Constructive Approach Research Articles

Fuzzy implications-based transformation approaches from semi-three-way decision spaces to three-way decision spaces and their applications

Three-way decision spaces, as an important component of three-way decisions, greatly enrich their theoretical development and application prospects. Meanwhile, fuzzy implications, as a vital class of fuzzy logic connectives, have made great contributions to the solution of practical problems, especially complex decision-making problems. This paper considers the collaborative effect of the two, which inject new vitality into the theoretical development and application prospects of fuzzy implications and three-way decision spaces. As a vital component of three-way decision spaces, (semi-)decision evaluation functions have been widely studied based on fuzzy logic connectives and become a research hotspot. Specifically, this paper focuses on fuzzy implications-based transformation approaches from semi-three-way decision spaces to three-way decision spaces and their applications. Firstly, we present some novel fuzzy implications-based transformation approaches from semi-decision evaluation functions to decision evaluation functions, and construction approaches of semi-decision evaluation functions involving the existing semi-decision evaluation functions, fuzzy sets, interval-valued fuzzy sets and fuzzy relations. Secondly, we discuss the relationship between our approaches and the known construction approaches of three-way decision spaces. Notably, our approaches cover all existing approaches except the uninorms-based approaches. Finally, by the experiment results, we obtain our approaches are feasible, effective, superior to the known three-way decision spaces approaches and have good anti-noise ability. And, the parameter ρ of our approaches is also effective and stable.

A constructive approach to strategy game map generation

Designing strategy games poses unique challenges due to the complicated nature of the genre where balancing game elements is a major concern. Maps in strategy games commonly contain elements such as resources to gather and buildings with different capabilities, playing a crucial role in the game life cycle. Resource and base placements must be done carefully. It is difficult to design maps manually and even harder to design multiple variations. This study presents a method for procedurally creating strategy game maps. A strategy game was developed and used as a test-bed for the study. A constructive approach is followed in the main steps of the algorithm design and a novel procedural noise function is used together with a uniform stratified sampling method to create and distribute the resources. Then eligible base locations are detected and scored according to a fitness function that defines how favorable a location is. These scores are used to place bases appropriately. The algorithm is evaluated using simulations and a small-scale user study is conducted at the end. The proposed method is capable of creating playable, diverse, and fair maps and is fast enough to work at runtime.

Hierarchical clustering algorithm to generate ontology network

Ontologies have played a crucial role in addressing challenges related to knowledge modeling, artificial intelligence, clustering, and classification. Within the realm of web services, ontologies primarily serve to describe web service interfaces, facilitating the automation of functional processes, particularly to guide the registers in discovering services. Enriching this model with a shared ontology (knowledge base) can improve the efficiency of web services technology by guiding web services processes. This shared ontology plays the role of intermediary between queries and registries, and can be shared between different registries. However, manually constructing ontologies is a labor-intensive and expensive endeavor, necessitating domain expertise. Automatic ontology construction approaches present compelling alternatives, offering advantages in terms of both time and financial costs. In this article, we advocate for the utilization of the Hierarchical Clustering algorithm to generate an ontological network (Service Ontology (SO)) from a semantic web services corpus. Experimental validations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

Allosteric propagation of curvature along filament

Abstract Can a filament transmit the curvatures across the constituting modules and control them at one of its ends? Inspired by the observation of protofilament —a constituent biopolymer of microtubules— this question is addressed by a constructive approach. In our model a simple allosteric element in each module couples with the neighboring modules at its interfaces, which gives rise to a single degree of freedom to control the global shape of the filament. The model can be analyzed in analogy with discrete-time dynamical systems having a bifurcation of transcritical type.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG VACCINE-ELIGIBLE SELECTED RESIDENTS OF DHAKA CITY

