bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of natural radioactivity in the soil surrounding Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Pemmaraju Padma Savitri , Ramesh B. , Sudhakar J. , Warrier Manoj , Rao A. D. P. , Kumar A. Vinod
Published: March 2024

Activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil samples collected during 2013–2018 from different 53 locations around Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, were determined using high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometry. An R and D center of BARC is upcoming at Visakhapatnam, North coastal Andhra Pradesh. The annual effective dose (AED) and the radiation indices from the soil activity were evaluated to generate the baseline data for this area. The average activity concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples studied are 29 ± 8 Bq/kg, 31 ± 1 Bq/kg, 188 ± 2 Bq/kg, and 471 ± 10 Bq/kg, respectively. The concentration of 226Ra and 40K in the collected samples is comparable with the world average concentrations of 33 Bq/kg and 420 Bq/kg, however, 232Th is observed to be higher than the world average of 45 Bq/kg. AED due to external terrestrial radiation from the region studied is in the range the range 0.37 to 2.5 mSv/y with an average of 0.9 mSv/y. The mean radium equivalent activity values for around 70% of the studied samples are lower than the permitted levels of 370 Bq/kg. The mean external exposure index has been determined to be around the safe criterion limit of unity. The mean value of the representative level index Iϒ is 2.4. Higher values in some locations are due to thorium in monazite deposits. This report will be useful as preoperational study to evaluate the impact on the environment due to ongoing and future man-made developments.
Machine Learning Classifiers for Credit Risk Analysis
Authors: Sudiksha  , Nanjundan Preethi , George Jossy P
Published: March 2024

The modern world is a place of global commerce. Since globalization became popular, entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises to large ones have looked up to banks, which have existed in various forms since antiquity, as their pillars of support. The risk of granting loans in various forms has significantly increased as a consequence of this, the businesses face financing difficulties. Credit Risk Analysis is a major aspect of approving the loan application that is done by analyzing different types of data. The goal is to minimize the risk of approving the loan for the Individuals or businesses who might not pay back on time. This research paper addresses this challenge by applying various machine learning classifiers to the German credit risk dataset. By evaluating and comparing the accuracy of these models to identify the most effective classifier for credit risk analysis. Furthermore, it proposes a contributory approach that combines the strengths of multiple classifiers to enhance the decision-making process for loan approvals. By leveraging ensemble learning techniques, such as the Voting Ensemble model, the aim is to improve the accuracy and reliability of credit risk analysis. Additionally, it explores tailored feature engineering techniques that focus on selecting and engineering informative features specific to credit risk analysis.
Dynamic Load Balancing in Cloud Computing: A Review and a Novel Approach
Authors: Laha Jasobanta , Pattnaik Sabyasachi , Chaudhury Kumar Surjeet
Published: March 2024

In cloud computing, load balancing is essential since it guarantees effective resource utilisation and reduces response times. It effectively distributes incoming workload across available servers. Load balancing involves dividing tasks among multiple systems or resources over the internet. By distributing traffic and workloads, load balancing ensures that no server or computer is overloaded, underutilized, or idle in a cloud computing environment. To enhance overall performance in the cloud, it optimises a number of variables, including execution time, response time, and system stability. To increase the effectiveness and reliability of cloud services, load balancing evenly distributes traffic, workloads, and computing resources across the environment. The proposed method, Enhanced Dynamic Load Balancing for Cloud Computing, adjusts load distribution and maintains a balanced system by considering variables like server capacity, workload distribution, and system load. By incorporating these factors and employing adaptive threshold adjustment, this approach optimizes resource allocation and enhances system performance. Experimental research shows that the proposed new novel approach is more effective and efficient than current load balancing techniques. In this context of cloud computing, this ground-breaking method offers a workable substitute for dynamic load balancing.
Optimal gradient estimates of solutions to the insulated conductivity problem in dimension greater than two
Authors: Dong Hongjie , Li YanYan , Yang Zhuolun
Published: March 2024

We study the insulated conductivity problem with inclusions embedded in a bounded domain in

\mathbb{R}^{n}

. The gradient of solutions may blow up as

\varepsilon

, the distance between inclusions, approaches to

0

. It was known that the optimal blow-up rate in dimension

n = 2

is of order 

\varepsilon^{-1/2}

. It has recently been proved that in dimensions

n \ge 3

, an upper bound of the gradient is of order

\varepsilon^{-1/2 + \beta}

for some

\beta > 0

. On the other hand, optimal values of 

\beta

have not been identified. In this paper, we prove that when the inclusions are balls, the optimal value of 

\beta

is

[-(n-1)+\sqrt{(n-1)^{2}+4(n-2)}]/4 \in (0,1/2)

in dimensions

n \ge 3

.
An asymmetric container lemma and the structure of graphs with no induced $4$-cycle
Authors: Morris Robert , Samotij Wojciech , Saxton David
Published: March 2024

