules. The test instance carries multiple attributes, which are usually the values of diagnostic tests. In this article, the authors propose a classifier ensemble-based method for comparison of two breast cancer datasets. The ensemble data mining learning methods are applied to rule generation, and a multi-criterion evaluation approach is used for selecting reliable rules over the results of the ensemble methods. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is illustrated via an example of two breast cancer datasets. This article introduces a novel fuzzy rule-based classification method called FURIA, to obtain a relationship between two breast cancer datasets. Hence, it can find the similarity between these two datasets. The new method is compared vis-à-vis with other classical statistical approaches such as correlation and mutual information gain.
Multi-Agent System Based on Data Mining Algorithms to Detect Breast Cancer
Authors: Chakour Imane , El Mourabit Yousef , Baslam Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Recently, data mining and intelligent agents have emerged as two domains with tremendous potential for research. The capacity of agents to learn from their experience complements the data mining process. This chapter aims to study a multi-agent system that evaluates the performance of three well-known data mining algorithms—artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and logistic regression or logit model (LR)—based on breast cancer data (WBCD). Then the system aggregates the classifications of these algorithms with a controller agent to increase the accuracy of the classification using a majority vote. Extensive studies are performed to evaluate the performance of these algorithms using various differential performance metrics such as classification rate, sensitivity, and specificity using different software modules. In the end, the authors see that this system gives more autonomy and initiative in the medical diagnosis and the agent can dialogue to share their knowledge.
A Novel Fuzzy Frequent Itemsets Mining Approach for the Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ramesh Dhanaseelan F.  , Jeyasutha M.
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer, a type of malignant tumor, affects women more than men. About one-third of women with breast cancer die of this disease. Hence, it is imperative to find a tool for the proper identification and early treatment of breast cancer. Unlike the conventional data mining algorithms, fuzzy logic-based approaches help in the mining of association rules from quantitative transactions. In this study, a novel fuzzy methodology, IFFP (improved fuzzy frequent pattern mining), based on a fuzzy association rule mining for biological knowledge extraction, is introduced to analyze the dataset in order to find the core factors that cause breast cancer. It is determined that the factor, mitoses, has low range of values on both malignant and benign, and hence it does not contribute to the detection of breast cancer. On the other hand, the high range of bare nuclei shows more chances for the presence of breast cancer. Experimental evaluations on real datasets show that the proposed method outperforms recently proposed state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of runtime and memory usage.
A Survey on Early Detection of Women's Breast Cancer Using IoT
Authors: Malathi P. , Kalaivani A.
Published: September 2022

The internet of things is probably one of the most challenging and disruptive concepts raised in recent years. Recent development in innovation and availability have prompted the rise of internet of things (IoT). IoT technology is used in a wide scope of certified application circumstances. Internet of things has witnessed the transition in life for the last few years which provides a way to analyze both the real-time data and past data by the emerging role. The current state-of-the-art method does not effectively diagnose breast cancer in the early stages. Thus, the early detection of breast cancer poses a great challenge for medical experts and researchers. This chapter alleviates this by developing a novel software to detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage than traditional methods or self-examination.
Features Selection Study for Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Thermographic Images, Genetic Algorithms, and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Amanda Lays , Araújo de Santana Maíra , Lins de Lima Clarisse , Silva de Andrade José Filipe , Silva de Souza Thifany Ketuli , Jacinto de Almeida Maria Beatriz , Azevedo da Silva Washington Wagner , Fernandes de Lima Rita de Cássia , Pinheiro dos Santos Wellington
Published: September 2022

Early detection of breast cancer is critical to improve treatment efficiency and chance of cure. Mammography is the main method for breast cancer screening; however, it has some limitations. Infrared thermography is a technique that is being studied for its benefits. The existing tumor classification systems are detailed, complex, and have low usability. Therefore, combining specialized professionals with methods of digital image analysis using thermography can help improve the diagnosis. Considering this, some computational areas are working on studies and creating methods to assess these data. The features selection plays a key role in this process, as it is a way to help solving data multidimensionality problems. This study aims to reduce the amount of features from thermographic images with mammary lesions. The authors used genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization for features selection and compared the performance of each method to the performance using the entire set of features.
Trade Protectionism
Authors: Cambazoğlu Birgül
Published: September 2022

