bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediating role of Student’s attitude between Entrepreneurial Education and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Evidence from Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Soomro Mansoor Ahmed , Memon Muhammad Saleh , Bukhari Noor Shah
Published: September 2022

This research examines the role of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intentions among business graduates of public and private universities of Sindh, Pakistan. Since the last decades, entrepreneur education has increased tremendously even today in different disciplines pupils and students are taught entrepreneurship at various education levels. Entrepreneurship is one key aspect through which a country can be transformed into a knowledge-based economy. However, it is one of the challenging tasks to change the intentions of pupils rather than seeking a job they venture into business. The research mode was grounded in a hypothetical framework, entrepreneurial education including curricula, in encouraging entrepreneurship, to assess entrepreneurial intentions as a dependent variable with mediating role of attitude. The questionnaires were handed to students of universities by implying face to face as well as drop off and pick up methods. The derived result ratio was 492 (88%) from distributed questionnaires for the succeeding process of collecting data. The data, that was gathered and collected made handy and was analyzed by using Smart-PLS-3. Structural Equation Modeling techniques and PLS-MGA techniques for comparison of two groups. Descriptive numerical data was further carried out for showing demographic features, harmonious elements through SPSS-26, to validate the goodness –fit of the model, and hypotheses were inferred for the practical study. The suggested study model was transformed, and it plays a key role in the theory and progress of the novel variables. Three of the hypotheses H1, H2, and H3 were accepted for the study. The results of the study helped to extract a bulk amount of information on entrepreneurship education in public and private universities. Even it suggested certain recommendations and put forwarded practical measures for the succeeding research and field study in the domain of entrepreneurship with a deep interest in entrepreneurial students in the coming future.”
The effect of flipped classroom approach on learning achievement, online self-regulation and interaction in synchronous distance education
Authors: AKTI ASLAN Seda
Published: September 2022

A quasi-experimental design was employed to examine the effects of flipped classroom approach on students’ academic achievement, self-regulation skills, and interaction level in synchronous distance education. The participants consisted of 50 undergraduate students. In an online synchronous course, the Zoom application and its breakout rooms were used. For ten weeks, students were asked to attend the course two times each week. For data collection, learning achievement test, online self-regulation scale, and online course interaction level determination scale were administered. The results revealed that while flipped classroom approach in an online synchronous course positively influenced students’ self-regulation skills and the interaction level, it did not affect students’ learning achievement.
The effect of item pool and selection algorithms on computerized classification testing (CCT) performance
Authors: DEMİR Seda
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of item pool and selection algorithms on computerized classification testing (CCT) performance in terms of some classification evaluation metrics. For this purpose, 1000 examinees’ response patterns using the R package were generated and eight item pools with 150, 300, 450, and 600 items having different distributions were formed. A total of 100 iterations were performed for each research condition. The results indicated that average classification accuracy (ACA) was partially lower, but average test length (ATL) was higher in item pools having a broad distribution. It was determined that the observed differences were more apparent in the item pool with 150 items, and that item selection methods gave similar results in terms of ACA and ATL. The Sympson-Hetter method indicated advantages in terms of test efficiency, while the item eligibility method offered an improvement in terms of item exposure control. The modified multinomial model, on the other hand, was more effective in terms of content balancing.
Kinetics and Activation Complex Thermodynamic Study of the Acidity Removal of Oleic Acid via Esterification Reaction on Commercial 13X Zeolite
Authors: Jurmot Shahad , Abbas Ammar S.
Published: September 2022

The study involved the removal of acidity from free fatty acid via the esterification reaction of oleic acid with ethanol. The reaction was done in a batch reactor using commercial 13X zeolite as a catalyst. The effects of temperatures (40 to 70 °C) and reaction time (up to 120 minutes) were studied using 6:1 mole ratio of pure ethanol to oleic acid and 5 wt. % of the catalyst. The results showed that acid removed increased with increasing temperature and reaction time. Also, the acidity removal rises sharply during the first reaction period and then changes slightly afterward. The highest acidity removal value was 67 % recorded at 110 minutes and 70 °C. An apparent homogeneous reversible reaction kinetic model has been proposed and solved with the experimentally obtained kinetics data to evaluate reaction rate constants versus temperature, pre-exponential factors, and activation energy values for the forward and the backward esterification reactions. The activation energies were 34.863 kJ/mol for the forward reaction and 29.731 kJ/mol for the backward reaction. The thermodynamics of the activation step of the forward and reverse reactions was studied based on the hypothesis of forming a complex material that decomposes into a product. The activation steps were studied using Eyring bimolecular collision theory approach, and both ΔH* and ΔS* were determined for forward and backward esterification reactions. The enthalpies of activation were 32.141 kJ/mol and 27.080 kJ/mol for the forward reaction and the backward reaction, and the entropies of activation were - 193.7 and -212.7 J/mol. K for the forward reaction and the backward reaction, respectively.
Risk-Based Inspection Due to Corrosion Consequences for Oil and Gas Flowline: A Review
Authors: Mmahmood Fatima , Jaafar Dhifaf
Published: September 2022

