bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report describing a rare presentation of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculopathy (AIDP)
Authors: Ravi Sankar Parvathy
Published: October 2021

Background: AIDP (Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculopathy) commonly presents as bilateral lower extremity weakness and areflexia with albuminocytologic dissociation on CSF findings. Sensory symptoms are not prominent presenting features in patients. However, Bulbar and Miller Fisher variants of AIDP are very rare. This case report highlights the unique presentation where unilateral facial nerve palsy along with perioral numbness and decreases taste sensation was the presenting symptom. Case presentation: A 33-year-old male with a past medical history of rhabdomyosarcoma s/p resection who presented with the chief complaint of numbness and dysphagia. He developed left-sided facial droop and decreased taste sensation following an episode of bronchitis six weeks ago. Pertinent positives include mild dysphagia, decreased appetite, congestion and rhinorrhea. Physical exam was not significant except for decreased sensation of the upper and lower left face, decreased sensation of the right lower face, decreased light touch of the right upper extremity, 3+ reflexes of both upper and lower extremities bilaterally. Conclusions: This case report highlights the unique presentation of Bulbar AIDP with some symptoms of Miller Fisher syndrome. Predominant sensory symptoms such as perioral numbness and decreased taste sensation might be the predominant symptoms that bring the patient to attention. Hence, it is imperative to perform a lumbar puncture to support the diagnosis of variant AIDP when prominent sensory symptoms are present.
Les trésors de la Revue du Trésor : présentation d’une sélection
Authors: Le Clainche Michel
Published: October 2021

À l’occasion du centenaire de la Revue, un fichier de 230 articles de la Revue du Trésor a été constitué. Il sera consultable sur internet. Des synthèses thématiques seront publiées dans G&FP.
Urban Food Security of the Colombo Metropolitan Region (CMR) in Covid times
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Ovitipana Asanka O.R.B.E.W. D. , Dasanayaka Sarath W.S.B. ,   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: October 2021

Colombo Municipality Region (CMR) consists of a highly complex food system that relies on the supply from distant outstations which literally collapsed during the pandemic situation. A requirement exists for empirical research to derive guidelines and recommendations to increase the sustainability and security in the food supply in CMR during a disaster situation.
First-principles calculation on electronic properties of Bismuth-halide inorganic perovskites for solar cell
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Sewvandi Galhenage A. , Jayawardane J.T.S.T. ,   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: October 2021

Solar energy is a commonly used alternate source of energy and it can be utilized based on the principle of the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect converts sun energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic devices (solar cells). A solar cell device should have high efficiency and a long lifetime to be commercially beneficial. Presently, silicon and thin-film solar cells are widely employed. The crystalline solar cells are more efficient but they are also expensive. Thin-film solar cells are formed by placing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic materials on different substrates. Although these cells have a lower cost, they are also less efficient compared to Si-based solar cells. Organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells are one of the most promising low-cost power conversion efficiency technologies that could exceed the 26% threshold. However, the lack of environmental stability and of high lead toxicity are the main bottlenecks that impede the future industrialization and commercialization hybrid lead halide perovskite. Hence It is important to achieve high power conversion efficiency while also maintaining stability and non-toxicity in the development of new lead-free perovskite materials.
The Voice of Geber (Lam 3) in the Panorama of Speaking Voices in the Book of Lamentations
Authors: Korzec Cezary
Published: October 2021

The present study, acknowledging the centrality of Lam 3 in the book of Lamentations, examines the development of the speaking voice of the geber in this chapter and compares it with other voices speaking in the book. The questioned identity of the geber becomes a model for other ‘voices’: the narrator and the Daughter of Zion. The destruction of the city, carried out by God himself, indicates an exhaustion of the old institutions and the need for a new identity of both the Daughter of Zion and the supporters of the community of the city (i.e., the narrator) in the days of crisis.
Analysis of the application and impact of carbon dioxide media on the corrosion state of oil and gas facilities
Authors: Kantyukov Rafael , Zapevalov Dmitry , Vagapov Ruslan
Published: October 2021

