bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ЛАНЦЮГІВ СТВОРЕННЯ ВАРТОСТІ ГАЛУЗІ НАПІВПРОВОДНИКІВ
Authors: Миценко Валерій
Published: September 2024

Стаття присвячена розгляду сучасних тенденцій розвитку глобальних ланцюгів створення вартості галузі напівпровідників. У дослідженні розглядається участь у глобальних ланцюгах створення вартості напівпровідників економік різних країн. Зроблено висновок, що прагнення низки держав до створення виробництва повного циклу напівпровідників в межах однієї країни, навряд чи буде реалізовано через складну організацію глобальних ланцюгів створення вартості напівпровідників, що існують, і надзвичайний попит на технологічні можливості, капітальні інвестиції в передове виробництво мікросхем та технологічний суверенітет. Таким чином, перегони у будівництві виробництва повсюди, швидше за все, призведе до фрагментованого, а не інтегрованого світового ринку напівпровідників, що неминуче підірве економію масштабу та довірчі відносини в цьому секторі та, що ще гірше, призведе до надлишкової пропозиції потужностей для виробництва напівпровідників у всьому світі.
THE UKRAINIAN WINE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND FORMATION CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Тодорюк Ольга
Published: September 2024

The article is dedicated to exploring the network that governs the journey of wine from vineyard to consumer. This study delves into the core principles underlying the wine distribution system, highlighting its complexities and the key factors that shape its formation. The distribution system serves as a vital link between producers and consumers, encompassing various stages such as production, logistics, marketing, and sales. The article begins by examining the international wine market and changes in its main indicators, determines which factors affect the distribution system and defines the peculiarities and problems of the functioning system of wine distribution in Ukraine during the russsia invasion. This research article explores the key components of the wine distribution system, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities at each stage. Moreover, this study examines how distribution channels are established and highlights the key characteristics of the wine distribution system in various countries around the world, including Ukraine. Highlights the importance of studying the factors that influence the wine distribution system, emphasizing its multifaceted impact on market efficiency, consumer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The goal is to investigate various approaches to the formation of the wine distribution system and the activities of its subjects in various world markets and in Ukraine in a global, changing environment. The research was conducted using the following methods: systematic analysis of global reports and specialized publications and monographs; analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction; classification and analytical; graphic; analysis of recent research and publications. The information base consists of articles, reports that contain information about wine distribution systems, as well as their features of functioning.
ОБРАЗ ЖІНКИ У ТВОРЧОСТІ КИТАЙСЬКИХ ХУДОЖНИЦЬ-МОДЕРНІСТОК ПЕРШОЇ ПОЛОВИНИ ХХ СТ.: МІЖ «ЛЯЛЬКОЮ» ТА «НОВОЮ ЛЕДІ»
Authors: КОТЛЯР Євген , ВАН Шутін
Published: September 2024

Мета роботи: становлення та трансформація символічних образів у жіночому живописі республіканського Китаю (на прикладі образів «ляльки» та «нової леді»). Методологія. У статті використані методи порівняльного та образно-стилістичного аналізу. Для інтерпретації художніх творів використано метод композиційно-пластичного аналізу. Наукова новизна. Проведене дослідження дозволило продемонструвати важливе значення образного символізму для репрезентації художніх особливостей олійного живопису жінок у першій половині ХХ ст. в контексті загальної еволюції китайського образотворчого мистецтва республіканського періоду. Виявлено та проаналізована дві найбільш типові образно-символічні теми: дитячої іграшки (ляльки) та «нової леді», як маніфестальні у розвитку жіночого живопису. Висновки. На прикладі становлення та розвитку жіночого мистецтва є досить очевидною амбівалентна атмосфера Республіканського Китаю, яка є джерелом протиріч в символічній образності. Як нова професійна спільнота, мисткині були змушені виборювати власний простір творчості, інтегруючи нові художні образи та активно залучаючи традиційний арсенал «жіночих» символів і знаків. Образ дитячої іграшки, особливо у її жіночому варіанті, візуально підкреслював елементи родинних традицій, які в тодішній практиці образотворення було не прийнято виражати у словесній формі або візуально декларувати відкрито (наприклад, стосовно вкрай «тонкого» статусу підліткової дівочості). Таким чином, візуальна самопрезентація жіночого образу потребувала додаткового символічного контексту, який дозволяв промовляти не тільки від імені соціальних здобутків (приміром, особиста свобода або рівність можливостей), але й маніфестувати існуюче в китайському суспільстві упереджене ставлення до автаркії жінок. У цьому сенсі живопис є однієї з найбільш яскравих арен репрезентації таких протиріч та їхнього осмислення у візуальній символічній формі. Практичне значення. Введені до наукового обігу дослідження китайських вчених можуть бути використані для подальшого дослідження проблеми.
МУЗИЧНО-КІНЕМАТОГРАФІЧНА ПАРТИТУРА ФІЛЬМУ “OTTO E MEZZO” (1963) ЯК ПРИКЛАД ТВОРЧОГО ТАНДЕМУ Ф. ФЕЛЛІНІ ТА Н. РОТА
Authors: СИРБУ Георгій
Published: September 2024