The petroleum industry, which is one of the pillars of the national economy, has the potential to generate vast wealth and employment possibilities. The transportation of petroleum products is complicated and changeable because of the hazards caused by the corrosion consequences. Hazardous chemical leaks caused by natural disasters may harm the environment, resulting in significant economic losses. It significantly threatens the aim for sustainable development. When a result, determining the likelihood of leakage and the potential for environmental harm, it becomes a top priority for decision-makers as they develop maintenance plans. This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with oil and gas pipelines. It also tries to identify essential risk factors in flowline projects, as well as their likelihood and severity, in order to reduce loss of life and increased expenditures as a result of safety issues. The monetary quantification was used to determine the leakage-induced environmental losses. Using a 5-by-5 probability-currency matrix, the level of environmental risk was evaluated the safety and risk-based inspection (RBI) is evaluated through the use of specific schedules to determine the likelihood of failure (LOF) and Consequence of Failure (COF). The risk level appears in the matrix, and appropriate maintenance steps should be taken to reduce risks, such as injecting corrosion inhibitors to protect the Pipelines, activating cathodic protection or coating. Overall, this research contributes to the prevention of petroleum product leakage due to the corrosion consequences in the transportation sector. Also, encourage non-environmental risk decision-makers to gain a better understanding of the risk level.
Wound closure with a mesh and liquid tissue adhesive (Dermabond Prineo) system in pediatric spine surgery: a prospective single-center cohort study incorporating parent-reported outcome measures
Authors: Stricker Sarah , Eberhard Noëmi , Licci Maria , Greuter Ladina , Zweifel Christian , Guzman Raphael , Soleman Jehuda
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

Wound healing can be challenging in children undergoing spine surgery for neurological conditions due to a high risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and wound infection. In adults, use of the Dermabond Prineo (DP) skin closure system, which consists of both tissue adhesive glue and a self-adhesive mesh, for wound closure of medium-length surgical incisions has been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and cosmetic outcome of DP for wound closure in extra- and intradural pediatric neurological spine surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 47 children underwent 50 spine procedures using DP for wound closure between 2018 and 2022 at a single institution. Patient demographic and surgical data were collected. The primary outcome was revision surgery for wound healing disorders, while secondary outcomes were infections, minor wound healing disorders, and both physician and parental satisfaction (parent-reported outcome measures [PROMs]) at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 50 spinal (45 intra- and 5 extradural) interventions, 1 patient (2%) underwent revision surgery for a cutaneous CSF fistula and pseudomeningocele. Minor wound healing disorders occurred after 16 surgeries, which did not require surgical wound revision and resolved completely. No allergic reactions to DP or surgical site infections within 30 days were observed. The parents and the medical team described wound care as significantly facilitated since wound dressing changes were not needed. Three families (6.4%) encountered difficulties in wound care, and 46 (97.9%) were satisfied with DP. The cosmetic outcome based on PROMs was excellent, with a mean score of 8 (IQR 2) on a scale from 1 to 10. At long-term follow-up, a mean of 11.3 ± 10.7 months after surgery, physicians rated the cosmetic outcome on the visual analog scale (median score 9, IQR 1) and Hollander scale (median score 6, IQR 1). The outcomes were similar among the different pathologies and age groups and did not differ in patients with and without syndromic malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of DP is simple, enables good patient comfort, facilitates both professional and parental wound care, and leads to excellent cosmetic results. DP possibly aids in the reduction of postoperative CSF leakage and infections after pediatric neurological spine surgery.
Rod fractures in thoracolumbar fusions to the sacrum/pelvis for adult symptomatic lumbar scoliosis: long-term follow-up of a prospective, multicenter cohort of 160 patients
Authors: Sardi Juan Pablo , Lazaro Bruno , Smith Justin S. , Kelly Michael P. , Dial Brian , Hills Jeffrey , Yanik Elizabeth L. , Gupta Munish , Baldus Christine R. , Yen Chun Po , Lafage Virginie , Ames Christopher P. , Bess Shay , Schwab Frank , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Bridwell Keith H.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

