bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Worship of Mary in the Region of Asenovgrad (Central Southern Bulgaria): Sites, Rituals and Narratives
Authors: Georgieva Albena , Baeva Vihra
Published: October 2020

The chapter presents Marian worship in one of its specific local manifestations – the cult to the Virgin in the region of Asenovgrad, Central Southern Bulgaria. The fact that it is the most representative example of the vital and well-developed Marian cult within present-day Bulgaria, as well as authors' long-term fieldwork in the region (started 1996), influenced the choice of Asenovgrad as the focus of their attention. The methodological framework is based on the concept of local religion (Christian 1989: 3), reformulated by the authors into the concepts of local religiosity and local religious culture. The local Marian cult in Asenovgrad region is used as an example of how to understand this local and cultural embeddedness of religiosity, presented via (1) devotional sites and the images belonging to them (in this case, miracle-working icons of the Virgin); (2) local feasts and ritual practices; and (3) local and personal religious narratives. The authors regard places, rituals and narratives as basic elements which complement, influence and support each another, constituting a complex system of local religious culture. Following this pattern, the authors pinpointed for their analysis the three most important places of Marian worship in the region: the Dormition of Mary Monastery of Bachkovo, the Annunciation of Mary Church in Asenovgrad, and the Dormition of Mary Church in Gorni Voden. Besides the contextual information, the authors also focused on a more intimate, individual dimension of Marian worship, exploring the presence of the Virgin in personal narratives about miraculous recoveries, dreams, visions, etc. and delineating the connection between individual experience and cultural background. According to the authors, the local worship of Mary in Asenovgrad region is a brilliant example of the ways in which local religiosity exists and develops in the intersection of universal religion and local traditions, folklore and cultural specificities. On the local level, the general Christian figure of the Virgin acquires characteristic features, associated with her motherly aspect and her quality of a divine patroness and immediate helper in every need. Her intercession is achieved by means of sacred intermediaries that have the power to connect the common devotee with the celestial power: holy places, miracle-working icons, springs and caves. Apart from the well-known Marian feasts, idiosyncratic local holidays are observed, too, and the related ritual actions span from the canonical to the folkloric and ‘magical’. Specific symbols, such as the apple, the water, and the fish, come to the fore as a material representation of Mary's sacred power and assistance. Local and personal narratives add a private, sometimes even intimate aspect to the Marian devotion, binding the universal sacred figure of the Virgin with the history and geography of the local community, as well as with the individual life trajectories of the believers.
Sacred Sites Reinterpreted: New Age Phenomena at a Hungarian Marian Shrine
Authors: Kis-Halas Judit
Published: October 2020

Marian shrines were always the sites of miraculous healings and spectacular apparitions. Nowadays, they have also become the crystallisation points of the New Age phenomena. Several studies have already pointed out this trend with regard to popular pilgrimage destinations. As far as the Hungarian Marian shrines are concerned, none of them have been systematically examined from this perspective. This chapter aims to provide a deeper in- sight of how a Marian shrine is being re-orchestrated as a specific ‘power place’ in the context of alternative spiritualities, such as New Age religiosity or ethno-paganism at one Marian shrine at Máriagyűd. From the wide-ranging New Age phenomena and religious practices that the author observed during the past decades at Máriagyűd, she chose the prominent example of an esoteric group called Magyar MAGok [Hungarian Seeds], which deals with diverse religious and healing activities. Their programmes include sha- manic drumming sessions, tours to ‘sacred sites’ in Hungary and the Carpathian Basin (mostly Romania), weekend meditations, esoteric workshops, readings on the history and culture of the ancient Hungarians, such as direct kinship between the Hungarians and the Huns, or the identification of the Ancient Hungarians with the Scythians, or the Hungarian origins of the Christian Father God. In accordance with the millennial narrative, they use the elements of the alternative history of the Hungarians as well as other motifs which recall UFO-religions and ET-spiritualities, and last but not least, the idea of healing and cleansing as the basic means leading to universal well-being. The description of their unique rituals and other religious practices is followed by an analysis of the discourse on the contested authority of the shrine. The author of the chapter focuses on the role of the Virgin Mary within their discourse. She found it interesting that Mary is connected with the so-called Boldogasszony (literally [Blessed Woman]), which is a special Hungarian denomination of the Virgin Mary and, at the same time, the alleged goddess of the ancient Hungarians. ‘Boldogasszony’ has been used as a synonym for the Blessed Virgin Mary since the Middle Ages (cf. Madas 2002). The quest for a lost epic and a missing mythology of the Hungarians, which was inspired by national romanticism, resulted in the term gaining an ethnic taste by the end of the 19th century. ‘Boldogasszony’ was the most emblematic female figure of the pantheon in the re-invented Ancient Hungarian religion – the Mother Goddess (Kálmány 1885). With regard to its contemporary use, ‘Boldogasszony’ is also interpreted as the Hungarian equivalent of the Goddess (Bowman 2009), and is also considered Mother Earth (Gaia) and the galactic patroness of all Hungarians par excellence. The author put the manifold interpretations of the Virgin Mary's figure in the centre of attention, highlighting the Catholic Church's standpoint on the emergence of New Age spirituality at Catholic devotional places.
Manifestations of Marian Devotion in the Czech Republic – the Past and Present
Authors: Holubová Markéta
Published: October 2020