Products of several currently operated production facilities (Bovanenkovskoye, Urengoyskoye oil and gas condensate fields, etc.) contain an increased amount of corrosive CO2. Effect of CO2 on the corrosion of steel infrastructure facilities is determined by the conditions of its use. Carbon dioxide has a potentially wide range of applications at oil and gas facilities for solving technological problems (during production, transportation, storage, etc.). Each of the aggregate states of CO2 (gas, liquid and supercritical) is used and affects the corrosion state of oil and gas facilities. Article analyzes the results of simulation tests and evaluates the corrosion effect of CO2 on typical steels (carbon, low-alloy and alloyed) used at field facilities. The main factors influencing the intensity of carbonic acid corrosion processes in the main conditions of hydrocarbon production with CO2, storage and its use for various technological purposes are revealed. Development of carbon dioxide corrosion is accompanied and characterized by the localization of corrosion and the formation of defects (pitting, pits, etc.). Even alloyed steels are not always resistant in the presence of moisture and increased partial pressures of CO2, especially in the presence of additional factors of corrosive influence (temperature, aggressive impurities in gas, etc.).
Elderly and Mild Brain Trauma: Future Directions for Research Studies
Authors:   Department of Neurosurgery, San Salvatore Hospital, L’Aquila, Italy, Taddei Graziano
Published: October 2021

Keywords: Brain Trauma, Elderly Trauma, Geriatric Trauma.
Treatment of Complex Infected Non-union of Bone of the Upper Extremity by a Staged Approach: Debridement and Antibiotic Cement Followed by a Vascularized Free Fibula Flap
Authors:   Stony Brook Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, HSC T-19 Room 060, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8191, USA, B. Dagum Alexander
Published: October 2021

Background: Infected non-union of bone of the upper extremity remains a difficult problem to treat with limited options. Management must address chronic osteomyelitis and skeletal instability caused by the non-union. We present our experience with a staged approach in five patients. Methods: The study cohort consisted of five males with an average age of 38 years and 4 prior procedures for infected non-union of the humerus (1) radius(1), ulna(1), ulna and radius(1) and metacarpal(1). The first stage consisted of aggressive debridement of all infected devitalized bone, bone cultures, removal of hardware, placement of antibiotic impregnated cement and stabilization with an external fixator (4 of 5 patients) followed by culture specific antibiotics. This was followed by definitive reconstruction using a free vascularized fibular flap and a course of post-operative antibiotics. Results: The average bony defect measured 8.6 cm. All flaps survived, one required re-exploration for venous thrombosis 72 hrs post-operatively and was successfully salvaged with a re-do anastomosis using a vein graft. The average time to bony union was 14 weeks. There was one hypertrophic non-union from proximal hardware failure which required repeat surgical intervention. At an average of 5.1 years follow-up all patients remain infection free and were working. Conclusions: A stage approach to the treatment of infected non-union of bone consisting of aggressive debridement, antibiotic cement, culture specific antibiotic followed by a vascularized fibular transfer is an effective treatment to a complex problem with limited alternatives. Keywords: Infected non-union of bone, Osteomyelitis, Microsurgery, Antibiotic cement, Free vascularized fibula flap.
Evaluation of Macular Function after Vitrectomy in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors:   Ophthalmology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt, Abdelkader Mona , Mamdouh Mohamed , Fawzy Ayman
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To document the effects of successful vitrectomy on retinal function and anatomy in diabetic patients. Methods: Three-port pars plana vitrectomy with detachment of posterior vitrous face was performed in 30 eyes of 25 patients with diabetic macular oedema DME (11 male, 14 Female).For each patients, visual acuity (VA) examination, measurement of retinal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT), full field electro-retinogram (ERG) and multifocal eletroretinogram (MF-ERG) were performed before and 1week,1month and 3months after vitrectomy. Results: Mean postoperative visual acuity was significantly improved (P<0.05); mean retinal thickness was significantly (P=0.001 ) decreased after 3monthes of surgery (from 450±150 into 220±50 micron ) .b-wave amplitudes of all cone and rod responses of ERG were significantly decreased in all vitrectomized eyes after 1 week. At one month, rod response was still unimproved but improved after 3months. Reduction in foveal Function as well as in para-foveal areas detected in the MF-ERG within 1st month. Then, mean P1 wave amplitude of MF-ERG of central ring increased and mean P1 wave implicit time decreased. These changes of MF-ERG parameters observed 3 months after vitrectomy. Conclusion: Multifocal electroretinogram can be useful to provide objective criteria for functional evaluation before and after vitrectomy in diabetic oedema.
Analisis Struktur Mikro dan Kekerasan Paduan Aluminium ADC 12 Hasil Proses Pengecoran Semi Solid dengan Proses Perlakuan Panas
Authors: Rasyid Syaharuddin , M Muas , Rosyid Ferdian , Musfirah Nursyam
Published: October 2021

