bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy Testing Methods in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Obaton Anne-Françoise
Published: April 2023

This article presents the basic principle, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) methods in additive manufacturing. It focuses on the two types of RUS methods: the swept-sine method and the impulse excitation method. Representative significant results for additively manufactured complex parts obtained with the different RUS systems are also shown. The article also presents the basic principle and examples of nonlinear RUS methods.
Methodologies and Implementation of Laser Powder-Bed Fusion Process Control
Authors: Yeung Ho
Published: April 2023

Part quality in additive manufacturing (AM) is highly dependent on process control, but there is a lack of adequate AM control methods and standards. Laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) is one of the most-used metal AM techniques. This article focuses on the following laser control parameters: laser focus, laser power, laser position, and laser power-position synchronization. It then provides a discussion on laser scan strategies. The article also provides an overview of the AM control framework, the two major sections of which are software and hardware.
FOREIGN EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
Authors: Boyko Yakiv
Published: April 2023

The article deals with the advantages of using certain digital technologies when learning English for specific purposes. The article is devoted to the problem of information and communication technologies, describes their positive impact during English language classes for specific purposes, and provides some effective digital tools that their students can also use in their work and study, such as Skype, a word processor, e-mail, virtual conference platforms, simulation software, mobile technology and the Internet as a source of authentic material and communication.Additionally, the author examines the potential possibilities of using such a digital tool as Skype, which refers to free software in its basic version, and lists 14 advantages of using information and communication technologies in the process of learning English for specific purposes according to the researcher Butler-Pascoe.The implementation of digital technologies in language education is one of the promising directions of informatization of the educational process, which allows users to gain access to authentic material.Modern information and communication technologies contribute to the active, creative mastery of new material by students, contribute to its presentation at a new, qualitatively higher level. In the organization of the educational process, their integration opens fundamentally new opportunities.The Skype tool is used in various forms for formal and informal language learning. Searching the Skype community platform shows the number of existing language courses, chat groups or conversation clubs.In addition, digital technologies can also provide effective support to the teacher when there is a lack of experience in various aspects of the subject and their use opens up fundamentally new opportunities in the organization of the learning process.

Keywords: information and communication technologies; digital technologies; Internet; feedback; computer programs; Internet resources; English; digital technologies; English for Specific Purposes; authentic communication.
Social and economic determinants of post-war re-emigration
Authors:   State University of Trade and Economics, NIKOLAIETS Kateryna , OZHELEVSKA Tetiana ,   State University of Trade and Economics
Published: April 2023

Introduction. After the full-scale invasion of the russian federation a large number of citizens left Ukraine. Most of them have chosen Euro­pean countries as their place of residence, whose government have shown interest in the assimi­lation of Ukrainian refugees, and some of the migrants plan to return home. Problem. The departure of a significant num­ber of Ukrainian citizens abroad had a negative impact both on the state of the domestic market due to a significant drop in demand, and on the labour market, in particular in the service sector, which suffered significantly during the war. In the future, for some families, the question of reunification may arise not in Ukraine, but abroad. The aim of the study is to determine the factors that will influence the return of Ukrai­nian refugees after the end of the war. Methods. The research was conducted using methods of systematic and comparative analysis, sociological method in combination with cultu­ral and behavioural methods. Results. Despite the strong "sense of home" many parents have, their decision to return home to Ukraine is influenced by the desire to ensure a stable life for their children in countries that guarantee social protection, security and trans­parency of business, opportunities for social growth. Conclusions. At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, mostly representatives of small and medium-sized businesses and/or their relatives or friends left Ukraine. The possible threat to their lives and health during hostilities keeps them from returning. The availability of housing is a determining motivational factor for return for a relatively small number of respon­dents, the most important factor is the opportu­nity to work or manage legitimate business structures.
Відповідальність посадових осіб господарських товариств
Authors:   Державний торговельно-економічний університет, ПАЛЬЧУК Петро
Published: April 2023