According to the author of the chapter, Marian devotion in the Czech Republic should be seen not only in the light of recent highly secularised climate of Czech society. For the current dislike for official Catholicism and de-Christianisation of Czech society, we have to go back in history. In the 19th century, Czechs became liberals, nationalists or socialists. At the same time, religion ceased to play its former role and was assigned only the role of an occasionally sought-after, yet unnecessary ‘folklore’ anachronism, typical for village population. Religious identity was substituted primarily by national identity, as well as by class identity and a ‘scientific’ worldview. The rise of the Communist dictatorship after 1948 bolstered these trends and used them – mostly unmodified – for its own benefit. The non-religious and anti-religious components were accentuated, while the forms of ‘implicit religiosity’ stayed preserved and Church organisations were forced to face systematic repression. The years 1989 and 1990 brought about radical changes in the political and spiritual history of the Czech Republic. Religion lost its principal enemy – Communism. Innumerable forms of religiosity appeared, from versions of classical and modern Christianity to the spiritual schools of the Far East. In this context, it is very interesting that the worshiping of the Virgin Mary has remained virtually unchanged. Just like in the past, emphasis is placed today on spirituality and emotion- al experience, thereby fulfilling the main conditions for survival in the modern era de facto. In addition to the traditional forms of cult and pilgrimage rituals, there are also new forms of religiosity brought about by the 21st century, especially in abundantly visit- ed places of pilgrimage. Due to the widespread use of the internet and e-mail communication, after centuries of pilgrimage tradition, there is for the first time no need to receive the written votum personally or even in representation. After 1989, visits to Czech and foreign places of pilgrimage began to appear in the catalogues of many travelling agencies. Also, bike pilgrimages represent a very popular form among young people. On the other hand, it can be also mentioned, that despite the strong Marian tradition, the general public and as well as the religious discourse on Marian devotion connected to private apparitions in the Czech Republic is at a certain point ‘marginal’. This can have two principal reasons. Firstly, the import of apparitions is caused by the absence of such apparitions at home. Secondly, the import of greater movements and groups represents a reaction to the delay of the Communist era and a smaller membership of believers.
Contraindication of Minimally Invasive Lateral Interbody Fusion for Percutaneous Reduction of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A New Radiographic Indicator of Bony Lateral Recess Stenosis Using I Line
Authors: Ishii Ken , Isogai Norihiro , Shiono Yuta , Yoshida Kodai , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Takeshima Kenichiro , Nakayama Masanori , Funao Haruki
Published: October 2020

Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate aggravated lateral recess stenosis and clarify the indirect decompression threshold by combined lateral interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (LIF/PPS).Overview of LiteratureNo previous reports have described an effective radiographic indicator for determining the surgical indication for LIF/PPS.MethodsA retrospective review of 185 consecutive patients, who underwent 1- or 2-level lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). According to their symptomatic improvement, they were placed into either the “recovery” or “no-recovery” group. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) images were evaluated for the position of the superior articular processes at the slipping level, followed by a graded classification (grades 0–3) using the impingement line (I line), a new radiographic indicator. All 432 superior articular facets in 216 slipped levels were classified, and both groups’ characteristics were compared.ResultsThere were 171 patients (92.4%) in the recovery group and 14 patients in the no-recovery group (7.6%). All patients in the no-recovery group were diagnosed with symptoms associated with deteriorated bony lateral recess stenosis. All superior articular processes of the lower vertebral body in affected levels reached and exceeded the I line (I line-; grade 2 and 3) on preoperative sagittal CT images. In the recovery group, most superior articular processes did not reach the I line (I line+; grade 0 and 1; p=0.0233).ConclusionsIn DS cases that are classified as grade 2 or greater, the risk of aggravated bony lateral recess stenosis due to corrective surgery is high; therefore, indirect decompression by LIF/PPS is, in principle, contraindicated.
Can Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Substitute Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis?
Authors: Hasib Maruf Mohammad , Yamada Kentaro , Hoshino Masatoshi , Yamada Eiji , Tamai Koji , Takahashi Shinji , Suzuki Akinobu , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Terai Hidetomi , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Study Design: Retrospective radiological comparative design.Purpose: To investigate whether conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could substitute three-dimensional (3D)-MRI for the calculation of the foraminal stenotic ratio (FSR) and clarification of which patients can be assessed more accurately using 3D-MRI.Overview of Literature: Previous studies have indicated that 3D-MRI is useful for diagnosing lumbar foraminal stenosis. The FSR obtained using 3D-MRI, described as the ratio of stenosis length, characterized by perineural fat obliteration, to the length of the entire foramen, could indicate the stenosis severity; however, this method is time-consuming and expensive. The FSR also can be calculated using conventional MRI.Methods: We investigated 154 foramina at L5–S1 in 77 patients. All the patients had degenerative lumbar disorders and had undergone both conventional MRI and 3D-MRI during the same visit. Differences between the FSRs calculated from conventional and 3D-MRI reconstructions and any correlations with the plain radiography findings were assessed.Results: In foramina that had a FSR of <50% on conventional MRI, the difference between the FSR obtained using conventional MRI and 3D-MRI was 5.1%, with a correlation coefficient of 0.777. For foramina with a FSR ≥50% on conventional MRI, the difference was 20.2%, with a correlation coefficient of 0.54. FSR obtained using 3D-MRI was significantly greater in patients who required surgery than in those who were successfully treated with conservative methods (88% and 42%, respectively). Segments with spondylolisthesis or lateral wedging showed higher FSRs than those without these conditions on both types of MRI.Conclusions: FSRs <50% obtained using conventional MRI were sufficiently reliable; however, the results were inaccurate for FSRs ≥50%. Patients with high FSRs on 3D-MRI were more likely to require surgical treatment. Therefore, 3D-MRI is recommended in patients with suspected stenosis detected using conventional MRI or plain radiographs.
Keluarga Peduli Stunting Sebagai Family Empowerment Strategy Dalam Penurunan Kasus Stunting di Kabupaten Blora
Authors: Oxy Handika Denis
Published: October 2020

