bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANMerge: A Comprehensive and Accessible Alzheimer’s Disease Patient-Level Dataset
Authors: Birkenbihl Colin ,   on behalf of the AddNeuroMed Consortium, Westwood Sarah , Shi Liu , Nevado-Holgado Alejo , Westman Eric , Lovestone Simon , Hofmann-Apitius Martin
Published: December 2020

Background: Accessible datasets are of fundamental importance to the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. The AddNeuroMed consortium conducted a longitudinal observational cohort study with the aim to discover AD biomarkers. During this study, a broad selection of data modalities was measured including clinical assessments, magnetic resonance imaging, genotyping, transcriptomic profiling, and blood plasma proteomics. Some of the collected data were shared with third-party researchers. However, this data was incomplete, erroneous, and lacking in interoperability. Objective: To provide the research community with an accessible, multimodal, patient-level AD cohort dataset. Methods: We systematically addressed several limitations of the originally shared resources and provided additional unreleased data to enhance the dataset. Results: In this work, we publish and describe ANMerge, a new version of the AddNeuroMed dataset. ANMerge includes multimodal data from 1,702 study participants and is accessible to the research community via a centralized portal. Conclusion: ANMerge is an information rich patient-level data resource that can serve as a discovery and validation cohort for data-driven AD research, such as, for example, machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches.
Logistics demand forecasting model based on improved neural network algorithm
Authors: Ma Hongjiang , Luo Xu
Published: December 2020

The irrationality between the procurement and distribution of the logistics system increases unnecessary circulation links and greatly reduces logistics efficiency, which not only causes a waste of transportation resources, but also increases logistics costs. In order to improve the operation efficiency of the logistics system, based on the improved neural network algorithm, this paper combines the logistic regression algorithm to construct a logistics demand forecasting model based on the improved neural network algorithm. Moreover, according to the characteristics of the complexity of the data in the data mining task itself, this article optimizes the ladder network structure, and combines its supervisory decision-making part with the shallow network to make the model more suitable for logistics demand forecasting. In addition, this paper analyzes the performance of the model based on examples and uses the grey relational analysis method to give the degree of correlation between each influencing factor and logistics demand. The research results show that the model constructed in this paper is reasonable and can be analyzed from a practical perspective.
Feature Linkage Weight Based Feature Reduction using Fuzzy Clustering Method
Authors: Malarvizhi K. , Amshakala K.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a novel Feature-Reduction Fuzzy C-means (FRFCM) with Feature Linkage Weight (FRFCM-FLW) algorithm is introduced. By the combination of FRFCM and feature linkage weight, a new feature selection model is developed, called a Feature Linkage Weight Based FRFCM using fuzzy clustering. The larger amounts of features are superior to the complication of the problem, and the larger the time that is exhausted in creating the outcome of the classifier or the model. Feature selection has been established as a high-quality method for preferring features that best describes the data under certain criteria or measure. The proposed method presents three stages namely, 1) Data Formation: The process of data collection and data cleaning; 2) FRFCM-FLW. The proposed method can decrease feature elements routinely, and also construct excellent clustering results. The proposed method calculates a novel weight for every feature by combining modified Mahalanobis distance with feature δm variance in FRFCM algorithm; 3) Fuzzy C-means (FCM) cluster. The proposed FRFCM-FLW method proves high Accuracy Rate (AR), Rand Index (RI) and Jaccard Index (JI) ratio when compared to other feature reduction algorithms like WFCM, EWKM, WKM, FCM and FRFCM algorithms.
Intelligent rail lubrication system based on fuzzy group analysis
Authors: Lu Xiangyang , Li Hengyi , Li Xiaoquan , Xu Juncai
Published: December 2020

The security of a train becomes a more critical issue as the train’s speed and the complexity of the railway conditions increases. It is especially true when the train runs on a curved radius rail when the lateral force between the train and the rail is less stable. The rail’s side grinding is a significant problem that affects the train’s safety, especially when the train passes through small radial sections in mountainous areas. The intelligent rail lubrication system is critical to enhancing rails’ safety and efficiency and reducing grease pollution along rail lines. This system is modeled with a force analysis of train curve motion and numerical simulation of wear power. The lubrication system is constructed with hardware and software. Based on fuzzy group analysis, this system and the adaptive Proportional Integration Differential (PID) controller is presented to improve the lubricative effects. The system test results show that the quality of lubrication control using this system is efficacious; the control convergence is more reliable than the conventional PID controller.
Model for selection of hospital constructions with probabilistic linguistic GRP method
Authors: Wang Siqi , Wei Guiwu , Wu Jiang , Wei Cun , Guo Yanfeng
Published: December 2020