The method of hypergraph containers, which was introduced several years ago by Balogh, Morris, and Samotij, and independently by Saxton and Thomason, has proved to be an extremely useful tool in the study of various monotone graph properties. In particular, a fairly straightforward application of this technique allows one to locate, for each non-bipartite graph

H

, the threshold at which the distribution of edges in a typical

H

-free graph with a given number of edges undergoes a transition from ‘random-like’ to ‘structured’. On the other hand, for non-monotone hereditary graph properties, the standard version of this method does not allow one to establish even the existence of such a threshold. In this paper we introduce a refinement of the container method that takes into account the asymmetry between edges and non-edges in a sparse member of a hereditary graph property. As an application, we determine the approximate structure of a typical graph with

n

vertices,

m

edges, and no induced copy of the

4

-cycle, for each function

m = m(n)

satisfying

n^{4/3}(\log n)^{4} \le m \ll n^{2}

. We show that almost all such graphs

G

have the following property: the vertex set of

G

can be partitioned into an ‘almost independent’ set (a set with

o(m)

edges) and an ‘almost-clique’ (a set inducing a subgraph with density

1-o(1)

). The lower bound on

m

is optimal up to a polylogarithmic factor, as standard arguments show that if

n \ll m \ll n^{4/3}

, then almost all such graphs are ‘random-like’. As a further consequence, we deduce that the random graph

G(n,p)

conditioned to contain no induced

4

-cycles undergoes phase transitions at

p = n^{-2/3 + o(1)}

and

p = n^{-1/3 + o(1)}

.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio: Markers predicting immune-checkpoint inhibitor efficacy and immune-related adverse events
Authors: Jiang Qiu-Yu , Xue Ru-Yi
Published: March 2024

We conducted a comprehensive review of existing prediction models pertaining to the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The predictive potential of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in determining ICI effectiveness has been extensively investigated, while limited research has been conducted on predicting irAEs. Furthermore, the combined model incorporating NLR and PLR, either with each other or in conjunction with additional markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen, exhibits superior predictive capabilities compared to individual markers alone. NLR and PLR are promising markers for clinical applications. Forthcoming models ought to incorporate established efficacious models and newly identified ones, thereby constituting a multifactor composite model. Furthermore, efforts should be made to explore effective clinical application approaches that enhance the predictive accuracy and efficiency.
Management of obstructed colorectal carcinoma in an emergency setting: An update
Authors: Pavlidis Efstathios T , Galanis Ioannis N , Pavlidis Theodoros E
Published: March 2024

Colorectal carcinoma is common, particularly on the left side. In 20% of patients, obstruction and ileus may be the first clinical manifestations of a carcinoma that has advanced (stage II, III or even IV). Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, plain abdominal radiogram, computed tomography (CT), CT colonography and positron emission tomography/CT. The best management strategy in terms of short-term operative or interventional and long-term oncological outcomes remains unknown. For the most common left-sided obstruction, the first choice should be either emergency surgery or endoscopic decompression by self-expendable metal stents or tubes. The operative plan should be either one-stage or two-stage resection. One-stage resection with on-table bowel decompression and irrigation can be accompanied or not accompanied by proximal defunctioning stoma (colostomy or ileostomy). Primary anastomosis is more convenient but has increased risks of anastomotic leakage and morbidity. Two-stage resection (Hartmann’s procedure) is safer and the most widely used despite temporally affecting quality of life. Damage control surgery in high-risk frail patients is less frequently performed since it can be successfully substituted with endoscopic stenting or tubing. For the less common right-sided obstruction, one-stage surgical resection is more beneficial than endoscopic decompression. The role of minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic) is a subject of debate. Emergency laparoscopic-assisted management is advantageous to some extent but requires much expertise due to inherent difficulties in dissecting the distended colon and the risk of rupture and subsequent septic complications. The decompressing stent as a bridge to elective surgery more substantially decreases the risks of morbidity and mortality than emergency surgery for decompression and has equivalent medium-term overall survival and disease-free survival rates. Its combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation may have a positive effect on long-term oncological outcomes. Management plans are crucial and must be individualized to better fit each case.
Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Ke-Kang , Wu Yong-You
Published: March 2024