Stunting is a form of growth faltering due to chronic nutrient deficiency that lasts from the womb until the age of 24 months. This situation not only makes the children height short but also manifests an increase in children's morbidity and mortality, as well as children's cognitive, motor, and verbal development which is not optimal it ultimately results in low human resources. Family-based intervention can be an effective step in helping the government reduce the prevalence of stunting. By using the participatory action method in the implementation of empowering family activity for stunting, the people of Jomblang Village, Jepon District, Blora Regency are equipped with knowledge about strengthening 1000 HPK, screening stunting independently, optimizing exclusive breastfeeding, processing breast milk and making MP-ASI based on available resources. around the place of residence. The results of this devoted family empowerment service devotion are increasing community understanding of stunting, 1000 HPK, exclusive breastfeeding, skills in processing milk and community independence skills in making MP-ASI Sujaka.
Kegiatan Penyuluhan dan Pemeriksaan Kesehatan untuk Membiasakan PHBS bagi Warga Desa Kemantren
Authors: Imam Rofiki  , Siti Roziah Ria Famuji
Published: October 2020

Efforts to familiarize clean and healthy life is significant to improve the degree of public health. The strategies for familiarize clean and healthy living behaviors are counseling and checking of clean and healthy life behavior. The purpose of these activities was to increase knowledge, awareness, and potential of clean and healthy life behavior in Kemantren Village, Malang. This dedication involved the participation of the people of Kemantren Village so that the community could realize that health improvement can be started from healthy daily living habits. The method used was counseling, and health checking. The results of the service showed that the community gave a positive response and was very enthusiastic in participating in health education and counseling activities.
Penguatan Daya Saing UKM Pada Usaha Makanan Khas Daerah Sumatera Barat
Authors: Fisla Wirda  , Herizon  , Trimardi Putra
Published: October 2020

Capability of management  is a determinant of business competitiveness. One of the problems of SMIs in Indonesia is the weakness of managerial capabilities of entrepreneurs, so that many businesses arise but at the same time there are manybusiness  are collaps. Community service activities aim to keep the IKM survival on business competition. The partners that are fostered are the Dakak-Dakak Bundo Pariangan Business and the Tungku Dakak-Dakak Nila Business. Both  partners produce and sell Dakak-dakak cakes, which are special  foods of the Simabur region, Pariangan sub-district, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. The problems of the partners at  production side  are: not have  production machines and PIRT certificates and halal certificates from MUI. While from the management aspect is packaging that is still simple using ordinary plastic which is tied to a rubber band at the end, a store display whose arrangement is less attractive. The method of implementing activities is in the form of training and coaching that is carried out for eight months. The results of the activities include providing rice milling machines accompanied by training in use, repairs and maintenance, publishing of Home Industry Food Certificates (PIRT), Halal certificates from the Indonesian Ulema Council, making good packaging and brands, layouts by displaying storefronts so that the store display is visible interesting.
Edukasi Budidaya Black Soldier Fly (BSF) dalam Rangka Menciptakan Lapangan Kerja Baru dan Solusi Permasalahan Sampah di Area Pasar Manis Ciamis
Authors: Hendar Nuryaman  , Suprianto  , Suyudi  , Nur Arifah Qurota A’yunin
Published: October 2020