Вступ. Організаційно-правова форма това­риства з обмеженою відповідальністю (ТОВ) дає змогу формувати гнучку та ефективну систему корпоративного управління, забезпечувати й контролювати отримання доходів і реалізацію волі учасників ТОВ посадовими особами. Проблема. Визначення правового статусу членів виконавчого органу ТОВ та їхньої відпо­відальності за здійснення ними управління това­риством залишається недостатньо дослідженою з погляду участі товариств у цивільних та інших відносинах і потребує вивчення галузевої прина­лежності відповідальності членів виконавчого органу. Метою статті є визначення на основі аналізу законодавства України та практики його застосування правової природи відповідальності членів виконавчого органу ТОВ; умов, за яких вони можуть притягуватися до відповідальності за дії щодо неналежного управління. Методи. Використано філософські (діалек­тичний), загальнонаукові (аналіз і синтез, системно-структурний, моделювання, абстра­гу­вання, формально-логічний) і спеціальні методи пізнання, що застосовуються у правознавстві (методи тлумачення норм права, юридико-догматичний, порівняльно-правовий) тощо. Результати. Обґрунтовано, що члени вико­навчого органу під час здійснення покладених на них обов’язків мають діяти в інтересах учас­ників ТОВ, власне товариства та його креди­торів. За порушення положень законодавства та статуту у разі неналежного виконання своїх посадових обов’язків члени виконавчого органу несуть корпо­ративну відпо­відальність, що має цивільно­правову природу. Висновки. У разі наявності в діях членів виконавчого органу складу цивільного право­по­рушення вони мають нести цивільноправову відповідальність. Необхідно довести винний харак­тер діяння (дія або бездіяльність) відповідної посадової особи та інші умови юридичної відпо­відальності певного виду, зокрема причинно-наслідковий зв’язок між протиправною пове­дін­кою відповідальної особи та наявними збитками товариства.
Using Direct Observation to Examine the Relationship between Smoking and Consumption Patterns in a Middle Eastern Food Services Setting
Authors: Heiens Richard A. , Pleshko Larry P.
Published: April 2023

Despite the widespread implementation of tobacco control efforts, tobacco use persists in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), which is projected to experience the smallest decline in worldwide smoking rates. Although researchers have never explicitly examined the relationship between smoking and consumption behaviour, the two phenomena may be interrelated, especially in social settings. Utilising unobtrusive observational research, the current study examines the influence of smoking and social interaction on food and beverage purchases in one specific EMR country, Kuwait. The findings indicate that smokers tend to congregate in larger parties, purchase more items, spend more overall, and exhibit longer dwell time in comparison to their non-smoking counterparts. One explanation is that smoking and social interaction remain entwined in the social and cultural traditions of the region.
Mobile Phones, Farmers, and the Unsettling of Geertz's Moroccan Suq/Bazaar Economy
Authors: Ilahiane Hsain
Published: April 2023

In this article, I first examine the ways Moroccan smallholder farmers deploy mobile phones to revise their relationships with markets and roving middlemen. Second, based on a mixed method of participant observation and survey data, I claim that mobile phone use has transformed farmers’ economic behaviour, resulting in deeper market participation and the gradual undoing of the role of middlemen in the agricultural value chain. Finally, I contend that farmers’ use of mobile phones to synthesise market information from different marketplaces does not only unsettle Clifford Geertz's arguments on information search strategies in the suq economy, but it also renders the centrality of his notions of intensive bargaining and clientilisation far less important than it used to be before the onset of mobile phones.
Mineralogical classification of the material of the Left Bank dumps, Southern mining and processing plant
Authors:   Kryvyi Rih National University, RYZHKOVICH O.I. , Evtekhov V.D. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University
Published: April 2023

Розглянуті неоднорідності мінерального складу гематитової сировини, нагромадженої в Лівобережних відвалах Південного гірничо-збагачувального комбінату. Виділені 80 рядових мінеральних різновидів гематитових кварцитів. За поширенням у складі відвалів і подібністю мінерального, хімічного складу рядові різновиди скомпоновані в 30 укрупнених, а ці, в свою чергу, в 9 об'єднаних мінеральних різновидів гематитових кварцитів.
The dynamics of changes in the petrochemical composition of rocks Saksagan Formation by the example of Ingulets iron ore deposit Krivbass
Authors: MECHNIKOV Ya.P. , FILENKO V.V. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University
Published: April 2023

У статті на основі аналізу численних даних петрохімічних аналізів порід залізистих і слацевих горизонтів саксаганської світи Криворізького басейну вчиняються висновки щодо динаміки зміни накопичення основних породоутворюючих компонентів.Встановлено, що за петрохімічними аналізами на Інгулецькому залізорудному родовищіспостерігається закономірне збільшення відсоткового вмісту суми залізних оксидів (Fe0 +Fe203) від нижніх до верхніх залізистих і сланцевих горизонтів, за винятком третьогозалізистого і четвертого сланцевого горизонтів. А вміст SiO2 і сум інших компонентів змінюється у зворотній закономірності.
Localization and structure of hematite quartzite deposits of the Southern iron ore district of the Kryvyi Rih basin.
Authors:   Kryvyi Rih National University, Evtekhov V.D. , Demchenko O.S. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, Evtekhova A.V. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, RYZHKOVYCH O.I. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, FILENKO V.V. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, SMIRNOV O.Y. ,   Ingulets Iron Ore dressing Works, PRILYEPA D.M. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, EVTEKHOV V.E. ,   Northern Iron Ore dressing Works
Published: April 2023