Мета роботи – розкрити роль музичного простору у фільмі “Otto e mezzo” як драматургічну організацію та структурне формування художнього зображення творчої сповіді – “Confessions” – режисера. Методологія дослідження включає історичний (у дослідженні історії розвитку італійського кінематографа другої половини ХХ століття), біографічний (у висвітленні сторін творчого тандему «Фелліні–Рота») та музично-аналітичний методи (в огляді аудіального компонента у фільмі “Otto e mezzo”), методи компаративного та культурологічного аналізу. У статті було визначено вплив неореалістичної традиції в італійському повоєнному кінематографі на формування унікальних мистецьких методів тандему «Фелліні–Рота». Були висвітлені особливості творчої комунікації Ф. Фелліні та Н. Рота у контексті багаторічної мистецької співпраці. Досліджено наріжні аспекти взаємодії механізмів драматургії та виразних засобів аудіовізуального цілого в рамках мистецького синтетичного феномену на прикладі фільму “Otto e mezzo”. Наукова новизна полягає в аналізі трансформації неореалістичної традиції в італійському повоєнному кінематографі у спільних проєктах Федеріко Фелліні та Ніно Рота. Досліджено визначальний вплив екзистенційного концепту “Confessions” мистецтва післявоєнного періоду на формування естетичних уявлень Ф. Фелліні, що реалізувалися у рамках спільної творчості тандему «Фелліні – Рота» на прикладі фільму “Otto e mezzo”. Проаналізовано структурно-організуючу роль музичної лейтмотивної драматургії у контексті побудови єдиного аудіовізуального кінематографічного метатексту. Висновки. Експериментальні наміри тандему «Фелліні–Рота», якими митці керувалися під час роботи над фільмом “Otto e mezzo”, пов’язані з екзистенційним феноменом “Confessions”. Їх спільний непересічний творчий досвід покликаний відповісти на наріжні питання мистецтва ХХ століття: (1) «З яких глибин несвідомого виникають таємничі художні образи, які пізніше втілювалися у творах мистецтва?» (2) «І чому вони виникали всупереч волі самого Митця?» Кіношедевр “Otto e mezzo” є одним із найуспішніших спільних проєктів тандему «Фелліні – Рота», творча комунікація яких нерозривно тривала 26 років до 1978 р. Партитура фільму “Otto e mezzo” є багатовимірною в тому числі за аудіальним параметром кінотексту, що є важливим і часом навіть визначальним фактором драматургії всього твору. Створюючи часову та просторову динаміку, і кінозображення, і кінозвук/кіномузика як ресурс часовості у часовому мистецтві кодифікує кадр як застиглість барокової фігури. Крім того, у музичній партитурі фільму “Otto e mezzo” акцентується циркова, фестивальна, карнавальна образна сфера, яка пронизувала всю фільмографію Ф. Фелліні. Згодом це стало стійкою стильовою особливістю творчого тандему «Фелліні–Рота».
The Approximate Solutions of 2D- Burger’s Equations
Authors: Nasar Jafaar Jameel , Haleh Tajadodi
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the use of the fractional variational iteration method (FVIM) to obtain approximate analytical solutions to two dimensional Burger’s Equations with the Atangana-Baleanu fractional operator (ABFO). This study provides insight on the fractional variational iteration method's accuracy and reliability while approximating fractional differential equation solutions.
The Effect of Atmospheric Organic Carbon on Precipitation Formation in Southern Iraq: Case Study
Authors: Aqeel G. Mutar
Published: September 2024

The aerosols play a main role in precipitation formation in the atmosphere. Organic Carbon (OC) is a must-imported aerosol because it is considered a cloud condensation nuclear CCN. This work dealt with the relationship between Organic Carbon (OC) and many variables that affect precipitation formation in South Iraq (Basra and AL-Muthana) including Cloud Top Temb Cloud Top Temperature CTT, Total PrecipitableWater TPW, and Precipitation. The cases selected are 14 – 15 Nov. 2018 and 26 – 29 Jan. 2019 to test the relationship between variables. Data obtained from retrospective analysis for research and applications, version 2 (MERRA-2). Including OC, total Precipitablewater (TPW), and precipitation amount of 3 hours. The times are fixed according to the cases. The cloud top temperature (CTT) was obtained by the infrared satellite images provided by the European Space Agency, using a group of satellites. The result indicates a strong effect of OC on the cloud depth and the TPW when finally increases the precipitation amount.
A new approach to video summary generation
Authors: Zainab Shaker Matar Al-Husseini  , Sahar R. Abdul Kadeem  , Ali H. Naser
Published: September 2024