Previous reports of rod fracture (RF) in adult spinal deformity are limited by heterogeneous cohorts, low follow-up rates, and relatively short follow-up durations. Since the majority of RFs present > 2 years after surgery, true occurrence and revision rates remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to better understand the risk factors for RF and assess its occurrence and revision rates following primary thoracolumbar fusions to the sacrum/pelvis for adult symptomatic lumbar scoliosis (ASLS) in a prospective series with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Patient records were obtained from the Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Scoliosis–1 (ASLS-1) database, an NIH-sponsored multicenter, prospective study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged 40–80 years undergoing primary surgeries for ASLS (Cobb angle ≥ 30° and Oswestry Disability Index ≥ 20 or Scoliosis Research Society-22r ≤ 4.0 in pain, function, and/or self-image) with instrumented fusion of ≥ 7 levels that included the sacrum/pelvis. Patients with and without RF were compared to assess risk factors for RF and revision surgery.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 160 patients (median age 62 years, IQR 55.7–67.9 years). At a median follow-up of 5.1 years (IQR 3.8–6.6 years), there were 92 RFs in 62 patients (38.8%). The median time to RF was 3.0 years (IQR 1.9–4.54 years), and 73% occurred > 2 years following surgery. Based on Kaplan-Meier analyses, estimated RF rates at 2, 4, 5, and 8 years after surgery were 11%, 24%, 35%, and 49%, respectively. Baseline radiographic, clinical, and demographic characteristics were similar between patients with and without RF. In Cox regression models, greater postoperative pelvic tilt (HR 1.895, 95% CI 1.196–3.002, p = 0.0065) and greater estimated blood loss (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.005–1.036, p = 0.0088) were associated with increased risk of RF. Thirty-eight patients (61% of all RFs) underwent revision surgery. Bilateral RF was predictive of revision surgery (HR 3.52, 95% CI 1.8–6.9, p = 0.0002), while patients with unilateral nondisplaced RFs were less likely to require revision (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.84, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides what is to the authors’ knowledge the highest-quality data to date on RF rates following ASLS surgery. At a median follow-up of 5.1 years, 38.8% of patients had at least one RF. Estimated RF rates at 2, 4, 5, and 8 years after surgery were 11%, 24%, 35%, and 49%, respectively. Greater estimated blood loss and postoperative pelvic tilt were significant risk factors for RF. These findings emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up to realize the true prevalence and cumulative incidence of RF.
ТРЕНДИ DIGITAL-МАРКЕТИНГУ В УМОВАХ КРИЗИ
Authors: Martyniuk O. V.
Published: September 2022

В статті визначено основні тренди digital-маркетингу в умовах кризи.  Виявлено тенденції його подальшого розвитку з урахуванням особливостей сучасного етапу економічного розвитку, невід’ємною частиною якого є використання цифрових технологій. Сформовано цілі digital-маркетингу з метою комунікації та утримання уваги споживачів, залучення нових клієнтів, збільшення трафіку та отримання стабільного доходу. Доведено, що імплементація сучасних трендів digital-маркетинг є інструментом, здатним посилити позиції компанії на ринку, підвищити цінність пропозиції компанії споживачам, завоювати довіру цільової аудиторії, підвищити рейтинг бренду в пошуковій мережі.
МЕТОДИ ОЦІНКИ РІВНЯ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА: ПІДХОДИ ДО ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ТА ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ
Authors: Shуlo Zh. S. , Krechko M. Yu.
Published: September 2022

У статті досліджено та узагальнено підходи до оцінки рівня економічної безпеки підприємства. Проаналізовано зміст, переваги й недоліки кожного з них. Визначено, що сучасна економічна література не має єдиної методики комплексної оцінки економічної безпеки підприємства з урахуванням усіх необхідних для цього критеріїв. Запропоновано використання методичного підходу, що розроблений на основі узагальнення декількох підходів і складається з послідовних етапів оцінки для комплексного оцінювання рівня економічної безпеки підприємства.
POSSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES USING DURING DENTAL RESTORATION IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Soloshenko J.I.
Published: September 2022

Caries of temporary teeth in children occurs already from the first year of life, and the prevalence and intensity of early childhood caries tend to increase with age. Therefore, its treatment in children of early childhood and preschool age is a difficult but very important task for a dentist. The purpose of our study was to compare different approaches to oral hygiene in children of early childhood and preschool age. We examined 25 children aged 2 to 6 years who had suband decompensated caries and belonged to 2 health groups. These children were divided into two groups depending on the approach to dental treatment. The first group consisted of 10 children who were treated in outpatient settings. The second group consisted of 15 children who underwent oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia. The children of the first group were 5-6 years old persons, the second group included 2-5 years old children. Treatment of children of the 1st group, who had a positive attitude to dental manipulations, was carried out under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. In the 2nd group of children who had either a negative attitude to dental treatment or an early age, rehabilitation was carried out under general anesthesia. Isolation of the working field was carried out using a rubberdam system. Universal nano-ceramic material SeramX SphereTEC one (Dentsply) was used for permanent fillings. When diagnosing pulpitis, treatment was carried out by the method of vital amputation or extirpation. Bio MTA Plus (Cerkamed P.P.H, Poland) was used as biological material during amputation, and Metapex filling material (Meta Biomed) was used to fill root canals during extirpation. Riva LC (SDI Limited, Australia) was used as a gasket for pulpitis.