Изложены результаты изучения геологической позиции, размеров, неоднородности строения залежей гематитовых кварцитов, которыми сложена кора выветривания четвертого, пятого и шестого железистых горизонтов саксаганской свиты Скелеватского и Валявкинского месторождений Южного железорудного района Кривбасса. Рассмотрены особенности ее вертикальной и горизонтальной минералогической зональности, проявлений эпигенетических гипергенных процессов маршаллитизации, окварцевания, рудогенеза. Показано, что следствием полигенности образования коры выветривания является большое количество рядовых минеральных разновидностей гематитового сырья. Для организации эффективной его добычи и переработки рекомендована методика компоновки рядовых разновидностей руд в укрупненные, объединенные и генеральные.
Physical properties of ferrigunous quartzites asan indicator of influenceon the stability of the opened rock masses of the Gannivske deposit
Authors:   Kryvyi Rih National University, TIKHLIVETS SG.V. , TIKHLIVETS S.V. ,   Kryvyi Rih National University
Published: April 2023

Розкриті результати дослідження фізичних властивостей залізних руд і вміщуючих порід та їх впливу на стійкість розкритих гірничих масивів на прикладі Ганнівського родовища Північного залізорудного району. Показані варіативності мінерального складу залізорудноїтовщі, їх фізичних властивостей та технічних характеристик. Наведені залежності показників пористості, міцності, об’ємної маси руд і вміщуючих порід від загального вмісту залізав рудах як основного показника якості. Описаний вплив вторинних процесів на фізичні властивості руд і, як наслідок, на стійкість гірничих масивів.
Persoonsgegevens delen of niet; omgang met persoonsgegevens door triagisten van de crisisdienst
Authors:   Arkin, Bijkerk Monique , Gorp, van Anke
Published: April 2023

GGZ verpleegkundigen die voor een crisisdienst werken moeten tijdens hun werk beslissingen nemen over het wel of niet delen van persoonsgegevens met ketenpartners. In de literatuur zijn randvoorwaarden gevonden voor het doorbreken van het medisch beroepsgeheim. De GGZ verpleegkundigen wisten niet of hun instelling een beleid heeft op dit gebied. Ze maken zelf per casus een inschatting, op basis van ingeschat gevaar, inschatting wat nodig is voor goede zorg en het belang van samenwerking met de ketenpartner. Die inschatting kan dus per GGZ verpleegkundige anders uitvallen. Welke gegevens dan precies gedeeld worden laten de GGZ verpleegkundige afhangen van ingeschatte relevantie van gegevens en hoe recent ze zijn. Het delen van persoonsgegevens met ketenpartners wordt niet structureel vastgelegd in dossiers. De GGZ verpleegkundigen gaan ervan uit dat ketenpartners zelf de betrokkene op de hoogte stellen.
The hybrid metaheuristic scheduling model for garment manufacturing on-demand
Authors: Umam Мoch Sаiful
Published: April 2023

The latest technology milestone drives the fashion industry to implement on-demand production services. This study introduces a decision-making scheme in the manufacturing on-demand production scheduling of the garment industry using a hybrid metaheuristic model to meet consumer demand in the digital economy as quickly as possible. Then we conduct computational experiments based on the real-world case study and compare the hybrid metaheuristic method with existing approaches. The experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid metaheuristic approach can yield very efficient solutions to the scheduling problem; it can save production completion time by 22.6%; it shows promising performance compared to the existing methods.
CORONAVIRUS Diagnosis Based on Chest X-Ray Images and Pre-trained DenseNet-121
Authors: Kateb Yousra , Meglouli Hocine , Khebli Abdelmalek
Published: April 2023

A serious global problem called COVID-19 has killed a great number of people and rendered many projects useless. The obtained individual's identification at the appropriate time is one of the crucial methods to reduce losses. By detecting and recognizing contaminated individuals in the early stages, artificial intelligence can help many associations in these situations. In this study, we offer a fully automated method to identify COVID-19 from a patient's chest X-ray images without the need for a clinical expert's assistance. A new dataset was released, which consists of 300 chest X-ray images from 100 healthy individuals, 100 individuals who were infected with Covid 19, and 100 images of viral pneumonitis. 100 more for testing, too. In order to attain an F1 score of 0.98, a Recall of 0.98, and also an Accuracy of 0.98 with this dataset, a classification method deep learning-based learning algorithm DenseNet-121, transfer learning, as well as data augmentation techniques were implemented. Therefore, even though there are not enough training photos, these findings are far better than other state-of-the-art.
Design of an FTTH (Fiber To The Home) network for improving voice, broadband, and television services in hard-to-reach areas the Colombian case
Authors: Hernandez Leonel , Albas Juan , Camargo Jair , Hoz César De La , Kurniawan Fachrul , Pranolo Andri
Published: April 2023