Probabilistic linguistic term sets are used to express uncertain decision information in multiple attribute group decision making problems. For probabilistic linguistic multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) with weight determined by CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) method, the probabilistic linguistic grey relational projection method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the correlation coefficient among attributes and standard deviation of each attribute are utilized to compute the attributes weights. Then the most ideal alternative is decided by means of counting the grey relational projection (GRP) from probabilistic linguistic positive ideal solution and probabilistic linguistic negative ideal solution. In the end, a numerical example for site selection of hospital constructions is applied to further account for the extended method. The result demonstrates the availability of the proposed method and it can be used in other fields which refers to problems of selection.
Maximum likelihood estimation for uncertain autoregressive model with application to carbon dioxide emissions
Authors: Chen Dan , Yang Xiangfeng
Published: December 2020

The objective of uncertain time series analysis is to explore the relationship between the imprecise observation data over time and to predict future values, where these data are uncertain variables in the sense of uncertainty theory. In this paper, the method of maximum likelihood is used to estimate the unknown parameters in the uncertain autoregressive model, and the unknown parameters of uncertainty distributions of the disturbance terms are simultaneously obtained. Based on the fitted autoregressive model, the forecast value and confidence interval of the future data are derived. Besides, the mean squared error is proposed to measure the goodness of fit among different estimation methods, and an algorithm is introduced. Finally, the comparative analysis of the least squares, least absolute deviations, and maximum likelihood estimations are given, and two examples are presented to verify the feasibility of this approach.
Determining the safety culture in a gun factory in Turkey: A fuzzy approach
Authors: Çiftçioğlu Gökçen A. , Kadırgan Mehmet A. N. , Eşiyok Ahmet
Published: December 2020

Safety culture is a very complex phenomenon due to its intangible nature. It is tough to measure and express it with numerical values, as there is no simple indicator to measure it. This paper presents a fuzzy inference system that measures the safety culture. First of all, a safety culture assessment questionnaire is developed by utilizing related literature. The initial questionnaire had 29 items. The questionnaire is applied to 259 employees within the gun manufacturing factory. After making an exploratory factor analysis, the questionnaire is based on five factors with 25 items. The safety culture indicators are defined as; safety follow-up audit reporting, employees’ self-awareness, operational safety commitment, management’s safety commitment, safety orientedness. Normality, reliability, and correlation analysis are performed. Then a fuzzy model is constructed with five inputs and one output. The inputs are the five factors mentioned above, and the output generated is the safety culture result, which is between 0-1. The presented fuzzy model produces reliable results indicating the safety culture level from the employees’ eyes. Beyond exploring the employees’ safety culture, the proposed model can easily be understood by the practitioners from various sectors. Furthermore, the model is straightforward to customize for various fields of industry.
Health promotion and preventive health care service guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida
Authors: Fremion Ellen , Kanter David , Turk Margaret
Published: December 2020

Individuals with Spina Bifida (SB) have unique lifelong medical and social needs. Thus, when considering how to promote health and offer preventive care, providers must adapt general healthcare screening and counseling recommendations to their patients’ physical and cognitive impairments along with discerning how to monitor secondary or chronic conditions common to the population. This article provides an update on the health promotion and preventive health care guidelines developed as part of the Spina Bifida Association’s fourth edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida. The guidelines highlight accommodations needed to promote general preventive health, common secondary/chronic conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, and considerations for preventing acute care utilization for the SB population throughout the lifespan. Further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of preventive care interventions in promoting positive health outcomes and mitigating potentially preventable acute care utilization.
Care coordination guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida
Authors: Van Speybroeck Alexander , Beierwaltes Patricia , Hopson Betsy , McKee Suzanne , Raman Lisa , Rao Ravindra , Sherlock Rebecca
Published: December 2020

Care coordination is the deliberate organization of patient care activities between two or more participants (including the patient) involved in a person’s care to facilitate the appropriate delivery of health care services. Organizing care involves the marshalling of personnel and other resources needed to carry out all required patient care activities. It is often managed by the exchange of information among participants responsible for different aspects of care [1]. With an estimated 85% of individuals with Spina Bifida (SB) surviving to adulthood, SB specific care coordination guidelines are warranted. Care coordination (also described as case management services) is a process that links them to services and resources in a coordinated effort to maximize their potential by providing optimal health care. However, care can be complicated due to the medical complexities of the condition and the need for multidisciplinary care, as well as economic and sociocultural barriers. It is often a shared responsibility by the multidisciplinary Spina Bifida team [2]. For this reason, the Spina Bifida Care Coordinator has the primary responsibility for overseeing the overall treatment plan for the individual with Spina Bifida[3]. Care coordination includes communication with the primary care provider in a patient’s medical home. This article discusses the Spina Bifida Care Coordination Guideline from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida and explores care coordination goals for different age groups as well as further research topics in SB care coordination.
Comparison of active-assisted and active-unassisted robot-mediated upper limb therapy in subacute stroke
Authors: Pila Ophélie , Koeppel Typhaine , Grosmaire Anne-Gaëlle , Duret Christophe
Published: December 2020