This paper describes a video summary approach for an actual video file that provides a rapid way to assess its information. This is a difficult task to identify relevant or informative sections. When the original video demands knowledge of its content, we build a video summary via extracting in-depth characteristics of each original video. Video summarization deals with the generation of a condensed version of the original video by including meaningful frames or segments while eliminating redundant information provides a concise and accurate representation of the original video clips by providing the most representative summary with increased interest through the application of a matching function between the current and prior frames.
     The primary goal of this work is to give a strategy for recording video clips using security cameras and converting them into a short video to provide a clear analysis of the video by reducing excess and extracting the key video contents into the real video. In a lengthy video clip, viewers may not have enough time to see the full thing. The viewer may be interested in seeing a specific topic under the label "Important". It may be composed of pieces that may be shared on social media and communicate the semantics of long videos, particularly video snippets that must be submitted to  Internet. To browse, will be needed a network with adequate bandwidth. That is, non-affiliated video streaming, indexing, and retrieval of video content makes it valuable to viewers.
Assessment of the vitamin D level and demographic characteristics of children suffering from β-thalassemia in Thi-Qar province
Authors: Rafal Kadhim Shahad  , Baida Rihan Ali
Published: September 2024

Beta thalassemia is a genetic disorder inherited by autosomal recessive inheritance, is present all over the world .  Lifelong transfusions are necessary for people with beta-thalassemia, which can result in an iron buildup in the skin, liver, and kidneys that reduces the production of vitamin D. This study aims to evaluate vitamin D levels, blood groups, and demographic characteristics in beta-thalassemia patients. The current study was conducted at the thalassemia center and hereditary blood disease in Thi-Qar Province with eighty-eight blood samples collected from individuals. It was divided into three groups according to age range, the first group (2-6), the second group (7- 11), and the third group (12- 15).  In the current study, there was a significant decrease in Vit-D3 levels among thalassemia patients compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05) . As for age between the patients group and the control group, the highest proportion of patients in the third age group. As for gender, the results of the study found a non-significant difference at the (P ≤ 0.05 ) level between the patients group and the control group.  The most common blood group in thalassemia was O followed by blood groups A, B, and AB. It also shows that the majority of the population was positive Rh.
Urban Design Guidelines for the Danforth: An Analysis of Planning Policies and Their Impact on Housing Development
Authors: Gordon Daniel
Published: September 2024

Toronto faces a housing affordability crisis driven in part by a lack of housing supply. This paper focuses on the Danforth neighbourhood in Toronto, which has experienced population stagnation even though it is one of the few parts of the city with a subway line running through it. Between 2014 and 2022, the City of Toronto undertook the Danforth Study and ultimately released Urban Design Guidelines to guide new development on the Danforth. Utilizing a mixed method approach of interviews with experts, analyses of building precedents, and the creation of conceptual development scenarios, this paper explores the values and preferences underpinning planning policy for the Danforth, examines how the Danforth Urban Guidelines impact housing development, and questions how the Guidelines can be modified to enable more residential development while aligning with the values expressed in the guidelines. The results of the Study demonstrate that the Danforth Guidelines do limit residential development potential and that these Guidelines could be updated to enable more market-rate and affordable housing development while still aligning with some of the values set out in the Guidelines. The City has a responsibility to better utilize the significant social and physical infrastructure available on the Danforth to enable broader city-building objectives, and to reverse the trend of a declining population on the Danforth.
Increasing the Construction of Multi-Family Rental Housing: Toronto, Vancouver, and New York City
Authors: Testaguzza Sabrina
Published: September 2024

Toronto has increasingly become an unaffordable rental city in recent decades. The following analysis explores recent programs implemented in Toronto, Vancouver, and New York City, aimed at increasing the construction of multi-family rental housing. Policy from the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal level of each city are investigated due to the highly connected nature of affordable housing provision in these jurisdictions. All the programs are analysed under a consistent methodology to examine which programs are the most effective. Based on the analysis, recommendations are provided for increasing the construction of affordable rental housing specifically in the Toronto context.
Phase Aberration Estimation in Synthetic Transmit Aperture Ultrasound Imaging and Its Application to Estimating Sound Speed
Authors: Monjazebi Dena
Published: September 2024

