bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cooperative Learning Approach on Students’ Academic Achievement and Motivation at Secondary level
Authors: Hashmi Aroona , Khalid Mubushra , Hussain Tariq
Published: July 2020

This study discovers the effect of cooperative learning (CL) on students’ achievement and motivation toward computer science at secondary level. Nonequivalent control group design of Quasi-Experimental Research method was used. Two intact groups i.e. thirty students each, were selected as the sample of the study. Students Team Achievement Division (STAD) method of CL was applied on the experimental group while traditional method (lecture) of teaching was used for control group. Pre-test and post-test were conducted respectively by using teacher made test in computer science. Students’ Motivation toward Computer Science Learning (SMTSL) scale was adapted to explore student’s motivation toward computer science. This study significantly indicates that the posttest motivation and achievement scores of students were better than the pretest motivation and achievement scores toward computer science learning. The study promotes CL approach for computer science learning, and intervention should be given for a long time period to observe its effectiveness.
The Use of Customized Board Games for Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Pakholkova Mohamed Antonina
Published: July 2020

Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most challenging aspects of mastering a second language. Even though students may comprehend new vocabulary, they often struggle with retaining that information. The use of so-called shallow vocabulary learning strategies such as simple memorization and repetition drills can hinder vocabulary learning. This study investigates the use of a board game as a way to encourage independent vocabulary practice outside of the classroom and promote the use of complex strategies such as grouping and associations to help with word retention. Since motivation is a driving force behind successful learning, this study sought to examine whether the use of a board game Code names could result in greater vocabulary learning and help to promote independent practice of the target vocabulary outside of class. This pilot study was conducted at a large Midwestern university with intermediate level ESL students of listening and reading classes. The game was anticipated to help the students go beyond simple memorization when practicing course vocabulary. The findings showed that although the use of the game did not result in greater vocabulary learning, it did result in increased motivation and enjoyment of vocabulary practice. Possible ways of adapting the game concept for course specific vocabulary practice are also discussed.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Perception on their EFL Competence and Professional Requirements
Authors: Fernández-Viciana Ana , María Ramos-García Ana
Published: July 2020

Language teaching and teaching through language have undergone a standardization process all over Europe. In the Spanish context, a myriad of programs has emerged in the last ten years whose main aim is to guarantee a plurilingual education. That means implementing and consolidating European directives on the matter from the Council of Europe. Universities have joined this trend in their need for internationalization. This contribution analyses pre-service teachers’ perceptions on their English Foreign Language level and the professional requirements regarding language competence in the current context in which language is a key aspect in education at any level. In spite of the fact that most students (95.5%) consider that a language teacher should master the language (C1 CEFR level or at least B2), some of them (19.3%) acknowledge not having any language accreditation yet, and most are in between B1 and B2 (70%). Therefore, there is a lack of consistency between their real language level and their perception of what is needed in order to be a successful primary education language teacher. Unquestioningly, their desired level is above their real competence, that is the reason why they plan to continue their English studies once they finish their university degree.
Heizung / Lüftung / Elektrizität
Authors: Schmid Christoph , Baumgartner Thomas , Bucher Christof , Nipkow Jürg , Vogt Christian , Willers Jobst
Published: July 2020