This research aims to analyze the effect of providing additional heat treatment and artificial aging with variations in temperature of quenching and variations in aging time of ADC12 semi-solid casting result which include hardness and microstructure values. The Selected quenching temperature variations are 10°C, 30°C and 50°C. While the aging time variations are 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 5 h, 7 h, 9 h, 11 h and 13 h. The tests carried out are hardness testing as well as microstructure that will be used to calculate the grain size values and structural density. The highest hardness value was at 180°C, 10°C cooling media variation with 5 h aging time is 83.10 HB. While the smallest grain size value was at the temperature of 10°C cooling media with an aging time of 5 h is 42.797 µm. The optimal value lies at a temperature of 10°C with an aging time of 5 h resulting hardness 83.7911 HB, the average of grain size is 13.5995 µm and the grain density value is 0.8892 with desirability reaching 0.920.
Scientific substantiation of innovative development in the agricultural sector
Authors: Sabluk Petro
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is to reveal the essence of the processes associated with structural changes due to market transformations in the agricultural sector, giving proper role to research in the innovation system to ensure the construction of a competitive economy. Research methods. The research is based on the existing provisions for the development of science, education and the latest technologies, the theory of agricultural production management, its sustainable development in the context of reforming and economic management, effective use and management of the country's agricultural enterprises. In accordance with the changes in the conditions of the functioning and structure of the agricultural market, the creation of interregional research centers was determined as a priority task on the way to improve the development of the agricultural sector. Research results. The main current problems of development of the agricultural sector and rural areas, which are interconnected and form part of the whole chain, are highlighted. At the same time, the essence of expanding the powers of sectoral departments and creating real opportunities for their self-development is emphasized. It is proposed to solve this problem by developing mechanisms for involving domestic agricultural science and exchange of experience in the field of management of research institutions, provided by the Agreement on European Integration. Scientific novelty. The essence of creating a system of innovation and investment development of NAAS in solving socio-economic problems of rural development, which means strengthening the necessary institutional, legal and investment prerequisites for the development of appropriate infrastructure. Practical significance. The results of the study to improve the reform of agricultural science - the creation of interregional research centers NAAS, which is an important stage and will serve to address issues of building an effective system of scientific and innovative development of the agricultural sector and rural areas. Figs.: 3. Refs.: 14.
Investments as a basis for the growth of Ukrainian agricultural economy
Authors: Matsybora Tetiana
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate the leading role of investment in economic growth and development and to confirm the relationship between investment and economic growth on the example of empirical analysis of the agricultural sector of Ukraine’s economy. Research methods. Methods: dialectical method of scientific knowledge, analysis and synthesis, systemic generalization (study of the evolution of theories of economic growth; determining the list of factors for the analysis of economic growth, drawing conclusions), correlation and regression analysis (quantitative measurement of capital investment). in the agricultural sector on the gross value added of the agricultural sector, household income on the volume of investments in the agricultural sector and the rating of investment attractiveness of Ukraine on the gross value added of the agricultural sector). Research results. The leading role of investments in economic growth have been theoretically substantiated. The main factors of economic growth of agrarian economy has been established. A regression models have been built for dependence of gross value added of the agricultural sector on the volume of capital investments; of volume of capital investments in the agricultural sector from household incomes and of gross value added of the agricultural sector from the rating of investment attractiveness of Ukraine (Ease of Doing Business). Scientific novelty. Based on the establishment of the main factors of growth of the agricultural economy, econometric models has been built, which are based on linear regression and allow to determine the degree of dependence between gross value added of the agricultural sector and the volume of capital investment; between volume of capital investments in the agricultural sector and a household incomes, and between gross value added of the agricultural sector and the rating of investment attractiveness of Ukraine (Ease of Doing Business). Practical significance. Conclusions, proposals and practical recommendations can be used in the development of state programs for the development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine's economy. Tabl.: 1. Figs.: 3. Refs.: 20.
Methodological provisions of rural development in the context of the functioning of united territorial communities
Authors: Tomashuk Ivan
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is the methodological substantiation of the economy of rural development of the united territorial communities on the basis of the system-active approach as a source and organization of scientific work. Research methods. Applied: the system-activity approach in the research methodology of the processes of cognition, practice and assessment of rural development; systematization of methodological approaches to the study of the processes of formation and economics of development of united territorial communities; the historical method - for building rural-forming models of rural development; methods of analysis and synthesis - to determine the types of rural economies by factor indicators; abstract-logical method - to substantiate the structure of the economic potential of rural development; program-targeted method - for managing rural development of territorial communities; structural-functional approach - for the algorithm for the implementation of the program-target method for the development of strategic directions for enhancing the development of the territorial community. Research result. The possibility of rural development of united territorial communities on the basis of improving the scientific base of their functioning and ensuring self-sufficiency is substantiated. Conceptually, the intensification of rural development focuses on the interaction of the object of study - the territorial and spatial basis of society, and the subject of study - the socio-economic system of management. Formed types of rural economies on the basis of agrocentrism contribute to overcoming poverty, and on the basis of diversification - to minimize the imbalance between rural and urban regions. Balanced rural development of UTC provides economic potential, which includes well-formed and involved production, labor, innovation, information, entrepreneurial, financial and social resources, opportunities and reserves. The formation and development of prospects for the balanced development of UTC is carried out on the basis of systemic, functional and program-targeted approaches. Scientific novelty. Rural-forming models of rural development have been formed. The methodological approaches of research of processes of functioning and development of rural territorial communities are systematized. The algorithm of use of the program-target method for management of rural development of the united territorial communities is offered. Practical significance. The methodology of research of rural development on the basis of system-activity approach and improved scientific base serves as a reference point for making rational organizational-administrative and socio-economic decisions on substantiation and choice of ways and directions of ensuring self-sufficiency of rural territorial communities. Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 2. Refs.: 32.
Multiple analogical proportions
Authors: Prade Henri , Richard Gilles
Published: October 2021

