bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Social Capital Forms in the Structure of Civil Society Networks: Managerial Aspect
Authors: Zvonar V. P. , Holovko L. V.
Published: September 2023

The relevance of the article’s topic is due to the growing importance of social capital as a resource for socio-economic development, as well as the intensification of the role of civil society institutions as drivers of this development. The article explains the specifics of the interrelation of the main forms of social capital in the structure of civil society networks, in particular those related to the functioning of charity and volunteer sectors.

The article provides an expanded classification of forms of social capital according to the criteria of the way of formation, tools, and goals of functioning of social networks of civil society. An important pattern of social capital development is revealed, the essence of which is the volatility of social capital forms, the easing of their mutual conversion and combination. It is argued that this volatility requires constructive managerial influence to ensure conditions for the effective use of the resource advantages of social capital in the context of social consolidation.

The main trends in the development of the civil sector of Ukraine over the past decade have been identified. Its main components are defined as charitable and volunteer initiatives, through which the potential of social capital formation is realized. The interaction of forms of social capital with the active role of these initiatives has been discussed. It is argued that the growth of civil activity has contributed to the quantitative increase in the institutional components of the charity sector. The transformations of social development due to the strengthening of the role of the national unity factor are determined. The main factors of influence on the growth of the level of charity in Ukraine in comparison with the EU countries are determined. It has been noted that a significant increase in charitable, and especially volunteer, activity of the population occurred after February 24, 2022 – the date of full-scale Russian invasion. The main types of volunteer activity have been defined as: assistance to the Armed Forces (in particular, due to the opportunity to donate), humanitarian assistance to forcibly displaced persons. The importance of fundraising platforms for the development of e-philanthropy and e-volunteerism among the population of Ukraine has been revealed.

Recommendations for flexible management of the interaction of forms of social capital for the effective development of the charitable and volunteer sector and the use of their capabilities in the context of confronting the latest social and humanitarian challenges associated with the full-scale invasion of Russia are formulated. The use of a priority new approach in social policy, in particular agile management, which contributes to the growth of charitable and volunteer activities and the integration of forms of social capital, is substantiated.
The Impact of The Polish-Ukrainian Borderland on The Local Community Well-Being
Authors: Okrasa Wlodzimierz
Published: September 2023

This article discusses selected results of a comparative study aimed at understanding the relationship between the location – in particular, within the borderland, understood as an area within a radius of 50 km from the Polish-Ukrainian border, on both sides – and the development of the community, on one side, and its impact on well-being of the areas’ inhabitants, households and individuals, on the other. As emphasized in the general hypothesis underlying this study, the importance of locating in such areas (both for communities and individuals) results from transborder economic activity, which was quite intensive before the February 2022. The question about the role of ʽplaceʼ and ʽspaceʼ for quality of life and well-being – including possible concentration of territorial units (gminas, rayons) of similar levels of development, or ‘neighbourhood effect’ (or clustering) among individuals/households – needs to be extended by analysis of the cross-level interaction between the community’s and individual’s respective measures of development and well-being. For this purpose, data from the two types of sources are used: (i) Local Data Bank (Poland) and Rayon Database (Ukraine) to characterize the level of (under)development and local deprivation, and (ii) data from survey of households conducted in parallel way in selected communes in Podkarpacie and Lviv. In the conclusions, confirmed is expectation that border residential neighbourhood/borderland has significant impact on individual and community respective measures, and on interaction between them (e.g., on average higher well-being in less deprived/better developed communities). However, some caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions for policy purposes, given the narrow scope of this type of (non-representative) research. But the methodological advantage of the above approach due to the inclusion of spatial aspects argues for the need for its further exploration, in a comparative perspective.
Homilies 3–4 of St. Cyril of Alexandria from the Commentary on the Gospel of Luke in a Syriac translation from the Manuscripts Damas. 12/19 and Damas. 12/20 with an Appendix of the Original Text According to Greek Manuscripts
Authors: Юлаев Ф.
Published: September 2023

Статья продолжает публикацию сирийских гомилий из «Толкования на Евангелие от Луки» свт. Кирилла Александрийского (CPG 5207) по рукописям дамасского собрания Damas. 12/19 и Damas. 12/20, предлагая сирийский и параллельный греческий текст 3–4 гомилий «Толкования». В предисловии указана рукописная сирийская традиция. Более подробно рассмотрена их греческая традиция и их отношение к известной под именем св. Кирилла гомилии «На Сретение» (CPG 5207.1; BHG 1963) и фрагментам из греческих катен. Выявлены неточности, допущенные Й. Ройссом при издании соответствующих фрагментов «Толкования» по греческим катенам. Произведён сводный анализ рукописных источников гомилий, и обоснована предложенная в издании реконструкция их оригинального текста. Дан общий обзор содержания и затронут вопрос о датировке этих гомилий. Публикация сирийского и греческого текста сопровождается русским переводом.