This project establishes the process of designing a fiber optic Ftth network that reaches the homes of each end customer, which allows providing voice services, broadband internet, and television, the above using GPON technology, based on the tree architecture through passive elements, where the node or central is connected to other nodes through a common link, which is shared by all the nodes (ONTs) of the network. This network will be designed in two levels, the first level that starts from the OLT to the level one splitter and the second level that begins from the level one splitter to the OTB element that the level two Splitters have. The entire design will be subject to standards that must be met to achieve the percentage of attenuation allowed. At the design level, it has two directions: one from left to right, where the nodes insert traffic, and another from right to left, where the nodes only have two functions: read or read and delete traffic. It is nothing more than the convergence of the primary communication services of today, such as fixed telephony, the internet, and television. The FTTH Network is designed for the Municipality of Usiacurí of the Department of Atlántico, using the Top-Down Design methodology, where the requirements are analyzed, the designs are developed, and the tests are carried out. The operation of this network is monitored.
Didactic potential of historical research of the Germans in Ukraine
Authors: Karpiuk Valentyna , Tarasov Andrii , Yashyn Vadim
Published: April 2023

In this article the history of Germans, including German and Austrian prisoners of war, on the territory of modern Southern Ukraine was researched. Completely new facts were discovered, which make a significant contribution to the development of historical research. All sorts of things related to the history of one's own hometown were touched upon, as far as the subject is concerned. But on the other hand, these newly discovered materials can be used as teaching material, which realizes the idea of integration of science and education. All the collected material was realized in a series of exercises aimed at the formation and development of various linguistic skills in reading, listening, writing and speaking. This idea has already been practically implemented in the teaching activity: Within the framework of the conducted teaching and research project, places were identified where the German prisoners of war were housed and worked in the Dnipropetrovsk region; buildings built by German prisoners of war according to the projects developed by German engineers; the German traces in different spheres of life in our region and our hometown were researched.
Stem bark methanolic extract of Bauhinia thonningii (Schum) demonstrates gastroprotective properties against in vivo ethanol-induced injury
Authors: Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Mariod Abdalbasit , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Nordin Norazie , Jayapalan Jaime Jacqueline , Hashim Onn Haji
Published: April 2023

Background: Stomach ulcer is one of the diseases that many patients suffer from all over the world, and it causes damage to the intestinal wall. Some research has shown that Bauhinia thonningii extract, which has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach ulcers, has powerful antioxidant and mucus-increasing properties. Objective:This research is aimed at studying the mechanism(s) through which methanolic (MBST) and chloroform (CBST) extracts of B. thonningii stem bark protects against ethanol-induced stomach damage in rats. Material and Methods: MBST and CBST were evaluated in vivo for their cytoprotective qualities employing stomach acidity, mucus content, macroscopic and microscopic methods, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, mass spectroscopy, 2D gel electrophoresis, and biochemical indicators. These extracts were tested in vitro on lipopolysaccharide/interferon-stimulated rat cells. Additionally, in-vivo, and in-vitro toxicity investigations were conducted. FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC tests were used to determine the antioxidant activity of MBST and CBST. Chemical and spectroscopic approaches were used to analyze the phytochemistry of MBST and CBST.Results: The gross and histological characteristics of B. thonningii proved its anti-ulcerogenic effects. MBST has gastroprotective effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and proteomics indicators [heat shock protein (Hsp60), disulfide isomerase (ERp60), protein disulfide-isomerase, creatine kinase B, cytosolic malate dehydrogenase, peroxiredoxin-6, and ATP synthase]. MBST and CBST have substantial impacts on nitric oxide both in-vitro and in-vivo. In comparison to CBST, methanolic extract (MBST) demonstrated greater gastroprotective properties, polyphenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The plant extracts did not show any toxicity in-vitro or in-vivo. MBST shows anti-ulcer action, which may be ascribed to its ability to reduce ethanol-triggered oxidative injury, to intervene in proteomic mechanisms, and to modulate nitric oxide.Conclusion:The present study found that stem bark extracts of Bauhinia thonningii Schum have cytoprotective activities against in vivo ethanol-induced damage due to its powerful antioxidant and mucus-increasing capabilities. Bauhinia thonningii warrants more attention since it may provide an exciting novel medication for the treatment of acute erosive gastropathy.Keywords: Bauhinia thonningii Schum;polar and non-polar extraction; peptic ulcer; nitric oxide; proteomics
Social networks in non-profit organizations
Authors: Vidak Ivana , Tubić Dejan , Kovačević Martina
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to define the communication, communication process, the concept of social networks and non-profit organizations, with special emphasis on how non-profit organizations use social networks for their work. Social networks are a form of everyday private or business communication. There are different types of social networks, and some of the most popular are: Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok. The goal of public relations is to provide the organization with an environment in which it will function best and where it will have the opportunity to build its reputation. In the second part of the paper, research methodology is to give through a comparative analysis of the use of social networks as a communication tool in the interpersonal communication of non-profit organizations with users. A descriptive analysis was conducted between ten non-profit organizations in the Republic of Croatia. Conducted analysis has shown that non-profit organizations use social networks in their daily work, for communication, but also for transparency of their work. In further research it would be advisable to detect who are stakeholders in such communication process and what is their opinion or suggestions for non-profit organization.
Analysis of the Causes of Hyperinflation in The Republic of Croatia 1991-1993
Authors: Družić Denis , Maras Dubravka
Published: April 2023