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been widely accepted as a function-preserving gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer (EGC) with a distal tumor border at least 4 cm proximal to the pylorus. The procedure essentially preserves the function of the pyloric sphincter, which requires to preserve the upper third of the stomach and a pyloric cuff at least 2.5 cm. The suprapyloric and infrapyloric vessels are usually preserved, as are the hepatic and pyloric branches of the vagus nerve. Compared with distal gastrectomy, PPG has significant advantages in preventing dumping syndrome, body weight loss and bile reflux gastritis. The postoperative complications after PPG have reached an acceptable level. PPG can be considered a safe, effective, and superior choice in EGC, and is expected to be extensively performed in the future.
Asymptomatic Enteric Virus Infections and Association with the Gut Microbiome in Rural Residents of Northern Laos
Authors: Sekiya Sae , Masuoka Hiroaki , Mizuno Yuki , Kibe Mihoko , Kosaka Satoko , Natsuhara Kazumi , Hirayama Kazuhiro , Inthavong Nouhak , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Tomita Shinsuke , Takayasu Lena , Suda Wataru , Yagyu Fumihiro , Umezaki Masahiro
Published: March 2024

Viral gastrointestinal infections are an important public health concern, and the occurrence of asymptomatic enteric virus infections makes it difficult to prevent and control their spread. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asymptomatic enteric virus infection in adults in northern Laos. Fecal samples were collected from apparently healthy participants who did not report diarrhea or high fever at the time of the survey in northern Laos, and enteric viruses were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Individual characteristics, including the gut microbiome, were compared between asymptomatic carriers and noncarriers of each enteric virus. Of the participants (N = 255), 12 (4.7%) were positive for norovirus genogroup I (GI), 8 (3.1%) for human adenovirus, and 1 (0.4%) for norovirus GII; prevalence tended to be higher in less-modernized villages. Gut microbial diversity (evaluated by the number of operational taxonomic units) was higher in asymptomatic carriers of norovirus GI or human adenovirus than in their noncarriers. Gut microbiome compositions differed significantly between asymptomatic carriers and noncarriers of norovirus GI or human adenovirus (permutational analysis of variance, P <0.05). These findings imply an association between asymptomatic enteric virus infection and modernization and/or the gut microbiome in northern Laos.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Tropical Diseases among Nursing Students: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fithriyyah Yayu Nidaul , Alda Atikah Kurnia , Satalar Tomi , Saifudin I Made Moh. Yanuar
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to compare bachelor nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding tropical diseases. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 128 participants who were recruited using stratified random sampling and completed a sociodemographics questionnaire and KAP questionnaire concerning tropical diseases. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data, and inferential statistics, including one-way analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U tests, were calculated to identify potential differences between variables. The study found nursing students who took the tropical nursing courses had better knowledge and attitudes regarding preventing tropical diseases than those who did not. Participants who took the tropical nursing courses had a significantly higher median knowledge score of 22 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 2 (P <0.001) and a median attitude score of 31 (IQR: 6, P = 0.02) compared with those who did not take it. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in practice regarding tropical diseases (P = 0.20). In conclusion, students who take tropical nursing courses may improve their knowledge and attitudes toward tropical diseases, but the two groups in this study did not significantly differ in practice, possibly because of self-reported practices rather than direct observation. This study highlights the potential of accurate digital information to provide credible resources in enhancing nursing students’ KAP concerning tropical diseases.
Low Rate of Asymptomatic Dengue Infection Detected in Coastal Kenya Using Pooled Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing
Authors: Kiener Melanie , Shayegh Nader , Nyathi Sindiso Victor , Ndenga Bryson Alberto , Mutuku Francis Maluki , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree
Published: March 2024

Asymptomatic dengue virus (DENV) infections have important public health implications but are challenging to identify. We performed a cross-sectional study of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction on pooled sera of asymptomatic individuals from the south coast of Kenya at two time periods to identify cases of asymptomatic viremia. Among 2,460 samples tested in pools of 9 or 10, we found only one positive case (0.04% incidence). Although pooling of samples has the potential to be a cost-effective and time-efficient method for asymptomatic DENV detection, mass cross-sectional pooled testing may not provide accurate data on rates of asymptomatic infection, likely owing to a decrease in the sensitivity with pooling of samples, a short period of viremia, or testing in the absence of an outbreak.
Rare unilateral third head of Biceps brachii - A case report
Authors: Yadav Swati , Patel Rajni
Published: March 2024