Background:

Upper-limb robot-mediated therapy is usually carried out in active-assisted mode because it enables performance of many movements. However, assistance may reduce the patient’s own efforts which could limit motor recovery.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of active-assisted and active-unassisted robotic interactions on motor recovery in subacute stroke patients with moderate hemiparesis.

Methods:

Fourteen patients underwent a 6-week combined upper limb program of usual therapy and robotic therapy using either the active-unassisted ( n = 8) or active-assisted ( n = 6) modes. In the active-assisted group, assistance was only provided for the first 3 weeks (1st period) and was then switched off for the remaining 3 weeks (2nd period). The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was carried out pre- and post-treatment. The mean number of movements performed and the mean working distance during the 1st and 2nd periods were compared between groups.

Results:

FMA score improved post-treatment in both groups with no between-group differences: active-assisted group: +8±6 pts vs active-unassisted group: +10±6 pts (ns). Between the 1st and 2nd periods, there was a statistical trend towards an improvement in the number of movements performed ( p = 0.06) in the active-unassisted group (526±253 to 783±434, p = 0.06) but not in the active-assisted group (882±211 to 880±297, ns). Another trend of improvement was found for the working distance in the active-unassisted group (8.7±4.5 to 9.9±4.7, p = 0.09) but not in the active-assisted group (14.0±0 to 13.5±1.1, ns).

Conclusions:

The superiority of the non-assistive over assistive robotic modes has not been demonstrated. However, the non-assistive mode did not appear to reduce motor recovery in this population, despite the performance of fewer movements on shorter working distance compared with the group who had assistance. It seems that the requirement of effort could be a determinant factor for recovery in neurorehabilitation however further well-design studies are needed to fully understand this phenomenon.
Russian experience in assessing informal employment indicators and their compliance with SDG indicators
Authors: Zarova Elena , Laykam Dr Konstantin , Dubravskaya Elvira , Musikhin Sergey
Published: December 2020

This article describes on the one hand statistical methods for assessing informal employment based on the requirements as set by international standards. On the other hand it describes the potential of integrating various data sources to generate informal employment statistics. With as example official statistics of the Russian Federation, the authors show the features of applying the requirements of international standards. Methods are proposed for assessing informal employment in the formal sector of the economy, i.e. in enterprises that submit employment reports to the National Statistical Office. This phenomenon appears in the employment situation of many countries. However, there is no uniformity between countries in how they evaluate the application of the international standards in such assessment exercises. A theoretical model of informal employment is developed and validated based on statistical data published by international organizations. The validation focuses on assessing the causal relationships between informal employment indicators and the main components of the sustainable development goals. This analysis contributes to coordinated decisions on regulating informal employment and ensuring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nation’s waste on the scale: The first Bhutan waste inventory report
Authors: Namgay Tashi
Published: December 2020

Knowing the quantity and the composition of waste is essential to designing and delivering sound waste management policies and waste management systems. Bhutan’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan emphasizes effective waste management as one of its key performance indicators and globally, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the importance of waste in two of its seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, the Bhutan National Statistics Bureau undertook its first ever survey of solid waste management. The survey covered waste generating sectors including households, commercial units, institutes, health centers, industries, Government offices and vegetable markets. Results show Bhutan generated more than 170 metric tons of waste daily – equivalent to 170,000 kilograms of sugar. More than 50 percent of solid wastes came from households, almost 50 percent was food waste, and around 50 percent was potentially recyclable. The survey posed many challenges for Bhutan, a land-locked least developed country in the Eastern Himalayas in South Asia, yet provided the opportunity to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the Bhutan National Statistical System and delivered statistics which meet a practical use for Bhutan and its people.
A pilot project of area sampling frame for maize statistics: Indonesia’s experience1
Authors: Prasetyo Octavia Rizky , Kadir  , Amalia Ratna Rizki
Published: December 2020