Waste becomes a problems if not managed properly, moreover comes from market activities whose are always there every day. Youth of Al Hilal live near "Pasar Manis" in Ciamis District, West Java, which some of the members do not have jobs. One of the activities in an effort to bring income is to cultivate the BSF (Black Soldier Fly), as a new breakthrough in providing cheap protein sources for animal feed and fish. This community service activity aims to provide education and management services for BSF cultivation in order to be able to utilize the economic potential of organic waste management and cultivation results. The method of activity is in the form of community education and BSF cultivation iptek with 34 participants. Generally, the results provide a new alternative to get income and improve skills in BSF cultivation so that is better in its management. Then an increase in understanding of the prospects, economic, social and environmental benefits so that it becomes an alternative solution in obtaining income and reducing the problem of organic waste in the surrounding area. The response of activities obtained by 88.2% greatly increases knowledge; 8.8% enough to add knowledge; and 2.9% are mediocre.
Structural and Functional Approach to the Assessment of the Educational Programs Quality
Authors: Pochestnev A. A.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the use of social diagnostics based on structural and functional methodology to assess the quality of bachelor’s educational programs. The main components of this technology are situational analysis of programs, which more accurately determines the purpose of diagnostics and criteria for assessing, and a structural-functional model that allows to determine dysfunctional zones in the structure of education and their causes.

The approbation of this diagnosis was carried out on the educational program of bachelors in Social Management at the Moscow Aviation Institute. Focus groups and questionnaires of graduate students were the main methods of data collection.

The diagnostic results allowed us to determine that the vector of students’ needs in the field of education coincides with the competence model of the program. The decline in the quality of the program occurs due to the low level of development of practical skills and analytical competencies. The subjective perception of students about the structural factors of the decline in the quality of education was also determined. These are the factors of organization and the type of interaction between professors and students.

Structural and functional diagnostics showed the absence of uniform institutional requirements for the educational program and the problems of its organization.

The data obtained can be used in the management of the educational program. From a scientific point of view, the results are a contribution to the development of sociological diagnostic tools based on a situational approach and understanding of modern values of youth in the field of education.
Game-based Methods for Competence “Teamwork and Leadership” Development: The Case of Engineering Students
Authors: Grib E. V. , Kolomoets E. V. , Latysheva V. V.
Published: October 2020

The competence “teamwork and leadership” is one of the key and the most required in the modern professional environment. The article presents the experience of the Department of sociology, psychology and social management of Moscow Aviation Institute in the development of teamwork skills among students majoring in engineering.

Teamwork in the article is understood as an effective joint activity to achieve goals. Teamwork as a professional competence includes certain skills and abilities that are being formed gradually on the basis of interpersonal and intergroup communication. For the formation of team qualities, gamebased learning methods are used, which increase the effectiveness of pedagogical efforts. Game methods in comparison with traditional lectures and seminars involve more active communication, emotional colouring and visual demonstration of the results. The main task of a teacher is not to broadcast information and check its assimilation, but to stimulate the activity of students themselves. Game-based methods are both a diagnostic and corrective tool, they allow to identify already existing skills, activate the behaviour of students in the desired direction and consolidate the result. The article analyses the experience of using active training methods for the development of the competence “teamwork and leadership”. Trainings are conducted in several stages, on each of them certain tasks are being solved: the current level of competence development is evaluated, tasks are performed together, results are discussed, and an exercise is given to reinforce the skill. After the trainings, change in the participants’ attitude to teamwork and increase in the level of cohesion, trust, and involvement were revealed. The experience of organising of trainings turned out to be successful and useful not only for building competence, but also for identifying difficulties that prevent students from creating effective teams.

The materials of the article may be of interest to University teachers working on the development of students’ competence “teamwork” and using learning technologies.
Distance Learning at Russian Universities: “Step Forward, Two Steps Back”?
Authors: Mikhailov O. V. , Denisova Ya. V.
Published: October 2020

This article discusses the problems associated with the possible widespread introduction of distance learning in the practice of Russian higher education. The authors discuss and analyze in detail the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning in comparison with the traditional contact learning, involving “live” communication between teacher and trainees. The paper states that the disadvantages of learning generally prevail over the advantages. It is concluded that distance learning can become predominant only in completely unique situations, in which “live” communication between people in general and teachers and students in particular, for one reason or another, should be minimized or even eliminated altogether.
Russian University Students about Distance Learning: Assessments and Opportunities
Authors: Aleshkovskiy I. A. , Gasparishvili A. T. , Krukhmaleva O. V. , Narbut N. P. , Savina N. E.
Published: October 2020

The forced shift to remote learning in universities in March 2020 raised the complex issues of organizing lifelong learning for students, conducting academic assessments and maintaining the stability of the educational institution in general for educational systems of all countries of the world. This paper examines peculiarities and general problems of distance learning in the higher education system. It is based on the materials of the sociological survey “Opinions of Russian universities’ students on the forced distance learning”, conducted in May-June 2020. 31,423 university students in all federal subjects of Russia were interviewed. Analysis of research data covers the following areas: organizational problems of transition to distance learning; resources used, organization of lectures and seminars, assessment of the positive and negative aspects of distance learning; perspectives, limitations and trajectories of distance learning implementation in Russian universities.