The increased commercial protection of countries as a result of the Great Depression caused the effects of the global crisis to deepen and last longer. Many countries took short-term steps to minimize the negative social impacts of the crisis by implementing protectionism. However, the crisis was gradually deepened and exerted long-term impacts on macroeconomic variables. The international platform made several attempts to reduce protectionism. However, following the global economic crisis in 2007-2009, the barriers to international trade have increased in many countries, especially in the USA. In many countries, inward-looking protectionist economic policies have been increasingly preferred. Thus, the global impact of countries' adoption of protectionism in their international trade policies has begun to be discussed in terms of the pros and cons for partners. This study analyzes the pros and cons of international trade protectionism on the basis of the impact of trade on macroeconomic variables. The results show that not only protectionism but also free trade produces both winners and losers.
Determinants of Specialization and Main Trends in International Trade
Authors: Dumitrescu Iulia Monica
Published: September 2022

This chapter presents a review of the determinants of specialization and the main trends in international trade. Globalization, trade agreements, new economic poles, and regional integration represent the most influential trends in international trade. Research in this field shows that the main determinants of specialization are demographic change; advances in technology, investment, and energy; and natural resources. Each of the mentioned determinants of specialization and trends will be discussed and constitute a separate section with relevant research and key findings.
The Money as the Necessary Link Between Micro and Macro Levels
Authors: Ganchev Gancho
Published: September 2022

The aim of the chapter is to introduce money as the necessary link between micro and macro levels. The author starts with a critical appraisal of the neoclassical monetary theory paradigm. The opening argument is that it is not possible to separate the relative prices and price level formation. The interdependence between the price of money and the prices of all the other goods leads to the conclusion of the gross complementarity of money what violates the gross substitutability principle. Further, it is argued that the function of money as medium of exchange in a decentralized monetary economy is only possible under cyclic sequencing of bilateral exchanges. The latter means that new macroeconomic constraint is added to the conventional micro equilibrium requirements. The macro constraint makes possible to derive the individual utility functions from macro variables such as the income velocity of money and the price level. The macro constraint allows also for optimal solutions under the second-best conditions.
Economic Theory and Economic Reality
Authors: Kafka Kyriaki I.
Published: September 2022

The necessity of searching for deeper roots plays a significant role in the evolution of the economic development and growth. This issue arises from the complex globalized world, the understanding of which requires an in-depth analysis. This issue is born again in the aftermath of the Great Depression of 2008, which highlighted the inability of economics to address it. The need to turn to the deeper roots is reinforced by the individual empowerment and the increasing need to understand economic and social phenomena. Thus, the relationship between economic theory and reality is under new foundations. The cultural and institutional background stand out as the deep roots affecting the way economies operate and raise questions of effectiveness in implementing economic policy when applied in the same way across all economies. For these two factors to be taken into account in economics, a more general and integrated view of economic development and growth is required. It is an attempt at an evolutionary perspective of economic science that illuminates the meso- and meta-economics approach.
Evaluating Significant Risks in International Trade of E7 Economies With AHP Methodology
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Karakuş Hüsne
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risks encountered in the international trade process. E7 economies are included in the study. For this purpose, six criteria that should be taken into consideration are determined by considering similar studies in the literature. In the analysis process of the study, AHP method is used to identify which type of risk encountered in the international trade process is more important. In this process, opinions are received from three different experts on the subject. It is concluded that the exchange rate risk is the most important in this process. In addition to this situation, political risk and payment risk are other important factors for this situation. On the other side, it is also determined that documentary risk and carriage risk have lower role in comparison with others. Accordingly, it is essential for companies to take the necessary measures. In this context, it is possible to decrease the exchange rate volatility by using financial derivative products.
Inflation Rate Modelling Through a Hybrid Model of Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network
Authors: Rapoo Mogari Ishmael , Chanza Martin M. , Motlhwe Gomolemo
Published: September 2022