The article continues the publication of the homilies from the St. Cyril of Alexandria’s «Commentary on the Gospel of Luke» (CPG 5207), based on Manuscripts Damas. 12/19 and Damas. 12/20, offering the Syriac and parallel Greek text of Homilies 3–4 of the «Commentary». In the introduction are indicated the manuscript Syriac tradition. Their Greek tradition and their relationship to the Homily «On the Hypapante» (CPG 5207.1; BHG 1963) known by name of St. Cyril and fragments from Greek Catenas are considered in more detail. The inaccuracies made by J. Reuss when publishing the corresponding fragments of the «Commentary» on Greek Catenas are revealed. A summary analysis of manuscript sources of homily is made, and the reconstruction of their original text proposed in the publication is substantiated. A general review of the content is given and the question of the dating of these homily is touched upon. The publication of the Syriac and Greek text is accompanied by a Russian translation.
On Eriugena’s Appropriation of the Neoplatonic Concept of Self-Movemen
Authors: Шуфрин А.
Published: September 2023

В статье рассматривается усвоение понятия «самодвижение» Иоанном Скоттом Эриугеной. В начале делается исторический обзор этого понятия, начиная с Платона и Аристотеля. Если для Прокла и Прискиана самовозвращение (как самодвижение) равно самоопределению, то для христианского неоплатоника Дионисия Ареопагита самодвижение — это либо самовозвращение (для Божества), либо самоопределение (для человека). К ангелам он это свойство не относит. В переводе Эриугеной Дионисия и св. Максима Исповедника самодвижение приписывается и ангелам, и элементу неодушевленной природы — огню. В статье анализируется, каким образом Эриугена мог допустить такую ошибку при переводе. В связи с этим рассматривается, почему Эриугена переводит ταὐτοκίνητος как самодвижение во фразе об ангелах, а также говорит о самовозвращении огня. В статье показывается, что несмотря на, казалось бы, неправомерный перенос на тварь свойства, присущего только Божеству, этот ход мысли Эриугены имеет смысл для него в эсхатологической перспективе.

The article deals with John Scotus Eriugena’s appropriation of the concept of self-movement. It begins with an overview of its history, beginning with Plato. For him, the soul possesses self-motion by its very nature. Aristotle demonstrates that the first cause of movement (be it the soul or the mind) must, as such, necessarily be unmoved. To meet Aristotle’s challenge, Proclus and Priscianus construe self-movement not as the movement of a pre-existing «self» (or, spiritual substance) but, rather, as the self’s constitution: the soul is the very act of self-reversal. According to Dionysius the Areopagite, the First Cause is not only the object of the creatures’ desire but, also, is Itself moved by Its love to them. The act of unification of the Divine is prior to Its self-movement; therefore, self-movement in Dionysius does not constitute the «Self» of the Divine but is either a self-reversion (for the Divine) or a self-determination (for the humans). Dionysius does not attribute self-movement to the angels. In Eriugena’s (mis-) translation of Dionysius, however, self-movement is attributed, also, to the angels and an element of inanimate nature — fire. The article demonstrates that despite this seemingly invalid application to creatures of the property belonging to God alone, the move made by Eriugena is, in an eschatological perspective, quite justified.
(Un)rejected Bible: The Legend of the Greek Translation of the Bible (LXX) in the Rabbinic Tradition
Authors: Волчков А.
Published: September 2023

Считается, что в традиции раввинов перевод еврейской Библии на греческий язык расценивался как трагическое событие с роковыми для Израиля последствиями. В память об этом ошибочном начинании даже был установлен специальный день для поста и сетований, а сам перевод сравнивался с созданием золотого тельца. На основании некоторых раввинистических свидетельств в европейской науке возникло представление о свершившемся на рубеже I и II веков н. э. отказе иудеев от использования Септуагинты. Новейшие исследования свидетельствуют о полной неадекватности этой концепции по отношению к исторической реальности. Иудеи, жившие в пределах Римской, а затем Византийской империи активно использовали греческий перевод. Септуагинта была Библией иудаизма диаспоры в течение многих веков. Фактически, в самой литературе раввинов можно найти множество позитивных оценок LXX. В статье будет показано, как трансформировалась легенда о «Торе для царя Талмая (Птолемея)» в контексте литературы раввинов (II–IX веков н. э.).