Despite the broad application of ultrasound imaging in modern diagnostic modalities, it often suffers from suboptimal image quality. Phase aberration is one of the main contributors to image degradation, and it appears as poor contrast, poor lateral resolution, and fill-in into hypoechoic regions due to the degraded beam-focusing quality. Image reconstruction is usually performed under the assumption of a homogeneous medium. Nonetheless, in the presence of spatial sound-speed heterogeneity, this hypothesis is no longer valid and leads to errors in the estimated echo arrival time. This dissertation investigates phase aberration estimation methods in synthetic transmit aperture ultrasound imaging (STA) and its application in estimating the speed map of the medium. STA Radio-frequency (RF) data were simulated and also acquired in experiments. However, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of STA signals was much lower than that in B-mode. Therefore, we first developed a Filtered-Normalized-Cross-Correlation (F-NCC) method to estimate the phase aberration in noisy STA data. A 2D filter was applied in the temporal and spatial frequency domain to reduce the noise and off-axis signals, and its performance was validated with both simulation and experiment data. Then we derived an equation to relate the phase aberration to the average speed at a point in the medium. This equation was applied to estimate the average sound speed in the medium. It was demonstrated with a two-layered phantom that the average speed map can be used to estimate the local speed in layered objects, such as in the presence of subcutaneous fat and connective tissues. The image reconstructed based on the speed map across the medium had an improved quality globally. Furthermore, the local speed could be utilized as a biomarker. Phase aberration estimation and speed map methods were more successful when they were iterated. In the above studies, the focal point was selected in the first iteration, and it was not updated later. An adaptive localization method in which the focal point was updated by choosing the maximum brightness point within the selected area in each iteration was proposed. The results of both the simulation and experimental studies showed that adaptive localization improves the phase aberration estimation by 80% and the average speed estimation by 60%. In the future work, the potential to apply the phase aberration estimation method to estimate the local speed in non-layered objects was discussed.
Side-Eye: A Novel Side-Looking Catheter for Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Procedures
Authors: Alawneh Yara
Published: September 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are the 15th leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 200,000 people diagnosed each year. Fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) is a commonly used procedure to treat AAAs, but it can be technically challenging in cases of complex anatomy. These challenges, including difficulty with target vessel cannulation, prolonged procedure times, and long fluoroscopic exposure times, can negatively impact patient outcomes. This thesis presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a novel steerable catheter, called the SideEye, that directly addresses the limitations of conventional devices used in these procedures. In a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) phantom model, the SideEye was found to significantly outperform conventional non-steerable and steerable catheters in terms of target vessel cannulation by reducing procedure time and exposure time. These findings suggest that the SideEye could be a valuable addition to the devices available to interventionalists in FEVAR procedures.
Characterization of Microbubbles and Nanobubbles Using Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound
Authors: Azouz Abdul Malek
Published: September 2024

Microbubbles (MBs) and nanobubbles (NBs) are extensively used in various biomedical applications, and therefore must be accurately characterized. It has been shown that ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) backscatter is sensitive to the physical characteristics of micron-sized particles. Because UHFUS transducers are highly focused, particles must be placed within a small focal zone. Therefore, a microfluidic-based Acoustic Flow Cytometer (AFC) was developed and used to focus flow the bubbles for rapid interrogation to characterize them individually. Using the AFC, the scattering of MBs and NBs with three different shells to 375 MHz ultrasound was measured from which two parameters were extracted: slope and mid-band fit (MBF). It was found that changing the shell does not significantly affect the slope, but it affects the MBF. The bubble size affected the slope and MBF. These results indicate that UHFUS can be used for the rapid individual characterization of MBs and NBs.
A U-Net Convolutional Neural Network Deep Learning Model Application for Identification of Energy Loss of Infrared Thermographic Exterior Building Envelope Images
Authors: Gertsvolf David
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel U-NET convolution neural network (CNN) deep learning (DL) model, developed in a Python environment for the identification of envelope deficiencies on a data set of infrared (IR) thermographic images of building envelopes. A data set of 142 IR images acquired with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were used with supplementary segmentation masks created for appropriate U-NET modelling application. This data preparation process is presented followed by an in-depth review of the CNN architecture used for the segmentation process. The Python3 code developed for this thesis is reviewed in depth, for an easy application in future work performed by non-data-science researchers. The results of this research presented roughly 43% accuracy and very promising novel outputs from the analytical system. The available data used for this study was noted to be the key limitation with this research.
The Walls Talk Back: Fostering a Dialogue Between Architecture and Its Inhabitants Within Multi-Family Housing
Authors: Wehbeh Jeannette
Published: September 2024

Inhabitants and their use of space within the home is in constant flux, changing temporally in relation to dynamic factors such as an individual's age, a household's size, daily needs and activities, the time of day, and weather conditions. Contemporary multi-family housing projects in Toronto are not designed to support these changes as units are often too small and are segmented into rooms with fixed uses, contributing to inhabitant dissatisfaction. In this thesis, the question of adaptability was explored to promote wellbeing and improved space usage. Research began with literature reviews and case study analyses which established design parameters specific to adaptability in multi-family housing. A project sited within Toronto was developed as a critique of contemporary design methods. This thesis reimagined the role of walls as a way of initiating continuous dialogue between inhabitants and architecture in the design of spaces that satisfy each individual's needs over time.
Fall Detection Wearables in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Ikenaga Sagiri
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this research is to assess the various fall detection methods that may be used in patients suffering with Parkinson's disease. Fall detection technology is a rapidly growing field in healthcare, as falls are the leading cause of hospitalization in the elderly population. Fall detection wearables may offer a successful method in detecting and ultimately preventing falls, relieving stress for healthcare workers. Parkinson's disease patients suffer from a higher risk of falls than the rest of the healthy, elderly population and should be closely monitored for falls. The correlation of Parkinson's disease symptoms and falls were assessed based on literature, including tremor and freezing of gait. Fall detection wearables may offer a promising approach for Parkinson's disease patients to be monitored for their symptoms, their risk of falls, and for notifying a contact in case a fall does occur.
Cytotoxicity and Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer Cells Quantified Using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence
Authors: Hedden Natasha
Published: September 2024