Biceps Brachii has been described as one of the muscle showing frequent anatomical variation . Third Head of Biceps Brachii arising from Humerus is one of the commonly seen anatomical variation. Understanding the existence of unilateral or bilateral supernumerary heads may influence preoperative diagnosis and surgery of Upper limbs. In this current case report , Inferolateral third head of Biceps Brachij was found in an 85 year old cadaver. The knowledge of such variation will be advantageous to surgeons, radiologists, etc. Keywords: MN-Median Nerve, MCN- Musculocutaneous Nerve, LR – Lateral Root, Biceps brachii
Morphometric evaluation of superior articular facet and inferior articular facet in human atlas vertebrae
Authors: Xalxo Neha , Mehta Vandana
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Trauma and degenerative changes are observed frequently in the cervical column. The first two cervical vertebrae constitute crucial sites for cervico-spinal instability. Accurate surgical intervention in this region requires detailed quantitative analysis of the Atlas and Axis vertebrae. Aim and objectives: To provide baseline data pertaining to morphometric details of SAF & IAF of Atlas vertebra in Indian population. To compare the right and left sided morphometric values. To explore any morphological variations of SAF & IAF of Atlas vertebra. Materials and methods: 50 human dry Atlas vertebrae were examined in the present study. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Results: Mean length of the SAF of Atlas vertebrae on right side was found to be 21.35 mm and 20.27 mm on left side. Mean width of right SAF was 11.48 mm and 11.12 mm on the left side. A statistically significant difference of 0.047 was observed in mean length of SAF of right and left sides of the Atlas vertebrae . Mean length of the IAF of Atlas vertebrae on right side was 15.80 mm and 16.03 mm on left side. Mean width of right IAF side was 15.1 mm whereas 15.05 mm on the left side. Conclusions: Familiarity with the morphological variations and morphometric details of the first two cervical vertebrae is of paramount significance for Radiologists, Orthopedic surgeons and Neurosurgeons. Precise information pertaining to morphometric details of the first two cervical vertebrae enhances the accuracy of screw fixation and prevents inadvertent injuries to neurovascular structures Keywords: Atlas, Superior Articular Facet, Inferior Articular Facet
Wheater's Functional Histology: A text and color atlas, 6th Ed.
Authors: Goel Prabhat
Published: March 2024

Histology, the study of tissues at the microscopic level, is the cornerstone of understanding human anatomy, physiology, and pathology. "Wheater’s Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 6th edition," authored by Barbara Young, Phillip Woodford, and Geraldine O'Dowd, is an esteemed resource that has guided generations of medical students and professionals through the intricate world of tissue architecture. This review aims to comprehensively assess the book's contents, imagery, and educational value across its chapters.
Overview and mysteries of cardiomyopathy: An introduction
Authors: Tiwari Shivam , Choudhary Umesh , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Singh Royana , Mishra Anand
Published: March 2024

Numerous complicated and diverse genetic variables that are heterogeneous all contribute to cardiomyopathy. Depending on the definition and location, different areas have different rates of cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular disease is the most common inherited cause of cardiomyopathy. Other variables that contribute to the progression of cardiomyopathy include coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. The investigation of the relationship between cardiomyopathy and its genetic variations with biomarker is the major goal of this study. The pathophysiology and development of cardiomyopathy are significantly influenced by a few new genes linked to human hereditary cardiomyopathy. Human gene mutations and data compiled from several databases have revealed that various genes have been linked to cardiomyopathy, explaining the susceptibility of the illness. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic component with biomarker of cardiomyopathy and will help to better understand how the disease mode influences prognosis. Furthermore, improved understanding of molecular pathophysiology of genetic cardiomyopathy may open the framework for the growth of personalized therapies in the future. A structural or functional abnormality of the myocardium is a hallmark of cardiomyopathies, which are heart disorders. There are several kinds and sub kinds, some of which have a significant genetic component. Medical and genetic advancements have improved our understanding of cardiomyopathies. This article discusses the classification, pathogenesis, and biomarker presentation of the major cardiomyopathies.
Unilateral colpocephaly with bilateral partial agenesis of Corpus callosum in adult male: A case report
Authors: Saxena Swati , Pant Mahendra Kumar , Maurya Rajesh , Sharan Anjali , Chaudhary Puneet , Kumar Abhinav
Published: March 2024

Colpocephaly, a rare congenital brain abnormality characterized by disproportionate enlargement of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricles, typically presents with neurological deficits in infancy. We present a unique case discovered incidentally during routine cadaveric dissection of a 63-year-old male with no apparent symptoms. The brain exhibited massive colpocephaly, accompanied by bilateral partial agenesis of the corpus callosum. Morphometric analysis revealed significant enlargement of the left lateral ventricle, with an anterior-to-posterior ratio indicative of colpocephaly rather than normal pressure hydrocephalus. Comparative studies with non-colpocephalic brains corroborated these findings. Literature review suggests a developmental origin for colpocephaly, possibly related to disturbances in hydrostatic balance during embryogenesis. Previous reported cases of adult-onset colpocephaly underscore its rarity and diagnostic challenges. Understanding the distinctive morphometry of colpocephalic lateral ventricles is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially to differentiate it from more common conditions like idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, thus avoiding unnecessary interventions. This case highlights the importance of cadaveric studies in uncovering rare anatomical variations and expanding our knowledge of neurological conditions. Keywords: Colpocephaly, Morphometric analysis, Corpus callosum agenesis
Netter's Moving Anatome: An interactive guide to musculoskeletal anatomy, 1st Ed.
Authors: Patil Krishna S
Published: March 2024