Research results and their discussion. We could not (in the most cases) provide quality treatment to the children of the 1st group, despite the fact that they had an older age, a lower intensity of caries, and a lower percentage of complicated caries. Although there is a significant number of dental visits (from 4 to 9) compared to children of the 2nd group, who were completely rehabilitated in the oral cavity in one visit.

Conclusions. As the results of the clinical study demonstrated, it is better to treat children in early childhood and preschool age who have a high intensity of caries under general anesthesia. This will allow the doctor to carry out the high-quality treatment according to modern protocols with a predictable result and will save the child from a negative experience of dental treatment, which in the future will make it possible to safely carry out rehabilitation of the oral cavity in an outpatient setting.
SISTEM INFORMASI PUSAT KARIR DAN TRACER STUDY PADA UNIVERSITAS BINA DARMA BERBASIS ANDROID
Authors: Riska Aprilliah  , Supratman Edi
Published: September 2022

Kemajuan teknologi pada saat ini yang semakin berkembang sangat berperan penting dalam menunjang segala macam kegiatan terutama dalam pemanfaatan data dan pencarian informasi dalam berbagai bidang, seperti bidang pendidikan.  Pusat karir adalah pusat sistem pendidikan dan pelatihan yang diperuntukkan bagi alumni suatu perguruan tinggi. Adapun tracer study merupakan sebuah layanan yang disediakan oleh setiap lembaga pendidikan untuk melacak alumni yang telah lulus dari lembaganya yang mana nantinya dapat digunakan untuk akreditasi dan pendataan para lulusan yang ada. Pada Universitas Bina Darma memiliki 22 Program Studi, dan memiliki lulusan sebanyak 1392 pada tahun 2019, 1100 alumni pada tahun 2020, dan 1063 alumni pada tahun 2021. Dengan banyaknya lulusan setiap tahunnya pada Universitas Bina Darma, maka tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah membangun dan menerapkan sistem informasi pusat karir dan tracer study pada Universitas Bina Darma. Setiap perguruan tinggi diharapkan bisa mempunyai sistem penelusuran alumni berupa tracer study dan pusat pengembangan karir untuk mengetahui penyerapan dan posisi lulusan dalam dunia kerja. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membangun sistem informasi pusat karir dan tracer study berbasis android agar dapat memudahkan tim tracer study dalam melacak data alumni. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Metode Prototype. Penelitian ini akan dilakukan di Universitas Bina Darma yang akan dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari sampai dengan Maret 2021. Hasil penelitian yang diharapkan dapat berupa aplikasi sistem pusat karir dan tracer study berbasis android.
STRUCTURE AND STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF PLASMA COATING OBTAINED FROM POWDERED MATERIAL OF ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE CLAD WITH NICKEL
Authors: Tsareva I.N. , Berdnik O.B. , Krivina L.A. , Kuzmin V.I. , Razov E.N.
Published: September 2022

The problem of increasing the adhesive strength of plasma powder coatings by introducing a metal bundle from a new composite powder of domestic production into them has been solved. Synthesis of composite powder material is carried out by the method of cladding matrix ceramic particles with a metal component. The results of studies of a new powder material of the composition (ZrO2+8%Y2O3) with a granular composition of 40/80 microns obtained by chemical cladding of zirconium dioxide particles with a nickel shell (30 wt.%), as well as the coating formed from it. The regularities of the formation of an experimental coating from this powder material with a spherical particle shape have been studied using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It is established that a coating with a two-phase composition (T-ZrO2+Ni) is formed during high-energy plasma spraying. In cross-section, the coating is a composite structure consisting of zirconium dioxide grains with nickel interlayers. The coating is characterized by an average hardness of HV(medium) ~ 7,6 GPa and a surface roughness of Ra(medium) ~ 6,12 microns. When micro-indenting, the coating does not show fragility. The scratch test method was used as the main method for studying the strength properties of the coating. During sclerometry, a predominantly cohesive mechanism of coating destruction was established. The destruction occurs by a cohesive mechanism with a violation of the bonds in a thin surface layer and is accompanied by chipping of the microfragments of the coating. The critical load of the beginning of the formation of microcracks (Rs) ~ 10 N and the beginning of the formation of chevron microcracks (Rt) ~ 45 N were determined. The high adhesive strength of the adhesion of the investigated coating to the substrate is shown, since during the tests there is no detachment from the substrate up to the maximum load (200 N). The developed ceramic coating is promising for protection against mechanical and erosive wear of critical parts of power engineering working at elevated temperatures.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS 1: INCIPIENT STAGE OF DYNAMIC DEFORMATION AND FRACTURE IN 1561 AND 1565 ALUMINUM ALLOYS
Authors: Meshcheryakov Yu.I. , Divakov A.K. , Zhigacheva N.I. , Konovalov G.B. , Osokin E.P.
Published: September 2022