Der Band vermittelt in leicht verständlicher Weise eine Übersicht über die Energietechnik im Gebäude: Heizung, Lüftung und Elektrizität. Er behandelt das gesamte Spektrum der Wärmeerzeugungssysteme, von den Feuerungen bis zur Solaranlage, die Verfahren der Wärmeverteilung und -abgabe sowie der Lüftungs-, Kälte- und Klimatechnik. Die energetisch immer bedeutsamere Warmwasserversorgung wird untersucht. Der Einsatz der elektrischen Energie, der Lichttechnik und der Gebäudeautomation wird ebenfalls erörtert.
Neben den technischen Installationen werden die zugrunde liegenden physikalisch-chemischen Vorgänge besprochen. Es kommen die Faktoren zur Sprache, die zur Behaglichkeit beitragen und den Energieverbrauch beeinflussen. Die Autoren geben Hinweise zur Wahl eines gebäude- und benutzerangepassten Gebäudetechniksystems sowie zu dessen Dimensionierung.
Der Inhalt macht die Vorgänge verständlich, die in Anlagen im Normal- und im Störfall ablaufen. So liefert er die Grundlagen für ein kritisches Beurteilen von Anlagekonzepten in technischer, betrieblicher und ökologischer Hinsicht.
Distinct association of RUNX family expression with genetic alterations and clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhao Yangli , Zhang Tingjuan , Zhao Yangjing , Zhou Jingdong
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: The runt-related transcription factor family (RUNXs) including RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3 are key transcriptional regulators in normal hematopoiesis. RUNXs dysregulations caused by aberrant expression or mutation are frequently seen in various human cancers especially in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). OBJECTIVE: We systemically analyzed the expression of RUNXs and their relationship with clinic-pathological features and prognosis in AML patients. METHODS: Expression of RUNXs was analyzed between AML patients and normal controls from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) projects. Correlations between RUNXs expression and clinical features together with survival were further analyzed. RESULTS: All RUNXs expression in AML patients was significantly increased as compared with controls. RUNXs expression was found to be significantly associated with genetic abnormalities such as RUNX1 mutation, t(8;21) and inv(16)/t(16;16). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, only RUNX3 overexpression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) among non-M3 AML patients. Notably, in high RUNX3 expression groups, patients received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) had markedly better OS and DFS than patients without HSCT among both all AML and non-M3 AML. In low RUNX3 expression groups, there were no significant differences in OS and DFS between HSCT and non-HSCT groups among both all AML and non-M3 AML. In addition, a total of 835 differentially expressed genes and 69 differentially expressed microRNAs were identified to be correlated with RUNX3 expression in AML. CONCLUSION: RUNXs overexpression was a frequent event in AML, and was closely associated with diverse genetic alterations. Moreover, RUNX3 expression may be associated with clinical outcome, and helpful for guiding treatment choice between HSCT and chemotherapy in AML.
TGF-β downregulation overcomes gemcitabine resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xuan Yun-Ze , Jin Cheng-Ri , Yang Kang-Juan
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms by which oral cancer acquires resistance to gemcitabine. METHODS: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells were treated with gemcitabine upon infection or with a lentivirus harboring short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeted to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Then, Western blot, ELISA, migration assay, MTT assay, and animal experiments were used to explore the mechanism of resistance to gemcitabine treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment of non-transfected cells with gemcitabine, NF-κB and AKT activities were increased, which may have induced the OSCC resistance to gemcitabine. Then, we found that TGF-β downregulation effectively reduced NF-κB and AKT phosphorylation levels after the administration of gemcitabine and increased the OSCC sensitivity to gemcitabine, resulting in cell death and the blunting of OSCC resistance to gemcitabine. The EMT was also reduced by TGF-β downregulation combined with gemcitabine treatment. CONCLUSION: Cellular levels of TGF-β constitute an important factor in gemcitabine resistance and TGF-β silencing might represent a novel and potent strategy for overcoming OSCC resistance to gemcitabine.
Provision of academic data for research: A step for academic success
Authors: Miguel Hugo Gonzaga , Ramos Pedro , da Cruz Martins Susana , Costa Joana Martinho
Published: July 2020

One of the most widely researched issue on higher education relates to exposed paths that lead to academic success. Nowadays information systems represent an essential part of the education sector in many universities. In particular, the increasing of the number of students in higher education in Portugal leads to the progressive increase of student’s data contained in institutional information systems. This article aims to include the use of student data contained in the Fénix information system of a Portuguese higher educational institution, turning their information in an internal tool, to assist analysis and studies of internal academic success. Providing relevant data for queries can offer a clearer explanation of the paths to success in higher education. It can also help the identification of problems and failures aiming to support a more effective intervention of institutions and researchers to improve the academic success.
The 1970 United States computer chess championship: The start of the longest-running experiment in computer science history
Authors: Schaeffer Jonathan
Published: July 2020

On August 31, 1970, an experiment began that continues to this day. The first chess tournament for computers was held as part of the Association for Computing Machinery’s (ACM’s) National Conference. The interest generated was tremendous, leading to ACM sponsoring an annual event until 1994. Chess competitions continue to this day, allowing for 50 years of data on the growth of artificial intelligence capabilities in this domain. During this period, program ratings have soared from roughly 1400 in 1970 to over 3500 today. The 1970 event was the first continuous competition in computer science history, and it represents the longest ongoing experiment in computing history.11 Some paragraphs of the text have been taken from Man vs. Machine: Challenging Human Supremacy at Chess by Karsten Müller and Jonathan Schaeffer [2018].
Perceived Stress is Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in African Americans with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Trammell Antoine R. , McDaniel Darius J. , Obideen Malik , Okafor Maureen , Thomas Tiffany L. , Goldstein Felicia C. , Shaw Leslie M. , Hajjar Ihab M.
Published: July 2020

