Anthropomorphic Characteristics Research Articles

The Role of Pedagogical Agents in Personalised Adaptive Learning: A Review

Personalised adaptive learning is becoming increasingly popular as a method of providing each student on an online platform with learning experiences that are tailored to their own requirements and peculiarities. This enables learners to go along many learning routes with the shared objective of information and skill development. In such systems, adaptivity and intelligence play distinct roles, with adaptivity being a more data-driven decision-making approach and intelligence being the emulation of human traits in a learning setting. Pedagogical agents, as defined in the field of artificial intelligence, are virtual characters with anthropomorphic features that are introduced for educational reasons. Because e-learning is a continuously growing area, the responsibilities of pedagogical agents change based on the goals that have been established for them. This article provides a systematic evaluation of pedagogical agents’ research and empirical data in e-learning from 2015 to 2022. Their responsibilities will be examined specifically in terms of flexibility and variety, realistic simulation, and their influence on learning: performance improvement, improved motivation, and engagement. The article finishes with a discussion and recommendations on pedagogical agents’ future directions in this ever-changing world of individualised adaptive e-learning.

Design of Pick and Place Robot

The popular concept of a robot is of a machine that looks and works like a human being. The industry is moving from current state of automation to Robotization, to increase productivity and to deliver uniform quality. The industrial robots of today may not look the least bit like a human being although all the research is directed to provide more and more anthropomorphic and humanlike features and super-human capabilities in these. One type of robot commonly used in industry is a robotic manipulator or simply a robotic arm. It is an open or closed kinematic chain of rigid links interconnected by movable joints. In some configurations, links can be considered to correspond to human anatomy as waist, upper arm and forearm with joint at shoulder and elbow. At end of arm a wrist joint connects an end effect which may be a tool and its fixture or a gripper or any other device to work.

Human-Computer Interaction in Customer Service: The Experience with AI Chatbots—A Systematic Literature Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) conversational agents (CA) or chatbots represent one of the technologies that can provide automated customer service for companies, a trend encountered in recent years. Chatbot use is beneficial for companies when associated with positive customer experience. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the overall customer experience with customer service chatbots in order to identify the main influencing factors for customer experience with customer service chatbots and to identify the resulting dimensions of customer experience (such as perceptions/attitudes and feelings and also responses and behaviors). The analysis uses the systematic literature review (SLR) method and includes a sample of 40 publications that present empirical studies. The results illustrate that the main influencing factors of customer experience with chatbots are grouped in three categories: chatbot-related, customer-related, and context-related factors, where the chatbot-related factors are further categorized in: functional features of chatbots, system features of chatbots and anthropomorphic features of chatbots. The multitude of factors of customer experience result in either positive or negative perceptions/attitudes and feelings of customers. At the same time, customers respond by manifesting their intentions and/or their behaviors towards either the technology itself (chatbot usage continuation and acceptance of chatbot recommendations) or towards the company (buying and recommending products). According to empirical studies, the most influential factors when using chatbots for customer service are response relevance and problem resolution, which usually result in positive customer satisfaction, increased probability for chatbots usage continuation, product purchases, and product recommendations.

Ideally human-ish: How anthropomorphized do you have to be in shopper-facing retail technology?

As shopper-facing retail technology (SFRT) increasingly replaces human interactions in retail environments, many businesses are considering how to make their retail technology more human-like. This paper identifies two methods of anthropomorphizing technology—visual and cognitive—and seeks to determine whether using these two types of anthropomorphism with a product/service is a better approach to interacting with consumers or whether a combination of visual and cognitive anthropomorphic features is less effective than one. This paper proposes that including one form of anthropomorphism in an SFRT may increase purchase intentions, while the addition of a second form of anthropomorphism will not lend an additional advantage. Specifically, the theory of social response is used to examine the process through which consumers view anthropomorphized SFRT. Three studies assess the proposed model in a mobile shopping application context and include the use of a functional app and 360° video experiments. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

A Mind in Intelligent Personal Assistants: An Empirical Study of Mind-Based Anthropomorphism, Fulfilled Motivations, and Exploratory Usage of Intelligent Personal Assistants

Intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) own anthropomorphic features which enable users’ perception of anthropomorphism. Adopting the perspective of mind-based anthropomorphism, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how mind-based anthropomorphism influences users’ exploratory usage of IPAs. Based on the notion that anthropomorphism can satisfy people’s sociality and effectance motivation, we hypothesize that mind-based anthropomorphism can enhance people’s social connection with IPAs and IPA self-efficacy, which can in turn influence their exploratory usage of IPAs. Questionnaires were developed and distributed to users who had experience in smart speaker-based IPAs on Wenjuanxing and 551 valid questionnaires were collected to test the research model. The results revealed that cognitive and affective anthropomorphism exerted common and differential impacts on IPA self-efficacy and social connection. Cognitive anthropomorphism versus affective anthropomorphism had stronger influences on IPA self-efficacy, while affective anthropomorphism had stronger impacts on social connection. Both IPA self-efficacy and social connection enhanced users’ intentions to explore IPAs. This study enriches previous studies on IPA adoption or post-adoption by investigating exploratory usage which captures how users are deeply engaged with IPAs.

The Permissive Safe Angle of the Tibial Tunnel in Transtibial Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Three-Dimensional Simulation Study.

ObjectiveTo determine the permissive safe angle (PSA) of the tibial tunnel in transtibial posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction based on a three‐dimensional (3D) simulation study.MethodsThis was a computer simulation study of transtibial PCL reconstruction using 3D knee models. CT images of 90 normal knee joints from 2017 to 2020 were collected in this study, and 3D knee models were established based on CT data. The tunnel approaches were subdivided into the anterior 1/3 of the anteromedial tibia (T1), middle 1/2 of the anteromedial tibia (T2), the tibial crest (T3), anterior 1/3 of the anterolateral tibia (T4), middle 1/2 of the anterolateral tibia (T5). Five tibial tunnels (T1–T5) were simulated on the 3D knee models. The PSAs, in different tibial tunnel approaches were measured, and subgroup analyses of sex, age and height were also carried out.ResultsThe mean PSAs of the tibial tunnels with 5 different approaches (T1–T5) were 58.49° ± 6.82°, 61.14° ± 6.69°, 56.12° ± 7.53°, 52.01° ± 8.89° and 49.90° ± 10.53°, respectively. The differences of the mean PSAs between the anteromedial and anterolateral approaches were significant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference of the mean PSA value between the two anteromedial tibial tunnel approaches (T1–T2) (P > 0.05), as well as between the two anterolateral tibial tunnel approaches (T4–T5). The patient's anthropomorphic characteristics of sex, age, and height were not associated with the PSAs.ConclusionsThe PSA varied with the anteromedial, tibial crest and anterolateral approaches for transtibial PCL reconstruction, and surgeons should limit the PCL drill guide by referring to the specific PSA for different surgical approaches.

Robots and Sustainability: Robots as Persuaders to Promote Recycling

Humans tend to interact socially with humanoid devices, such as robots. Therefore, a possible application of robotics technology is the promotion of pro-social behavior, namely recycling. To test the effectiveness of this application, an experimental setting in which participants were required to dispose of waste was created. Two types of electronic instructors, a robot and a tablet computer, were located close to the disposal area to provide instructions on appropriate waste disposal. The comparison of the effectiveness of the two types of electronic instructors found that participants exposed to the robot sorted the waste more accurately than participants exposed to the tablet computer. Scores for perceived anthropomorphism and induced empathy were higher for the robot than the tablet computer. We conclude that robots, because of their anthropomorphic features, are more likely to evoke empathy than tablet computers, and thus robots can be more effective in promoting pro-social behavior.

Genetic markers of domestication (some features of interpretation of laboratory data of paleogenetic researches)

The paper reviews the findings of two research groups, published in the journal Nature, that focus on the genetic aspects of horses domestication in the Bronze Age. Creating coherence and overcoming the contradictions between the data of paleogenetics and archeology through meta-description, which is based on the prevalence of selection, turns into the some controversial conclusions, including: extrapolation caused by the transfer of anthropomorphic characteristics to the physiological characteristics of the horse and the reduction of actors of social processes to genetic markers. In the context of articles on medical genetics and sociology of science, it is proposed to overcome controversies through a change in the optics of analysis of genetic data in the problem of domestication: rejection of the meta-description of the researching phenomena and the actualization of the logic of meeting social needs and mutational variability preceding domestication. In addition, the paper deals with the problem of interpreting the genetic data of horse domestication only as a hypothesis. The problem is that there is a significant chronological gap of 500-700 years between genetic ancestors and genuine domestic horses (Dom-2). This period includes such significant archaeological cultures as Abashevskaya, post-Poltavka Volga-Ural and others.