"Netter's Moving AnatoME, 1st Edition" is a groundbreaking addition to the realm of medical anatomy education. Departing from traditional static textbooks, this innovative resource employs animation, interactivity, and 3D technology to bring anatomy to life. This extensive review assesses the book's educational value, chapter by chapter, offering insights into the quality of both text and dynamic images.
A Study on the use of Boosters of International Students’ Persuasive Writing
Authors: Choi Boseon
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the aspects of boosters in Korean persuasive writing written by international students and to identify how these expressions function in discourse. To achieve this goal, existing domestic and foreign studies were reviewed to establish the conceptual framework, scope, and research criteria for booster expressions to be used in this study. Test writing data, which serve as evidence of international students' internalized linguistic expressions, were collected. The composition data were gathered from 40 international students representing China, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan. The research criteria were categorized into adverbs, adjectives/verbs, nouns, periphrastic constructions, endings, cleft sentences, and others. As a result of the study, we found that international students used boosters in the following order of frequency: ‘adverbs > periphrastic constructions > endings > cleft sentences > nouns,’ and that they preferred a strategy that strongly emphasized their thesis using adverbs and syntactic-level periphrastic constructions. Additionally, this study showed that international students attempted to use hedges in conjunction with boosters to moderate the intensity of their opinions as an active strategy within the text. This study is significant because it addresses boosters—a topic that has not been extensively explored in Korean language education research. Furthermore, it examines the actual inter-language proficiency of international students who are not using texts written by Korean authors or texts in controlled situations.
A Study on Reading Programs in the Convergence Era : Focusing on Book-trailer Activities
Authors: Seo Boyoung
Published: March 2024

This study aims to develop the reading practicum for university students by developing an effective reading program suitable for the convergence era. Reading is a key skill that contributes to developing convergent competencies in university liberal arts education. In particular, ‘Book-trailers’ (video trailers that introduce books) are important in that they produce the results of reading using media.The contents of teaching-learning are as follows. First, once learners know the difference between letter-based text and multimodal text, they can adapt them to the studies. Next, learners experience becoming a book trailer producer and a book trailer consumer. Lastly, the learner knows the respective functions of the book trailer for promotional purposes and as a result after reading.As a result of this program, learners engaged in active reading by understanding book features and contents from a multifaceted perspective and by producing multimodal texts. Furthermore, this program is one of the solutions to solving the problem of learners' declining literacy and reading comprehension skills and can also be expanded into the reading culture industry.
Exploring the Educational Implications of Actor-Network Theory
Authors: Yoon Ok-han
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine what ANT is and to explore the educational implications of it. The characteristic of ANT is that it defines non-humans as ‘actors’ who constitute society on an equal basis with humans. A ‘black box’ refers to when actors build stable relationships and appear as if they are one object. A ‘network’ is a set of unfixed relationships between actors. ‘Translation’ refers to the process of forming a network of relationships. Translation consists of four steps: raising the issue, attracting attention, registering, and mobilizing.The educational implications of ANT are, first, to break away from the limitations of existing teaching and learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, and to develop new teaching and learning theories necessary in the age of science and technology. Second, to move away from me-centeredness and emphasize community-centeredness. Third, ANT stresses the importance of ecological conversion education.
Do Democracy and Government Capacity Positively Contribute to Technological Innovation?
Authors:   The Korean-Japanese Economics & Management Association, Seo Hwan-Ju , Lee Young-Soo , Choe Jong-Il
Published: March 2024