Background: African Americans (AA) have a higher Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prevalence and report more perceived stress than White Americans. The biological basis of the stress-AD link is unclear. This study investigates the connection between stress and AD biomarkers in a biracial cohort. Objective: Establish biomarker evidence for the observed association between stress and AD, especially in AA. Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 364, 41.8% AA) administering cognitive tests and the perceived stress scale (PSS) questionnaire. A subset (n = 309) provided cerebrospinal fluid for measurement of Aβ42, Tau, Ptau, Tau/Aβ42 (TAR), and Ptau/Aβ42 (PTAR). Multivariate linear regression, including factors that confound racial differences in AD, was performed. Results: Higher PSS scores were associated with higher Ptau (β= 0.43, p = 0.01) and PTAR (β= 0.005, p = 0.03) in AA with impaired cognition (mild cognitive impairment). Conclusion: Higher PSS scores were associated with Tau-related AD biomarker indices in AA/MCI, suggesting a potential biological connection for stress with AD and its racial disparity.
Dementia in People with a Turkish Migration Background: Experiences and Utilization of Healthcare Services
Authors: Monsees Jessica , Schmachtenberg Tim , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Kind Amy , Gilmore-Bykovskyi Andrea , Kim Alice J. , Thyrian Jochen René
Published: July 2020

Background: As the proportion of older people with migration background (PwM) increases, the proportion of older PwM with dementia might also increase. Dementia is underdiagnosed in this group and a large proportion of PwM with dementia and family caregivers are not properly supported. Healthcare utilization is lower among older migrant populations. Thus, a better understanding of how PwM and family caregivers perceive their situation and how they experience healthcare services is needed to improve utilization of the healthcare system. Objective: Analyze how family caregivers of PwM with dementia experience their situation, why healthcare services are utilized less often, and what can be done to reverse this. Methods: Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with Turkish migration background caring for PwM with dementia. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Daily care was performed by one family member with the support of others. Healthcare services were used by most participants. Participants identified a need for better access to relevant information and incorporation of Turkish culture into healthcare services. Conclusion: PwM face similar challenges in taking care of persons with dementia as those without migration background. There is a willingness to use services, and services embracing Turkish culture would help to reduce hesitance and make affected people feel more comfortable, thereby increasing utilization and satisfaction. A limitation of this study is that participants were already connected to health services, which may not reflect the help-seeking behavior of those in the Turkish community who are not involved in healthcare.
The Risk of Dementia in Relation to Cognitive and Brain Reserve
Authors: Lamballais Sander , Zijlmans Jendé L. , Vernooij Meike W. , Ikram M. Kamran , Luik Annemarie I. , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: July 2020

Background: Individual differences in the risk to develop dementia remain poorly understood. These differences may partly be explained through reserve, which is the ability to buffer cognitive decline due to neuropathology and age. Objective: To determine how much early and late–life cognitive reserve (CR) and brain reserve (BR) contribute to the risk of dementia. Methods: 4,112 dementia-free participants (mean age = 66.3 years) from the Rotterdam Study were followed up for on average 6.0 years. Early-life CR and BR were defined as attained education and intracranial volume, respectively. Late-life CR was derived through variance decomposition based on cognition. Late-life BR was set as the total non-lesioned brain volume divided by intracranial volume. Results: Higher early-life CR (hazard ratio = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.21; 1.06]) but not early-life BR associated with a lower risk of incident dementia. Higher late-life CR (hazard ratio = 0.57, 95% CI = [0.48; 0.68]) and late-life BR (hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% CI = [0.43; 0.68]) also showed lower levels of dementia. Combining all proxies into one model attenuated the association between early-life CR and dementia (hazard ratio = 0.56, 95% CI = [0.25; 1.25]) whereas the other associations were unaffected. These findings were stable upon stratification for sex, age, and APOE ɛ4. Finally, high levels of late-life CR and BR provided additive protection against dementia. Conclusion: The findings illustrate the importance of late-life over early-life reserve in understanding the risk of dementia, and show the need to study CR and BR conjointly.
Is the Discrimination of Subjective Cognitive Decline from Cognitively Healthy Adulthood and Mild Cognitive Impairment Possible? A Pilot Study Utilizing the R4Alz Battery
Authors: Poptsi Eleni , Moraitou Despina , Tsardoulias Emmanouil , Symeonidisd Andreas L. , Tsolaki Magda
Published: July 2020