The impact of the physical and social embodiment of voice user interfaces on user distraction

The concept of calm technology envisions that interaction with technology should consume minimal resources and cause as few distractions as possible. The main goal of our study was to compare different forms of embodiment of Voice User Interfaces (VUI) in terms of how much they distract a user from a cognitive task. We used a voice-only system without physical embodiment (voice-only), a physical embodied system without anthropomorphic features (physical embodied), and a social embodied VUI with social cues such as eye movements (social embodied). In addition, we explored the relationship between design features of the VUI and perceived distraction, social presence, and perceived calm. Twenty-four participants carried out four different cognitive tasks with the three different VUI and one round of cognitive tasks without any VUI present. The cognitive tasks were chosen from a serious game (BrainTagger Suit) and included measurements of cognitive speed, working memory, visual memory, and process inhibition. Overall, results indicated the voice-only VUI caused the least distraction, especially for cognitive speed, while slightly showing impairment for visual memory. Social embodied VUI appeared to cause the most distraction across the four cognitive tasks with physical embodied VUI falling in between. Surprisingly, social presence was perceived as highest for the voice-only system which at the same time received the lowest scores for perceived calm. The advantages and disadvantages of each VUI are discussed.

Human-robot interaction: the impact of robotic aesthetics on anticipated human trust.

BackgroundHuman senses have evolved to recognise sensory cues. Beyond our perception, they play an integral role in our emotional processing, learning, and interpretation. They are what help us to sculpt our everyday experiences and can be triggered by aesthetics to form the foundations of our interactions with each other and our surroundings. In terms of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), robots have the possibility to interact with both people and environments given their senses. They can offer the attributes of human characteristics, which in turn can make the interchange with technology a more appealing and admissible experience. However, for many reasons, people still do not seem to trust and accept robots. Trust is expressed as a person’s ability to accept the potential risks associated with participating alongside an entity such as a robot. Whilst trust is an important factor in building relationships with robots, the presence of uncertainties can add an additional dimension to the decision to trust a robot. In order to begin to understand how to build trust with robots and reverse the negative ideology, this paper examines the influences of aesthetic design techniques on the human ability to trust robots.MethodThis paper explores the potential that robots have unique opportunities to improve their facilities for empathy, emotion, and social awareness beyond their more cognitive functionalities. Through conducting an online questionnaire distributed globally, we explored participants ability and acceptance in trusting the Canbot U03 robot. Participants were presented with a range of visual questions which manipulated the robot’s facial screen and asked whether or not they would trust the robot. A selection of questions aimed at putting participants in situations where they were required to establish whether or not to trust a robot’s responses based solely on the visual appearance. We accomplished this by manipulating different design elements of the robots facial and chest screens, which influenced the human-robot interaction.ResultsWe found that certain facial aesthetics seem to be more trustworthy than others, such as a cartoon face versus a human face, and that certain visual variables (i.e., blur) afforded uncertainty more than others. Consequentially, this paper reports that participant’s uncertainties of the visualisations greatly influenced their willingness to accept and trust the robot. The results of introducing certain anthropomorphic characteristics emphasised the participants embrace of the uncanny valley theory, where pushing the degree of human likeness introduced a thin line between participants accepting robots and not. By understanding what manipulation of design elements created the aesthetic effect that triggered the affective processes, this paper further enriches our knowledge of how we might design for certain emotions, feelings, and ultimately more socially acceptable and trusting robotic experiences.

What Is the Maximum Tibial Tunnel Angle for Transtibial PCL Reconstruction? A Comparison Based on Virtual Radiographs, CT Images, and 3D Knee Models.