Purpose: In this study, we analyze the f ollowing two points based on these existing studies. F irst, we examine the c orrelation between democracy and technological innovation, using cross-national data.We examine whether more democratized countries have an advantage over less democratic c ountries in t erms o f technological i nnovation, and whether d emocratic countries have an advantage over non-democratic countries in terms of innovation performance. we examine how government capabilities affect technological innovation by dividing them into democratic and non-democratic countries. We aim to analyze whether government capacity is important for technological innovation not only in democratic countries but also in non-democratic countries.
Research design, data, and methodology: This paper analyzed how political systems, especially democracy and government capacity, affect technological innovation for the period 1997-2017 in 101 countries using data extracted from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators. The relationship between political systems and technological innovation was examined using the Negative Binomial Regression Model (NBRM), which is commonly used to analyze count data with the characteristic of over-dispersion.
Results: The findings indicate that as democratization progresses, there is a corresponding increase in innovation performance. Additionally, democratic nations demonstrate higher levels of innovation compared to non-democratic countries. Furthermore, the research reveals that countries with robust government capacity, as measured by factors such as the effectiveness of public officials, provision of public services, regulation and support of the private sector, and corruption control, tend to achieve superior innovation performance.
Implications: These f indings support t he a rgument put forth b y Acemoglu a nd R obinson, s uggesting that i n order to a ttain s ustained economic development and innovation, countries require a certain level of government capacity associated with the operation of exploitative economic institutions. The escalating power struggle between the United States and China has now evolved into a technological competition between market democracies and s tate capitalism. Consequently, there i s a f ervent debate regarding which political systems and forms of capitalism have a positive influence on innovation. This study is expected to offer valuable insights and serve as a crucial reference point for this ongoing discourse.
Changes in the Impact of FinTech and InsureTech on the Financial Business Sector
Authors:   The Korean-Japanese Economics & Management Association, Lee Jin-Bum
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Previous studies of FinTech and InsureTech focused on how the introduction of new technologies and systems would affect the existing financial industry. Nevertheless, there were no studies approached from a comprehensive perspective on the relationship with InsurTech, a concept derived from FinTech, and its impact on the financial and insurance industries in the future. This study aims to contribute to related industries and academic fields by predicting the impact, differences, and future prospects of the concept and introduction of FinTech and insurtech on the financial industry.
Research design, data, and methodology: Discuss the concept and status of FinTech and insurance technology through qualitative methods such as existing prior research and academic thesis books, and understand what influence it has on the current financial industry, insurance industry, and consumers.
Results: Through the impact of each area of FinTech and InsureTech on the financial business area of this study, FinTech and InsureTech were similar concepts but differences could be identified. FinTech and InsureTech are still positively affecting the financial industry and consumers, but they are expected to become innovators that can lead the financial industry in the future.
Implications: This study explained the concept of FinTech and InsureTech, and examined the impact of newly introduced high-tech technologies on the financial industry. Through this, it was possible to see the positive impact of FinTech and insurtech on the business sector and the general public. This author hopes that FinTech and InsureTech will be the driving force for new creation through improvement and innovation in each field.
Caracterización psicométrica y distribución empática entre las áreas académicas en estudiantes de enfermería
Authors: Huerta-González Sara , Meléndez-Chávez Sendy , Barrios-Melchor Alma Rosa , De las salas Roxana , Reyes-Reyes Alejandro , Díaz-Narváez Víctor Patricio
Published: March 2024

Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio es caracterizar psicométricamente los datos de empatía y sus dimensiones, así como determinar la distribución empática entre las áreas académicas en el proceso de formación de estudiantes de pregrado de enfermería.
Métodos. Este es un estudio comparativo, no experimental y transversal. La muestra estudiada fue de 365 estudiantes de enfermería de ambos sexos pertenecientes a la Facultad de Enfermería de la Universidad Veracruzana, México. El total de la población fue de 425 estudiantes y la muestra constituyó el 85,88% del total de estudiantes (mayo a julio de 2022). Se estudiaron las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de Empatía para Profesionales de la Salud, versión estudiantes (fiabilidad, validez de constructo e invarianza del modelo). Para describir y comparar los grupos se utilizaron estadísticos descriptivos, análisis de varianza y gráficos de las medias con barras que representaban el intervalo de confianza al 95%.
Resultados. La medida de empatía alcanza coeficientes de fiabilidad satisfactorios y presenta adecuados indicadores de validez de constructo, resultando una medida invariante según área académica y sexo. Se encontró la existencia de déficits en algunas de las dimensiones de empatía.
Conclusión. El análisis psicométrico (modelo de dimensiones subyacentes e invarianza), previa a la estimación de los parámetros de la empatía, constituye una necesitad metodológica que garantiza teóricamente la estimación de los niveles de empatía y de la comparación entre grupos. La distribución de los niveles de empatía entre las áreas académicas se caracterizó por un déficit en las dimensiones cuidado con compasión y “caminar en los zapatos del paciente”
EVALUATION OF CARBON EMISSION IN MOTORCYCLE EXHAUSTS AND ENGINE PERFORMANCE USING BIOMASS NANOFUEL PATCH
Authors:   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, ROSLAN MOHAMAD AFIQ , DOLAH ROZZETA ,   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MAD NORDIN MARIAM FIRDHAUS ,   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, CHELLIAPAN SHREESHIVADASAN ,   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, HASSAN MOHAMAD ZAKI ,   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, JAMALUDIN ROSMAHAIDA ,   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, ABDULLAH SITI NORHUDA ,   Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Published: March 2024