Background: The early diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders before the symptoms’ onset is the ultimate goal of the scientific community. REMEDES for Alzheimer (R4Alz) is a battery, designed for assessing cognitive control abilities in people with minor and major neurocognitive disorders. Objective: To investigate whether the R4Alz battery’s tasks differentiate subjective cognitive decline (SCD) from cognitively healthy adults (CHA) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: The R4Alz battery was administered to 175 Greek adults, categorized in five groups a) healthy young adults (HYA; n = 42), b) healthy middle-aged adults (HMaA; n = 33), c) healthy older adults (HOA; n = 14), d) community-dwelling older adults with SCD (n = 34), and e) people with MCI (n = 52). Results: Between the seven R4Alz subtasks, four showcased the best results for differentiating HOA from SCD: the working memory updating (WMCUT-S3), the inhibition and switching subtask (ICT/RST-S1&S2), the failure sets (FS) of the ICT/RST-S1&S2, and the cognitive flexibility subtask (ICT/RST-S3). The total score of the four R4Alz subtasks (R4AlzTot4) leads to an excellent discrimination among SCD and healthy adulthood, and to fare discrimination among SCD and MCI. Conclusion: The R4Alz battery is a novel approach regarding the neuropsychological assessment of people with SCD, since it can very well assist toward discriminating SCD from HOA. The R4Alz is able to measure decline of specific cognitive control abilities - namely of working memory updating, and complex executive functions - which seem to be the neuropsychological substrate of cognitive complaints in community dwelling adults of advancing age.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impact of Arterial Stiffness on the Corpus Callosum, a Key White Matter Tract Implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Badji Atef , de la Colina Adrián Noriega , Boshkovski Tommy , Sabra Dalia , Karakuzu Agah , Robitaille-Grou Marie-Christine , Gros Charley , Joubert Sven , Bherer Louis , Lamarre-cliche Maxime , Stikov Nikola , Gauthier Claudine J. , Cohen-Adad Julien , Girouard Hélène
Published: July 2020

Background: Vascular risk factors such as arterial stiffness play an important role in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), presumably due to the emergence of white matter lesions. However, the impact of arterial stiffness to white matter structure involved in the etiology of AD, including the corpus callosum remains poorly understood. Objective: The aims of the study are to better understand the relationship between arterial stiffness, white matter microstructure, and perfusion of the corpus callosum in older adults. Methods: Arterial stiffness was estimated using the gold standard measure of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Cognitive performance was evaluated with the Trail Making Test part B-A. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging was used to obtain microstructural information such as neurite density and extracellular water diffusion. The cerebral blood flow was estimated using arterial spin labelling. Results: cfPWV better predicts the microstructural integrity of the corpus callosum when compared with other index of vascular aging (the augmentation index, the systolic blood pressure, and the pulse pressure). In particular, significant associations were found between the cfPWV, an alteration of the extracellular water diffusion, and a neuronal density increase in the body of the corpus callosum which was also correlated with the performance in cognitive flexibility. Conclusion: Our results suggest that arterial stiffness is associated with an alteration of brain integrity which impacts cognitive function in older adults.
Probabilistic vs deep learning based approaches for narrow domain NER in Spanish
Authors: Ramos-Flores Orlando , Pinto David , Montes-y-Gómez Manuel , Vázquez Andrés
Published: July 2020

This work presents an experimental study on the task of Named Entity Recognition (NER) for a narrow domain in Spanish language. This study considers two approaches commonly used in this kind of problem, namely, a Conditional Random Fields (CRF) model and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). For the latter, we employed a bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory with ELMO’s pre-trained word embeddings for Spanish. The comparison between the probabilistic model and the deep learning model was carried out in two collections, the Spanish dataset from CoNLL-2002 considering four classes under the IOB tagging schema, and a Mexican Spanish news dataset with seventeen classes under IOBES schema. The paper presents an analysis about the scalability, robustness, and common errors of both models. This analysis indicates in general that the BiLSTM-ELMo model is more suitable than the CRF model when there is “enough” training data, and also that it is more scalable, as its performance was not significantly affected in the incremental experiments (by adding one class at a time). On the other hand, results indicate that the CRF model is more adequate for scenarios having small training datasets and many classes.
#Brexit: Leave or remain? the role of user’s community and diachronic evolution on stance detection
Authors: Lai Mirko , Patti Viviana , Ruffo Giancarlo , Rosso Paolo
Published: July 2020

Interest has grown around the classification of stance that users assume within online debates in recent years. Stance has been usually addressed by considering users posts in isolation, while social studies highlight that social communities may contribute to influence users’ opinion. Furthermore, stance should be studied in a diachronic perspective, since it could help to shed light on users’ opinion shift dynamics that can be recorded during the debate. We analyzed the political discussion in UK about the BREXIT referendum on Twitter, proposing a novel approach and annotation schema for stance detection, with the main aim of investigating the role of features related to social network community and diachronic stance evolution. Classification experiments show that such features provide very useful clues for detecting stance.
Improved LSTM data analysis system for IoT-based smart classroom
Authors: Li Yingjie , Chen Lianjun
Published: July 2020

To reduce the resource and energy waste of colleges and universities more accurately and efficiently, this paper has developed a smart classroom data analysis system based on the Internet of Things, which realizes a variety of sensor information (temperature, humidity, smoke). Environmental parameters such as carbon dioxide concentration and light intensity), remote collection of equipment information, data storage and data analysis functions, and intelligent control of smart classrooms. Data analysis uses an improved LSTM model to predict energy consumption. The model uses LSTM and bidirectional LSTM and uses the ELU activation function instead of the sigmoid and tanh activation functions of the LSTM. Compared with the standard LSTM model and the LSTM model without the ELU activation function, the model improves the prediction accuracy, better avoid the gradient disappearance, and reduces the over-fitting. The system implementation results show that the system can effectively reduce school energy waste.
Measuring lexicographic product network efficiency with small time delay
Authors: Li Feng
Published: July 2020