The field of nanotoxicity is continuously expanding as researchers seek to understand potential consequences of AuNP use in the medical field. Many current results examining cytotoxicity trends with varying nanoparticle parameters lack consistency and rely on methods to measure uptake that have been previously noted as unreliable. In this work, 10 and 50 nm diameter gold nano-spheres and -rods are compared while also measuring absolute gold uptake. The toxicity of naked AuNP in epithelial breast cancer cells were measured with flow cytometry while cellular uptake was analyzed with total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy. Confirming results seen in many studies, spheres were taken up more effectively and exhibited lower toxicity. Measuring the absolute gold, 10 nm shapes were up to 6% more toxic. Modelling the toxicity, both the Hill and linear-quadratic models are more suitable than the exponential model (p<0.05) where the Hill model is proposed for future use.
Sensorial Stimuli in the Built Environment: A Review of the Effects of Stimuli for People Living with Autism and Solutions to Creating More Equitable Cities
Authors: Munshaw Katrina
Published: September 2024

Sensorial stimuli is an important feature of the built environment that is often overlooked. Sensory components of the built environment have a direct effect on autistic individuals. This scoping review aims to answer the following questions: (1) What does the literature say about design for autism, particularly in reference to sensorial experiences of the built environment? (2) What design features can urban planners/designers use to potentially mitigate the severity of sensorial stimuli? This study has identified the issues, themes, and contradictions in the current literature and applies a just city framework to potential design and policy solutions.
Factors Of Chemotherapy From Different Classes Combined With USMB Effect Drug Efficacy In Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Pattar Simran
Published: September 2024

Ultrasound microbubble therapy (USMB) has shown to increase cell membrane permeability, minimize interaction between normal tissue and cytotoxic agents from the requirement of lower chemotherapy dosages, and permits the localized delivery of chemotherapy. The drug efficacy from combined treatment of chemotherapy and USMB is dependent on many variables including the chemotherapy agent, USMB parameters, and tumour cell type. This study treated a human breast cancer cell line with USMB and agents from two different chemotherapy classes, alkylating agents (oxaliplatin and carboplatin) and metabolic inhibitors (gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil). Colony assays were used to measure cell viability of cells treated with chemotherapy alone, and chemotherapy combined with USMB over increasing concentrations of chemotherapy. The cell viability results showed that the alkylating agents performed better than the metabolic inhibitors when combined with USMB. This study suggests that chemotherapy's internalization method and mechanism of action contribute to the efficacy of combined treatment.
Marginalized Communities and Transit Development: A Study of Light Rail Transit Lines in Toronto, Canada and Area
Authors: Gervais Debra
Published: September 2024

The Province of Ontario, Canada is preparing to update their transportation infrastructure to accommodate a projected increase in the province's population. Connecting people, reducing congestion and emissions in the Toronto area is the main focus of these transit development projects. It is understood, however, that upgrading infrastructure is a vital undertaking for every community. However, it seems as though decision makers don't always consider the effects these projects have on racialized and/or low-income people in their communities. When making plans, are enquiries made to see if benefits from these networks are evenly distributed and experienced? Studies examining neighbourhood change are numerous. Indeed, the effects, both negative and positive, and their outcomes are widely studied. However, this study considers neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) where transit development will have an influence on particular communities. Additionally, this study's primary focus is Light Rail Transit (LRT). It looks at marginalization in GTA communities (as defined in the Ontario Marginalization Index) in relation to light rail transit development in construction, or planned, to see if they are more likely to be impacted at a regional level. The spatial patterns of these populations are explored through Global and Local Moran's I. Although observations are made on a regional scale, the local case of Cooksville, Mississauga is also explored to provide context.
Deep Learning Methods for Echocardiogram Analysis
Authors: Muldoon Meghan
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally. Non-invasive echocardiogram imaging is widely used by clinicians to assess and diagnose cardiac disease. Advances in deep learning have created tools to help clinicians analyze echocardiograms and therefore enhance diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac disease. This work focuses on the application of machine learning on echocardiogram videos for two different tasks; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) estimation and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) segmentation and identification. The focus of this work is to create deep learning based classification frameworks with interpretable intermediate results by incorporating segmentation architectures into both classification tasks. The proposed LVEF classification model uses LV segmentation masks to estimate left ventricular volume and forms a final ejection fraction prediction by identifying cardiac cycles within an echocardiogram clip. The proposed PDA classification model implements a simple neural network trained on features extracted from PDA shunt masks. Results for the ventricular estimation task were found to be comparable to state-of the-art frameworks with mean absolute error of 6.6%. For the PDA classification task the proposed framework achieved an accuracy of 75% on a novel test set of colour echocardiogram videos.
Inverting the Algorithmic Gaze: Confronting Platform Power Through Media Artworks
Authors: Fahner Craig
Published: September 2024