A critical issue in the context of food policy in Indonesia is the accuracy of crops statistics, particularly rice and maize. In 2018, Statistics Indonesia (BPS), in collaboration with the Indonesian Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), successfully implemented the area sampling frame (ASF) method to improve the accuracy of paddy harvested area estimation, which previously was estimated by conventional methods, mainly by the human eye (‘eye-estimate’). The achievement has encouraged BPS to replicate the method to estimate the harvested area of maize, for which there were indications it suffered from overestimation. In 2019, BPS initiated a pilot project on the implementation of the ASF for maize. One of the most challenging aspects in replicating the ASF method for maize is the frame construction. This issue arises due to insufficient spatial information on land that is specifically dedicated to maize cultivation. To address this challenge, BPS constructed the frame by making use of different sources of spatial information. This paper provides a comprehensive look at the development of the ASF for maize statistics. The discussion in this paper covers two main issues, namely the methodology applied and the business process of data collection.
Intramedullary nailing as a safe and efficient treatment option for all types of displaced proximal humeral fractures in geriatric patients: A retrospective evaluation of 49 patients treated with the new Targon PH+ nail
Authors: Paniagua Collado Maria Adela , Willauschus Maximilian , Rüther Johannes , Lahner Matthias , Bail Hermann Josef , Geßlein Markus
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Implant specific complications and outcome for the use of proximal humeral nails in different fracture types are not well described. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of adverse effects and outcome of patients treated with the new Targon PH+ implant for proximal humeral fractures in a geriatric population. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients from a single institution was retrospectively evaluated. Adverse events (AE) were assessed from patients’ files and during follow-up examination. Current pain level was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The disability score of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) as well as the Constant-Murley score were assessed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with a mean age of 72.0 ± 10.0 years were included with a follow-up of 2.2 years. Five patients showed twopart fractures (10%), 24 threepart fractures (50%) and 20 fourpart fractures (40%). Additional shaft fracture occurred in twelve cases (24%). Implant-related AE were recorded in six cases (12%). Pain under strain was moderate with a mean of 27.6 ± 27.1 mm. DASH score showed a mean of 25.9 ± 24.9. Constant score of the affected shoulder was 57 ± 23.8 with a mean difference of 16 points compared to reference shoulder. No significant differences in AE, VAS, DASH or Constant score could be found according to fracture groups. Most patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome (84%). CONCLUSIONS: The Targon PH+ nail demonstrated good functional results and low adverse events in geriatric patients. Additional studies including less experienced centres are required to further evaluate the possible benefits of this implant.
Tissue quantification of radioiodine thyroid uptake in humans by an isotopic imaging technique on slides
Authors: Cherif Achwak , Nouira Manel , Barthe Nicole , Mani Radhouane , Kermani Wassim , Abdessayed Nihed , Saguem Saad , Basse-Cathalinat Bernard , Guezguez Mohsen
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Thyroid metabolism involves iodine, which allows us to use radioactive iodine for diagnostic and therapy purposes. The efficiency of radioiodine therapy depends on several parameters; the ability of thyroid tissue to uptake radioactive iodine is one of them. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to quantify the radioactive iodine uptake on thyroid tissue. METHODS: In this work, we developed a method to quantify the in vivo uptake of iodine-131 on sections of thyroid glands removed by thyroidectomies. We performed an analysis of histological sections of the thyroid tissue by beta imaging. We had the opportunity to quantify the fixed radioactivity and to analyze its distribution in the thyroid gland, thanks to the good spatial resolution available with the type of detector used. RESULTS: The results gave a high image resolution showing the heterogeneity of iodine-131 fixation by the thyroid tissue. We were able to quantify the tissue radioactivity in mega Becquerel (MBq) per volume unit. CONCLUSION: This work has shown that the direct quantification of the thyroid tissue uptake is possible using the beta imaging system.
Validation of a gyroscope-based wearable device for real-time position monitoring of patients in a hospital
Authors: Lee Jung Hwan , Lee Jae Il , Kim Dong Hwan , Nam Kyoung Hyup , Jeon Tae Jin , Han In Ho
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Monitoring patients’ position is important, but there have been few studies related to validation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the validity of position monitoring measured using a wearable device by comparing the device’s measurements to a patient’s actual position. METHODS: We constructed a wearable device with a three-axis gyroscope and applied it to 10 patients who were unable to change their position independently. We compared the actual angle of the position and the angle transmitted from the wearable device using a Bland-Altman plot and a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: We compared the actual angle of the position and the angle transmitted from the wearable device using a Bland-Altman plot, but it was difficult to observe statistical similarity. The angles transmitted from the wearable device in the lateral and supine positions showed significant differences. The cutoff value separating the lateral and supine positions was found to be 27.1∘ (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 99.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Through our method, the measured values from the gyroscope-based wearable device did not accurately reflect the patient’s actual position. However, the wearable device was able to distinguish the lateral position from the supine position.
Predictors of residual dizziness in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after successful repositioning: A multi-center prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Peixia , Yang Jun , Huang Xinsheng , Ma Zhaoxin , Zhang Tianzheng , Li Huawei
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: While patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) commonly develop residual dizziness (RD) after successful repositioning, the factors predictive of RD remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors predictive of RD onset in patients with BPPV following successful repositioning. METHODS: This multi-center prospective cohort study enrolled 243 patients with idiopathic BPPV. Vestibular functional and psychological wellbeing assessments administered before repositioning provided the data used to identify factors predictive of RD with a log-binomial model. The endpoint was RD at 1 week after successful repositioning. RESULTS: Of the enrolled patients, 118 reported RD. After adjusting for cofounders, mild [risk ratio (RR), 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.39–3.04] or severe (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.17–4.38) anxiety and abnormal vestibular ratio of sensory organization test (RR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.82–3.95) were identified as risk predictors. Presence of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials responses, either unilateral (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44–0.69) or bilateral (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.36–0.68), were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and abnormal balance are significant predictors of RD, while the presence of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials responses predicts against it. These findings may help to improve BPPV outcomes by informing prognoses and guiding treatment strategies. Trial registration: ChiCTR1800018004 (date of registration: 26 August 2018)
Pluricentric Languages Policy Features through the Example of French
Authors: Ivanova V. A. , Ulianitckaia L. A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction.The paper reviews features of the French language policy inFrance,Belguim,Canada, andSwitzerland. The novelty of the study is implied by the fact that features of the language policy are analyzed with previously unknown circumstances taken into account: the circumstances that allow French to be seen as a pluricentric language. The relevance of the study is conditioned by the necessity of observing the sociopolitical space of language functioning, as well as the importance of both analyzing the dynamics of pluricentric languages spreading and identifying mechanisms of using a single language for either uniting disparate nations or countries manipulating.