The article also provides comparative data on the analysis of the issues of distant learning of Russian and foreign researchers. The authors propose future-oriented measures for organizing distance learning in universities in the case of the introduction of quarantine restrictions, consider possible forms of combining distance and full-time education, the prospects for the introduction of digital technologies in the organization of training in universities.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Protective Effects of Mycobacterium vaccae, a Soil-Derived Mycobacterium with Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tubercular Properties, on the Proteomic Profiles of Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid in Rats
Authors: Loupy Kelsey M. , Lee Thomas , Zambrano Cristian A. , Elsayed Ahmed I. , D’Angelo Heather M. , Fonken Laura K. , Frank Matthew G. , Maier Steven F. , Lowry Christopher A.
Published: October 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease that may be associated with prior bacterial infections. Microbial “old friends” can suppress exaggerated inflammation in response to disease-causing infections or increase clearance of pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis (TB). One such “old friend” is Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659, a soil-derived bacterium that has been proposed either as a vaccine for prevention of TB, or as immunotherapy for the treatment of TB when used alongside first line anti-TB drug treatment. Objective: The goal of this study was to use a hypothesis generating approach to explore the effects of M. vaccae on physiological changes in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics were performed in plasma and CSF of adult male rats after immunization with a heat-killed preparation of M. vaccae NCTC 11659 or borate-buffered saline vehicle. Gene enrichment analysis and analysis of protein-protein interactions were performed to integrate physiological network changes in plasma and CSF. We used RT-qPCR to assess immune and metabolic gene expression changes in the hippocampus. Results: In both plasma and CSF, immunization with M. vaccae increased proteins associated with immune activation and downregulated proteins corresponding to lipid (including phospholipid and cholesterol) metabolism. Immunization with M. vaccae also increased hippocampal expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA, implicating anti-inflammatory effects in the central nervous system. Conclusion: M. vaccae alters host immune activity and lipid metabolism. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that microbe-host interactions may protect against possible infection-induced, inflammation-related cognitive impairments.
Separation axioms in fuzzy convex spaces
Authors: Yang Hui
Published: October 2020

In fuzzy set theory, fuzzy convex structures are important mathematical structures. In this paper, we focus on separation axioms in fuzzy convex spaces. Concretely, we introduce S0, S1 and S2 separation axioms in fuzzy convex spaces and establish their relationships. Furthermore, we investigate their hereditary and productive properties.
Hospital management society: A framework based on fuzzy logic and association rule mining towards well-being society
Authors: Maryum Ilsa , Nawaz Waqas , Ud Din Amad
Published: October 2020

Non-uniformity in medical procedures, expensive medical treatments, and the shortage of medicines in different areas are health care problems in our country. This paper aims to resolve that problem by developing a web-based-application called Hospital Management Society (HMS) based on a novel Dynamic Optimized Fuzzy C-mean Clustering and Association Rule Mining (DOFCCARM). The purpose of HMS is to enhance the hospitals (and clinics) by regulating, overseeing and accrediting them to bring uniformity in health care facilities, to make the medical treatment cost effective, to find common diseases in a particular age and area, and to help government in identifying the areas facing the shortage of licensed medicines. Therefore, HMS creates a single platform for both the doctors of central hospital (CH) and the doctors of member hospitals (MH). The CH provides clinical practice guidelines for various diseases. A team of doctors at CH evaluate the medical treatment provided by MH. If a hospital fails to maintain the standard then HMS blacklists such hospital. In our approach, we take a range of values to distinct successive partitions and generate a parallel membership function to make fuzzy sets of patients report, rather than single partitioning point. We determine the effectiveness of our approach through experiments on a dataset. The results revealed the most common age, symptoms and location for a particular disease and shortage of particular medicine in a specific area.
An approach for non-singleton generalized Type-2 fuzzy classifiers
Authors: Ontiveros-Robles Emanuel , Castillo Oscar , Melin Patricia
Published: October 2020