This study examines the performance of seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN), and hybrid SARIMA-MLPNN model(s) in modelling and forecasting inflation rate using the monthly consumer price index (CPI) data from 2010 to 2019 obtained from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The forecast errors in inflation rate forecasting are analyzed and compared. The study employed root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) as performance measures. The results indicate that significant improvements in forecasting accuracy are obtained with the hybrid model (SARIMA-MLPNN) compared to the SARIMA and MLPNN. The MLPNN model outperformed the SARIMA model. However, the hybrid SARIMA-MLPNN model outperformed both the SARIMA and MLPNN in terms of forecasting accuracy/accuracy performance.
The Impact of Unconventional Monetary Policies on Unique Alternative Investments
Authors: Papathanasiou Spyros , Papanastasopoulos Andreas , Koutsokostas Drosos
Published: September 2022

This chapter investigates the impact of central banks' unconventional monetary policies on sectors of unique and traditional alternative investments beyond the stock market. More specifically, authors examine how quantitative easing (QE) programs, imposed by the FED and the ECB during the financial crisis, affected the fine wine market and rare coins in comparison with real estate, commodities, and crude oil. The methodology used in this chapter includes multiple regression analysis. As dependent variables, the LVX 50 Index, the Rare Coin Values Index, the REIT Index, the CRB Commodity Index and the Crude Oil Futures Index, are used for each sector respectively. Our empirical analysis shows that the QE programs applied had different outcomes between our sample markets. Thus, investors should evaluate the signals associated with the announcements of prospective monetary policies in their attempt to achieve a sufficient portfolio diversification and to harvest superior returns at the same time.
Sustainability of Public Finance of Rentier States
Authors: Raimi Lukman , Aljadani Abdussalam
Published: September 2022

Embedding this discourse on rentier state theory (RST), this chapter discusses the quest for sustainability of the public finance system of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The inability of these rentier states to meet their economic, social, and political commitments led to the adoption of value-added tax (VAT) and economic diversification as sustainability strategies. The findings from the macroeconomic data indicated that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have large markets that provide opportunities for the introduction of VAT. These two countries also have huge deposits of natural resources, including oil, which could be developed for accelerating economic diversification. This chapter validates the appropriateness of VAT and post-rentier economic diversification as sound policies for industrial, services, tax, and tourism development. The findings from this chapter need to be strengthened with a more rigorous empirical investigation. The chapter concludes with far-reaching policy suggestions.
Addressing Issues of Unemployment in Brunei
Authors: Musa Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato , Idris Dk Siti Rozaidah Pg Hj
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate the issue of youth unemployment in Brunei by exploring the occupational aspirations of youth, the expectations of employers towards their employees, and the current policy initiatives of the government. The aspirations of youth were explored by conducting a series of focus groups among youths of different age groups and educational levels. The findings indicated that youths in Brunei preferred jobs that are prestigious, highly paid, stable, and are less likely to take risks. The expectations of employers, on the other hand, entailed a semi-structured interview to assess the employers' expectations for their current and/or prospective employees. The findings revealed that youths lack awareness on important employability skills that are critical for their entrance into and performance into the labour market. A majority of the employers attribute the lack of drive, entrepreneurial spirit, and awareness of the importance of leadership from an early age for employability and a need to strengthen collaborative development amongst the relevant agencies.
Tunisian Fiscal Policy Effects in a New Keynesian Model With Price Rigidity and Monopolistic Competition
Authors: Slimani Slah
Published: September 2022

This paper applies a multivariate neo-Keynesian DSGE model to study the effects of changes in Tunisian public spending on the business cycle, private consumption, wages, interest rate, and inflation rate in the presence of monopolistic competition and price nominal short-term rigidity. The main finding of this paper shows a Tunisian pro-cyclical fiscal policy. Expansionary public spending has two initial effects. The output increases due to the usual increase in labor supply, and aggregate demand increases due to an incomplete crowding out of private consumption. By increasing aggregate demand, the central bank increases the nominal interest rate, which moves in concert with inflation in order to counteract inflationary pressures. Households reduce their consumer spending at the same time as the real interest rate increases. Some companies are responding to the change in the interest rate by reducing their expenses, their employment demands, and their capital utilization rates.
Machines and Technological Unemployment
Authors: Moser Elias
Published: September 2022