Methodology and sources.The method of the study is a comprehensive approach with a number of linguistic and social variables correlations. The study was conducted using official websites of Organisation international dela Francophonie describing official bodies and institutions responsible for language policy implementation, as well as articles of various publications (Le soir, The Guardian, Ethnologies), devoted to the discussion of French norm regulation problems as the material of the study.

Resultsanddiscussion.The main result of the study is a review of the status of French as a pluricentric language worldwide, particularly in countries considered to be centres of French variants development and having French as an official language. Main features of a pluricentric language, as well as the factors that turn a monocentric language into a pluricentric one (through the example of French) are looked at. The actions taken by the Organisation internationale dela Francophonie and aimed at the strengthening of relations between French-speaking countries and the promoting of the French language worldwide are described. The study also illustrates the dependence of peripheral language centres fromFrance. An emphasis is put on the politics of the Académie Française aimed at the French language unification in all the countries having it as an official language. An assumption on the reasons of different deviation extent of French variants inCanada,Belgium, andSwitzerland from Standard French is made.

Conclusion.It is impossible to consider language to be an independent and isolated phenomenon as it exists and evolves within society serving its needs. Institutions pursuing a language policy are in position to affect its development directly, yet in the context of pluricentric languages it is insufficient to have a single centre of linguistic regulation. Local institutions may have a policy that runs contrary to the language policy of the centre. Gender reforms can also become a new wave of linguistic changes leading to further distancing of different language variants.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT AND JOB SATISFACTION OF FACULTY MEMBERS IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Majumdar Amrita
Published: December 2020

The modern academic world is undergoing a sea-change. There was a time when only government institutions were present to offer education to humankind. Now, a lot of private institutions, in addition to the Government institutions, are serving society. In this world, the role of teachers cannot be ignored. The psychological contract plays a remarkable role in meeting the faculty members' unsaid expectations and management of private universities. The study was conducted with the faculty members of private universities considering the four states of eastern India (Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal) to identify the factors affecting the psychological contract of faculty members and its impact on job satisfaction. Appropriate statistical tools were applied to measure the above. The findings of the research will help the management of the private Universities to decide on the organizational policy.
DEVELOPING INSTAGRAM FILTER-BASED ACCOUNTING EDUCATIONAL GAME AS A FUN LEARNING MEDIA
Authors: Karundeng Frandy
Published: December 2020