This dissertation looks to further the study of networked digital communication by centring material engagement and creative reconstitution as primary methods for the excavation of critical knowledge around platforms and algorithms. Platforms, which have become ubiquitous digital intermediaries in everyday life, are emblematic of the "control societies" described by Gilles Deleuze, in which electronic systems establish mechanisms of power and control that are both pervasive and inscrutable. Monopolistic digital platforms position the public in a highly asymmetrical relationship, in which users know very little about the processes by which algorithmic systems capture subjects through what I have termed "the algorithmic gaze": a process in which individuals are quantified and commodified according to the ever-expanding imperative of platforms to capture as much data as possible. The inscrutable nature of platforms and their algorithms demands innovative methods to unravel and analyse the cultural and political effects of platforms. This dissertation argues that conventional analyses of platform capitalism are strengthened through material encounters with algorithmic systems. By "opening up" platforms through creative reconstitution, new perspectives are gained on algorithms and their operation as political artefacts. Furthermore, I argue that the creation of artworks that reconstitute algorithmic technologies towards experiences that reveal, rather than conceal, the politics of platforms can serve as effective instruments for expanding critical literacy around digital technologies outside of a specialist context. Through the creation of a series of projects that confront the politics of platforms, this dissertation considers how media artworks might challenge existing imaginaries around platforms and algorithms, by engendering critical perspectives on platform capitalism and representing alternative models that resist the tendencies of the control society.
Aerated Geopolymers for Building Decarbonization: Mix-Design, Chemistry, Microstructure, and Hygrothermal Performance
Authors: Degefu Dagmawi
Published: September 2024

The carbon footprint of buildings is mainly attributed to the embodied carbon of building materials and energy consumed by building services systems. In recent years, the search for materials with low embodied energy and better hygrothermal performance has increased. Geopolymers are among the low-carbon materials that are attracting attention. These are one category of alkali-activated materials. The fact that they can be synthesized from abundant earth elements at ambient hygrothermal conditions and their superior thermal resistance when aerated are the main reasons for their growing popularity. The hygroscopic nature geopolymers give them the capacity to regulate indoor relative humidity levels. This will decrease the energy consumed by building service systems. Aerated geopolymers can also be produced from commonly available industrial wastes such as fly ash and slag providing new opportunities for the creation of a circular economy. A proper understanding of the impact of manufacturing parameters on the hygrothermal performance of aerated geopolymers is a working progress. This dissertation aims to contribute to the efforts to understand the influence of various manufacturing parameters on the thermal and hydric performance of aerated geopolymers. The effect of the NaOH/Na ₂SiO₃,Si/Al, alkaline molarity, water, surfactant, and porogen on the thermal conductivity, porosity, moisture buffer capacity, vapor permeability, and adsorption-desorption isotherms of geopolymers is investigated. The results showed that the degree of polycondensation, pore statistics, and carbonation are the main features that should be paid attention to apply geopolymers as a building material. The SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ amount in the raw material and their rate of leaching as well as the concentrations of Na₂O, surfactant, and porogen have huge influence on the hygrothermal performance of aerated geopolymers. All the samples studied in this research program showed moisture buffer capacity well above 2 g/(m²%RH), which is excellent according to the NORDTEST categorization. They also satisfy RILEM (Réunion Internationale des Laboratoires et Experts des Matériaux, systèmes de construction et ouvrages)’s requirements to be classified as thermal insulating lightweight concrete. This indicates aerated geopolymers have the potential to be used as building material with a passive capacity to regulate indoor microclimate.
The Need to Use Program and Project Management to Implement Measures of Resource Support of the State's Defense Capability
Authors:   Center for Military and Strategic Research of the National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi, Sotnyk Victoriia V. , Kosaretskyi Yevhenii I. ,   Center for Military and Strategic Research of the National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi, Boiko Ruslan V. ,   Center for Military and Strategic Research of the National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi, Mogylevska Viktoriia O. ,   Center for Military and Strategic Research of the National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi, Kutsak Serhii V. ,   Center for Military and Strategic Research of the National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is to prove the need to use program and project management in order to implement resource support measures that affect the State's defense capability. The paper highlights in detail the problematic issues in this area and provides directions for their solution. The main shortcomings in the process of managing the resource support of the defense sector were identified, in particular, there is a lack of openness for society of resource-intensive projects for the development of capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their carriers; there was no transition of the organization of activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine using program-project and process approaches; the adoption of decisions on long-term and medium-term development priorities uses outdated principles; very often there is a change in priorities as a result of a change in the political leadership of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the State. In addition, the study provides a comparative description of the traditional and program-project methods of managing the resources of the defense forces, as well as the principles of financing the necessary resources to ensure the State's defense capability. In order to avoid problematic issues that affect the budgeting process during the formation of program documents, it is necessary the following: the program documents include all measures covering development measures, namely modernization, construction, purchase of armament and heavy weapon systems and reconstruction of infrastructure facilities, as well as measures aimed at maintaining personnel, clothing, food, money and medical support, preparation and restoration of immutable stocks; to develop and implement in practice a mechanism for outlining the priority of measures in program documents, their adjustment in the process of implementation and according to the results of financial support, as well as to determine specific indicators for achieving certain goals of the State defense policy for the strategic perspective; to improve the duties and powers of the heads of functional groups of capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in aspects of their participation in the course of defense planning.
The Features of Formation of Strategic Priorities for the Development of the Construction Industry
Authors:   Polissia National University, Yakovenko Oleh S.
Published: September 2024