It is believed that in rabbinic tradition, the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek was regarded as a tragic event with fatal consequences for Israel. To commemorate this misguided undertaking, a special day of fasting and lamentation was even established, and the translation itself was compared to the creation of the golden calf. Based on some rabbinic testimonies, European scholarship has developed the notion that the Jews abandoned the Septuagint at the turn of the first and second centuries AD. The latest research shows the complete inadequacy of this concept in relation to historical reality. The Jews who lived within the Roman and later Byzantine empires made extensive use of the Greek translation. The Septuagint was the Bible of Diaspora Judaism for many centuries. In fact, there are many positive evaluations of the LXX in the rabbinic literature itself. This article will show how the legend of «Torah for King Tolmai (Ptolemy)» was transformed in the context of rabbinic literature (2nd–9th centuries CE).
Review of: Logika i ontologiya v vizantijskoj dogmaticheskoj polemike. Ocherki [Essays on Logic and Ontology in the Byzantine Dogmatical Controversies] / ed. by D. S. Biriyukov and V. M. Lourié
Authors: Макаров Д.
Published: September 2023

Издание включает в себя двенадцать статей восьми авторов (т. е. в среднем на одного автора приходится полторы статьи), при этом пять статей написаны В. М. Лурье, а три статьи — Т. А. Щукиным (одна из них — в соавторстве с О. Н. Ноговициным). Самая пространная статья (84 стр.) принадлежит одному из редакторов тома, видному патрологу Д. С. Бирюкову, а самая краткая (10 стр.) — Д. И. Макарову. Географически авторы представляют научные центры Санкт-Петербурга, Екатеринбурга и Перми (а также, по совместительству, Москвы и Новосибирска). Временной охват византийской философии — от II до XV в. О проблемном охвате, методах, подходах и перспективах собранных в книге исследований будет подробнее сказано ниже
Образ Оригена и четыре главные добродетели в «Благодарственной речи Оригену» свт. Григория Чудотворца
Authors: Холодов Евгений Викторович
Published: September 2023

В статье рассматривается образ Оригена и его педагогическая методика на основе раннехристианского памятника «Благодарственная речь Оригену», составленного его учеником свт. Григорием Неокесарийским. Особое внимание уделяется этическому компоненту. Рассматривается учение о четырёх главных добродетелях, самопознании и уподоблении Богу, а также связь этического учения Оригена с философской традицией платонизма и стоицизма. Четыре главные добродетели, которые в философию ввёл Платон, стали неотъемлемой частью античной пайдейи, их активно использовал в своём религиозно-философском синтезе Филон Александрийский. В александрийской христианской традиции они получили своё дальнейшее раскрытие, став неотъемлемой частью христианской нравственной системы и христианского любомудрия.

The article discusses the image of Origen and his pedagogical methodology based on the early Christian monument «Address of Thanksgiving to Origen», compiled by his student St. Gregory of Neocaesarea. Particular attention is paid to the ethical component. The doctrine of the four main virtues, self-knowledge and likeness to God, as well as the connection between the ethical teachings of Origen and the philosophical tradition of Platonism and Stoicism are considered. The four main virtues that Plato introduced into philosophy became an integral part of ancient paideia , they were actively used in his religious and philosophical synthesis by Philo of Alexandria. In the Alexandrian Christian tradition, they received their further disclosure, becoming an integral part of the Christian moral system and Christian philosophy.
“Land of Brazil” as “Land of Dyewood”: Visual Metaphors as a Means of Representing Portuguese America in Sixteenth-Century Narratives and Iconographic Sources
Authors: Okuneva Olga
Published: September 2023

The author analyses the ways Portuguese America (Brazil) was identified as a land of brazilwood (Caesalpinia echinata Lam.) important for colouring textiles and creating sculptural decors in Europe. She discusses whether the word “Brazil” in the travelers’ books and on some geographical maps should be interpreted as a description (“land of dyewood”) rather than a simple toponym without a significant meaning. Examples from sixteenth-century texts and maps show that the difference between the name of the wood and the name of the country was not always marked with capital letters. The study is concentrated on the visual metaphors representing Brazil without textual comments: the cartographic iconography and sculptures emphasized specific trees, or native inhabitants of Brazil as forest cutlers, or scenes of brazilwood trade; the use of red colour was not always necessary to create a metaphor from a depiction. The author also formulates some hypotheses regarding the connections between these techniques and the Renaissance culture.
“Our World Has Just Discovered Another Worldˮ: How the Discovery of the New World Influenced the Historical Consciousness of the Sixteenth-Century French Humanists
Authors: Samotovinskij Dmitrij
Published: September 2023