Transition of dynamically deformed solids into structure-unstable state is analyzed theoretically and experimentally from the physical kinetics approach. Propagation of shock wave in heterogeneous medium is considered to be in the form of superposition of two modes: (i) propagation of plane front with the mean velocity u(x,t) and (ii) random motions of local regions of medium because of chaotic stress fields. resulting from interaction of shock wave with the heterogeneous medium. This interaction results in particle velocity distribution, the quantitative characteristic of which is the particle velocity dispersion. Transition from one scale of dynamic deformation to another is found to be the so-called defect (decrease) of the particle velocity which characterizes the intensity of energy and momentum exchange between scale levels. Both characteristics are registered in real time in the process of shock-wave tests by using precise interferometric technique. Two materials, 1561 and 1565 aluminum alloys, were tested under uniaxial strain conditions within impact velocity range of 250–750 m/s. Owing to fine focusing of laser beam of interferometer up to 50–70 µm, the registered dynamic strength (spall strength) of material corresponds to single mesoscale structural element, which allows the incipient stage of dynamic fracture to be revealed in detail. The incipient strength is found to be maximum when velocity variation becomes equal to the velocity defect.
Computation of financial risk using principal component analysis
Authors: Mavungu Masiala
Published: September 2022

This article uses Principal Component Analysis to compute and extract the main factors for the financial risk of a portfolio, to determine the most dominating stock for each risk factor and for each portfolio and finally to compute the total risk of the portfolio. Firstly, each dataset is standardized and yields a new datasets. For each obtained dataset a covariance matrix is constructed from which the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are computed. The eigenvectors are linearly independent one to another and span a real vector space where the dimension is equal to the number of the original variables. They are also orthogonal and yield the principal risk components (pcs) also called principal risk axis, principal risk directions or main risk factors for the risk of the portfolios. They capture the maximum variance (risk) of the original dataset. Their number may even be reduced with minimum (negligible) loss of information and they constitute the new system of coordinates. Every principal component is a linear combination of the original variables (stock rate of returns). For each dataset, each financial transaction can be written as a linear combination of the eigenvectors. Since they are mutually orthogonal and linearly independent and that they capture the maximum variance of the original data, the risk of the portfolio is calculated by using the principal components, then they have been used to calculate the total risk of the portfolio which is a weighted sum of the variance explained by the principal components.
IFNγ-IL-17-IL-22+CD4+ subset and IL-22-producing cells in tumor draining lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Salmanpour Ali , Rezaeifard Somayeh , Kiani Razie , Tahmasebi Sedigheh , Faghih Zahra , Erfani Nasrollah
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: A recently introduced CD4+ T subset that mainly secretes interleukin (IL-) 22 has been reported to be associated with a variety of tumors, including colon, gastric, hepatocellular, and small- and large-cell lung carcinoma. Both tumor-promoting and - suppressing roles have been suggested for these cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of IL-22-producing subsets in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) of the patients with breast cancer and determine their association with the clinicopathological characterizations of the disease. METHODS: Thirty untreated women diagnosed with breast cancer were enrolled and their axillary lymph nodes were dissected during surgery. Mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll density gradient, activated, permeabilized, and stained by fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies against CD4, IL-22, IL-17, and IFNγ. The cells were then acquired on the FACSCalibur flow cytometer, and raw data was analyzed by the FlowJo software package (V10). RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that 2.39% ± 0.39 of CD4+ lymphocytes in TDLNs of patients with breast cancer produced IL-22. Among them, 0.64% ± 0.8 just produced IL-22 but were negative for IFNγ and IL-17. Statistical analysis indicated that the frequency of CD4+IL-22+ cells was significantly higher in the patients with stage III and the ones with 3–9 tumor involved lymph nodes (N2) compared to those with stage II and those having 1–3 tumor involved lymph nodes (N1) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: The higher frequency of IL-22-producing cells in draining lymph nodes of patients with more advanced tumors (higher stage (stage III) and more involved lymph nodes) suggests a role for IL-22-producing cells in the tumor progression and invasion. However, further studies with larger sample size and more functional studies are needed to clarify the role of IL-22-producing cells in breast cancer pathogenesis.
Expression of Interleukin-21 and Interleukin-21 receptor in lymphocytes derived from tumor-draining lymph nodes of breast cancer
Authors: Balouchi-Anaraki Sima , Mohammadsadeghi Sara , Norouzian Marzieh , Rasolmali Reza , Talei Abdol-Rasoul , Mehdipour Fereshteh , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is produced by various cell types inducing positive and negative effects in immunity against tumors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of IL-21 by CD4+T and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) by B lymphocytes isolated from breast-tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs). METHODS: Fresh lymph node samples were obtained from 45 patients with breast cancer. To assess IL-21 expression, mononuclear cells were briefly stimulated whereas IL-21R expression was assessed in unstimulated B cells. Cells were stained with antibodies for CD4, IL-21, CD19 and IL-21R and acquired by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The frequency of IL-21+CD4+T cells did not show significant association with disease parameters. However, the geometric mean fluorescence intensity (gMFI) of IL-21 in CD4+T cells was significantly lower in patients with grade III tumor than grade I + II (P = 0.042). In non-involved LNs, the intensity of IL-21 was significantly higher in patients with stage II compared with stage III (P = 0.038) and correlated negatively with the number of involved LNs. The frequency of IL-21R+CD19+B cells was significantly higher in grade III than grade I + II (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The higher intensity of IL-21 in CD4+T cells showed association with good prognosticators in breast cancer and warrants further investigation of the role played by IL-21 in immunity against breast cancer.
Stress change calculations in accidentally damaged prestressed bridge girders
Authors: Tabatabai Habib , Nabizadeh Azam
Published: September 2022