The learning process in accounting courses often becomes boring and even intimidating for students because the material is often considered difficult or involves a lot of calculations that the learning situation becomes rigid and students cannot enjoy the learning process. For this reason, lecturers must prepare an alternative media for learning that is more interesting, for example by using games. The game in this research is based on the Instagram filter as most students have an Instagram account and spend a lot of time on that photo-sharing platform. The game was developed using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). In the development stage, this game was validated by material expert and information technology expert, and was then implemented to 100 accounting students. Based on the evaluation results, this game was declared to be very feasible in terms of software, display, and learning design aspects. Moreover, this Instagram filter-based accounting educational game was declared a fun learning media for students, and was able to motivate students to study accounting as indicated by the average total score of 4.48 or "very high" for the learning motivation aspect.
THE CONUNDRUM OF INTERNET OF THINGS ADOPTION IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: May Amy Yeo Chu , Tan Gim Guan , Carter Steve
Published: December 2020

This study aims to extend the evaluation and understanding of an individuals’ adoption intention towards the Internet of Things (IoT) in a higher educational context and also to assess the relationship between Perceived Benefits, Digital Culture and Mindset, Technological Motivator, Technological Inhibitor and Attitude and how these factors relate to the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) behavior. The research employed a quantitative and cross-sectional approach.  A sample of 202 respondents from a Malaysian educational institution was collected through a self-designed questionnaire based on a snowball sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using SmartPLS. The results indicate that attitude, technological motivator and digital mindset have a significant effect on the IoT adoption intention. Of these, attitude has the greatest influence with regard to the decision to adopt any IoT products or services. Digital mindset was a salient factor that explained user’s adoption intention behaviour on IoT technologies. Perceived benefits, however, showed insignificant direct effect whereas the technological inhibitor perspective affects the IoT adoption intention through attitude factor. The research provides further evidence that attitude and digital mindset built up within the individual are crucial elements to be considered in justifying the adoption behavior of IoT. The research findings show how the adoption of IoT could help academic staff and students leverage technologies' benefits to improve work and academic performance. It also highlights the importance of trust and builds the required attitude to support the technology to industry players. This study did not account for motivators such as incentives or influence from authority figures (leaders, top management, government and policy maker) as well as environmental conditions, namely the readiness of the infrastructure and the commonality of the usage in the social group.
Pakistan’s Infrastructure Capital-Growth Analysis
Authors: Mazher Muhammad Ahmad , Dahalan Jauhari
Published: December 2020

Purpose- This empirical study facet at Pakistan for the period between 1960 and 2017 in the connection between public investment, public capital stock, private investment, private capital stock, and real GDP. Design/Methodology- Using theoretical and empirical literature assessment, to measure the impact of private investment, private capital stock, government investment, and government capital stock on Pakistan's real gross domestic product, we involved the ARDL Bound tests. Findings- A positive and significant connection was revealed between government investment, a private capital stock with real GDP. Private investment showed a substantial but negative impact in the short run, despite capital stocks indicating a positive and insignificant relationship with Pakistan's RGDP. The long-term consequences showed that the government's capital stocks, public investment, private capital stocks, and RGDP from Pakistan are linked positively and significantly. Private investment, however, has shown harmful and detrimental or insignificant relations with Pakistan's RGDP. Practical Implications- Our study may benefit the Pakistani economy, particularly while useful for academics and researchers to understand the basic concept of 'capital-growth' philosophy.
Pendekatan Initial Centroid Search Untuk Meningkatkan Efisiensi Iterasi Klustering K-Means
Authors: Nasution Muhammad Zulfahmi , Hasibuan Muhammad Siddik
Published: December 2020

Pengelompokan K-Means bertujuan untuk mengumpulkan satu set titik pusat cluster yang optimal melalui iterasi yang berurutan. Fakta bahwa semakin optimal posisi dari titik pusat awal maka semakin sedikit jumlah iterasi dari algoritma pengelompokkan K-Means untuk konvergen. Oleh karena itu, Salah satu cara untuk menemukan set initial centroid adalah melalui metode iteratif guna mencari sejumlah initial centroid yang lebih baik untuk proses pengelompokan K-Means. Langkah awal yang kami lakukan adalah mengambil sampel data dari set data dan menjalankan algoritma K-Means sebagai proses awal untuk inisialisasi centroid cluster. Kemudian kami mengulang proses iterasi dengan sejumlah initial centroid yang telah diinisialisasikan sebelumnya dan mengukur hasil pengelompokkan melalui sum-of-square-error guna menentukan kebaikan keanggotaan cluster. Centroid akhir yang memberikan jarak terendah yang akan kami teruskan ke proses pengelompokan K-means secara lengkap. Harapan kami adalah pendekatan ini akan mengarah pada set initial centroid yang lebih baik sebagai proses pengelompokan K-Means sehingga mampu meningkatkan kinerja Algoritma K-Means karena hasil konvergensi Algoritma K-Means akan berbanding lurus dengan pemilihan initial centroid.
Perangkingan Dokumen Berbahasa Arab berdasarkan Query dengan Metode Klasifikasi Naïve Bayes dan K-Nearest Neighbor
Authors: Kiftiyani Usfita , Suprapto Suprapto , Yudistira Novanto
Published: December 2020