The author examines the influence of the discovery of the New World on the historical consciousness of the French humanists of the sixteenth century. A study of the Latin treatises of Jean Fernel (1548), Jean Bodin (1566), the French works of Louis Le Roy (1567, 1575) and Michel de Montaigne (1580, 1588), allows one to challenge the idea established in historiography, according to which the discovery of the New World, the appreciation of new achievements, such as the compass, artillery, and printing, led humanists not only to recognise the superiority of their time over the antiquity, but also to the “idea of progress”. Indeed, French humanists, referring to modern geographical discoveries and unprecedented inventions, proclaimed the superiority of their era over antiquity in knowledge of the world, declared that their contemporaries had transcended antique experience, learned the whole of the globe and transformed the world into a single space of exchange and trade for the first time. Critical position of De Montaigne, who disputed the exhaustive nature of modern geographical discoveries and the innovative nature of a number of inventions, did not spread, because it did not meet the needs of humanists in high historical self-esteem. It was this need that often led intellectuals of the epoch to compare “our age” and antiquity and to be convinced of the superiority of modernity. However, the idea of the superiority of the modern era never developed into the “idea of progress” in the culture of French humanism. For humanists, this complex conception, according to which humanity moved successively towards a desirable image of the future, was both superfluous (in terms of satisfying the need for a high historical self-esteem) and inconsistent with their world view. The conditions for the birth of the idea of progress emerged only in the eighteenth century, within the culture of the Enlightenment. The humanists' understanding of history was based on the idea of cycles, the idea that human civilization, once established, would periodically reach its peak and then inevitably decline. This was borne out by all the historical experience available to humanists.
ACCUMULATION OF EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES
BY YEASTS OF RHODOTORULA SP.
Authors: Cheban L.M. , Vasina L.M.
Published: September 2023

The work is devoted to the search and assessment of the possibility of using alternative carbon sources for the production of exopolysaccharides by yeasts of the genus Rhodotorula sp. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are high-molecular polymer metabolites of microorganisms produced on the outside of cells. They have a high ability to gel, emulsify, and suspend. The ability to synthesize EPS has been found in many microorganisms, but their level varies widely both for different EPS producers and for one producer under different cultivation conditions. Therefore, the search for active producer strains, alternative nutrient media, and the development of effective microbial exopolysaccharide technologies is an urgent task of biotechnology.
The capabilities of three species of the genus Rhodotorula were evaluated: R.rubra, R.minuta, R.glutinis to secrete and accumulate exopolysaccharides (EPS) on classical Sabouraud's medium with glucose was evaluated. The maximum amount of EPS in the culture fluid of R. minuta was determined.
Differential diagnostic Hiss media with maltose, lactose and mannitol were used to determine the use of different carbon-containing substrates by yeast cultures. The ability of all three studied yeast species to use maltose and mannitol as a carbon source was established. Accordingly, these substrates were added to the Sabouraud medium in the amount of 20 g/l, 40 g/l or 60 g/l. It was noted that the maximum amount of EPS in the culture liquid of R. rubra and R. minuta accumulates under the conditions of using 60 g/l of mannitol as a carbon source. For R.glutinis, the highest EPS indicator was established on a medium with 60 g/l of glucose.
INVOLVEMENT OF BASALT TUFF AS A FLOCCULANT IN THE SEPARATION OF MICROALGAE MONORAPHIDIUM SP. BIOMASS
Authors: Cheban L.M. , Andriuk V.V. , Marchenko M.M.
Published: September 2023