Accidental damage to prestressed concrete bridge girders may occur due to impact by over-height vehicles on the bottom of the girder, or the top flange of the girder may be damaged during deck removal and replacement operations. Since stress checks at service loads are an important component of design for prestressed concrete beams, serviceability-based stress checks should be considered when assessing the structural condition of damaged girders. In this paper, step-by-step theoretical calculations are used to develop equations for estimating service load stress changes due to physical damage (partial loss of concrete section and strands) based on a differential approach. The effects of lack of symmetry in the damaged cross section is considered in the calculations. A spreadsheet-based program is developed to calculate complex section property values for the damaged sections. The accuracy of the developed equations was verified using a finite element model of a prestressed beam under undamaged and damaged conditions. Reasonably good agreement was noted between the predicted stress changes and the finite element results.
A matrix factorization recommendation model for tourism points of interest based on interest shift and differential privacy
Authors: Xu Zhiyun , Hu Zhaoyan , Zheng Xiaoyao , Zhang Haiyan , Luo Yonglong
Published: September 2022

Adding noise to user history data helps to protect user privacy in recommendation systems but affects the recommendation performance. To solve this problem, a matrix factorization tourism point of interest recommendation model based on interest offset and differential privacy is proposed in this paper. The recommendation performance of the model is improved by analyzing user interest preferences. Specifically, user interest offsets are extracted from user tags and user ratings under time-series factors to calculate user interest drift. Then, similar neighbors are found to train user feature preferences which are integrated into the matrix model in the form of regular terms. Meanwhile, based on the differential privacy theory, a privacy neighbor selection algorithm combining the K-Medoides clustering algorithm and index mechanism is designed to effectively protect the identity of neighbors and prevent KNN attacks. Besides, the Laplace mechanism is used to implement differential privacy protection for the model’s gradient descent process. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed recommendation model is verified through experiments, and the experimental results indicate that this model has advantages in recommendation accuracy and privacy protection.
A perturbation based modified BAT algorithm for priority based covering salesman problem
Authors: Khan Indadul , Dutta Prasanta , Maiti Manas Kumar , Basuli Krishnendu
Published: September 2022

In this study, Bat algorithm (BA) is modified along with K-opt operation and one newly proposed perturbation approach to solve the well known covering salesman problem (CSP). Here, along with the restriction of the radial distances of the unvisited cities from the visited cities another restriction is imposed where a priority is given to some cities for the inclusion in the tour, i.e., some clusters to be created where the prioritised cities must be the visiting cities and the corresponding CSP is named as Prioritised CSP (PCSP). In the algorithm, 3-opt and 4-opt operations are used for two different purposes. The 4-opt operation is applied for generating an initial solution set of CSP for the BA and the 3-opt operation generates some perturbed solutions of a solution. A new perturbation approach is proposed for generating neighbour solutions of a potential solution where the exchange of some cities in the tour is made and is named as K-bit exchange operation. The proposed solution approach for the CSP and PCSP is named as the modified BA embedded with K-bit exchange and K-opt operation (MBAKEKO). It is a two-stage algorithm where in the first stage of the algorithm the clustering of the cities is done with respect to a fixed visiting city of each cluster in such a manner that the distances of the other cities of the cluster must lie with in the fixed covering distance of the problem and in the second stage the BA is applied to find the minimum cost Hamiltonian circuit by passing through the visiting cities of the clusters. MBAKEKO is tested with a set of benchmark test problems with significantly large sizes from the TSPLIB. To measure the performance of MBAKEKO, its results are compared with the results of different well-known approaches for CSPs available in the literature. It is observed from the comparison studies that MBAKEKO searches the minimum cost tour for any of the considered instances compared to all other well-known algorithms in the literature. It can be concluded from the numerical studies that the performance of MBAKEKO is better with respect to the state-of-the-art algorithms available in the literature.
A spatial-frequency-temporal feature extraction network for change detection in synthetic aperture radar images1
Authors: Luo Wei , Feng Tao , Liang Hong
Published: September 2022