Introduction: An outbreak of a COVID-19 pandemic disease, caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, had posed a serious threat to global human health. Bangladesh has also come under the attack of this viral disease. This study aimed to discover knowledge and attitudes towards several approved vaccines to tackle COVID-19 among vaccine-eligible residents of Dhaka city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over three months from December 2021 to February 2022 among adults aged 18 years and above eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 who resided in Dhaka City. A sample size of 270 participants was selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Results: Results show that the majority of the participants were Muslims (88.15%) and between the ages of 18 and 27 (60.4%), had completed their Higher Secondary Certificate or graduation (88.15%). Among 270 participants, the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered to 236 respondents of which Sino pharm (41.5%) was mostly administered. 99.62% reported knowing COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusion: This study depicted a constructive approach among the vaccine-eligible residents of Dhaka City towards the COVID-19 vaccination. It is concluded that the understanding of people’s perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine would provide a tool to improve strategies to limit its transmission.

A sustainable recycling approach for construction: A case of remanufacturing waste rebar into steel nails

Minimizing waste in the construction industry provides economic and environmental benefits. Since steel has high embodied energy and many applications, recycling rebar waste contributes to a circular economy. This study proposes remanufacturing rebar into nails as a valuable by-product. In an experimental case-study to prove the technical feasibility of the process, short pieces of rebar waste were stripped to remove the ribs, welded into a coil, drawn to reduce the diameter, and formed into nails. The costs and technology of four alternative remanufacturing process portfolios were analyzed, giving an average profit of 576 USD/t of waste rebar. A cement consumption database was constructed based on literature data and regression analysis was applied to analyze the consumption of concrete and new rebar. The potential rebar waste was calculated assuming 3 %, 5 %, 8 %, or 10 % of the total new rebar consumption. Cement consumption data at the global and country scales were used to calculate the consumption rates of new and waste rebar to derive profit–remanufacturing potential curves. Regression analysis of these curves was performed to determine the economic sustainability degree of satisfaction (DSes). A second approach to find DSes applied regression analysis to the remanufacturing profits for the four rates of rebar waste together. The mean DSes values (0.62–0.87) and economic sustainability index (0.33) exceed the literature threshold of 0.6 and 0.26, respectively, indicating that remanufacturing rebar waste into steel nails is an economically sustainable business. The nails can be used in the construction industry to contribute to a circular economy, thereby reducing the environmental impact of steel waste and the production of new steel nails. The overall sustainability was considered by introducing Okun's Law to ensure that profitability is not achieved at the expense of development, and weighting the importance of economic sustainability based on literature averages. Rebar is used as a standard construction material globally, so these findings have broad significance. The proposed remanufacturing process is especially relevant for less-developed economies with higher rebar waste rates to stimulate small businesses and a circular construction industry.

Optimising CNT-FET biosensor design through modelling of biomolecular electrostatic gating and its application to β-lactamase detection

Carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNT-FET) hold great promise as next generation miniaturised biosensors. One bottleneck is modelling how proteins, with their distinctive electrostatic surfaces, interact with the CNT-FET to modulate conductance. Using advanced sampling molecular dynamics combined with non-canonical amino acid chemistry, we model protein electrostatic potential imparted on single walled CNTs (SWCNTs). We focus on using β-lactamase binding protein (BLIP2) as the receptor as it binds the antibiotic degrading enzymes, β-lactamases (BLs). BLIP2 is attached via the single selected residue to SWCNTs using genetically encoded phenyl azide photochemistry. Our devices detect two different BLs, TEM-1 and KPC-2, with each BL generating distinct conductance profiles due to their differing surface electrostatic profiles. Changes in conductance match the model electrostatic profile sampled by the SWCNTs on BL binding. Thus, our modelling approach combined with residue-specific receptor attachment could provide a general approach for systematic CNT-FET biosensor construction.