For the first time, the paper considers the possibility of using basalt tuff as a flocculant for aggregation and sedimentation of the biomass of the green alga Monoraphidium sp. The sedimentation rate of algae biomass was analyzed when basalt tuff was added in concentrations of: 0.5 g/l, 1 g/l, 1.5 g/l, 2 g/l. The separation of settled biomass was carried out either by centrifugation or sedimentation. The percentage of separated cells from the fugat was determined.
A scheme for the separation of algae biomass has been developed, which includes: the use of basalt tuff as a flocculant at a concentration of 2 g/l, the ratio of the culture liquid of algae and flocculant is 25:1, settling the mixture for 48 hours, separating the fugat.
Effects of blood flow restriction on spine postural control using a robotic platform: A pilot randomized cross-over study
Authors: Lippi Lorenzo , Turco Alessio , Folli Arianna , Vicelli Federico , Curci Claudio , Ammendolia Antonio , de Sire Alessandro , Invernizzi Marco
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training improves muscle strength and functional outcomes, but the proprioceptive implications of this technique in the rehabilitation field are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at assessing the effects of BFR in terms of stabilometric and balance performance. METHODS: In this pilot randomized cross-over study, healthy young adults were included and randomly assigned to Groups A and B. Both groups underwent a postural assessment with and without wearing a BFR device. Study participants of Group A underwent postural baseline assessment wearing BFR and then removed BFR for further evaluations, whereas subjects in Group B performed the baseline assessment without BFR and then with BFR. Stabilometric and balance performance were assessed by the robotic platform Hunova, the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), the self-reported perceived balance (7-point Likert scale), and discomfort self-rated assessment. Moreover, the safety profile was recorded. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects were included and randomly assigned to Group A (n: 7) and Group B (n: 7). Significant differences were shown in balance tests in static conditions performed on the Hunova robot platform in terms of average distance RMS (root-mean-square) with open eyes (OE), anteroposterior (AP) trunk oscillation range with OE, mediolateral (ML) average speed of oscillation with OE, and total excursion AP range with closed eyes (CE) (BFR: 3.44 ± 1.06; without BFR: 2.75 ± 0.72; p= 0.041). Moreover, elastic balance test showed differences in Romberg index (BFR: 0.16 ±0.16; without BFR: 0.09 ± 0.07; p= 0.047). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data showed that BFR affects balance performance of healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to better characterize the possible role of BFR treatment in the context of a specific rehabilitation protocol.
Comparison between percutaneous short-segment fixation and percutaneous vertebroplasty in treating Kummell’s disease: A minimum 2-year follow-up retrospective study
Authors: Shen Hongtao , Tang Weilong , Yin Xiaoyu , Shao Tuo , Liu Xing , Gu Jiaao , Hu Yuhang , Yu Lei , Yu Zhange , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous short-segment fixation (PSSF) is often used to treat Kummell’s disease. However, it is not clear which treatment is better for patients. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare the clinical efficacy of PVP and PSSF for the treatment of Kummell’s disease. METHOD: 60 patients were involved in this research and the period of follow-up was at least 2 years. 27 of them were treated with PVP (Group I) and the rest who received PSSF (Group II). The visual analog scale (VAS) and radiographic indexes of each participant had been measured preoperatively as well as 1 week, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Additionally, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed at the last time point. RESULTS: Comparing the two groups, no statistical significance was found among all parameters preoperatively. The time of operations and blood loss is less in Group I. At each time point after operation, the imaging indices in Group II are lower (P< 0.05). One week after treatments, the VAS scores are lower in Group I, and similarly, 3 months are the same (P< 0.05), while VAS are similar at the last time point. In the aspect of ODI scores, they are lower in Group II during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of Kummell’s disease, both PVP and PSSF have been found to be effective. PVP can provide rapid pain relief with a shorter operation time. However, in cases with severe kyphosis deformity, PSSF should be given priority.
Keeping Early Social-Emotional Learning Developmental: The Development, Implementation, and Preliminary Evaluation of a Preventive Intervention Program for Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Zarra-Nezhad Maryam , Suhonen Katja , Sajaniemi Nina
Published: September 2023

Early childhood forms the fundamental basis for developing various social-emotional skills and represents a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for healthy development. Insensitive learning environments in early childhood may lead to social-emotional difficulties, increasing the risk of developing severe behavioral problems. However, professional development (PD) opportunities that support early childhood education professionals’ (ECEPs) knowledge and skills to promote young children’s social and emotional development are scarce. In Finland, notably, the increasing need to enhance competence through further training has been widely recognized. Therefore, this study introduced the POMPedaSens program in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Finland. The program aims to promote children’s social-emotional learning (SEL) by supporting ECEPs’ engagement and emotional availability. As a universal intervention program, POMPedaSens includes all children in ECEC regardless of risk factors. The present study included 200 children (MAGE = 72.27 months, SD = 5.48; 53% girls) and 62 ECEPs (MAGE = 43.82 years, SD = 11.71; 95% female). ECEPs received the intervention training to implement the curriculum in their everyday daycare routine. The present study describes the program design, implementation, and results from a preliminary evaluation of the social validity of the POMPedaSens program, measured by the ECEPs’ satisfaction with the program. The results of the social validity evaluation suggested high teachers’ satisfaction and improved children’s SEL. These findings prove that the program may effectively build ECEPs’ capacity to promote children’s SEL.
A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Study Investigating General Practitioner Clinical Impression and Brief Cognitive Assessments for Dementia in Primary Care, Compared to Specialized Assessment
Authors: Creavin Samuel Thomas , Fish Mark , Lawton Michael , Cullum Sarah , Bayer Antony , Purdy Sarah , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: September 2023

Background:

Many health systems are interested in increasing the number of uncomplicated and typical dementia diagnoses that are made in primary care, but the comparative accuracy of tests is unknown.

Objective:

Calculate diagnostic accuracy of brief cognitive tests in primary care.

Methods:

We did a diagnostic test accuracy study in general practice, in people over 70 years who had consulted their GP with cognitive symptoms but had no prior diagnosis of dementia. The reference standard was specialist assessment, adjudicated for difficult cases, according to ICD-10. We assessed 16 index tests at a research clinic, and additionally analyzed referring GPs clinical judgement.

Results:

240 participants had a median age of 80 years, of whom 126 were men and 132 had dementia. Sensitivity of individual tests at the recommended thresholds ranged from 56% for GP judgement (specificity 89%) to 100% for MoCA (specificity 16%). Specificity of individual tests ranged from 4% for Sniffin’ sticks (sensitivity 100%) to 91% for Timed Up and Go (sensitivity 23%). The 95% centile of test duration in people with dementia ranged from 3 minutes for 6CIT and Time and Change, to 16 minutes for MoCA. Combining tests with GP judgement increased test specificity and decreased sensitivity: e.g., MoCA with GP Judgement had specificity 87% and sensitivity 55%.