Change detection in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is an important part of remote sensing (RS) image analysis. Contemporary researchers have concentrated on the spatial and deep-layer semantic information while giving little attention to the extraction of multidimensional and shallow-layer feature representations. Furthermore, change detection relies on patch-wise training and pixel-to-pixel prediction while the accuracy of change detection is sensitive to the introduction of edge noise and the availability of original position information. To address these challenges, we propose a new neural network structure that enables spatial-frequency-temporal feature extraction through end-to-end training for change detection between SAR images from two different points in time. Our method uses image patches fed into three parallel network structures: a densely connected convolutional neural network (CNN), a frequency domain processing network based on a discrete cosine transform (DCT), and a recurrent neural network (RNN). Multi-dimensional feature representations alleviate speckle noise and provide comprehensive consideration of semantic information. We also propose an ensemble multi-region-channel module (MRCM) to emphasize the central region of each feature map, with the most critical information in each channel employed for binary classification. We validate our proposed method on four benchmark SAR datasets. Experimental results demonstrate the competitive performance of our method.
A novel approach for ranking intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and its application to decision making
Authors: Liang Meishe , Mi Jusheng , Zhang Shaopu , Jin Chenxia
Published: September 2022

Ranking intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is an important issue in the practical application of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Many scholars rank intuitionistic fuzzy numbers by defining different measures. These measures do not comprehensively consider the fuzzy semantics expressed by membership degree, nonmembership degree, and hesitancy degree. As a result, the ranking results are often counterintuitive, such as the indifference problems, the non-robustness problems, etc. In this paper, according to geometrical representation, a novel measure for intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is defined, which is called the ideal measure. After that, a new ranking approach is proposed. It’s proved that the ideal measure satisfies the properties of weak admissibility, membership degree robustness, nonmembership degree robustness, and determinism. A numerical example is applied to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of this method. Finally, using the presented approach, the optimal alternative can be acquired in multi-attribute decision-making problems. Comparison analysis shows that the ideal measure is more effective and simple than other existing methods.
Automated evolution of CNN with 3PGA for geographical landmark recognition
Authors: Bansal Kanishk , Singh Amar
Published: September 2022

Computer Vision (CV) is constantly inundated with massive volumes of data. One of the most challenging types of data for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system is imagery data. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are utilized to cope with Big Data of such type, but progress is gradual. The 3 Parent Genetic Algorithm (3PGA), an evolutionary computation method, is employed to evolve a default CNN in this study. 3PGA is an extension of GA which has been developed further for better optimization. We observed from the literature that 3PGA is giving excellent results on standard benchmark functions as compared to other recent soft-computing-based approaches. The accuracy of the evolved CNN increased from 53% to 75%, resulting in a net improvement of more than 40%. Furthermore, it was noted that the hyperparametric combinations or features of a CNN, which are very distinct from those commonly utilized, appear to perform better. A geographical landmarks dataset from Google was used for testing purposes. Landmark recognition is one of the most time-consuming jobs for an AI system, and the optimization of a network on a landmarks dataset shows that evolutionary computation can be substantially used in the future for the evolution of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs).
An ICE aggregation method based on optimal rally points in fuzzy environment
Authors: Song Hui-Hui , Wang Ying-Ming , Jia Xiang , Meng Meng-Jun
Published: September 2022

In order to avoid the hesitation of choosing between aggressive and benevolent strategies, we propose two cross-efficiency models to get interval cross-efficiency (ICE) from the relatively neutral angle in fuzzy environment, and then propose a novel aggregation method for ICE to solve the full ranking of Decision-Making Units (DMUs). Firstly, regard the expected value of fuzzy data as the input and output of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method based on fuzzy set theory. Secondly, construct the cross-efficiency models based on the fuzzy expected values from the relatively neutral angle, and generate the lower and upper bounds of ICE for all DMUs, which determines the interval cross-efficiency matrix (ICEM). Thirdly, project all ICE onto the plane as points, then seek the optimal rally point for each DMU based on ICEM as the comprehensive ICE. Fourthly, rank the comprehensive ICE to obtain the complete ranking of DMUs by using the optimal number sorting method. Finally, the proposed model is applied to the evaluation of manufacturing enterprises, and the results are compared with different models to prove its effectiveness.
Tunicate swarm-based grey wolf algorithm for fetal heart chamber segmentation and classification: a heuristic-based optimal feature selection concept
Authors: Shobana Nageswari C. , Vimal Kumar M.N. , Vini Antony Grace N. , Thiyagarajan J.
Published: September 2022