Analogical proportions are statements of the form “a is to b as c is to d”, denoted a : b : : c : d, that may apply to any type of items a, b, c, d. Analogical proportions, as a building block for analogical reasoning, is then a tool of interest in artificial intelligence. Viewed as a relation between pairs ( a , b ) and ( c , d ), these proportions are supposed to obey three postulates: reflexivity, symmetry, and central permutation (i.e., b and c can be exchanged). The logical modeling of analogical proportions expresses that a and b differ in the same way as c and d, when the four items are represented by vectors encoding Boolean properties. When items are real numbers, numerical proportions – arithmetic and geometric proportions – can be considered as prototypical examples of analogical proportions. Taking inspiration of an old practice where numerical proportions were handled in a vectorial way and where sequences of numerical proportions of the form x 1 : x 2 : ⋯ : x n : : y 1 : y 2 : ⋯ : y n were in use, we emphasize a vectorial treatment of Boolean analogical proportions and we propose a Boolean logic counterpart to such sequences. This provides a linear algebra calculus of analogical inference and acknowledges the fact that analogical proportions should not be considered in isolation. Moreover, this also leads us to reconsider the postulates underlying analogical proportions (since central permutation makes no sense when n ⩾ 3) and then to formalize a weak form of analogical proportion which no longer obeys the central permutation postulate inherited from numerical proportions. But these weak proportions may still be combined in multiple weak analogical proportions.
Social Connectivity is Related to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Gardener Hannah , Levin Bonnie , DeRosa Janet , Rundek Tatjana , Wright Clinton B. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: October 2021

Background: Evidence supports a relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and dementia, but less is known about whether social connections confer protection against cognitive decline in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Objective: This longitudinal population-based study examines the relationship between social connectivity and cognitive impairment in a multi-ethnic cohort with low socioeconomic status and high vascular disease risk. Methods: Northern Manhattan Study participants self-reported frequency of social visits, phone calls, satisfaction with social visits, number of friends, and loneliness at baseline, and were followed prospectively with a series of neuropsychological assessments. Social connectivity was examined in relation to incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia using logistic regression adjusting for demographics and vascular risk factors. Results: Among 952 participants (mean age at first neuropsychological assessment = 69±8 years, 62% women, 17% Black, 13% white, 68% Hispanic), 24% developed MCI/dementia. Participants who had phone contact with friends/family 2 + times/week (91%) had a lower odds of MCI/dementia (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.31–0.89), with no association for frequency of in-person visits. Compared to those who were neither socially isolated (≥3 friends) nor lonely (reference, 73%), those who were socially isolated and lonely (3%) had an increased odds of MCI/dementia (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.19–7.02), but differences were not observed for those who were socially isolated but not lonely (10%, OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.60–1.84), nor those who were lonely but not isolated (11%, OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.97–2.59). Conclusion: This study raises the possibility that social connections confer some protection for cognitive health in the face of adversity and supports potential opportunities for community social interventions for improving cognition in disadvantaged populations.
A Longitudinal Study on the Association of Interrelated Factors Among Frailty Dimensions, Cognitive Domains, Cognitive Frailty, and All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Chen Jen-Hau , Shih Hua-San , Tu Jennifer , Chiou Jeng-Min , Chang Shu-Hui , Hsu Wei-Li , Lai Liang-Chuan , Chen Ta-Fu , Chen Yen-Ching
Published: October 2021