Conclusions:

Using GP judgement to inform selection of tests was an efficient strategy. Using IQCODE in people who GPs judge as having dementia and 6CIT in people who GPs judge as having no dementia, would be a time-efficient and accurate diagnostic assessment. The original protocol for the study is available at https://bmcfampract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-016-0475-2
A self-supervised learning of semantic feature consistency for image clustering
Authors: Chen Junfen , Han Jie , Xie Bojun , Li Nana
Published: September 2023

Contrastive learning is a powerful technique for learning feature representations without manual annotation. The K-nearest neighbor (KNN) method is commonly used to construct positive sample pairs to calculate the contrastive loss. However, it is challenging to distinguish positive sample pairs, reducing clustering performance. We propose a novel Deep Contrastive Clustering method based on a GrapH convolutional network called GHDCC. It uses an instance-level contrastive loss with mean square error (MSE) regularization and a cluster-level contrastive loss to incorporate semantic features and perform cluster assignments. The method utilizes a graph convolutional network (GCN) to improve the semantic consistency of features and linear interpolation data augmentation to improve the representation ability of the model. To minimize the occurrence of false positive sample pairs, we select only samples whose similarity exceeds a predefined threshold to construct the adjacency matrix. The experimental results on six public datasets demonstrate that the GHDCC significantly outperforms contrastive clustering (CC, 500) by a large margin except on CIFAR-10. The GHDCC performs well compared to other deep contrastive clustering methods and achieves the highest clustering accuracy of 0.913 on ImageNet-10.
A novel parameter reduction method for fuzzy soft sets
Authors: Guo Xiao , Feng Qinrong , Zhao Lin
Published: September 2023

Fuzzy soft set as a tool to deal with uncertainty can effectively handle decision making problems. However, there are many redundant parameters in the decision making process. In order to remove redundant parameters to improve the efficiency of decision making, different parameter reduction algorithms for fuzzy soft sets based on different decision criteria have been proposed. This paper focuses on the problem of parameter reduction of fuzzy soft sets based on choice value criteria. The restrictions of the strict conditions about parameter reduction lead to a very low applicability of some previous algorithms based on choice value criteria. To address this limitation, we introduce a flexible definition of parameter reduction for fuzzy soft sets. Further a difference-based parameter reduction algorithm for fuzzy soft sets is proposed. Compared with some previous algorithms based on choice value criteria, the proposed algorithm not only has wider applicability, but also can reduce more redundant parameters making the found parameter reduction with a lower cardinality, and it is easier to find the parameter reduction of fuzzy soft sets.
RETRACTED: Multi-hop question answering of bridge inspection by adopting knowledge graph embedding technology
Authors: Qiu Guangying , Tao Dan , Su Housheng
Published: September 2023

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
The two stage group decision making model for massive alternatives based on the difference scale of expert evaluation
Authors: Ren Rongrong , Wang Hailong , Meng Xinyu , Zhao Meng
Published: September 2023

Many businesses and organizations consider group decision making (GDM) to be an important decision-making strategy for dealing with complex decision-making difficulties. Although it is acknowledged that the difference in decision makers’ assessment scales has a significant impact on decision results, how to eliminate the difference in decision makers’ evaluation scales in the decision-making process has not been investigated further. In this research, the non-consensus of MAGDM is studied considering the difference of expert evaluation scale, and an improved two-stage multi-attribute group decision making method (MAGDM) is proposed. The example and comparative analysis of annual bonus allocation in engineering businesses validate the effectiveness and operability of this system. Simultaneously, the approach is improved to handle the MAGDM problem of tiny samples, and the method’s problem of inadequate information is illustrated by numerical examples. The research presented in this work gives a practicable approach and idea for investigating the eradication of decision-maker evaluation scale disparities in MAGDM, and it demonstrates the importance of decision-maker evaluation scale differences in theoretical research and practical management.
An efficient and robust gradient reinforcement learning: Deep comparative policy
Authors: Wang Jiaguo , Li Wenheng , Lei Chao , Yang Meng , Pei Yang
Published: September 2023