The diameter and distance parameters of a network play very significant roles in analyzing the efficiency of a communication network, these parameters provide some efficient ways to measure information time delay in communication networks. We use the lexicographic product method to construct a larger network model, which is called the lexicographic product network by some specified small graphs. Network models based on the lexicographic product method contain these small graphs as sub-networks, and many desirable properties of these sub-networks are preserved. By using algebra graph theory, we investigated the diameter parameters of the lexicographic product network, and established an enumeration formula which only depends on the parameters of sub-networks. By analyzing the diameter formula and comparing it with other network models, it is proved that the lexicographic product network has a smaller time delay.
Deformation information extraction method based on differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry
Authors: Hu Zhengquan , Liu Yu , Niu Xiaowei , Lei Guoping
Published: July 2020

As aerospace technology, computer technology, network communication technology and information technology become more and more perfect, a variety of sensors for measurement and remote sensing are constantly emerging, and the ability to acquire remote sensing data is also continuously enhanced. Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) technology greatly expands the function and application field of imaging radar. Differential InSAR (DInSAR) developed based on InSAR technology has the advantages of high precision and all-weather compared with traditional measurement methods. However, DInSAR-based deformation monitoring is susceptible to spatiotemporal coherence, orbital errors, atmospheric delays, and elevation errors. Since phase noise is the main error of InSAR, to determine the appropriate filtering parameters, an iterative adaptive filtering method for interferogram is proposed. For the limitation of conventional DInSAR, to improve the accuracy of deformation monitoring as much as possible, this paper proposes a deformation modeling based on ridge estimation and regularization as a constraint condition, and introduces a variance component estimation to optimize the deformation results. The simulation experiment of the iterative adaptive filtering method and the deformation modeling proposed in this paper shows that the deformation information extraction method based on differential synthetic aperture radar has high precision and feasibility.
Path planning of mobile robot based on adaptive ant colony algorithm
Authors: Zheng Yan , Luo Qiang , Wang Haibao , Wang Changhong , Chen Xin
Published: July 2020

The traditional ant colony algorithm has some problems, such as low search efficiency, slow convergence speed and local optimum. To solve those problems, an adaptive heuristic function is proposed, heuristic information is updated by using the shortest actual distance, which ant passed. The reward and punishment rules are introduced to optimize the local pheromone updating strategy. The state transfer function is optimized by using pseudo-random state transition rules. By comparing with other algorithms’ simulation results in different simulation environments, the results show that it has effectiveness and superiority on path planning.
A generalised regression neural network model of financing imbalance: Shari’ah compliance as the roadmap for sustainability of capital markets
Authors: Hussain Hafezali Iqbal , Anwar Nazratul Aina Mohamad , Razimi Mohd Shahril Ahmad
Published: July 2020

The current study looks at the impact of compliance to Shari’ah principles on the capital structure for Malaysian firms. Examination of impact of compliance is based on the classification by the Securities Commission of Malaysia. Given that the literature on adjustment tends to ignore non-linear models, the current study utilises Generalised Regression Neural Network (GRNNs). Results are compared to conventional panel data regression models via performing a hold-out sample. Initial results confirm stability of the data allowing predictive ability. The results indicate that compliant firms tend to finance a greater portion of their financing imbalance via equities relative to non-compliant firms. This provides a strong indication towards compliant firms reducing overall risk taking where the financing pattern incorporates a greater aspect of risk sharing which is in-line with Shari’ah principles. In addition, two more factors are ranked as important in deciding compliant firms issue choice to resolve financial imbalance: profitability and size. The rest of the determinants have low impact on explaining net debt issues. Diagnostics for results provide evidence of lower RMSE and MSE for GRNNs for the training, testing and overall datasets. The potential benefit of this research allows managers and investors of Islamic capital markets to understand potential risk exposure and financing costs of compliant firms. Findings also provide a roadmap for development of a sustainable capital market model which has wider implications on a global scale.
What limits the Implementation of Internet of Things (IoT)? A Picture of Indonesian Market
Authors: Mihardjo Leonardus W. Wasono , Djoemadi Faizal R. , Sasmoko  , Rukmana Riza AN
Published: July 2020