To minimize the killer turn caused by the sharp margin of the tibial tunnel exit in transtibial PCL reconstruction, surgeons tend to maximize the angle of the tibial tunnel in relation to the tibial plateau. However, to date, no consensus has been reached regarding the maximum angle for the PCL tibial tunnel. In this study we sought (1) to determine the maximum tibial tunnel angle for the anteromedial and anterolateral approaches in transtibial PCL reconstruction; (2) to compare the differences in the maximum angle based on three measurement methods: virtual radiographs, CT images, and three-dimensional (3D) knee models; and (3) to conduct a correlation analysis to determine whether patient anthropomorphic factors (age, sex, height, and BMI) are associated with the maximum tibial tunnel angle. Between January 2018 and December 2020, 625 patients who underwent CT scanning for knee injuries were retrospectively reviewed in our institution. Inclusion criteria were patients 18 to 60 years of age with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of knee osteoarthritis less than 1 and CT images that clearly showed the PCL tibial attachment. Exclusion criteria were patients with a history of tibial plateau fracture, PCL injuries, tumor, and deformity around the knee. Finally, 104 patients (43 males and 61 females, median age: 38 [range 24 to 56] years, height: 165 ± 9 cm, median BMI: 23 kg/cm2 [range 17 to 31]) were included for analysis. CT data were used to create virtual 3D knee models, and virtual true lateral knee radiographs were obtained by rotating the 3D knee models. Virtual 3D knee models were used as an in vitro standard method to assess the true maximum tibial tunnel angle of anteromedial and anterolateral approaches in transtibial PCL reconstruction. The tibial tunnel's entry was placed 1.5 cm anteromedial and anterolateral to the tibial tubercle for the two approaches. To obtain the maximum angle, a 10-mm- diameter tibial tunnel was simulated by making the tibial tunnel near the posterior tibial cortex. The maximum tibial tunnel angle, tibial tunnel lengths, and perpendicular distances of the tunnel's entry point to the tibial plateau were measured on virtual radiographs, CT images, and virtual 3D knee models. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences in the maximum angle among groups, and correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationship of the maximum angle and anthropomorphic factors (age, sex, height, and BMI). The maximum angle of the PCL tibial tunnel relative to the tibial plateau was greater in the anteromedial group than the anterolateral group (58° ± 8° versus 50° ± 8°, mean difference 8° [95% CI 6° to 10°]; p < 0.001). The maximum angle of the PCL tibial tunnel was greater in the virtual radiograph group than the CT image (68° ± 6° versus 49° ± 5°, mean difference 19° [95% CI 17° to 21°]; p < 0.001), the anteromedial approach (68° ± 6° versus 58° ± 8°, mean difference 10° [95% CI 8° to 12°]; p < 0.001), and the anterolateral approach (68° ± 6° versus 50° ± 8°, mean difference 18° [95% CI 16° to 20°]; p < 0.001), but no difference was found between the CT image and the anterolateral groups (49° ± 5° versus 50° ± 8°, mean difference -1° [95% CI -4° to 1°]; p = 0.79). We found no patient anthropomorphic characteristics (age, sex, height, and BMI) that were associated with the maximum angle. Surgeons should note that the mean maximum angle of the tibial tunnel relative to the tibial plateau was greater in the anteromedial than anterolateral approach in PCL reconstruction, and the maximum angle might be overestimated on virtual radiographs and underestimated on CT images. To perform PCL reconstruction more safely, the findings of this study suggest that the PCL drill system should be set differently for the anteromedial and anterolateral approaches, and the maximum angle measured by intraoperative fluoroscopy should be reduced 10° for the anteromedial approach and 18° for the anterolateral approach. Future clinical or cadaveric studies are needed to validate our findings.

A Process Mechanism Study of the Impact of Service Robot Anthropomorphic Features on Users&amp;apos; Continuous Usage Intention

Robots replacing the work of human employees is no longer a novelty. In the manufacturing industry, a large number of front-line employees have already been replaced by machines. With the maturity and development of robotics, the replacement of humans with machines is gradually shifting from the manufacturing industry to the service industry. The process by which robotic features affect users' willingness to use under intelligent services has been a hot topic in business management and academic research in recent years. However, anthropomorphism as an intuitive external feature, few studies have explored the process mechanisms of such features on customers' continuous usage intention. Based on Social information processing theory, the article investigates the mechanism by which anthropomorphic appearance features of service robots affect users' continuous usage intention. The results show that users' tendency to anthropomorphize the appearance of service robots positively influences continuous usage intention through the partial mediation of perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment. In addition, the level of empathy of the service robot moderates the effect of anthropomorphism on perceived usefulness and perceived hedonicity. The findings of this study enrich the research on the processes that influence users' continuous usage intention in service encounters and also provide a useful reference for the management practices of service companies.