Background: Cognitive frailty integrating impaired cognitive domains and frailty dimensions has not been explored. Objective: This study aimed to explore 1) associations among frailty dimensions and cognitive domains over time and 2) the extended definitions of cognitive frailty for predicting all-cause mortality. Methods: This four-year cohort study recruited 521 older adults at baseline (2011–2013). We utilized 1) generalized linear mixed models exploring associations of frailty dimensions (physical dimension: modified from Fried et al.; psychosocial dimension: integrating self-rated health, mood, and social relationship and support; global frailty: combining physical and psychosocial frailty) with cognition (global and domain-specific) over time and 2) time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models assessing associations between extended definitions of cognitive frailty (cognitive domains-frailty dimensions) and all-cause mortality. Results: At baseline, the prevalence was 3.0% for physical frailty and 37.6% for psychosocial frailty. Greater physical frailty was associated with poor global cognition (adjusted odds ratio = 1.43–3.29, β: –1.07), logical memory (β: –0.14 to –0.10), and executive function (β: –0.51 to –0.12). Greater psychosocial frailty was associated with poor global cognition (β: –0.44) and attention (β: –0.15 to –0.13). Three newly proposed definitions of cognitive frailty, “mild cognitive impairment (MCI)-psychosocial frailty,” “MCI-global frailty,” and “impaired verbal fluency-global frailty,” outperformed traditional cognitive frailty for predicting all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.49, 6.83, 3.29 versus 4.87; AIC = 224.3, 221.8, 226.1 versus 228.1). Conclusion: Notably, extended definitions of cognitive frailty proposed by this study better predict all-cause mortality in older adults than the traditional definition of cognitive frailty, highlighting the importance of psychosocial frailty to reduce mortality in older adults.
Truncated attention mechanism and cascade loss for cross-modal person re-identification
Authors: Shi Shuo , Huo Changwei , Guo Yingchun , Lean Stephen , Yan Gang , Yu Ming
Published: October 2021

Person re-identification with natural language description is a process of retrieving the corresponding person’s image from an image dataset according to a text description of the person. The key challenge in this cross-modal task is to extract visual and text features and construct loss functions to achieve cross-modal matching between text and image. Firstly, we designed a two-branch network framework for person re-identification with natural language description. In this framework we include the following: a Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) network is used to extract text features and a truncated attention mechanism is proposed to select the principal component of the text features; a MobileNet is used to extract image features. Secondly, we proposed a Cascade Loss Function (CLF), which includes cross-modal matching loss and single modal classification loss, both with relative entropy function, to fully exploit the identity-level information. The experimental results on the CUHK-PEDES dataset demonstrate that our method achieves better results in Top-5 and Top-10 than other current 10 state-of-the-art algorithms.
A joint structure of multi-distance based metric learning for person re-identification
Authors: Li Bin , He Qiyu , Liu Xiaopeng , Jiang Yajun , Hu Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Person re-identification problem is a valuable computer vision task, which aims at matching pedestrian images of different cameras in a non-overlapping surveillance network. Existing metric learning based methods address this problem by learning a robust distance function. These methods learn a mapping subspace by forcing the distance of the positive pair much smaller than the negative pair by a strict constraint. The metric model is over-fitting to the training dataset. Due to drastic appearance variations, the handcrafted features are weak of representation for person re-identification. To address these problems, we propose a joint distance measure based approach, which learns a Mahalanobis distance and a Euclidean distance with a novel feature jointly. The novel feature is represented with a dictionary representation based method which considers pedestrian images of different camera views with the same dictionary. The joint distance combine the Mahalanobis distance based on metric learning method with the Euclidean distance based on the novel feature to measure the similarity between matching pairs. Extensive experiments are conducted on the publicly available bench marking datasets VIPeR and CUHK01. The identification results show that the proposed method reaches a good performance than the comparison methods.
End-to-end dehazing of traffic sign images using reformulated atmospheric scattering model
Authors: Song Runze , Liu Zhaohui , Wang Chao
Published: October 2021

As an advanced machine vision task, traffic sign recognition is of great significance to the safe driving of autonomous vehicles. Haze has seriously affected the performance of traffic sign recognition. This paper proposes a dehazing network, including multi-scale residual blocks, which significantly affects the recognition of traffic signs in hazy weather. First, we introduce the idea of residual learning, design the end-to-end multi-scale feature information fusion method. Secondly, the study used subjective visual effects and objective evaluation metrics such as Visibility Index (VI) and Realness Index (RI) based on the characteristics of the real-world environment to compare various traditional dehazing and deep learning dehazing method with good performance. Finally, this paper combines image dehazing and traffic sign recognition, using the algorithm of this paper to dehaze the traffic sign images under real-world hazy weather. The experiments show that the algorithm in this paper can improve the performance of traffic sign recognition in hazy weather and fulfil the requirements of real-time image processing. It also proves the effectiveness of the reformulated atmospheric scattering model for the dehazing of traffic sign images.
A study of an EOQ model with public-screened discounted items under cloudy fuzzy demand rate
Authors: Maity Suman , De Sujit Kumar , Pal Madhumangal , Mondal Sankar Prasad
Published: October 2021