The paper analyses the causes and dynamics of hyperinflation in the Republic of Croatia – which lasted from 1991 to 1993. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, the individual causes of hyperinflation are broken down, and based on the analysis the authors conclude that while the primary inflationary impulse is due to the economic legacy of Yugoslavia, and historical circumstances such as war and the collapse of the former state, the rise in prices would not have been maintained had there not been inflationary taxation as a form of accumulation of foreign exchange reserves. The authors aim to provide newer generations of economists with a complete overview of factors that instigated and maintained inflation in this turbulent and transitory period in Croatia’s history.
Data Lakehouse: Benefits in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Čuš Blaž , Golec Darko
Published: April 2023

This article argues that the collection and processing of structured and unstructured data is necessary in small and medium-sized enterprises to advance in the business. The architecture, as it is known today, of a Data Warehouse is superseded by the larger Data Lakehouse. It is based on open data formats with direct access and has excellent support for machine learning and data science. To the enterprises that currently process only structured data, so they are technologically behind the competition, Data Lakehouse can help to solve big challenges based on Data Warehouses and Data Lakes, including data obsolescence, unmanageable data, and misplaced data. In the article it is presented how small and medium-sized enterprises are choosing to make a technological shift in the direction of Data Lakehouse, which helps them with strategic decisions and further steps in the enterprise for faster growth and development.
Chancen und Risiken von Methoden zur Entnahme und Speicherung von CO2 aus der Atmosphäre
Authors: Cames Martin , Mader Clemens , Hermann Andreas , Köhler Andreas R. , Malinverno Nadia , Möller Martin , Niesen Björn , Som Claudia , Wäger Patrick
Published: April 2023

Mit dem Pariser Klimaabkommen von 2015 hat sich die Staatengemeinschaft verpflichtet, die globale Erwärmung auf deutlich unter 2°C zu begrenzen. Der Weltklimarat geht inzwischen aber davon aus, dass die bisher beschlossenen Massnahmen zur Reduzierung der Treibhausgasemissionen nicht genügen, um den menschengemachten Klimawandel in den Griff zu bekommen. Technologische Lösungen könnten dabei helfen, das Netto-Null-Ziel bis 2050 trotzdem zu erreichen: Sie sollen schwer vermeidbare Restemissionen aus Landwirtschaft, Tierhaltung und Abfalldeponien durch negative Emissionen kompensieren. Die Studie analysiert fünf Negativemissionstechnologien (NET), deren Einsatz in der Schweiz erwägt wird. Sie stützt sich dabei auf die von der Universität Zürich und der Empa entwickelte und hier erstmals angewandte partizipative Online-Befragungsmethodik LOTA (Landscape of Opinions for Technology Assessment). Ziel ist es, Politik und Öffentlichkeit transparent über Chancen, Grenzen (Kosten, Machbarkeit, Dauerhaftigkeit, Klimawirksamkeit) und Risiken (Umweltaspekte, Auswirkungen auf Landwirtschaft und Bevölkerung) zu informieren, Handlungsoptionen aufzuzeigen und damit eine faktenbasierte Debatte über den Stellenwert von NET in einer nachhaltigen und gesellschaftsverträglichen Klimastrategie zu unterstützen.
Advanced multimodal imaging of solid thyroid lesions with artificial intelligence-optimized B-mode, elastography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography parametric and with perfusion imaging: Initial results
Authors: Jung E.M. , Stroszczynski C. , Jung F.
Published: April 2023

Goal of the study was the assessment of AI-assisted diagnosis of solid thyroid foci with multimodal modern ultrasound imaging. 50 patients (26–81 years, 54.7±13.1 years) were included in the study. Multimodal ultrasound imaging by means of B-mode with linear probe (4–12 MHz) with option of automated documentation of findings by means of AI, with supplementary Ultra MicroAngiography (UMA) was used. Macrovascularisation was assessed by dynamic contrast ultrasonography (CEUS) with parametric evaluation and perfusion analysis, and microvascularization was assessed by combined strain and shear wave elastography on a novel high-performance ultrasound system (Resona R9/Mindray) by an experienced examiner with independent reading. The evaluation was performed according to TI-RADS III-V. The volume of the thyroid lobes on both sides averaged 39 ml±5 ml (27 to 69 ml). The 13 cases of histologically confirmed thyroid carcinomas (8 papillary, 2 medullary, 2 microfollicular, 1 anaplastic CA) with a mean size of 15 mm±6 mm (9–21 mm) were correctly evaluated by TI-RADS V on the basis of irregular shape, induration > 2.5 m/s or > 30kPA and striking wash-out kinetics. Tumor lymph nodes could only be correctly detected preoperatively in one case of medullary carcinoma according to the surgical findings, based on irregular vascularization with UMA in roundish shape with cortex > 4 mm, transverse diameter up to 11 mm. In 25 cases of inhomogeneous nodular goiter an evaluation with TI-RADS III was performed in 31 cases, in 4 cases with incomplete marginal contour, partial marginal vascularization with UMA and partial wash out with indurations up to 2.5 m/s 30 kPA an evaluation with TI-RADS IV and surgical excision for nodular goiter. In 12 cases regressive nodular changes without relevant malignancy criteria resulted in nodular goiter, with focal changes up to 1.5 cm in diameter, classified as requiring control with TI-RADS III. There were no relevant changes in findings in the controls after 6 months. From the AI tool, the 20/25 goiter nodes were assessed as TI-RADS III, 7/12 adenomas, 5 goiter nodes, and 5 adenomas as TI-RADS IV, 5/13 carcinomas as TI-RADS IV, and 8/13 carcinomas as TI-RADS V. Multimodal ultrasound diagnostics supported by AI has a high diagnostic potential for the evaluation of solid thyroid lesions and standardizes the reporting with digital representative image documentation. CEUS perfusion and modern elastography techniques allow targeted follow-up of TI-RADS III findings.
Solving distributed low carbon scheduling problem for large complex equipment manufacturing using an improved hybrid artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Xu Wenxiang , Wang Lei , Liu Dezheng , Tang Hongtao , Li Yibing
Published: April 2023