Recently, actor-critic architectures such as deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) are able to understand higher-level concepts for searching rich reward, and generate complex actions in continuous action space, and widely used in practical applications. However, when action space is limited and has dynamic hard margins, training DDPG can be problematic and inefficiency. Since real-world actuators always have margins and interferences, after initialization, the actor network is likely to be stuck at a local optimal point on action space margin: actor gradient orients to the outside of action space but actuators stop at the margin. If the hard margins are complex, dynamic and unknown to the DDPG agent, it is unable to use penalty functions to recover from local optimum. If we enlarge the random process for local exploration, the training could be in potential risk of failure. Therefore, simply relying on gradient of critic network to train the actor network is not a robust method in real environment. To solve this problem, in this paper we modify DDPG to deep comparative policy (DCP). Rather than leveraging critic-to-actor gradient, the core training process of DCP is regulated by a T-fold compare among random proposed adjacent actions. The performance of DDPG, DCP and related algorithms are tested and compared in two experiments. Our results show that, DCP is effective, efficient and qualified to perform all tasks that DDPG can perform. More importantly, DCP is less likely to be influenced by the action space margins, DCP can provide more safety in avoiding training failure and local optimum, and gain more robustness in applications with dynamic hard margins in the action space. Another advantage is that, complex penalty for margin touching detection is not required, the reward function can always be brief and short.
RETRACTED: Analysis of informationization teaching algorithms based on the internet of things
Authors: Hu Jianbin
Published: September 2023

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Enhanced CoCoSo method for picture 2-tuple linguistic MAGDM and applications to classroom teaching quality evaluation of college physical education
Authors: Lei Xinggang , Wang Zhiqing
Published: September 2023

In order to better improve the physical health status of Chinese college students, enrich the knowledge content of university physical education courses, enhance their physical exercise ability, cultivate lifelong physical education awareness and conscious exercise habits, and promote the healthy development of quality education in China, combined with the current reality of university physical education teaching, a quality assurance system for university physical education teaching in China is constructed to promote the continuous improvement of the quality of university physical education teaching. The guarantee system for college physical education teaching consists of three subsystems: the design and quality management system for college physical education teaching objectives, the evaluation system for college physical education teaching quality, and the feedback system for college physical education teaching quality information. The quality evaluation of college physical education classroom teaching is a multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) issue. In this paper, depending on the CoCoSo (Combined Compromise Solution) method and picture 2-tuple linguistic sets (P2TLSs), a novel MAGDM issue based on the picture 2-tuple linguistic CoCoSo (P2TL-CoCoSo) method is designed to tackle it. In addition, the weights of criteria are decided objectively by utilizing entropy method. Eventually, a related application for quality evaluation of college physical education classroom teaching and comparative analysis is given to demonstrate the superiority of the designed method. The results illustrate that the designed method is useful for quality evaluation of college physical education classroom teaching.
Hypoglycemic effects of Stachys affinis Bunge in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Nguyen Thi Dung , Mai Bich Dung , Doan Thi Tam , Vo Nguyen Thanh Thao , Le Quang Luan , Ha Thi Loan
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Stachys affinis Bunge ( S. affinis) tubers are rich in carbohydrate with a large amount of stachyose which had been proven to have antidiabetic potential.

OBJECTIVE:

The present study aims to evaluate hypoglycemic effects of tuber extract of Stachys affinis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

METHODS:

The stachyose content of the extract was determined by UPLC. Diabetes was induced by the administration of single dose of streptozotocin (170 mg/kg). The hypoglycemic effects of the extract were evaluated by comparing fasting blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity between groups treated with the S. affinis tuber extract (at doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg) and diabetic control group over 28 days of treatment.

RESULTS:

The daily treatment with the extract at doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level from 278.12 mg/dL to 127.50 mg/dL, and 238.97 mg/dL to 177.12 mg/dL ( p < 0.01), respectively. Besides, the treatment also improved the sensitivity of diabetic treated mice to insulin ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The study revealed that the S. affinis tuber extract demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effects.
Complementary approach to the analysis of countries’ participation in global production networks
Authors: Osaulenko Oleksandr , Krysovatyy Andriy , Zvarych Iryna , Reznikova Nataliia , Brodovska Oksana , Krysovatyy Ihor
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the article is to explore a complementary approach to the analysis of countries’ participation in global production networks. We have analyzed the methodological aspect from the standpoint of the Micro and Macro theory of international production networks and value chains. In the context of globalization, production networks are actively formed within both individual industries and at the intersectoral level, and they successfully operate not only within limited territories but also at the interstate, interregional and global levels. Therefore, the study of methods for analyzing the participation of countries in global production networks is relevant. The article has used statistical analysis methods. Analytical methods have been used to determine the countries’ leading types of economic activity (fields of specialization, qualitative indicators that characterize each of the industries of the countries). The study of this issue was carried out on the example of the EU countries. One of the methods of analyzing the assessment of bilateral relations of the partner countries’ national economies is complementarity. The article examines the complementarity index as an indicator that determines the trade structure of partner countries. We received a model of the Global map of the International Production Network (nodes of trade) by specific industries, such as Manufacturing, Chemicals and non-metallic mineral products, Rubber and plastics products, computers, electronic and electrical equipment, and transport equipment. To obtain accurate results, we selected specific countries: Germany, the USA, Japan and China, and examined their statistics in two dimensions: gross exports and gross imports, in specifically selected industries.
A comparative evaluation of sliding contact tactile systems displaying braille and raised print
Authors: Thomas Anupama , Prabhakar Anil
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Access to low-cost tactile displays that allow sliding contact between text and reading fingers remains a challenge for blind and visually impaired (BVI) users. This impedes the widespread learning of braille and tactile reading. Previous work demonstrated a high accuracy in the tactile reading of braille and raised print presented at varying refresh rates.