In the field of Industry 4.0, various studies considered the engineering industries, however, the limitations of Internet of things (IoT) implementation is not discussed by these studies and literature missed the crucial challenges of IoT implementation, particularly in the Indonesian engineering companies. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to investigate the factors which limits the implementation of IoT. Additionally, the moderating role of employee innovative capabilities is also considered. A survey was carried out in the Indonesian engineering companies for data collection. Data collection was carried out form the employees of these companies. After data collection, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyse the data with the help of Partial Least Square (PLS). Findings of the study demonstrated that there are five key factors which effect the IoT implementation. These factors include; willingness to use, hardware characteristics, replacement of existing technology, failure threat and implementation cost. All these factors have the ability to influence IoT implementation. Additionally, employee innovative capability also has the ability to encourage or discourage the IoT implementation. Therefore, this study is most significant for the engineering industry of Indonesia as it provides the influencing factors towards IoT implementation.
Interference mitigation in point to point wireless sensor networks using LSP protocol and time division multiplexing approach
Authors: Arokiaraj Jovith A. , Kasmir Raja S.V. , Razia Sulthana A.
Published: July 2020

Interference in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) predominantly affects the performance of the WSN. Energy consumption in WSN is one of the greatest concerns in the current generation. This work presents an approach for interference measurement and interference mitigation in point to point network. The nodes are distributed in the network and interference is measured by grouping the nodes in the region of a specific diameter. Hence this approach is scalable and isextended to large scale WSN. Interference is measured in two stages. In the first stage, interference is overcome by allocating time slots to the node stations in Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) fashion. The node area is split into larger regions and smaller regions. The time slots are allocated to smaller regions in TDMA fashion. A TDMA based time slot allocation algorithm is proposed in this paper to enable reuse of timeslots with minimal interference between smaller regions. In the second stage, the network density and control parameter is introduced to reduce interference in a minor level within smaller node regions. The algorithm issimulated and the system is tested with varying control parameter. The node-level interference and the energy dissipation at nodes are captured by varying the node density of the network. The results indicate that the proposed approach measures the interference and mitigates with minimal energy consumption at nodes and with less overhead transmission.
Evaluation of maker space index system based on machine learning and intelligent interactive system
Authors: Chunhe Yang
Published: July 2020

Machine learning technology is the core of artificial intelligence and the basis of computer intelligence. In recent years, machine learning technology has integrated and developed different learning methods, and the research of integrated learning system with more flexible and efficient form is also emerging. In this paper, the authors analyze the maker space index system based on machine learning and intelligent interactive system. As a comprehensive innovation and entrepreneurship platform, mass innovation space has the characteristics of both existing entrepreneurship service system and knowledge innovation driven. Through the index score calculation, the related evaluation system is constructed, the final score of social support system is 61.4.Multi-factor performance evaluation system based on machine learning and artificial intelligence,this paper reveals the development and change law of maker space, and provides theoretical basis for the future operation and decision-making of maker space.
A novel q-rung orthopair fuzzy TODIM approach for multi-criteria group decision making based on Shapley value and relative entropy
Authors: Chen Liuxin , Luo Nanfang , Gou Xiaoling
Published: July 2020

In the real multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problems, there will be an interactive relationship among different decision makers (DMs). To identify the overall influence, we define the Shapley value as the DM’s weight. Entropy is a measure which makes it better than similarity measures to recognize a group decision making problem. Since we propose a relative entropy to measure the difference between two systems, which improves the accuracy of the distance measure.In this paper, a MCGDM approach named as TODIM is presented under q-rung orthopair fuzzy information.The proposed TODIM approach is developed for correlative MCGDM problems, in which the weights of the DMs are calculated in terms of Shapley values and the dominance matrices are evaluated based on relative entropy measure with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information.Furthermore, the efficacy of the proposed Gq-ROFWA operator and the novel TODIM is demonstrated through a selection problem of modern enterprises risk investment. A comparative analysis with existing methods is presented to validate the efficiency of the approach.
Using FAHP and CBR to evaluate the intention of adoption of internet banking service: The example of web ATM
Authors: Chang Shih-Jui , Hsu Chi-I , Lin Chin-Tsai
Published: July 2020

This research combines the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) to evaluate the intention of adoption of web ATM services. Compared with physical ATM service, web ATM allows users to perform financial transactions over the internet conveniently. Based on literature and considering the characteristics of web ATM, this study constructs a model for web ATM adoption that comprises three dimensions: The knowledge, the potential value, and the security. 222 valid user questionnaires are collected, and factor analysis is used to verify the factor structure of the decision hierarchy. FAHP is then used to calculate the weights of criteria with six experts through pairwise comparisons. Finally, FAHP weights are integrated into a CBR prediction mechanism for evaluating a user’s adoption intention toward web ATM. The results are helpful for financial institutions to understand and to evaluate the user behavior toward internet banking service adoption.
Zero forcing number of fuzzy graphs with application
Authors: Karbasioun Asefeh , Ameri R.
Published: July 2020