Multi-agent collaborative manufacturing, high energy consumption and pollution, and frequent operation outsourcing are the three main characteristics of large complex equipment manufacturing enterprises. Therefore, the production scheduling problem of large complex equipment to be studied is a distributed flexible job shop scheduling problem involving operation outsourcing (Oos-DFJSP). Besides, the influences of each machine on carbon emission and job scheduling at different processing speeds are also involved in this research. Thus the Oos-DFJSP of large complex equipment consists of the following four sub-problems: determining the sequence of operations, assigning jobs to manufactories, assigning operations to machines and determining the processing speed of each machine. In the Oos-DFJSP, if a job is assigned to a manufactory of a group manufacturing enterprise, and the manufactory cannot complete some operations of the workpiece, then these operations will be assigned to other manufactories with related processing capabilities. Aiming at solving the problem, a multi-objective mathematical model including costs, makespan and carbon emission was established, in which energy consumption, power generation of waste heat and treatment capacity of pollutants were considered in the calculation of carbon emission. Then, a multi-objective improved hybrid genetic artificial bee colony algorithm was developed to address the above model. Finally, 45 groups of random comparison experiments were presented. Results indicate that the developed algorithm performs better than other multi-objective algorithms involved in the comparison experiments not only on quality of non-dominated solutions but also on Inverse Generational Distance and Error Ratio. That is, the proposed mathematical model and algorithm were proved to be an excellent method for solving the multi-objective Oos-DFJSP.
A three-way decision model associated with decision-theoretic rough fuzzy sets based on computing with words
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Ping
Published: April 2023

The three-way decision model based on linguistic term sets has been extensively investigated since decision makers frequently utilize natural language to evaluate in an actual decision-making process. The existing models require decision makers to select appropriate linguistic terms from a given linguistic term set. However, making such a choice is not always simple, and decision makers occasionally choose words that are related to their own experience. In order to deal with this kind of decision problem, we appeal to the theory of computing with words pioneered by Zadeh and establish a three-way decision model based on computing with words in this paper. The paper focuses on how to deal with more general linguistic information using the theory of computing with words. Initially, using the concept of computing with words, we translate more broad linguistic information into a linguistic distribution assessment on a balanced linguistic term set in order to better analyze linguistic information. The three-way decision based on computing with words is then discussed. Decision-theoretic rough fuzzy sets take into account the ambiguity of the decision target as a generalization of the classical decision-theoretic rough sets. This is what motivated us to develop a three-way decision based on decision-theoretic rough fuzzy sets using computing with words. Additionally, a fabricated example demonstrates that our three-way decision model is more adaptable in processing linguistic information and can handle more general linguistic information provided by decision makers.
Parkinsonian Hand or Clinician’s Eye? Finger Tap Bradykinesia Interrater Reliability for 21 Movement Disorder Experts
Authors: Williams Stefan , Wong David , Alty Jane E. , Relton Samuel D.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Bradykinesia is considered the fundamental motor feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is central to diagnosis, monitoring, and research outcomes. However, as a clinical sign determined purely by visual judgement, the reliability of humans to detect and measure bradykinesia remains unclear.

Objective:

To establish interrater reliability for expert neurologists assessing bradykinesia during the finger tapping test, without cues from additional examination or history.

Methods:

21 movement disorder neurologists rated finger tapping bradykinesia, by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and Modified Bradykinesia Rating Scale (MBRS), in 133 videos of hands: 73 from 39 people with idiopathic PD, 60 from 30 healthy controls. Each neurologist rated 30 randomly-selected videos. 19 neurologists were also asked to judge whether the hand was PD or control. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for absolute agreement and consistency of MDS-UPDRS ratings, using standard linear and cumulative linked mixed models.