Biomass nanofluid not only utilises the most abundant waste in Malaysia but also ensures the environment’s sustainability towards low carbon emissions by reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG). The present work investigates a renewable biomass NanoFuel Patch derived from normal pyrolysis of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) biomass as a pure product (EFB nano oil). The EFB nano oil will go through the patching process to become a biomass nanofuel patch. This NanoFuel Patch is attached to the motorcycle’s fuel hose and tank. It works based on the nanofluidics concept, allowing the nanomolecules to be transported via biomass fluid bound with nanocomposite fibre medium assembled in a patch adhesive. Nanofluidics minimise the adsorption of impurities, which leads to complete combustion in the engine. The engine performance and emissions of a renewable biomass nanofuel patch were investigated during a motorcycle test attached to the dynomite roller chassis dynamometer (dyno test) in the steady-state condition of a single-cylinder and four-stroke type motorcycle. The findings show that the NanoFuel Patch produced better torque and braking power compared to the standard condition. At speeds between 60 and 70 km/h, the motorcycle’s NOx emissions were lowered to 20.56% and 7.90%, respectively, in contrast to the standard condition. Compared to standard conditions, CO emission levels were lower at 80 km/h, 90 km/h, and 100 km/h, with reductions of 22.08%, 11.65%, and 35.09%, respectively. For CO2 concentration, lower production of CO2 occurred when the motorcycle ran at speeds of 60, 70 km/h, 80 km/h, 90 km/h, and 100 km/h, with percentages of 8.87%, 8.34%, 3.59%, 2.91%, and 0.78%, respectively.
Deteksi Email Spam dan Non-Spam Berdasarkan Isi Konten Menggunakan Metode K-Nearest Neighbor dan Support Vector Machine
Authors: Salim Axel Natanael , Adryani Ade , Sutabri Tata
Published: March 2024

Terhadap banyaknya kasus penyalahgunaan email yang berpotensi merugikan orang lain. Email yang disalahgunakan ini biasa dikenal sebagai email spam yang mana email tersebut berisikan iklan, scam, bahkan malware. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeteksi email spam dan non-spam berdasarkan isi konten menggunakan metode K-Nearest Neighbor dan Support Vector Machine nilai terbaik dari algoritma K-Nearest Neighbor dengan pengukuran jarak Euclidean Distance. Support Vector Machine dan K-Nearest Neighbor dapat mengklasifikasi dan mendeteksi spam email atau non-spam email, K-Nearest Neighbor menggunakan perhitungan jarak Euclidean Distance dengan nilai K  = 1,3, dan 5. Hasil evaluasi menggunakan confusion matrix yang menghasilkan bahwa motode K-Nearest Neighbor dengan nilai  k=3 mendapatkan tingkat akurasi sebesar 92%, tingkat presisi sebesar 91%, recall sebesar 100%, dan f1_score sebesar 95%. Metode Support Vector Machine mendapatkan nilai akurasi sebesar 97% dengan tingkat akurasi sebesar 97%, recall sebesar 100%, dan f1_score sebesar 98%. Hal ini menjadikan metode Support Vector Machine lebih unggal dibandingkan metode K-Nearest Neighbor dalam penelitian ini. Selain itu model yang dibangun juga sudah dapat digunakan untuk memprediksi spam dan non spam dari isi konten email baru.
FORMATION OF AN ALGORITHM FOR REGULATION OF RELIABILITY INDICATORS OF TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
Authors:   Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University, SHCHURIN Konstantin V. , TARASENKO Viktor E. ,   Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University, EDNACH Valery N. ,   Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University
Published: March 2024

Based on the analysis of the main factors influencing the reliability indicators of technical systems and ensuring their regulated performance, dependencies were formed to determine the extremum of economic efficiency indicators at a normalized value of the probability of failure-free operation. Based on an analysis of design, production and operation conditions, the parameters of the objective function were determined, including for restored objects. Regulation of reliability indicators was presented as a solution to a multifactor optimization problem. The problem of distributing requirements for the reliability of a complex technical system, consisting of statistically independent indicators of subsystems, was formulated as a conditional optimization problem. In relation to the regulation of reliability indicators and criteria for failures and limit states, factors were grouped according to the characteristics and internal indicators of the object of general classification characteristics, their stratification and ranking. The structure and procedure for preparing initial data was formed.
CALCULATION FEATURES OF THE BENCH DYNAMIC PARAMETERS DURING TESTING OF THE MOTOR-WHEEL REDUCER OF BELAZ MINING DUMP TRUCKS
Authors:   Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the NAS of Belarus, ISHIN Nikolay N. , GOMAN Arkadiy M. ,   Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the NAS of Belarus, SKOROKHODOV Andrey S. ,   Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the NAS of Belarus, SHPORTKO Vladimir V. ,   Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the NAS of Belarus, KOVALENKO Alexander V. ,   Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the NAS of Belarus, LAHVINETS Tatsiana S. ,   Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the NAS of Belarus
Published: March 2024