Scrutinize progressive approach in construction of micro/nano 3D networks

Scrutinize progressive approach in construction of micro/nano 3D networks

Visible-NIR responsive Ag2O couple with MIL-53(Fe) on CS as S-scheme photocatalyst for efficient simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and norfloxacin

This study addresses the urgent need to develop easily recoverable and efficient photocatalysts for the treatment of compound polluted wastewater. Herein, S-scheme MIL-53(Fe)/Ag2O heterojunctions on a charcoal sponge (CS) were constructed by solvothermal-chemical precipitation method, exhibiting high separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers and reduction–oxidation (REDOX) capacity. The synthesized CS/MIL-53(Fe)/Ag2O was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS, confirming the successful deposition and uniform distribution of MIL-53(Fe) and Ag2O nanoparticles on CS. Moreover, CS/MIL-53(Fe)/Ag2O exhibits an extensive light absorption range from visible to near-infrared (NIR) light, thereby significantly enhancing its photocatalytic activity. In present of H2O2, CS/MIL-53(Fe)/Ag2O demonstrated outstanding removal efficacy of norfloxacin (NFX, 96 %, pH=7) or Cr(VI) (100 %, pH=3) through the photocatalytic-Fenton reaction, which was notably superior to that of CS/MIL-53(Fe) (50.4 % NFX, 56.8 % Cr(VI)) and CS/Ag2O (44.3 % NFX, 38 % Cr(VI)). Importantly, when CS/MIL-53(Fe)/Ag2O was used to treat combined polluted wastewater containing both Cr(VI) and NFX, the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) and NFX showed a significant synergistic effect. Additionally, inhibition zone tests demonstrated that the toxicity of NFX intermediates to E. coli gradually decreased as the degradation of NFX progressed. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculation and relevant characterization were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism of S-scheme heterojunctions, highlighting the enhanced separation rate of photo-induced carriers and REDOX capability. This work not only offers a promising approach for construction of MOF-based S-scheme semiconductor heterojunctions, but also presents promising prospects for the purification of compound polluted wastewater containing norfloxacin and Cr(VI).

The role of phagocytic cells in aging: insights from vertebrate and invertebrate models.

While the main role of phagocytic scavenger cells consists of the neutralization and elimination of pathogens, they also keep the body fluids clean by taking up and breaking down waste material. Since a build-up of waste is thought to contribute to the aging process, these cells become particularly pertinent in the research field of aging. Nevertheless, a direct link between their scavenging functions and the aging process has yet to be established. Integrative approaches involving various model organisms hold promise to elucidate this potential, but are lagging behind since the diversity and evolutionary relationship of these cells across animal species remain unclear. In this perspective, we review the current knowledge associating phagocytic scavenger cells with aging in vertebrate and invertebrate animals, as well as put forward important questions for further exploration. Additionally, we highlight future challenges and propose a constructive approach for tackling them.

HSC-RSW with laterally installed XADAS dampers: Seismic performance

This study investigates the seismic behavior of high-strength concrete (HSC) rocking shear walls (RSW) equipped with X-shape Adding Damping and Stiffness (XADAS) dampers installed perpendicular to the wall via brackets. Unlike previous studies where dampers are integrated along the wall length, this research leverages the advantages of HSC to minimize sectional dimensions while employing laterally installed XADAS dampers to enhance the cyclic response, yielding flag-shaped hysteresis curves. The alignment angle of the XADAS dampers is also considered a crucial variable in assessing the overall seismic performance of the proposed HSC-RSW system. A novel constructional approach using brackets to install lateral XADAS dampers is implemented. Post-tensioning (PT) forces are applied as consistent axial strains in cables, achieved through predefined cable support displacements. A macro-FEM model is developed to validate the chosen experimental reference test and is subsequently used for further parametric studies. The parametric studies indicate that increasing concrete compressive strength (CCS) enhances the self-centering capability by reducing RSW strains and facilitating rocking. Additionally, incorporating XADAS dampers into the system improves energy dissipation, with a zero-degree alignment angle identified as optimal. Notably, the modeled HSC-RSW systems exhibit limited drift capacity (less than 2 %) compared to normal strength concrete (NSC)-RSW systems, where wall toes are conventionally prone to crushing.