Results:

There was only moderate agreement for finger tapping MDS-UPDRS between neurologists, ICC 0.53 (standard linear model) and 0.65 (cumulative linked mixed model). Among control videos, 53% were rated > 0 by MDS-UPDRS, and 24% were rated as bradykinesia by MBRS subscore combination. Neurologists correctly identified PD/control status in 70% of videos, without strictly following bradykinesia presence/absence.

Conclusion:

Even experts show considerable disagreement about the level of bradykinesia on finger tapping, and frequently see bradykinesia in the hands of those without neurological disease. Bradykinesia is to some extent a phenomenon in the eye of the clinician rather than simply the hand of the person with PD.
Effects of Very Low- and High-Frequency Subthalamic Stimulation on Motor Cortical Oscillations During Rhythmic Lower-Limb Movements in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Bosch Taylor J. , Cole Rachel C. , Bezchlibnyk Yarema , Flouty Oliver , Singh Arun
Published: April 2023

Background:

Standard high-frequency deep brain stimulation (HF-DBS) at the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is less effective for lower-limb motor dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, the effects of very low frequency (VLF; 4 Hz)-DBS on lower-limb movement and motor cortical oscillations have not been compared.

Objective:

To compare the effects of VLF-DBS and HF-DBS at the STN on a lower-limb pedaling motor task and motor cortical oscillations in patients with PD and with and without freezing of gait (FOG).

Methods:

Thirteen PD patients with bilateral STN-DBS performed a cue-triggered lower-limb pedaling motor task with electroencephalography (EEG) in OFF-DBS, VLF-DBS (4 Hz), and HF-DBS (120-175 Hz) states. We performed spectral analysis on the preparatory signals and compared GO-cue-triggered theta and movement-related beta oscillations over motor cortical regions across DBS conditions in PD patients and subgroups (PDFOG–and PDFOG+).

Results:

Both VLF-DBS and HF-DBS decreased the linear speed of the pedaling task in PD, and HF-DBS decreased speed in both PDFOG–and PDFOG+. Preparatory theta and beta activities were increased with both stimulation frequencies. Both DBS frequencies increased motor cortical theta activity during pedaling movement in PD patients, but this increase was only observed in the PDFOG + group. Beta activity was not significantly different from OFF-DBS at either frequency regardless of FOG status.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that VL and HF DBS may induce similar effects on lower-limb kinematics by impairing movement speed and modulating motor cortical oscillations in the lower frequency band.
Influence of fetal hiccups on Doppler blood flow waveform of fetal arteries: Difference among arteries
Authors: Ito T. , Kadowaki K. , Saito S. , Katagiri C. , Ishihara K.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: A few studies have been reported on the influence of fetal hiccups on umbilical artery. The aim of this study is to clarify the influence of fetal hiccups on Doppler blood flow waveform (DBFW) of some fetal arteries, and to show the difference in these influences among fetal arteries. OBJECTIVE: DBFW of umbilical artery, descending aorta, and middle cerebral artery were recorded at hiccups in normal fetuses between 34th and 40th gestational weeks. The changes on DBFW were classified into three shapes by the direction and the size of the changes. Shape 1: sharp decrease but not to the baseline, Shape 2: sharp decrease to the baseline (absence), and Shape 3: reverse flow. RESULTS: At all hiccups, the changes on DBFW of these arteries were observed. These changes were classified into three shapes. Changes of umbilical artery were widely distributed in three shapes depending on when hiccup occurred during cardiac cycle. On the other hand, most changes of the descending aorta and middle cerebral artery were Shape 3 whenever the hiccup occurred during cardiac cycle. CONCLUSION: The changes on DBFW of fetal arteries were observed at all hiccups. Changes of umbilical artery were widely distributed in three shapes depending on when hiccup occurred during cardiac cycle. On the other hand, most changes of descending aorta and middle cerebral artery were Shape 3. This is the first study clarified the influence of fetal hiccups on DBFW of some fetal arteries, and showed the difference in these influences among fetal arteries.
Anthropological Study of a Typical Drought-Prone Village in India: Strategies for Sustainable Rural Habitat
Authors: Das Subham , Vijayalaxmi J
Published: April 2023