The article discusses current trends in the development of the construction industry, which is critically important for economic growth and social development, as it directly affects the creation of infrastructure, housing stock, and economic activity in the country. Under the current conditions of globalization, digitalization and transition to sustainable development, there is a need to rethink approaches to the formation of strategic priorities for the development of the industry, which is especially relevant for ensuring its competitiveness and stability in the long term. The problem lies in the need to adapt the construction industry to new economic, technological and environmental challenges. Despite the existence of a significant amount of scientific research, the issue of integrating innovative approaches and international practices into national strategies for the development of construction remains insufficiently studied. An analysis of current challenges and trends in the construction industry is carried out, the main factors influencing the formation of strategic priorities are identified. System analysis was used to study the complex relationships between various elements of the construction industry, which made it possible to allocate the main directions of influence on strategic priorities. Recommendations for adapting the industry to global changes have been developed, as well as the need to integrate innovations and sustainable practices into the strategic planning process has been substantiated. The results of the study indicate the need for priority development of innovative technologies, such as digital solutions and automation, the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies and green construction, as well as the intensification of international cooperation for the integration of the domestic construction industry into global markets. It is recommended that State authorities intensify support for the innovative development of the construction industry through a favorable regulatory environment and stimulation of investment in infrastructure projects. Practical implementation of the results of the study will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the construction industry, as well as its sustainable development in the face of modern global challenges.
Political Philosophy and Moral Thinking as Phenomena and/or Personages: An Essential Short Guide of a Pragmatist Reader
Authors: Malik Kareem Hassoun
Published: September 2024

Despite their similarity in style, language, and performance, symmetry, repetition, and the game of arbitrariness are represented by parallel intentional paths. After years of amorphous searching through the compilation of ruins and rubble, we could, with this study, carry out the situational need for the signifier and the signified by establishing a short theoretical framework that helps illuminate the striking appearance of pragmatic phenomena. For underlying concrete acts of interpretation, to understand the meaning to the required extent, alternatively constructed enactment must manage moral thinking and political practice to rationalise the symbolism on the map at the core of the theoretical construction. Since reports, as Mehan and Wood (1975) scholarly warrant, are decoded on behalf of the facts, not of social beings, certain pragmatics of a linguistic complex, according to Saussure (1959), show that word order alone expresses the thought.
The Role of Uncertainty Tolerance in Enhancing Intercultural Communication Competence among High School Students in Morocco: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Qamar Youfi  , Hind Brigui
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the role of uncertainty tolerance in enhancing intercultural communication competence among high school students in Morocco, drawing on W. Gudykunst’s anxiety/uncertainty management theory. Although previous studies have confirmed the theory's core principles through correlational analysis, there remains a lack of empirical research on how uncertainty tolerance impacts the perceived effectiveness of intercultural communication, particularly within the context of Moroccan educational settings. The study employed a quantitative approach with a sample of 104 English as a foreign language (EFL) high school students learning. The sample included 60 female and 44 male students. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the overall level of uncertainty tolerance, while differences between these two categories of students were examined using an independent samples t-test .Additionally, to explore the relationship between uncertainty tolerance and intercultural communication competence, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed .The results indicate that the students exhibit a moderate level of uncertainty tolerance. This was reflected in the mean score of 48.2. Whereas, the t-test revealed no significant difference between male and female students in terms of uncertainty tolerance (p-value = 0.20). However, the study found a positive correlation between uncertainty tolerance and intercultural communication competence (r = 0.35), suggesting that students with higher uncertainty tolerance tend to have better intercultural communication skills.
Mistrzowie, współpracownicy i uczniowie uniwersyteckiej szkoły zarządzania w Łodzi – część 2
Authors: Kozłowski Remigiusz , Matejun Marek
Published: September 2024