Facile Splint-Free Circularization of ssDNA with T4 DNA Ligase by Redesigning the Linear Substrate to Form an Intramolecular Dynamic Nick.

The efficient preparation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) rings, as a macromolecular construction approach with topological features, has aroused much interest due to the ssDNA rings' numerous applications in biotechnology and DNA nanotechnology. However, an extra splint is essential for enzymatic circularization, and by-products of multimers are usually present at high concentrations. Here, we proposed a simple and robust strategy using permuted precursor (linear ssDNA) for circularization by forming an intramolecular dynamic nick using a part of the linear ssDNA substrate itself as the template. After the simulation of the secondary structure for desired circular ssDNA, the linear ssDNA substrate is designed to have its ends on the duplex part (≥5 bp). By using this permuted substrate with 5'-phosphate, the splint-free circularization is simply carried out by T4 DNA ligase. Very interestingly, formation of only several base pairs (2-4) flanking the nick is enough for ligation, although they form only instantaneously under ligation conditions. More significantly, the 5-bp intramolecular duplex part commonly exists in genomes or functional DNA, demonstrating the high generality of our approach. Our findings are also helpful for understanding the mechanism of enzymatic DNA ligation from the viewpoint of substrate binding.

Fast and precise multi-site mutagenesis on linear DNA fragments

The effectiveness and scalability of site-directed mutagenesis are constrained by the limited number of mutations and the intricate cloning process required for isolation of the target sequence. Here, we present a method for precise introduction of multiple non-contiguous mutations. The mutant strands are collected through one specially designed magnetic bead separation in alkaline conditions, efficiently removing their complementary partner strands with the original sequences. In a proof-of-concept test, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) was simultaneously mutated in 1–3 specific amino acids, successfully shifting its fluorescence spectrum. The precise mutation rates for single-, double- and triple-site mutations reached 100%, 76% and 70%, respectively. This multiple non-contiguous mutagenesis method may offer a fast and cost-effective approach for customizable construction of gene library.

Biogas potential of organosolv pretreated wheat straw as mono and co-substrate: substrate synergy and microbial dynamics

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can potentially address the gap between energy demand and supply playing a crucial role in the production of sustainable energy from utilization of biogenic waste materials as feedstock. The biogas production from anaerobic digestion is primarily influenced by the chemical compositions and biodegradability of the feedstock. Organosolv-steam explosion offers a constructive approach as a promising pretreatment method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomasses delivering high cellulose content.This study showed how synergetic co-digestion serves to overcome the challenges of mono-digestion's low efficiency. Particularly, the study evaluated the digestibility of organosolv-steam pretreated wheat straw (WSOSOL) in mono as well as co-digesting substrate with cheese whey (CW) and brewery spent grains (BSG). The highest methane yield was attained with co-digestion of WSOSOL + CW (338 mL/gVS) representing an enhanced biogas output of 1–1.15 times greater than its mono digestion. An ammonium production was favored under co-digestion strategy accounting for 921 mg/L from WSOSOL + BSG. Metagenomic study was conducted to determine the predominant bacteria and archaea, as well as its variations in their populations and their functional contributions during the AD process. The Firmicutes have been identified as playing a significant role in the hydrolysis process and the initial stages of AD. An enrichment of the most prevalent archaea genera enriched were Methanobacterium, Methanothrix, and Methanosarsina. Reactors digesting simpler substrate CW followed the acetoclastic, while digesting more complex substrates like BSG and WSOSOL followed the hydrogenotrophic pathway for biomethane production. To regulate the process for an enhanced AD process to maximize CH4, a comprehensive understanding of microbial communities is beneficial.