Images of Ukrainian demonology in folk stage choreography

The purpose of the article is to find out the characteristic features of the use of the images of Ukrainian demonology in the folk-stage choreography of Ukraine. The methodology consists in the application of general scientific methods of theoretical and empirical levels: analysis and generalization of scientific and theoretical bases of research, comparative and logical methods, interview method; also art analysis of choreographic numbers of amateur and professional groups of Ukraine. These methods make it possible to characterize the most common images of Ukrainian demonology and to determine the peculiarities of their use and embodiment in folk-stage choreography. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the article, based on the analysis of choreographic works from the repertoires of amateur and professional groups, highlights the characteristic features of the use of images of Ukrainian demonology in folk-stage dance art. Conclusions. Demonological beliefs of Ukrainians are a kind of synthesis of mythological and religious ideas of the human about the universe and at the same time the embodiment of zest for life and democracy. Demon spirits are endowed with anthropomorphic features, i.e. they usually have a human likeness, and this presupposes the possibility of their use in folk-stage dance art. Choreographers create choreographic works based on their own plot, based on folk beliefs, rituals, and legends, as well as on the motives of literary works, the main characters of which are demonological characters. A stylized folk-stage dance with elements of acrobatics is often used to convey all the versatility and mysticism of mythological images. The use of images of Ukrainian demonology in folk-stage choreography contributes to the popularization of folk choreographic art, as well as increases the interest of modern society in national traditions. Keywords: folk-stage dance; Ukrainian demonology, folk choreographic art.

„Jutro należy do kotów”. Problemy (eco) science fiction w powieści Bernarda Werbera

Why tomorrow should not belong to humans, but to another species? Science fiction seems to answer this question with alarmingly accurate arguments. SF texts often seem like prophecies that predict the future. We most willingly accept visions in which man is the author of innovative technologies as well as cultural and economic progress. What if this development is not ascribed to the human race, but for example: to monkeys or cats? The classic repertoire of science fiction heroes, apart from humans, includes robots, cyborgs, androids or newcomers from another planet (aliens). Their humanoid character — anthropomorphic features of appearance, behavior, development of the species in the form of created (or mid creation) civilization and culture — is designed to break the anthropocentric view of man. The function of the Other in science fiction can, however, be taken over by a creature much closer and longer known to man than a newcomer from a foreign planet or a creature of highly developed technology — an animal. The essay is an attempt to analyze Bernard Werber’s novel Tomorrow the cats from the perspective of general science fiction and ecofiction issues. At the same time, the issue of species chauvinism and the ways in which it manifests itself in literature are discussed.

Appearance is not everything - Preferred feature combinations for care robots

To promote acceptance and use of social robots, the application of lifelike design features has been established as a promising design principle. The majority of research to date emphasizes a high degree of anthropomorphism with respect to robot appearance and communication to support positive perceptions of robots. However, these features are often examined separately. As a result, there has been little evidence of possible interaction effects when implementing different design principles with a particular focus on matched features. An online survey with two different samples (sample 1: random; sample 2: healthcare professionals and trainees) is reported that investigate whether certain feature combinations are preferred for care robots. The attributes appearance (human-like, animal-like, technical), size (small, large), and communication (speech, sound, text) were combined. Results suggest that communication is the key determinant of robot preference. With regard to feature combinations the survey showed an overall preference for anthropomorphic features. Furthermore, the occurrence of matched features led to an additional improvement of preference ratings. Both samples provide similar results with high correlations. The obtained findings can therefore serve as a basis for the implementation of concrete design principles for social robotics in healthcare.

Impact of Anthropomorphic Robot Design on Trust and Attention in Industrial Human-Robot Interaction

The application of anthropomorphic features to robots is generally considered beneficial for human-robot interaction (HRI ). Although previous research has mainly focused on social robots, the phenomenon gains increasing attention in industrial human-Robot interaction as well. In this study, the impact of anthropomorphic design of a collaborative industrial robot on the dynamics of trust and visual attention allocation was examined. Participants interacted with a robot, which was either anthropomorphically or non-anthropomorphically designed. Unexpectedly, attribute-based trust measures revealed no beneficial effect of anthropomorphism but even a negative impact on the perceived reliability of the robot. Trust behavior was not significantly affected by an anthropomorphic robot design during faultless interactions, but showed a relatively steeper decrease after participants experienced a failure of the robot. With regard to attention allocation, the study clearly reveals a distracting effect of anthropomorphic robot design. The results emphasize that anthropomorphism might not be an appropriate feature in industrial HRI as it not only failed to reveal positive effects on trust, but distracted participants from relevant task areas which might be a significant drawback with regard to occupational safety in HRI.