Penelitian tentang perangkingan dokumen pada temu kembali informasi saat ini mudah ditemukan, hal ini terkait perkembangan keilmuan dibidang penggalian informasi yang bergerak sangat cepat. Namun, Walaupun sudah penelitian yang menggunakan Bahasa Arab sebagai objek masih terbatas. Karena keterbatasan penggunaan dokumen Bahasa Arab untuk penelitian bidang penggalian informasi maka penulis mencoba melakukan pendekatan sederhana, yaitu dengan mengimplementasikan metode klasifikasi naïve bayes dan k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah metode klasifikasi terutama naïve bayes dan k-NN dapat digunakan untuk melakukan perangkingan, dan juga membandingkan akurasi dari kedua metode tersebut. Berdasarkan penelitian yang dilakukan, didapatkan hasil bahwa perangkingan dengan metode klasifikasi dapat dilakukan dengan tingkat akurasi metode Naïve Bayes lebih baik dibandingkan dengan metode k-NN dengan rata-rata nilai F1 Measure mencapai 72%, rata-rata nilai precision mencapai 75%, dan rata-rata nilai recall mencapai 80%. Sedangkan hasil dari metode k-NN diperoleh rata-rata nilai F1 Measure mencapai 70%, rata-rata nilai precision mencapai 76%, dan rata-rata nilai recall mencapai 79%. Namun penelitian ini masih kurang dari segi teknik yang dilakukan, yaitu dengan menghilangkan proses stemming. Sehngga penulis memberikan saran untuk penelitian selanjutnya supaya bisa dilakukan proses stemming dan menggunakan metode perangkingan yang lebih baru.
Impact of Diabetes in Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19
Authors: Abu-Farha Mohamed , Al-Mulla Fahd , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse , Kavalakatt Sina , Ali Hamad , Abdul Ghani Mohammed , Abubaker Jehad
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2), known as a highly contagious disease, currently affecting more than 200 countries worldwide. The main feature of SARS-CoV-2 that distinguishes it from other viruses is the speed of transmission combined with higher risk of mortality from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). People with diabetes mellitus (DM), severe obesity, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are more likely to get infected and are at a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. Among elderly patients who are at higher risk of death from COVID-19, 26.8% have DM. Although the reasons for this increased risk are yet to be determined, several factors may contribute to type-2 DM patients’ increased susceptibility to infections. A possible factor that may play a role in increasing the risk in people affected by diabetes and/or obesity is the impaired innate and adaptive immune response, characterized by a state of chronic and low-grade inflammation that can lead to abrupt systemic metabolic alteration. SARS patients previously diagnosed with diabetes or hyperglycemia had higher mortality and morbidity rates when compared with patients who were under metabolic control. Similarly, obese individuals are at higher risk of developing complications from SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we will explore the current and evolving insights pertinent to the metabolic impact of coronavirus infections with special attention to the main pathways and mechanisms that are linked to the pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes.
The Roles of Tenascins in Cardiovascular, Inflammatory, and Heritable Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Matsumoto Ken-ichi , Aoki Hiroki
Published: December 2020

Tenascins are a family of multifunctional extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins with time- and tissue specific expression patterns during development, tissue homeostasis, and diseases. There are four family members (tenascin-C, -R, -X, -W) in vertebrates. Among them, tenascin-X (TNX) and tenascin-C (TNC) play important roles in human pathologies. TNX is expressed widely in loose connective tissues. TNX contributes to the stability and maintenance of the collagen network, and its absence causes classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (clEDS), a heritable connective tissue disorder. In contrast, TNC is specifically and transiently expressed upon pathological conditions such as inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. There is growing evidence that TNC is involved in inflammatory processes with proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory activity in a context-dependent manner. In this review, we summarize the roles of these two tenascins, TNX and TNC, in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases and in clEDS, and we discuss the functional consequences of the expression of these tenascins for tissue homeostasis.
Metabolic Contributions of an Alphaproteobacterial Endosymbiont in the Apicomplexan Cardiosporidium cionae
Authors: Hunter Elizabeth Sage , Paight Christopher , Lane Christopher E.
Published: December 2020