Management training programs in healthcare: effectiveness factors, challenges and outcomes

BackgroundDifferent professionals working in healthcare organizations (e.g., physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, biologists, engineers, etc.) must be able to properly manage scarce resources to meet increasingly complex needs and demands. Due to the lack of specific courses in curricular university education, particularly in the field of medicine, management training programs have become an essential element in preparing health professionals to cope with global challenges. This study aims to examine factors influencing the effectiveness of management training programs and their outcomes in healthcare settings, at middle-management level, in general and by different groups of participants: physicians and non-physicians, participants with or without management positions.MethodsA survey was used for gathering information from a purposive sample of professionals in the healthcare field attending management training programs in Italy. Factor analysis, a set of ordinal logistic regressions and an unpaired two-sample t-test were used for data elaboration.ResultsThe findings show the importance of diversity of pedagogical approaches and tools and debate, and class homogeneity, as effectiveness factors. Lower competencies held before the training programs and problems of dialogue and discussion during the course are conducive to innovative practice introduction. Interpersonal and career outcomes are greater for those holding management positions.ConclusionsThe study reveals four profiles of participants with different gaps and needs. Training programs should be tailored based on participants’ profiles, in terms of pedagogical approaches and tools, and preserve class homogeneity in terms of professional backgrounds and management levels to facilitate constructive dialogue and solution finding approach.

Police coercive actions and citizen complaints: a comparison of NYPD precincts

PurposeThis study explores the influence of police coercive actions during Stop, Question, and Frisk (SQF) encounters on citizen complaints of police misconduct in 76 precincts in New York City.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from NYPD's SQF reports, Citizen Complaint Review Board, and demographic measures, the analysis focuses on specific coercive actions (frisk, search, summons, physical force, and arrest) and their association with citizen complaints (excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, and offensive language).FindingsBivariate and multivariate analyses revealed frequent lower-level coercive actions, such as frisks and summons, are linked to increased citizen complaints. Surprisingly, higher levels of coercive actions involving force and arrests do not substantially impact complaints, challenging conventional assumptions.Practical implicationsThe research underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and positive police-community relations. Addressing precinct-specific characteristics influencing the relationship between coercive actions and citizen complaints is crucial for fostering a more constructive and accountable policing approach in New York City precincts.Originality/valueThis study challenges assumptions by providing a distinctive perspective on the impact of police coercive actions during SQF encounters on citizen complaints. The unexpected finding that higher levels of coercive actions, typically involving force and arrests, do not substantially impact complaints contributes to the discourse on police-community interactions, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship between specific coercive actions and citizen complaints.

A framework for extending co-creative communication models to sustainability research.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a challenge due to their potential for conflicting objectives, which hinders their effective implementation. In order to address the complexity of sustainability issues, a framework capable of capturing the specificity of diverse sustainability issues while offering a common methodology applicable across contexts is required. Co-creative communication can be regarded as a key source of uncertainty within functional systems, as it can be instrumental in realizing and sustaining sustainability. In this regard, the studies in Constructive approaches to Co-creative Communication (CCC), particularly those employing artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies such as computational social science and innovation studies, hold significant value for both theoretical and applied sustainability research. However, existing CCC frameworks cannot be directly applied to sustainability research. This work bridges this gap by proposing a framework that outlines a general approach to establishing formalized definitions of sustainability from the lens of communication. This approach enables the direct application of CCC models to sustainability studies. The framework is based on systems theory and the methodologies of artificial intelligence, including computational/symbolic modeling and formal methods. This framework emphasizes the social function of co-creative communication and the interaction between the innovation process and the sustainability of the system. It can be concluded that the application of our framework enables the achievements of CCC to be directly applied to sustainability research. Researchers from different disciplines are therefore able to establish their own specific definitions of sustainability, which are tailored to their particular concerns. Our framework lays the groundwork for future sustainability studies that employs CCC, facilitating the integration of CCC insights into sustainability research and application. The outcomes of computational creativity research based on AI technologies, such as distributed artificial intelligence and self-organizing networks, can deepen the understanding of sustainability mechanisms and drive their practical applications. Furthermore, the functional role of co-creative communication in societal sustainability proposed in this work offers a novel perspective for future discussions on the evolutionary adaptation of co-creative communication.