Drought-prone villages are constantly facing the challenges of agricultural productivity, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities due to ecological vulnerability, predominance of wasteland, inadequate water supply, and absence of physical and socio-cultural infrastructure. The study aims to develop a comprehensive policy framework to mitigate the socio-economic and environmental issues against the threat. The methodology comprises an anthropological study from micro to macro level to synthesize the dynamics of drought in the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural indices of a typical agrarian village of Purulia District in West Bengal, India. The results illustrate ecological susceptibility such as extreme climatic condition, futile wasteland cover, rocky undulating landform, top soil erosion, and human-made contingencies including deforestation, absence of water conservation practices, over utilization of existing water bodies resulting in water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and absence of major agrarian livelihood. Lack of alternative livelihood practices such as agro-forestry and non-farm activities, appropriate knowledge regarding drought mitigation, sustainable living practices, inadequate physical infrastructure. and pressing issues in housing with population growth results in degradation of socio-economic profile of the residents, loss of natural resource. and poor socio-spatial livability quotient. It also increases the risk of habitat loss with regular drought occurrence. The study can be further adapted and strengthened according to varied rural settlements according to their geographical context, climatic vulnerability, predominant livelihood contingencies, and socio-cultural resonance. Most research in this domain focuses on the geophysical and meteorological parameters while the anthropo-geographical aspects such as local ecology, indigenous livelihood patterns, and native strategies of drought management are largely overlooked. The policy framework has been suggested to facilitate an integrated measure for the ecological and economic sustainability against drought with diversified livelihood opportunities, environmental upgradation, and augmentation of physical infrastructure. This policy can be further strengthened with retrofitting strategies of housing for future expansion and optimization of socio-cultural spaces to foster a sustainable economy, cohesive socio-cultural well-being, and resource optimization.
ciTIzen-centric DAta pLatform (TIDAL): Sharing distributed personal data in a privacy-preserving manner for health research
Authors: Sun Chang , Gallofré Ocaña Marc , van Soest Johan , Dumontier Michel
Published: April 2023

Developing personal data sharing tools and standards in conformity with data protection regulations is essential to empower citizens to control and share their health data with authorized parties for any purpose they approve. This can be, among others, for primary use in healthcare, or secondary use for research to improve human health and well-being. Ensuring that citizens are able to make fine-grained decisions about how their personal health data can be used and shared will significantly encourage citizens to participate in more health-related research. In this paper, we propose a ciTIzen-centric DatA pLatform (TIDAL) to give individuals ownership of their own data, and connect them with researchers to donate the use of their personal data for research while being in control of the entire data life cycle, including data access, storage and analysis. We recognize that most existing technologies focus on one particular aspect such as personal data storage, or suffer from executing data analysis over a large number of participants, or face challenges of low data quality and insufficient data interoperability. To address these challenges, the TIDAL platform integrates a set of components for requesting subsets of RDF (Resource Description Framework) data stored in personal data vaults based on SOcial LInked Data (Solid) technology and analyzing them in a privacy-preserving manner. We demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the TIDAL platform by conducting a set of simulation experiments using three different pod providers (Inrupt, Solidcommunity, Self-hosted Server). On each pod provider, we evaluated the performance of TIDAL by querying and analyzing personal health data with varying scales of participants and configurations. The reasonable total time consumption and a linear correlation between the number of pods and variables on all pod providers show the feasibility and potential to implement and use the TIDAL platform in practice. TIDAL facilitates individuals to access their personal data in a fine-grained manner and to make their own decision on their data. Researchers are able to reach out to individuals and send them digital consent directly for using personal data for health-related research. TIDAL can play an important role to connect citizens, researchers, and data organizations to increase the trust placed by citizens in the processing of personal data.
Knowledge graphs for enhancing transparency in health data ecosystems1
Authors: Aisopos Fotis , Jozashoori Samaneh , Niazmand Emetis , Purohit Disha , Rivas Ariam , Sakor Ahmad , Iglesias Enrique , Vogiatzis Dimitrios , Menasalvas Ernestina , Rodriguez Gonzalez Alejandro , Vigueras Guillermo , Gomez-Bravo Daniel , Torrente Maria , Hernández López Roberto , Provencio Pulla Mariano , Dalianis Athanasios , Triantafillou Anna , Paliouras Georgios , Vidal Maria-Esther
Published: April 2023

Tailoring personalized treatments demands the analysis of a patient’s characteristics, which may be scattered over a wide variety of sources. These features include family history, life habits, comorbidities, and potential treatment side effects. Moreover, the analysis of the services visited the most by a patient before a new diagnosis, as well as the type of requested tests, may uncover patterns that contribute to earlier disease detection and treatment effectiveness. Built on knowledge-driven ecosystems, we devise DE4LungCancer, a health data ecosystem of data sources for lung cancer. In this data ecosystem, knowledge extracted from heterogeneous sources, e.g., clinical records, scientific publications, and pharmacological data, is integrated into knowledge graphs. Ontologies describe the meaning of the combined data, and mapping rules enable the declarative definition of the transformation and integration processes. DE4LungCancer is assessed regarding the methods followed for data quality assessment and curation. Lastly, the role of controlled vocabularies and ontologies in health data management is discussed, as well as their impact on transparent knowledge extraction and analytics. This paper presents the lessons learned in the DE4LungCancer development. It demonstrates the transparency level supported by the proposed knowledge-driven ecosystem, in the context of the lung cancer pilots of the EU H2020-funded project BigMedilytic, the ERA PerMed funded project P4-LUCAT, and the EU H2020 projects CLARIFY and iASiS.