OBJECTIVE:

This work compares the most suitable spacing between embossed characters on a sliding contact tactile display for the accurate reading of words.

METHODS:

Two discs, differing in inter-character spacing (ICS), embossed with braille on one side and raised print on the reverse side are used here. MNREAD sentences are read for a period of 5 minutes by 17 participants, who are visually impaired, using both discs.

RESULTS:

The results show that an ICS of 8 mm is sufficient for reading braille with a low percentage error rate of 6.4. However, an ICS of 8 mm does not allow similar rates while reading raised print.

CONCLUSION:

The results presented here will be relevant towards the research that works towards the design of economical sliding contact tactile displays for BVI users.
Predicting mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) impairment in COPD patients using clinical-CT radiomics data: A preliminary study
Authors: An Peng , Liu Junjie , Yu Mengxing , Wang Jinsong , Wang Zhongqiu
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic airway diseases in the world. OBJECTIVE: To predict the degree of mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) impairment in patients with COPD by modeling using clinical-CT radiomics data and to provide reference for clinical decision-making. METHODS: A total of 236 patients with COPD diagnosed by CT and clinical data at Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital (n= 157) and Xiangyang Central Hospital (n= 79) from June 2018 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into group A (SvO⩾2 62%, N= 107) and group B (SvO<2 62%, N= 129). We set up training set and test set at a ratio of 7/3 and time cutoff spot; In training set, Logistic regression was conducted to analyze the differences in general data (e.g. height, weight, systolic blood pressure), laboratory indicators (e.g. arterial oxygen saturation and pulmonary artery systolic pressure), and CT radiomics (radscore generated using chest CT texture parameters from 3D slicer software and LASSO regression) between these two groups. Further the risk factors screened by the above method were used to establish models for predicting the degree of hypoxia in COPD, conduct verification in test set and create a nomogram. RESULTS: Univariate analysis demonstrated that age, smoking history, drinking history, systemic systolic pressure, digestive symptoms, right ventricular diameter (RV), mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), cardiac index (CI), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), 6-min walking distance (6MWD), WHO functional classification of pulmonary hypertension (WHOPHFC), the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to the forced vital capacity (FEV1%), and radscore in group B were all significantly different from those in group A (P< 0.05). Multivariate regression demonstrated that age, smoking history, digestive symptoms, 6MWD, and radscore were independent risk factors for SvO2 impairment. The combined model established based on the abovementioned indicators exhibited a good prediction effect [AUC: 0.903; 95%CI (0.858–0.937)], higher than the general clinical model [AUC: 0.760; 95%CI (0.701–0.813), P< 0.05] and laboratory examination-radiomics model [AUC: 0.868; 95%CI (0.818–0.908), P= 0.012]. The newly created nomogram may be helpful for clinical decision-making and benefit COPD patients. CONCLUSION: SvO2 is an important indicator of hypoxia in COPD, and it is highly related to age, 6MWD, and radscore. The combined model is helpful for early identification of SvO2 impairment and adjustment of COPD treatment strategies.
Suppression of Krüppel-like factor 5 basal expression by CREB1 binding to far distal element
Authors: Mihara Nozomi , Imai Kazushi
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a transcription factor regulating the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, and its uncontrolled expression is closely associated with carcinoma progression. Sp3 binding to the minimal essential region (MER) of KLF5 gene is critical for KLF5 basal expression, but the expression control mechanism is unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to identify a regulatory region for KLF5 basal expression and the binding protein in carcinoma cells by analyzing the promoter upstream region.

METHODS:

Reporter assays determined the silencer region. The protein binding to the region was identified by database analysis and ChIP assay. The protein mediating the interaction between the region and the MER was confirmed through chromosome conformation capture (3 C) on ChIP assay. The effects of the protein on KLF5 expression were analyzed using qRT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS:

Reporter assay localized the 425-region from upstream KLF5 gene as the silencer. Database analysis and ChIP assay found CREB1 binding to the 425-region. CREB1 siRNA or mutation of CREB1-binding site in the 425-region increased luciferase activities and decreased the binding to 425-region. 3 C on ChIP assay showed that CREB1 mediated interaction of the 425-region and the MER. CREB1 overexpression decreased endogenous KLF5 expression and luciferase activity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The 425-region is the silencer of KLF5 basal expression, and CREB1 binding suppresses the expression.