This article deals with an economic order quantity inventory model of imperfect items under non-random uncertain demand. Here we consider the customers screen the imperfect items during the selling period. After a certain period of time, the imperfect items are sold at a discounted price. We split the model into three cases, assuming that the demand rate increases, decreases, and is constant in the discount period. Firstly, we solve the crisp model, and then the model is converted into a fuzzy environment. Here we consider the dense fuzzy, parabolic fuzzy, degree of fuzziness and cloudy fuzzy for a comparative study. The basic novelty of this paper is that a computer-based algorithm and flow chart have been given for the solution of the proposed model. Finally, sensitivity analysis and graphical illustration have been given to check the validity of the model.
A Bayesian network structural learning algorithm for calculating the failure probabilities of complex engineering systems with limited data
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhang Tianbao , Wang Ruojun , Cai Lei
Published: October 2021

The failure of complex engineering systems is easy to lead to disastrous consequences. To prevent the failure, it is necessary to model complex engineering systems using probabilistic techniques with limited data which is a major feature of complex engineering systems. It is a good choice to perform such modeling using Bayesian network because of its advantages in probabilistic modeling. However, few Bayesian network structural learning algorithms are designed for complex engineering systems with limited data. Therefore, an algorithm for learning the Bayesian network structure of them should be developed. Based on the process of self-purification of water, a complex engineering system is segmented into three components according to the degree of difficulty in solving them. And then a Bayesian network learning algorithm with three components (TC), including PC algorithm, MIK algorithm which is originated by the paper through combining Mutual Information and K2 algorithm, and the Hill-Climbing method, is developed, i.e. TC algorithm. To verify its effectiveness, TC algorithm, K2 algorithm, and Max-Min Hill-Climbing are respectively used to learn Alarm network with different sizes of samples. The results imply that TC algorithm has the best performance. Finally, TC algorithm is applied to study tank spill accidents with 220 samples.
Research on the optimal aggregation method of fuzzy preference information based on spatial Steiner-Weber point
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Yuhong
Published: October 2021

In view of the present situation that most aggregation methods of fuzzy preference information are extended or mixed by classical aggregation operators, which leads to the aggregation accuracy is not high. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel method for spatial aggregation of fuzzy preference information. Thus we map the fuzzy preference information to a set of three-dimensional coordinate and construct the spatial aggregation model based on Steiner-Weber point. Then, the plant growth simulation algorithm (PGSA) algorithm is used to find the spatial aggregation point. According to the comparison and analysis of the numerical example, the aggregation matrix established by our method is closer to the group preference matrices. Therefore, the optimal aggregation point obtained by using the optimal aggregation method based on spatial Steiner-Weber point can best represent the comprehensive opinion of the decision makers.
ContSOnto: A Formal Ontology for Continuity of Care
Authors: Das Subhashis , Hussey Pamela
Published: October 2021

The global pandemic over the past two years has reset societal agendas by identifying both strengths and weaknesses across all sectors. Focusing in particular on global health delivery, the ability of health care facilities to scale requirements and to meet service demands has detected the need for some national services and organisations to modernise their organisational processes and infrastructures. Core to requirements for modernisation is infrastructure to share information, specifically structural standardised approaches for both operational procedures and terminology services. Problems of data sharing (aka interoperability) is a main obstacle when patients are moving across healthcare facilities or travelling across border countries in cases where emergency treatment is needed. Experts in healthcare service delivery suggest that the best possible way to manage individual care is at home, using remote patient monitoring which ultimately reduces cost burden both for the citizen and service provider. Core to this practice will be advancing digitalisation of health care underpinned with safe integration and access to relevant and timely information. To tackle the data interoperability issue and provide a quality driven continuous flow of information from different health care information systems semantic terminology needs to be provided intact. In this paper we propose and present ContSonto a formal ontology for continuity of care based on ISO 13940:2015 ContSy and W3C Semantic Web Standards Language OWL (Web Ontology Language). ContSonto has several benefits including semantic interoperability, data harmonization and data linking. It can be use as a base model for data integration for different healthcare information models to generate knowledge graph to support shared care and decision making.
Predicting the Aortic Aneurysm Postoperative Risks Based on Russian Integrated Data
Authors: Lenivtceva Iuliia , Grechishcheva Sofia , Kopanitsa Georgy , Panfilov Dmitry , Kozlov Boris
Published: October 2021