In recent years, successful applications of singleton fuzzy inference systems have been made in a plethora of different kinds of problems, for example in the areas of control, digital image processing, time series prediction, fault detection and classification. However, there exists another relatively less explored approach, which is the use of non-singleton fuzzy inference systems. This approach offers an interesting way for handling uncertainty in complex problems by considering inputs with uncertainty, while the conventional Fuzzy Systems have their inputs with crisp values (singleton systems). Non-singleton systems have as inputs Type-1 membership functions, and this difference increases the complexity of the fuzzification, but provides the systems with additional non-linearities and robustness. The main limitations of using a non-singleton fuzzy inference system is that it requires an additional computational overhead and are usually more difficult to apply in some problems. Based on these limitations, we propose in this work an approach for efficiently processing non-singleton fuzzy systems. To verify the advantages of the proposed approach we consider the case of general type-2 fuzzy systems with non-singleton inputs and their application in the classification area. The main contribution of the paper is the implementation of non-singleton General Type-2 Fuzzy Inference Systems for the classification task, aiming at analyzing its potential advantage in classification problems. In the present paper we propose that the use of non-singleton inputs in Type-2 Fuzzy Classifiers can improve the classification rate and based on the realized experiments we can observe that General Type-2 Fuzzy Classifiers, but with non-singleton fuzzification, obtain better results in comparison with respect to their singleton counterparts.
A common-weights approach for efficiency evaluation in fuzzy data envelopment analysis with undesirable outputs: Application in banking industry
Authors: Kachouei Mohammad , Ebrahimnejad Ali , Bagherzadeh-Valami Hadi
Published: October 2020

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a non-parametric approach based on linear programming for evaluating the performance of decision making units (DMUs) with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. The lack of the ability to generate the actual weights, not considering the impact of undesirable outputs in the evaluation process and the measuring of efficiencies of DMUs based upon precise observations are three main drawbacks of the conventional DEA models. This paper proposes a novel approach for finding the common set of weights (CSW) to compute efficiencies in DEA model with undesirable outputs when the data are represented by fuzzy numbers. The proposed approach is based on fuzzy arithmetic which formulates the fuzzy additive DEA model as a linear programing problem and gives fuzzy efficiencies of all DMUs based on resulting CSW. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model with a simple numerical example. Finally, in the context of performance management, an application of banking industry in Iran is presented for analyzing the influence of fuzzy data and depicting the impact of undesirable outputs over the efficiency results.
Subthalamic Stimulation Improves Quality of Sleep in Parkinson Disease: A 36-Month Controlled Study
Authors: Jost Stefanie T. ,   On behalf of EUROPAR and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Non-Motor Parkinson’s Disease Study Group, Ray Chaudhuri K. , Ashkan Keyoumars , Loehrer Philipp A. , Silverdale Monty , Rizos Alexandra , Evans Julian , Petry-Schmelzer Jan Niklas , Barbe Michael T. , Sauerbier Anna , Fink Gereon R. , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Antonini Angelo , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Timmermann Lars , Dafsari Haidar S.
Published: October 2020

Background: Sleep disturbances and neuropsychiatric symptoms are some of the most common nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The effect of subthalamic stimulation (STN-DBS) on these symptoms beyond a short-term follow-up is unclear. Objective: To examine 36-month effects of bilateral STN-DBS on quality of sleep, depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) compared to standard-of-care medical therapy (MED) in PD. Methods: In this prospective, controlled, observational, propensity score matched, international multicenter study, we assessed sleep disturbances using the PDSleep Scale-1 (PDSS), QoL employing the PDQuestionnaire-8 (PDQ-8), motor disorder with the Scales for Outcomes in PD (SCOPA), anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and dopaminergic medication requirements (LEDD). Within-group longitudinal outcome changes were tested using Wilcoxon signed-rank and between-group longitudinal differences of change scores with Mann-Whitney U tests. Spearman correlations analyzed the relationships of outcome parameter changes at follow-up. Results: Propensity score matching applied on 159 patients (STN-DBS n = 75, MED n = 84) resulted in 40 patients in each treatment group. At 36-month follow-up, STN-DBS led to significantly better PDSS and PDQ-8 change scores, which were significantly correlated. We observed no significant effects for HADS and no significant correlations between change scores in PDSS, HADS, and LEDD. Conclusions: We report Class IIb evidence of beneficial effects of STN-DBS on quality of sleep at 36-month follow-up, which were associated with QoL improvement independent of depression and dopaminergic medication. Our study highlights the importance of sleep for assessments of DBS outcomes.
SAREF4INMA: A SAREF extension for the industry and manufacturing domain
Authors: de Roode Mike , Fernández-Izquierdo Alba , Daniele Laura , Poveda-Villalón María , García-Castro Raúl
Published: October 2020