Niniejsze opracowanie stanowi drugą część cyklu pt. „Mistrzowie, współpracownicy i uczniowie uniwersyteckiej szkoły zarządzania w Łodzi”, którego celem jest prezentacja dokonań, relacji i perspektyw rozwojowych grona kluczowych przedstawicieli szkoły zarządzania na Uniwersytecie Łódzkim. W artykule omówiono relacje pomiędzy mistrzami, współpracownikami i uczniami, jak również najważniejsze osiągnięcia naukowe uniwersyteckiej szkoły zarządzania w Łodzi w kluczowych obszarach badań, powiązanych bezpośrednio ze strukturą organizacyjną Wydziału Zarządzania. Zwrócono ponadto uwagę na znaczenie tych relacji w kształtowaniu tożsamości i kultury organizacyjnej uniwersyteckiej szkoły zarządzania w Łodzi.
Wpływ działań korygujących model biznesu na funkcjonowanie przedsiębiorstwa na rynku typu „Offshore” i „Onshore”
Authors: Czapiewski Roman , Nogalski Bogdan
Published: September 2024

Zmiany, które zachodzą na współczesnych rynkach są wywoływane zarówno przez zmienne czynniki gospodarcze a także kulturowe. Wymagają na bieżąco adaptacji do występujących wymagań od funkcjonujących obecnie na rynku przedsiębiorstw. W celu uzyskania planowanych celów strategicznych będą one musiały posiadać doskonale przygotowaną kadrę menedżerską oraz wypracowaną strukturę organizacyjną przygotowaną do realizacji złożonych projektów i zadań oraz sprawnego i elastycznego zarządzania przedsiębiorstwem. Artykuł jest już kolejną próba autorów podjętą w celu ukazania w jaki sposób teraźniejsze i przyszłe działania na rynku wpływają na kreowanie modelu biznesu i celów strategicznych przedsiębiorstwa z uwzględnieniem obecnych trendów, w tym strategii zrównoważonego rozwoju (ESG). W działalności gospodarczej opartej na projektach kluczowym elementem pozostają takie cechy jak: efektywność dostosowana do posiadanych zasobów oraz elastyczność organizacji związana z działalnością na rynku oraz budowaniem odpowiednich relacji z klientami. W celu potwierdzenia zaprezentowanego materiału w badaniu typu case-study, przedstawiono przedsiębiorstwo, które dopasowało swoją działalność do obecnych trendów rynkowych związanych z rozwojem energii odnawialnej w branży Onshore i Offshore. W swojej działalności przedsiębiorstwo wykorzystuje odpowiednie narzędzia skupione wokół obowiązujących reguł i norm oraz w stosunku od obecnych i potencjalnych klientów.
Motywy i zakres wykorzystania metod monitorowania makrootoczenia przez przedsiębiorstwa w Polsce
Authors: Sierpińska-Sawicz Agata , Niemiec Andrzej
Published: September 2024

Makrootoczenie staje się coraz bardziej złożone i dynamiczne w wyniku globalizacji i uwarunkowań geopolitycznych. Narzuca to przedsiębiorstwom konieczność analizowania parametrów tego otoczenia, aby mogły sprostać nasilającej się konkurencji. W badaniach podjęto próbę ustalenia czy przedsiębiorstwa monitorują otoczenie, jakimi przy tym kierują się motywami oraz jakie stosują metody badania. Badania wykazały, że podmioty gospodarcze pozyskują informacje o makrootoczeniu dla celów budżetowania i planowania oraz racjonalizacji podejmowanych decyzji biznesowych. Wykorzystują równocześnie kilka metod badawczych rzadziej jednak stosują zaawansowane modele badania makrootoczenia. Przedsiębiorstwa międzynarodowe szerzej monitorują makrootoczenie niż podmioty krajowe. Wydaje się, że jest to spowodowane złożonością i zróżnicowaniem warunków kulturowych, ekonomicznych i prawnych poszczególnych krajów. Ustalono ponadto, że wielkość przedsiębiorstwa nie ma większego wpływu na zakres badań i stosowane metody analizy.
Kontrolne oraz doradcze funkcje rad spółek. Tendencje światowe oraz wnioski dla polskiej praktyki korporacyjnej
Authors: Jeżak Jan
Published: September 2024

Celem artykułu jest próba syntezy światowego dorobku teoretycznego i badawczego w zakresie roli i funkcji rad spółek kapitałowych oraz sformułowanie na tej podstawie wniosków dla polskiej praktyki korporacyjnej, jak również wskazanie kierunku dalszych badań krajowych w tym zakresie. Cel ten starano się osiągnąć metodą systematycznego przeglądu literatury w oparciu o techniki analizy bibliometrycznej. Dane bibliometryczne dotyczą okresu 2010–2023.
Treść artykułu zawiera odpowiedź na trzy następujące pytania badawcze:
• Jak kształtuje się dynamika badań naukowych nad rolą i funkcjami rad spółek?
• Które teorie ładu korporacyjnego dominują obecnie w światowych badaniach nad rolą rad spółek?
• Jakimi atrybutami powinny dysponować współczesne rady aby mogły uczestniczyć w procesach formułowania i realizowania strategii spółek?
Całość rozważań zakończono podsumowaniem oraz wnioskami dla polskiej praktyki korporacyjnej, jak również sugestiami dla polskich badaczy ładu korporacyjnego.