This article describes the results of feature extraction from unstructured medical records and prediction of postoperative complications for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm operations using machine learning algorithms. The datasets from two different medical centers were integrated. Seventy-two features were extracted from Russian unstructured medical records. We formulated 8 target features: Mortality, Temporary neurological deficit (TND), Permanent neurological deficit (PND), Prolonged (> 7 days) lung ventilation (LV), Renal replacement therapy (RRT), Bleeding, Myocardial infarction (MI), Multiple organ failure (MOF). XGBoost showed the best performance for most target variables (F-measure 0.74–0.95) which is comparable to recent results in cardiovascular postoperative risks prediction.
Machine Learning Based Metagenomic Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mihajlović Andrea , Mladenović Katarina , Lončar-Turukalo Tatjana , Brdar Sanja
Published: October 2021

In this study, we investigate faecal microbiota composition, in an attempt to evaluate performance of classification algorithms in identifying Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and its two types: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). From many investigated algorithms, a random forest (RF) classifier was selected for detailed evaluation in three-class (CD versus UC versus nonIBD) classification task and two binary (nonIBD versus IBD and CD versus UC) classification tasks. We dealt with class imbalance, performed extensive parameter search, dimensionality reduction and two-level classification. In three-class classification, our best model reaches F1 score of 91% in average, which confirms the strong connection of IBD and gastrointestinal microbiome. Among most important features in three-class classification are species Staphylococcus hominis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Slackia piriformis and genus Bacteroidetes.
Lifestyle Cancer Survival Predictors: Influence of Vegetarian Diet on the Relapse of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Kopanitsa Georgy , Metsker Oleg , Bolgova Ekaterina , Kovalchuk Sergey
Published: October 2021

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological tumor in high-income countries, and its incidence has increased over time. The most critical risk factor for EC is the long-term unopposed exposure to increased estrogens both exogenous and endogenous. Machine learning can be used as a promising tool to resolve longstanding challenges and support identification of the risk factors and their correlations before the clinical trials and make them more focused. In this paper we present the results of the research of the correlation analysis of Endometrial cancer risk factors. The study was performed with EC patients of the Almazov center in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. All women involved in the current study underwent radical surgical intervention due to EC. After initial cancer treatment, they were referred to the Almazov center outpatient specialists for follow-up visits. Many of them were readmitted of the inpatient clinic due to relapse. We extracted a variety of parameters related to lifestyle, dietary habits, socioeconomic, and reproductive features from the inpatient and outpatient databases of Almazov center. The medical records of the women with enough data were included in the study. Prediction of Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed respectively. The AUC of ROC was calculated for PFS = 0.93 and for OS = 0.94.
Development of a Didactic Online Course Concept for Heterogeneous Audience Groups in the Context of Healthcare IT
Authors: Katzensteiner Matthias , Vogel Stefan , Hüsers Jens , Richter Jendrik , Hölken Johannes , Lesniewska Natalia , Bott Oliver J.
Published: October 2021

Building a well-founded understanding of the concepts, tasks and limitations of IT in all areas of society is an essential prerequisite for future developments in business and research. This applies in particular to the healthcare sector and medical research, which are affected by the noticeable advances in digitization. In the transfer project “Zukunftslabor Gesundheit” (ZLG), a teaching framework was developed to support the development of further education online courses in order to teach heterogeneous groups of learners independent of location and prior knowledge. The study at hand describes the development and components of the framework.
Association Between Physical Activity and Osteoarthritis of Knee with Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Yukalang Nachalida , Turnbull Niruwan , Thongkum Wisit , Wongkongdech Adisorn , Tudpor Kukiat
Published: October 2021