We introduce and study forcing number for fuzzy graphs. Also, we compute zero forcing numbers for some classes of graphs and extend this concept to fuzzy graphs. In this regard we obtain upper bounds for zero forcing of some classes of fuzzy graphs. We will proceed to obtain a new algorithm to computing zero forcing set and finding a formula for zero forcing number, and by some examples we illustrate these notions. Finally, we introduce some applications of fuzzy zero forcing in medical treatments.
Convex structures in a new kind of ordered fuzzy group1
Authors: Liu Hongping , Wei Ruiju , Ge Qian
Published: July 2020

By means of a fuzzy binary operation defined on partially ordered sets, a new kind of ordered fuzzy group is proposed in this paper. Some properties of this ordered fuzzy group are studied. Following that, its substructures, such as subgroup and convex subgroup, as well as its homomorphisms, along with their properties are explored. It is shown that each family of these substructures forms a convex structure, where the convex hull of a subset is exactly the (convex) subgroup generated by itself, and the homomorphisms between two ordered fuzzy groups are convexity-preserving mappings between the corresponding convex spaces. In addition, when these substructures are extended to fuzzy setting, several L-convex structures are constructed and investigated.
m-polar Neutrosophic Generalized Weighted and m-polar Neutrosophic Generalized Einstein Weighted Aggregation Operators to Diagnose Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Hashmi Masooma Raza , Riaz Muhammad , Smarandache Florentin
Published: July 2020

This manuscript contributes a progressive mathematical model for the analysis of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and improvement of the victim from COVID-19 with some suitable circumstances. We investigate the innovative approach of the m-polar neutrosophic set (MPNS) to deal with the hesitations and obscurities of objects and rational thinking in decision-making obstacles. In this article, we propose the generalized weighted aggregation and generalized Einstein weighted aggregation operators in the context of m-polar neutrosophic numbers (MPNNs). The motivational aim of this paper is that we present a case study based on data amalgamation for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and examine with the help of MPN-data. By using the proposed technique on generalized operators, we discuss the recovery of the victim with the time factor, proper medication, and some suitable circumstances. Ultimately, we present the advantages and productiveness of the proposed algorithm under the influence of parameter ð to the recovery results. The versatility and superiority of the proposed methodology with some existing approaches can be observed by the comparative analysis.
Shielding development for the VENUS imaging instrument
Authors: Popova I.I. , Gallmeier F.X.
Published: July 2020

VENUS is an imaging instrument that will use a broad range of neutron wavelengths, from epithermal to cold, will include enhanced contrast mechanisms, and will offer novel energy-selective imaging techniques that directly connect the structures, properties, and function of complex engineering materials and systems to reveal practical and fundamental answers about their real-world performance. The instrument is to be built at SNS beam line 10 and will face the decoupled poisoned hydrogen moderator. The driving cost for the instrument is the beam line and instrument cave shielding. Initial scoping analyses were performed to estimate thickness and composition of shielding materials for the instrument cave and beam line. In light of the upcoming Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) project, these transport analyses were performed for proton beam on target at 1.3 GeV and 2 MW.
Effect of dynamic guidance-tubing short foot gait exercise on muscle activity and navicular movement in people with flexible flatfeet
Authors: Jung Dohee , Yi Chunghwi , Choi Woochol Joseph , You Joshua Sung H.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Navicular drop is a common plantar deformity which makes the plantar medial longitudinal arch (MLA) collapse and leads to other deformities in lower extremities. Active structures are from intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle activities such as abductor hallucis (AbdH), tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis during dynamic situations. As AbdH plays a role as a dynamic elevator of MLA, the importance of AbdH has been emphasized and the proper recruitment of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscle is crucial for stabilization of MLA during dynamic weight bearing condition. Because the short foot (SF) exercise is difficult to perform and tends to activate the intrinsic muscles concentrically rather than a natural coordination of concentric-isometric-eccentric activation, we have developed the guidance-tubing SF gait (GFG) exercise. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of GFG exercise on muscle activity, AbdH:TA activity ratio, MLA angle, and foot pressure distribution during walking compared to SF gait (SFG) exercise. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with flexible flat feet were divided into two groups and performed SFG exercise with (GFG) and without guidance-tubing (SFG) for seven serial days. RESULTS: AbdH muscle activity significantly increased from foot flat to heel rise in the GFG group (p = 0.006). The AbdH:TA activity ratio significantly increased in both the SFG (p = 0.015) group and GFG group (p = 0.006). MLA angles significantly decreased in both the SFG group (p = 0.001) and GFG group (p = 0.000), and the decrement was significantly higher in the GFG group (p = 0.001). The foot pressure distribution did not show any statistically significant change. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study provides a clinical implication for training MLA supporter muscles in individuals with flat feet. The overactive muscle must be inhibited first, then facilitation and strengthening are followed respectively.
Measuring the digital economy in the United States
Authors: Strassner Erich H. , Nicholson Jessica R.
Published: July 2020