The IoT landscape is characterized by a fragmentation of standards, platforms and technologies, often scattered among different vertical domains. To prevent the market to continue to be fragmented and power-less, a protocol-independent semantic layer can serve as enabler of interoperability among the various smart devices from different manufacturers that co-exist in a specific industry domain, but also across different domains. To that end, the SAREF ontology was created in 2015 with the intention to interconnect data, enabling the communication between IoT devices that use different protocols and standards. A number of industrial sectors consequently expressed their interest to extend SAREF into their domains in order to fill the gaps of the semantics not yet covered by their communication protocols. Therefore, the SAREF4INMA ontology was recently created to extend SAREF for describing the Smart Industry & Manufacturing domain. SAREF4INMA is based on several standards and IoT initiatives, as well as on real use cases, and includes classes, properties and instances specifically created to cover the industry and manufacturing domain. This work describes the approach followed to develop this ontology, specifies its requirements and also includes a practical example of how to use it.
Foraging Behavior of Birds at Morning and Evening Times: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Misbah Noreen  , Maqbool Muhammad Faisal , Irfan Amina , Ahmad Ishfaq , Memoona
Published: October 2020

Birds exhibit a wide variety of behaviors including foraging behavior which could vary both inter- and intra-specifically. The current study was aimed to investigate different aspects of the foraging behavior of birds in different fields situated at the Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore. The said campus covers an area of about 721 ha and has a stable ecosystem which supports a diverse range of birds. Three fields were selected for study purposes. The first field (F1) was characterized by dense vegetation. The second field (F2) contained relatively less vegetation and the third field (F3) was situated near the premises containing the hostel and the shopping center. Observations were recorded during December 2019 for a week at morning (0800-0900 h) and evening (1500-1600 h) times. The observations were based on the assumptions that an abundant availability of food will increase the stay time and vice versa. Moreover, number of pecks by birds also correlate with stay time. A total of 10, 8 and 5 bird species were observed in the above mentioned three fields, that is, F1, F2 and F3, respectively. Different patterns of bird frequency, pecking rate and search time were observed in all fields at morning and evening times which could be associated with the nature of the microhabitat, vegetation, predator risk, food availability, group size and various environmental factors such as temperature. Spearman’s correlation revealed a significant (p < 0.01) association between search time and number of pecks of birds in all three fields.
Hyperthyroidism and Its Implications for Diagnosis and Management of Complications During Pregnancy
Authors: Kausar Farah
Published: October 2020

Thyroid dysfunction alters the physiological events of pregnancy that may have serious outcomes if left untreated. Hyperthyroidism (a thyroid disease) is related to complications during pregnancy. A challenging task for the physician is to correctly diagnose and properly manage hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. Hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease caused by excessive production of thyroxin hormone. The objective of this paper is to review the research in detection and management of Graves’ disease (thyrotoxicosis) during and after pregnancy. This paper discusses thyroid receptor antibodies, etiology of Grave’s disease (thyrotoxicosis), pregnancy related complications, infants’ thyrotoxicosis management, as well as post-partum management, guidelines and counseling offered to pregnant women. Literature search was conducted using the keyword ‘hyperthyroidism’ in conjunction with pregnancy, anti-thyroid drugs and birth defects in Pubmed, Google Scholar and Medline. Maintaining thyroid gland may reduce the complications of pregnancy. At the beginning of pregnancy, low doses of anti-thyroid drugs are usually recommended to women by endocrinologists. However, the use of these drugs is completely stopped after 4 – 8 weeks of gestation. Propylthiouracil is the preferred anti-thyroid drug used in the first trimester in case of preconception to decrease the risk of teratogenicity. Carbimazole may be used in the first three months. Early diagnosis and maintaining normal hormone concentration by reducing the level of thyroid receptor antibodies as well as anti-thyroid drugs is essential in order to prevent maternal and fetal complications. Counseling and guidelines provided by endocrinologists constitute the key to a healthy and successful pregnancy.
Assessment of the Statutory Duties of Federal Road Safety Corps Aimed at Reducing Crashes and Carnages in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ajiboye Araoye Olarinkoye , Kolawole Olusola Joseph , Adebanjo Adeola Adebanji
Published: October 2020