Apicomplexa is a diverse protistan phylum composed almost exclusively of metazoan-infecting parasites, including the causative agents of malaria, cryptosporidiosis, and toxoplasmosis. A single apicomplexan genus, Nephromyces, was described in 2010 as a mutualist partner to its tunicate host. Here we present genomic and transcriptomic data from the parasitic sister species to this mutualist, Cardiosporidium cionae, and its associated bacterial endosymbiont. Cardiosporidium cionae and Nephromyces both infect tunicate hosts, localize to similar organs within these hosts, and maintain bacterial endosymbionts. Though many other protists are known to harbor bacterial endosymbionts, these associations are completely unknown in Apicomplexa outside of the Nephromycidae clade. Our data indicate that a vertically transmitted α-proteobacteria has been retained in each lineage since Nephromyces and Cardiosporidium diverged. This α-proteobacterial endosymbiont has highly reduced metabolic capabilities, but contributes the essential amino acid lysine, and essential cofactor lipoic acid to C. cionae. This partnership likely reduces resource competition with the tunicate host. However, our data indicate that the contribution of the single α-proteobacterial endosymbiont in C. cionae is minimal compared to the three taxa of endosymbionts present in the Nephromyces system, and is a potential explanation for the virulence disparity between these lineages.
Diagnostic Value of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Pathogens in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Patients
Authors: Fang Xiaowei , Mei Qing , Fan Xiaoqin , Zhu Chunyan , Yang Tianjun , Zhang Lei , Geng Shike , Pan Aijun
Published: December 2020

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Methods: BALF samples of 72 patients with VAP were collected from August 2018 to May 2020. The diagnostic performance of conventional testing (CT) and mNGS methods were compared based on bacterial and fungal examinations. The diagnostic value of mNGS for viral and mixed infections was also analyzed.

Results: The percentage of mNGS positive samples was significantly higher than that estimated by the CT method [odds ratio (OR), 4.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.78–10.53; p < 0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS for bacterial detection were 97.1% (95% CI, 93.2–101.0%) and 42.1% (95 CI, 30.7–53.5%), respectively, whereas the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 60.0% (95% CI, 48.7–71.3%) and 94.1% (95% CI, 88.7–99.6%), respectively. A total of 38 samples were negative for bacterial detection as determined by the CT method, while 22 samples were positive as shown by the mNGS method. Conflicting results were obtained for three samples between the two methods of bacterial detection. However, no significant differences were noted between the mNGS and CT methods (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.68–2.97; p = 0.46) with regard to fungal infections. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS were 71.9% (95% CI, 61.5–82.3%) and 77.5% (95% CI, 67.9–87.1%), respectively. mNGS exhibited a PPV of 71.9% (95% CI, 61.5–82.3%) and an NPV of 77.5% (95% CI, 67.9–87.1%). A total of 9 out of 40 samples were found positive for fungi according to mNGS, whereas the CT method failed to present positive results in these samples. The mNGS and CT methods produced conflicting results with regard to fungal detection of the two samples. A total of 30 patients were virus-positive using mNGS. Furthermore, 42 patients (58.3%) were identified as pulmonary mixed infection cases.

Conclusions: mNGS detection using BALF improved the sensitivity and specificity of bacterial identification in patients who developed VAP. In addition, mNGS exhibited apparent advantages in detecting viruses and identifying mixed infections.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Potential Antimicrobial for Veterinary Use—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Russell Keith A. , Garbin Livia C. , Wong Jonathan M. , Koch Thomas G.
Published: December 2020

The emergence of “superbugs” resistant to antimicrobial medications threatens populations both veterinary and human. The current crisis has come about from the widespread use of the limited number of antimicrobials available in the treatment of livestock, companion animal, and human patients. A different approach must be sought to find alternatives to or enhancements of present conventional antimicrobials. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have antimicrobial properties that may help solve this problem. In the first part of the review, we explore the various mechanisms at work across species that help explain how MSCs influence microbial survival. We then discuss the findings of recent equine, canine, and bovine studies examining MSC antimicrobial properties in which MSCs are found to have significant effects on a variety of bacterial species either alone or in combination with antibiotics. Finally, information on the influence that various antimicrobials may have on MSC function is reviewed. MSCs exert their effect directly through the secretion of various bioactive factors or indirectly through the recruitment and activation of host immune cells. MSCs may soon become a valuable tool for veterinarians treating antimicrobial resistant infections. However, a great deal of work remains for the development of optimal MSC production conditions and testing for efficacy on different indications and species.