The United States’ Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has recently published statistics exploring the size and growth of the digital economy in response to the interests of the data user community and the international statistical community. BEA independently developed preliminary digital economy statistics but has relied on consultation with other statistical organizations and participation in numerous international working groups aimed at advancing coordinated and internationally comparable digital economy measurement. This report describes BEA’s digital economy measurement efforts to date including initial work towards a digital economy satellite account and related research on quantifying the value of “free” digital media the treatment and measurement of data. This report also discusses BEA’s efforts to improve price measures for high-tech goods and services, notably internet and wireless services, cloud services, and ride-hailing services. Lastly, the report provides an overview of BEA’s measurement work related to digital services international trade.
Efficacy evaluation of pepsin in laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Gao Xiang , Liu Dian-Gang , Wang Feng , Zhang Chao , Du Xing , Wu Ji-Min , Wang Zhong-Gao , Li Fei
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: The false positive rate of the PPI test for the diagnosis of typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is extremely high. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of the pepsin test on GERD and laparoscopy-assisted anti-reflux surgery for GERD. METHODS: A total of 30 GERD patients were enrolled into this study, and the pre-diagnosis of GERD was determined by symptom evaluation, impedance-pH examination, gastroscopy and pepsin test. All patients underwent surgery. RESULTS: Among the 30 GERD patients, 18 patients were male and 12 were female, and their average age was 58.2 + 12.6 years old. The patients were treated with laparoscopic fundoplication and hiatus hernia repair after preoperative assessment. A total of 28 patients were followed up, one patient developed recurrent symptoms, and one patient developed postoperative dysphagia and received non-operative treatment. Furthermore, the symptom scores were significantly lower at postoperative pepsin detection when compared to the scores before the operation (pepsin: preoperative: 148.8 ± 82.6, postoperative: 30.7 ± 24.6; t= 4.848, P= 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fundoplication and hiatus hernia repair may effectively control the symptoms of GERD. Furthermore, the detection of pepsin is non-invasive and easy to operate.
Eu e a senhora sabemos o que é viver na roça, né, viado? Fogão a lenha, mach(ad)os e crianças
Authors: Rodrigues Alexsandro , Roseiro Steferson Zanoni
Published: July 2020

Este ensaio fabula narrativas e experimentações de subjetividades e crianças no território rural, problematizando as histórias contadas à beira de fogões a lenha. As crianças dessa escrita desconfiam das boas intenções dos dessas histórias, pressentem ameaças percorrerem a pele. Elas sabem que, na repetição das narrativas, há uma fábrica de herdeiros mach(ad)os. Essas histórias não as atraem. Ainda que portem marcas da força do machado, quebram o cabo do machado e, com os restos, viram e fazem outras coisas. É na fenda, no corte como acontecimento que sacis, lobisomens, iaras e curupiras lhe fazem companhias aventureiras. As explorações nos espaços de sociabilidade no interior permitem as crianças da roça borrar os limites do corpo-gênero-sexo e a força do dispositivo machado. E as crianças o fazem pelo simples fato de que, ali, fazendo caminho por entre matas e à beira do riacho, elas encontram mais possibilidades de liberdade para ocupar e experimentar.
Application of anthracnose resistance-associated molecular markers in the detection of resistant chili pepper cultivars in Vietnam
Authors: Ly Vi An , Truong Thao Phuong Thi , Nguyen Thanh Hao
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Colletotrichum species is responsible for anthracnose, a worldwide serious disease, causing an important loss in chili pepper production. Therefore, screening disease resistant and sensitive chili pepper cultivars in Vietnam is important not only for in-depth studies of disease resistance-associated molecular mechanisms but also for chili production improvement via molecular marker-assisted breeding in Vietnam.

Methods: To this end, in this study, two Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from the infected fruits collected from chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) fields in Tra Vinh province. According to the morphology analysis and the sequencing results of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, these isolates were identified as C. scovillei and C. acutatum. In order to identify the anthracnose-resistant chili pepper cultivars, the pathogenicity test was conducted by infecting fully developed green fruits of eleven chili pepper cultivars with the two isolated Colletotrichum strains.

Results: CN404 and HNCS were the two strongest anthracnose-resistant cultivars. Two chili pepper cultivars, TV3 and PN400, showed different resistance tendencies to each Colletotrichum isolates. Four different SSR molecular markers were used in this study to identify the potential molecular markers associated with anthracnose resistance traits in chili pepper cultivars. Among the four examined markers, HpmsE126 was detected in two anthracnose-resistant chili pepper cultivars, suggesting its close relation to the anthracnose resistance trait in chili pepper.

Conclusion: Given that two of the three most anthracnose-resistant cultivars, CN404 and TV3, possess HpmsE126 marker, this marker can be used to detect anthracnose-resistant lines in chili pepper breeding in Vietnam.