Older adults are relatively physically active compared to other age group. A lack of physical activity (PA) can cause chronic diseases including osteoarthritis of knee (OA knee) and might eventually reduce quality of life (QOL). This present study was aimed to investigate association between levels of PA and OA knee with levels of QOL in community-dwelling older adults. One thousand and sixty-seven community-dwelling older persons were recruited to this descriptive study. PA activity questionnaire was invented. Standardized Oxford knee score and World Health Organization’s Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to measure OA knee and QOL levels. Results showed that levels of PA in older adults were significantly associated with levels of OKS (χ2 = 78.565, P-value < .001) and levels of OA knee in older adults were significantly associated with levels of overall QOL (χ2 = 57.738, P-value < .001). Pearson’s correlation also showed interrelation among PA, OA knee, and QOL. In conclusion, PA, OA knee, and QOL are interrelated. Therefore, close monitoring and design of proper PA activity should be implemented in community-dwelling older adults with OA knee.
Developing a safety audit checklist for in-operation administrative buildings
Authors: Kaleh Hiro , Mohammadian Farough , Pouyakian Mostafa
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: The structure of buildings is in degradation over time, monitoring their safety status and providing timely warnings is crucial. Therefore, an efficient visual inspection of the building’s safety has intrinsic value to give early warnings to owners and managers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide an audit tool for evaluation of the administrative in-operation buildings’ safety status. METHODS: Factors affecting the administrative buildings’ safety status was determined based on the National Building Regulations of Iran (NBRI) and other studies. Checklist items and their guidelines were prepared. Face validity (quantitative and qualitative), Content Validity Ratio (CVR), and Content Validity Index (CVI) were calculated for the checklist. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) used for inter-rater reliability and Cronbach’s α was used to evaluate internal consistency of the checklist. RESULTS: Forty-seven items related to in-operation building safety were extracted from literature review. Based on the results of the psychometric analysis, 5 items were removed and 42 items remained. The values of different psychometric indices for the other items indicated their acceptable validity (α= 0.82, ICC≥0.75). CONCLUSION: The designed checklist had a good level of validity and reliability for inspecting architectural, technical services, and managerial safety aspects of administrative in-operation buildings. Stakeholders can use it for quick and comprehensive assessment of building safety. Use of this checklist are expected to give early warnings about the safety of buildings to the stakeholders.
A possible revival of population-representing digital human manikins in static work situations – exemplified through an evaluation of a prototype console for robotic surgery
Authors: Rhén Ida-Märta , Fan Xuelong , Kjellman Magnus , Forsman Mikael
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: In the 90s, digital human manikins (DHMs) were introduced in planning of workstations, by static or semi-static simulations. Modern DHMs can simulate dynamic work and offer a rapid way for a virtual pre-production ergonomic evaluation. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders may affect surgical performance and patient safety. A prototype of an open console, which is contrary to the conventional closed consoles and may be seen as a representative for a new generation, has been designed to reduce workload for robotic surgery surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to test a new DHM tool with improved usability to evaluate the ergonomics of a console of a robotic surgical system in a pre-production stage. METHODS: The DHM tool IMMA was used together with a 3D model of the prototype console. Twelve manikins who represented females and males from two national populations were introduced. Manikin-console distances, after console adjustments per manikin, were compared with a US checklist and Swedish standard for VDU work. RESULTS: The DHM tool was useful for this case, but the distances of the checklist and the standard were needed to be obtained “manually”. The automatic functions of the DHM worked smoothly but were not optimized for VDU work. The prototype fulfilled most, but not all, of the ergonomic criteria of the checklist and the standard. CONCLUSIONS: There is room for improvements of the adjustable ranges of the console prototype. DHMs may facilitate rapid pre-production evaluation of workstations for static work; if ergonomic assessment models for VDU work are built-in, there may be a revival of DHMs in static work situations.
Level of anxiety and depression among undergraduate dental students of University of Hail, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Anwar Nabila , Alshammary Freah , Siddiqui Ammar Ahmed , Alenzi Rana Homoud , Alshmmari Bashayer Hamd , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Dental students have been identified as having a high level of stress. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among undergraduate dental students of university of Hail and to determine the association of anxiety and depression in terms of gender and respective year of study. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study. Nonprobability sampling technique was used to assess the prevalence and association of anxiety and depression among male and female dental students of preclinical and clinical years of College of Dentistry, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia. Students were contacted personally, explained the purpose of the study and asked to participate in the study. Students were asked to complete both Beck’s depression inventory and Beck’s anxiety inventory to assess the level of their respective status. RESULTS: The results of the survey revealed that a greater number of females suffered from ‘moderate’ level of anxiety (12.3%) as compared to males (3.2%). Additionally, the percentage for females to experience ‘borderline’ (11.6%) and ‘moderate’ (9.7%) level of depression was higher than their male counterparts –‘borderline’ (7.7%) and ‘moderate’ (2.6%). The level of anxiety and depression compared with genders was found to be statistically significant. It was noted that final year students (8.4%) experienced ‘moderate’ level of anxiety and there was a peak rise in level of depression among 4th year (6.5%) and 6th year (5.8%) students as compared with other years. CONCLUSION: The finding of the study emphasizes that the overall percentage of level of depression is comparatively higher than level of anxiety among dental students.