The Motif of Getting an Enchanted Wife in Japanese and Ukrainian Fairy Tales

The article is devoted to the analysis of the character of the Dragon/Serpent in Japanese and Ukrainian fairy tales. Its main functions, the role in plots and motifs, teratomorphic and anthropomorphic features are compared. The mythological basis of the character as a participant in the creation of the world and antagonist of the protagonist is outlined. Through comparative analysis is justified, that in Japanese fairy tales, the character of a Dragon/Serpent has the same features as the Ukrainian and Western European tradition, as well as purely national specifics

Impact of anthropomorphic features of artificially intelligent service robots on consumer acceptance: moderating role of sense of humor

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of both physical and personality-related anthropomorphic features of an artificial intelligence service robot on the cognitive and affective appraisals and acceptance of consumers during service delivery.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses that investigate the effects of service robots’ physical appearance on the emphasis consumers place on each evaluation criteria they use in determining their willingness to accept the use of service robots in service delivery and the moderating role of sense of humor are tested by conducting two studies using scenario-based experiments.FindingsThe results show that humanlike appearance leads to higher performance expectancy, mascot-like appearance generates higher positive emotions and machine-like appearance results in higher effort expectancy. The effects of humanlike and mascot-like appearances on consumer acceptance are moderated by the sense of humor of service robots. However, the sense of humor effect is attenuated with a machine-like appearance owing to the lack of anthropomorphism.Practical implicationsThis study provides crucial insights for hospitality managers who plan to use service robots in service delivery. The findings highlight the key roles of appearance type and sense of humor of service robots in influencing the appraisals and acceptance of consumers regarding the use of service robots in service delivery.Originality/valueThis study focuses on comparing the effects of traditional and mascot-like appearances of service robots on consumer appraisals and identifies sense of humor as a cute anthropomorphized personality trait of service robots.

Weight gain in children after adenotonsillectomy: undesirable weight gain or catch-up growth?

Objective/backgroundObesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are consequential conditions with significant overlap in the pediatric population. Early studies documented catch-up growth in underweight children after adenotonsillectomy, but more recent studies suggested that normal and even overweight children may experience excess weight gain after adenotonsillectomy. We performed a secondary analysis of Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT) data to test whether there was an effect of early adenotonsillectomy on undesirable weight gain, defined as an increase in body mass index (BMI) Z score in an already overweight or obese child or a change from baseline normal or underweight to a follow up BMI Z score classified as overweight. Patients/methodsWe included 398 children with moderate OSA and complete anthropomorphic data randomized to adenotonsillectomy versus watchful waiting with supportive care. Pearson's χ2 and independent t tests were used to compare demographic, activity, sleep and anthropomorphic characteristics between children who did and did not experience undesirable weight gain over seven months. Logistic regression was used to test for an association between adenotonsillectomy and undesirable weight gain, both unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, Black race, average parent-reported weekly activity level, mother's body mass index, average nightly sleep duration and either baseline or follow up AHI (in separate models). ResultsForty three percent (n = 172) experienced undesirable weight gain. A similar percentage of children in both arms experienced undesirable weight gain (45% adenotonsillectomy vs 41% watchful waiting). Neither unadjusted nor adjusted regression analysis demonstrated a significant effect of adenotonsillectomy on undesirable weight gain. ConclusionAdenotonsillectomy may not be an independent risk factor for undesirable weight gain in children.

Mining Knowledge of Respiratory Rate Quantification and Abnormal Pattern Prediction

The described application of granular computing is motivated because cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major killer globally. There is increasing evidence that abnormal respiratory patterns might contribute to the development and progression of CVD. Consequently, a method that would support a physician in respiratory pattern evaluation should be developed. Group decision-making, tri-way reasoning, and rough set–based analysis were applied to granular computing. Signal attributes and anthropomorphic parameters were explored to develop prediction models to determine the percentage contribution of periodic-like, intermediate, and normal breathing patterns in the analyzed signals. The proposed methodology was validated employing k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) and UMAP (uniform manifold approximation and projection). The presented approach applied to respiratory pattern evaluation shows that median accuracies in a considerable number of cases exceeded 0.75. Overall, parameters related to signal analysis are indicated as more important than anthropomorphic features. It was also found that obesity characterized by a high WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) and male sex were predisposing factors for the occurrence of periodic-like or intermediate patterns of respiration. It may be among the essential findings derived from this study. Based on classification measures, it may be observed that a physician may use such a methodology as a respiratory pattern evaluation-aided method.