Recently, economic studies on labor market developments have indicated that there is a potential threat of technological mass unemployment. Both smart robotics and information technology may perform a broad range of tasks that today are fulfilled by human labor. This development could lead to vast inequalities. Proponents of an unconditional basic income have, therefore, employed this scenario to argue for their cause. In this chapter, the author argues that, although a basic income might be a valid answer to the challenge of technological unemployment, it fails to account for some ethical problems specific to future expectations of mass unemployment. The author introduces the proposal of an unconditional basic capital and shows how it can address these problems adequately and avoid objections against a basic income. However, the basic capital proposal cannot replace all redistributive social policies. It has to be interpreted as a supplement to either a basic income or more traditional redistributive policies.
The Impact of Globalization on External Debts
Authors: Barış Serap
Published: September 2022

In this chapter, the answer to this question has been researched theoretically and empirically. KOF Globalization Index has been used as the measure of globalization unlike the empirical literature that explores the relationship between globalization and external debt. In the study where panel data analysis method has been used, the findings show that there is a positive relationship between KOF Globalization Index and external debt in developing countries. When it is examined from the perspective of the sub-indexes of globalization, it is seen that the economic globalization index is positively related to external debt. Social and political globalization has no effect on external debts. Impact of the control variables used in the analysis on external debts is significant and negative. From this, it can be said that general globalization and economic globalization have increased the external debt of the nations.
Fiscal Policy and Social Optimization for Developing Nations
Authors: Saiz-Alvarez Jose Manuel , Calleja-Leal Guillermo
Published: September 2022

From the public sector's perspective, one of the healthiest ways to optimize the social and organizational dynamics of a country in the digital era is to adapt the national fiscal policy to the socioeconomic needs of the population. The objective of this work is to analyze what key factors and which strategical proposal nations can follow to improve tax efficiency and, once a fair and equitable redistribution of the collected financial resources is achieved, to offer higher levels of welfare for the entire population in the digital era.
The Effect of Defense Expenditures and Peace on Economic Growth
Authors: Sasmaz Mahmut Unsal , Zeybekoglu Abdullah
Published: September 2022

Throughout history countries have tried to gain power in order to get advantages for the issues such as providing territorial integrity, social security and internal and external security. As a result of this power-gaining race, defense expenditures had a significant place in countries' economies. In its broad sense, defense expenditures are defined as the share reserved from the national income for the country's defense in order to provide internal and external security of the state and maintain the order and safety of the community. The size of defense expenditures varies from country to country for various reasons. In this study the effect of defense expenditures and peace as a global public good on economic growth was analyzed in 11 European Union countries (transition economies) between 2007 and 2017 with the help of panel data analysis. As a result of the study it was found out that there was a positive relationship between economic growth and defense expenditures. However, a negative relationship was identified between economic growth and peace level.
Critical Examination of the Implications of Youth Unemployment in Zimbabwe
Authors: Zinyama Tawanda
Published: September 2022

The chapter examines youth unemployment and its dimensions and characteristics in relation to overall unemployment. Youth unemployment has become increasingly recognized as one of the more serious social problems confronting Africa. There are many reasons why the government of Zimbabwe and society feel increasingly concerned about this problem. At the human level, failure to secure satisfactory employment upon completion of schooling and training can cause intense frustration, despair and alienation. It may also be associated with such social ills as drunkenness, drug-taking, violence, robbery and prostitution. From a material point of view, youth unemployment represents a tragic waste of skills and talents, resulting in lower production, increase in dependency burden on the rest of the society, and in the longer run, a gradual deterioration in the quality of national human resources. The potential consequences of high levels of youth unemployment at personal, social and national levels are thus serious and warrant sustained efforts to find solutions to these problems.