Ultrasound image quality management and assessment are an important stage in clinical diagnosis. This operation is often carried out manually, which has several issues, including reliance on the operator’s experience, lengthy labor, and considerable intra-observer variance. As a result, automatic quality evaluation of Ultrasound images is particularly desirable in medical applications. This research work plans to perform the fetal heart chamber segmentation and classification using the novel intelligent technology named as hybrid optimization algorithm Tunicate Swarm-based Grey Wolf Algorithm (TS-GWA). Initially, the US fetal images data is collected and data undergoes the preprocessing using the total variation technique. From the preprocessed images, the optimal features are extracted using the TF-IDF approach. Then, Segmentation is processed on optimally selected features using Spatially Regularized Discriminative Correlation Filters (SRDCF) method. In the final step, the classification of fetal images is done using the Modified Long Short-Term Memory (MLSTM) Network. The fitness function behind the optimal feature selection as well as the hidden neuron optimization of MLSTM is the maximization of PSNR and minimization of MSE. The PSNR value is improved from 3.1 to 9.8 in the proposed method and accuracy of the proposed classification algorithm is improved from 1.9 to 12.13 compared to other existing techniques. The generalization ability and the adaptability of proposed TS-GWA method are described by conducting the various performance analysis. Extensive performance result shows that proposed intelligent techniques performs better than the existing segmentation methods.
Learning robust features for indoor scene recognition
Authors: Nuhoho Raphael Elimeli , Wenyu Chen , Baffour Adu Asare
Published: September 2022

As digital image acquisition becomes ubiquitous in recent years, the need for indoor scene recognition becomes more pronounced. Existing methods leverage the features of composing objects in a scene and overlook the adverse impacts of the common objects reoccurring in other scenes. This drawback decreases the feature discrimination between scenes (e.g., living room, dining room, and bedroom) due to reoccurring objects (e.g., tables, chairs, and toys). We propose a method of training convolutional networks by punishing or discounting the local object representations’ predictive ability and encouraging the network to learn global scene layout representations. To retain more vital information for the scene feature representation, we introduce an activation function (with unbounded above, bounded below, smooth, and non-monotonic properties) to allow more low-negative values to flow through the network, discarding high negative values. We evaluate the proposed methods on MIT Indoor 67 and Scene 15 datasets. The experiment findings show that the proposed methods capture global scene concepts and improve performance.
RETRACTED: A novel deep neural network with adaptive sine cosine crow search (DNN-ASCCS) model for content based medical image reterival
Authors: Subha Darathy C. , Agees Kumar C.
Published: September 2022

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Cryogenic hydrogen Moderator infrastructure at ESS
Authors: Beßler Yannick , Natour Ghaleb
Published: September 2022

The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, is designed to become the most powerful spallation neutron source in the world. As one subsystem of the Target Station, which was developed and built at Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics – Engineering and Technology (ZEA-1) of Forschungszentrum Juelich, the cold Moderator slows down high-energy neutrons from the spallation process. To gain maximum neutron flux intensities along with high system availability for condensed and soft matter research, an optimized liquid hydrogen Moderator circuit has been developed. Hydrogen with a pressure around 1 MPa, a temperature around 20 K, and a para-hydrogen fraction of at least 0.995 will be utilized to interact with neutrons in a unique cold Moderator vessel arrangement. Hydrogen conversion from ortho- to para-hydrogen will be controlled using a catalyst. Two turbo pumps are arranged in series and circulate the cryogen. A helium refrigerator, the Target Moderator Cryoplant (TMCP), continuously recools the hydrogen mass flow. Pressure stabilization is achieved by a pressure control buffer. The individual ESS Cryogenic Moderator System (CMS) components, the first and second generation of hydrogen Moderators (BF1 and BF2) and a first draft of a deuterium Moderator upgrade are presented.
Fear of Progression is Determined by Anxiety and Self-Efficacy but not Disease-Specific Parameters in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Preliminary Data from a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Haarmann Lena , Nielsen Jörn , Saliger Jochen , Eschweiler Mareike , Karbe Hans , Allert Niels , Vida Viktoria , Trenkwalder Claudia , Kruse Annika , Oelsner Henriette , Ebersbach Georg , Kalbe Elke
Published: September 2022

Background: Fear of progression (FoP) is a reactive, conscious concern about chronic disease progression and its consequences which may limit quality of life substantially. Only one study has examined FoP in Parkinson’s disease (PD), showing the second highest FoP scores among chronic diseases. Objective: To examine FoP prevalence and to exploratorily analyze determinants of FoP in PD. Methods: Within a multicenter cross-sectional study, 120 PD inpatients (age: 64.45±9.20; 60.8% male; UPDRS-III: 28.86±16.12) were examined with the FoP questionnaire (FoP-Q; max. 20 points). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis examined sociodemographic, clinical, and (neuro-) psychological determinants of FoP. Results: With a mean FoP-Q score of 8.08±2.17, 63.0% of the patients were classified with moderate FoP and 17.6% with dysfunctional (i.e., severe) FoP. The highest scores were shown for the subscale ‘loss of autonomy’. Increased levels of anxiety, less self-efficacy, female gender, current employment, and lower health literacy were identified as significant determinants associated with FoP. Conclusion: With more than 80% of patients showing moderate to dysfunctional FoP, it must be regarded as a frequent symptom in PD, which needs to be further understood and addressed in clinical practice. Clinical parameters like PD duration and severity were no determinants for FoP, indicating that FoP awareness must be considered by professionals at all disease stages.