When conducting accelerated tests of transmissions and reducers of mobile machines, it is required to study the dynamic properties of the bench together with the test object installed on it. This is necessary to identify possible resonances in the oscillatory system and to select appropriate test modes, which exclude the occurrence of unacceptable levels of loads that violate the correspondence between the type and nature of damage in operation and during testing. The paper proposes a methodical approach to the calculational determination of the dynamic parameters (natural frequencies and natural modes of torsional vibrations) of the bench with a mechanically open loop during accelerated life tests of the two-row planetary motor-wheel reducers of BELAZ mining dump trucks, based on the study of the developed multi-mass dynamic model with lumped parameters. The calculation features consist in taking into account the existence of symmetry plane of the bench mechanical system with two reducers installed on it, as well as the presence of symmetrical branches in the planetary rows, formed by the masses of satellites rotating around their axes and elastic constraints connecting them with the sun and crown gears. The approach proposed makes it possible to significantly simplify calculations and to reduce the computation time.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF WEAR RESISTANCE OF POLYMER MATERIALS USED IN PISTON COMPRESSOR EQUIPMENT
Authors:   V.A. Belyi Metal-Polymer Research Institute of the NAS of Belarus, BRUNDUKOV Aleksey S. , KAVALIOVA Yaroslava A. ,   V.A. Belyi Metal-Polymer Research Institute of the NAS of Belarus
Published: March 2024

A new method is proposed for assessing the wear resistance of polymer materials according to the “finger — disk” friction scheme. It involves changing the geometry of the friction zone of polymer samples — the “finger” sphere is replaced by a truncated cone. The developed method is tested on samples of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polymer composite materials (PCM) based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, fluoroplast-4), in particular, obtained after laser ablation with the addition of carbon fibers. The relevance lies in simplifying the manufacture of samples, as well as the possibility of quickly changing the geometric parameters of their working part, which expands the scope of the method with respect to the latest polymer materials and composites based on them. The practical significance of the results is confirmed by their use at such enterprises as JSC “Grodno Azot” and JSC “Grodno Mechanical Plant”, which serially produce tribotechnical PCM.
CORROSION-MECHANICAL FATIGUE: THE PROBLEMS OF FORECASTING. PART 3. MECHANISMS OF CORROSION-MECHANICAL FATIGUE
Authors:   -, SOSNOVSKIY Leonid A. , BOGDANOVICH Alexander V. ,   Belarusian State University, TARANOVA Elena S. ,   Belarusian State University of Transport
Published: March 2024

Corrosion is one of the main electrochemical processes that damage metal materials. The combination of cyclic stresses and a corrosive environment causes wear-fatigue damage, called corrosion-mechanical fatigue. The paper investigates the problem of predicting this type of corrosion-fatigue damage, which occurs in almost all branches of technology, especially in the chemical, oil, metallurgical industries, transport. The work consists of several parts. In the first part a technique for estimating the fatigue limit in a given corrosive environment (direct effect) is developed. The second part analyzes the reverse effect, i.e. the effect of acting stresses on the corrosion rate of metals and alloys, and proposes a method for predicting corrosion-erosion damage with the reverse effect based on the energy criterion. The third part discusses the mechanisms of corrosion-mechanical fatigue with direct and reverse effects taking into account the interacting phenomena of adsorption, hydrogen and corrosion fatigue itself. The concept of diffuse effect of multiple shear, oxidation, transfer is introduced as a complex type of damage in corrosion-mechanical fatigue.
Comparative Biomechanical Study Between Shooting with Two Points and Three Points from Specific Areas Inside and Outside the Basketball Shooting Area
Authors: Ibrahim Moataz Khalil
Published: March 2024

The aim of the current research is to identify the relationships and significance of differences in displacements, horizontal and vertical velocities for the strength and accuracy of shooting by jumping with two and three points from specific areas inside and outside the basketball shooting zone at the moment of pivot. It also aims to identify the relationships and significance of differences in displacements, horizontal and vertical velocities for the strength and accuracy of shooting by jumping with two and three points from specific areas inside and outside the basketball shooting zone at the moment of shooting. The research methodology utilized a descriptive approach using survey studies with their tools and procedures, relying on video analysis as it suited the nature of the research. The research sample consisted of three players who were purposely selected to be similar in physical characteristics and skilled in shooting a basketball. Each player performed 10 attempts, divided into five two-point and five three-point shooting attempts. The best three attempts for each player in both types of shooting, which achieved the highest level of accuracy according to the test, were selected from specific areas inside and outside the basketball shooting zone. Thus, the actual attempts subjected to statistical processing were 18 attempts, divided into nine attempts for shooting with two points from areas within the shooting zone and nine attempts for shooting with three points from specific areas outside the shooting zone. The researcher concluded that the logarithmic differences between correlation coefficients for horizontal and vertical displacements and velocities for the strength and accuracy of shooting by jumping with two and three points from specific areas inside and outside the basketball shooting zone favored shooting with three points. Also, the logarithmic differences between correlation coefficients for horizontal and vertical velocities for the strength and accuracy of shooting by jumping with two and three points from specific areas inside and outside the basketball shooting zone favored shooting with three points.