The recent road crashes along the main routes in Oyo State have drawn the attention of people towards the role and statutory responsibilities of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the statutory duties of FRSC aimed at limiting the number of road crashesin Oyo State. This work was limited to 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) out of 11 LGAs that make up Ibadan and its environs. The study adopted simple random sampling technique using well-structured questionnaires to elicit information regarding the statutory duties of FRSC, a major road transport enforcement agency in Nigeria. From110 respondents ranging from commercial drivers, private vehicle owners, commercial motorcyclists, commuters, and road accident victims, 103 questionnaires were retrieved and were found analysable. The collected data was processed using descriptive data analysis techniques. It was found that out of 22 statutory duties of FRSC, only seven were being discharged effectively. Hence, it can easily be inferred that the operational performance of FRSC is not satisfactory. Therefore, this study recommends that the authorities should give prompt medical attention and care to accident victims on the road and should also enforce speed limits with the use of speed limit devices. The use of mobile phone while driving should be discouraged and the use of seatbelts should be promoted. At the same time, individuals, NGOs and corporate bodies should be given a free hand to contribute in reducing the number of road accidents. The use of sirens, beacon lights and flashers should be well-controlled and the struggle against fake driving licences should be enhanced.
Biological Control of Mosquito Vectors
Authors: Hareem Sajjad  , Neelam Arif
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this review paper is to study different biological control methods for controlling mosquito vectors. Mosquitoes act as vector for many harmful diseases including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, filarial, encephalitis, chikungunya, dengue and poly arthritis. The use of chemical insecticides for controlling mosquitoes is limited because they develop resistance against these insecticides. So, efforts have been made to control the mosquito vectors by eco-friendly techniques. At present, biocontrol agents are used to control the mosquito species with the aim to reduce the impact and cost of insecticide based strategies. These biocontrol agents involve the use of natural enemies including bacteria, fungi, larvivorous fish, protozoans and nematodes. These agents target mosquitoes at different stages of their life cycle. In this paper, we focus on several bio-controlling methods used to reduce the population of mosquito vectors.
An Insight into Genomics of Mulberry Silkworm
Authors: Maimoona Kanwal  , Waqar Younus  , Mubashar Hussain
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to review the genetic basis of mulberry silkworm to understand the mystery of silk production and the silkworm’s role as a model organism. Data regarding mulberry silkworm’s genetic diversity, genetic bases of silk production, gene mapping and chromosomal properties was reviewed. Findings illustrated that genetic variability exists among mulberry silkworms of different geographical regions. Hence, it acts as an indicator of the genetic bases of silk production since it is higher in males, although sex is primarily determined by females. Studies have revealed that chromosomes in mulberry silkworm are holocentric and gene mapping provides an insight into the accurate location of silk genes on chromosomes. It is concluded that the genetic study of silkworm is useful due to its commercial and economic significance and it is the crucial need of sericulture industry to enhance its output by collecting information about superior silkworm breeds. Hence, further research should be carried out to explore the hidden facts about mulberry silkworm.
Representation of Soft Set and Its Operations by Bipartite Graph
Authors: Faiz Farid  , Muhammad Saeed  , Muzammil Ali
Published: October 2020

The idea of soft set was initiated by Molodstov. Soft sets have been used for decision making in dealing vague ideas. In this paper, soft sets are represented by bipartite graph. Operations on soft sets are also represented by bipartite graph.
Enhancing Concrete Properties by Adding Shred-like Steel Fibres and Steel Dust
Authors: Ali Ajwad  , Abdullah  , Muhammad Usman  , Shakir Ahmad  , Usman Ilyas  , Abdul Waqar Akhtar  , Bilal Zahid
Published: October 2020

In this research, fine and coarse aggregates present in the concrete were replaced with steel dust and shred-like steel fibres respectively in different ratios and the effect of their replacement on the properties of concrete was studied. Eight batches of concrete were mixed, each with the mix proportion of 1:2:4 and water- cement ratio of 0.52. Batch A was of normal concrete. In batches B, C, and D, 5%, 10%, and 15% of sand was replaced with steel dust, respectively. In batches, E, F, and G, 2%, 5%, and 8% of coarse aggregates were replaced with steel fibres. In the last batch H, 5% of sand and 5% of coarse aggregates were replaced with steel fines and steel fibres, respectively. British as well as American standards were followed during the research. Slump test was performed in the fresh state of each mix to find the effect of these replacements on its workability. 12 cubes of 150mm × 150mm × 150mm for compressive strength test and 12 cylinders of 150mm diameter and 300mm height for tensile strength test were made for each batch to check their strength after every 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. It was found that the workability of fresh concrete decreases while the density of fresh as well as hardened concrete increases with these replacements. They also result in an increase in initial compressive strength and a decrease in final compressive strength as compared to those of normal concrete. As far as tensile strength is concerned, an increase in initial as well as final strength was observed.
Florida 4-H Dairy Record Book
Authors: Hamilton Karen , Decubellis Chris , Holcomb Chris , Hensley Sarah
Published: October 2020

The Florida 4-H Dairy Record book is an animal sciences record book for all members in the dairy project to keep an accurate record of their project work. This is a major revision of Dairy and Dairy Goat Project Record Book.
Calibrating Forage Seeding Equipment
Authors: Wallau Marcelo , Vendramini Joao , Jennings Ed W.
Published: October 2020

Instructions on how to calibrate forage seeding equipment.

Originally written by C. G. Chambliss (deceased) and M.B. Adjei (deceased) in June 1999. Original EDIS publication date April 2002. This major revision November 2018 by Marcelo Wallau, Joao Vendramini, and Ed Jennings.

The information in this document was adapted from Production and Utilization of Pasture and Forages in North Carolina, Technical Bulletin 305, North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University and is published with their permission. This publication is also a part of the Florida Forage Handbook, an electronic publication of the Agronomy Department. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.