Soft System Methodology (SSM) Dalam Menganalisa Strategi Dan Inovasi Perusahaan Real Estat Developer Untuk Menghadapi Perubahan Tren Pada Pusat Perbelanjaan

Shopping Centres are currently facing several problems in connection with the changing trends in their tenants, including anchor tenants who are radically changing and transforming. This research combines a qualitative - constructive approach with the Soft System Model (SSM) method. This choice is based on the ability of the SSM method to help researchers find and understand actual problems related to strategy modelling and innovation.. The trends experienced by real estate - retail business players in 2024 present challenges and opportunities for Developers and Shopping Centre Managers. By understanding these trends and adapting to the evolving market, they can position themselves for success in a competitive and dynamic retail landscape. Developers can focus on three strategic priorities: Reshaping the role of Shopping Centres to serve multiple purposes, Driving greater adjustments in tenancy mix, Developing new leasing models that capture the value derived from new business models.

Application of Bottom Ash with Hydrated Lime in Pavement SubgradeConstruction

Introduction: A structurally strong subgrade is always desirable in pavement construction so as to provide a resilient and durable foundation for the subsequent pavement layers for adequate performance under the given traffic load/volume and environmental conditions. Emphasizing the increased awareness for effective waste recycling and demand for a sustainable construction approach, re-utilizing industrial wastes in pavement subgrade construction can be a viable option. The potential re-utilization of bottom ash (BA), an incombustible by-product generated in huge quantities from coal combustion in thermal power plants, in replacing natural soil in the subgrade construction of pavements will not only limit the extent of disturbance to ecological balance through over-utilization of natural soil but also open an avenue for the reuse of bottom ash. Method: In this study, an effort was made to study the possible use of different percentage replacement of BA (0 to 60% with an increment of 15%) with natural soil with and without hydrated lime (5% by weight of soil-bottom ash mix) for applications in road subgrade. Laboratory investigations were conducted for basic soil characteristics, compaction properties, and strength evaluation through California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. Result: The addition of 5% lime to the soil-bottom ash mixes decreased the plasticity index significantly. The highest MDD and the lowest OMC were found in soil with 45% bottom ash. The CBR results of control soil increased from 6.3% to 137.7% for soil-bottom ash mix containing 45% bottom ash and 5% hydrated lime, and the same combination showed a 104% increase in UCS. Conclusion: The observed results indicated that the coupled behavior of the bottom ash and hydrated lime treatment has effectively increased the soil's compaction and mechanical strength and its suitability for use in road subgrade construction.

Unveiling hidden connections in omics data via pyPARAGON: an integrative hybrid approach for disease network construction.

Network inference or reconstruction algorithms play an integral role in successfully analyzing and identifying causal relationships between omics hits for detecting dysregulated and altered signaling components in various contexts, encompassing disease states and drug perturbations. However, accurate representation of signaling networks and identification of context-specific interactions within sparse omics datasets in complex interactomes pose significant challenges in integrative approaches. To address these challenges, we present pyPARAGON (PAgeRAnk-flux on Graphlet-guided network for multi-Omic data integratioN), a novel tool that combines network propagation with graphlets. pyPARAGON enhances accuracy and minimizes the inclusion of nonspecific interactions in signaling networks by utilizing network rather than relying on pairwise connections among proteins. Through comprehensive evaluations on benchmark signaling pathways, we demonstrate that pyPARAGON outperforms state-of-the-art approaches in node propagation and edge inference. Furthermore, pyPARAGON exhibits promising performance in discovering cancer driver networks. Notably, we demonstrate its utility in network-based stratification of patient tumors by integrating phosphoproteomic data from 105 breast cancer tumors with the interactome and demonstrating tumor-specific signaling pathways. Overall, pyPARAGON is a novel tool for analyzing and integrating multi-omic data in the context of signaling networks. pyPARAGON is available at https://github.com/netlab-ku/pyPARAGON.