Ambiguity In Definition Research Articles

Video anomaly detection with spatio-temporal dissociation

Anomaly detection in videos remains a challenging task due to the ambiguous definition of anomaly and the complexity of visual scenes from real video data. Different from the previous work which utilizes reconstruction or prediction as an auxiliary task to learn the temporal regularity, in this work, we explore a novel convolution autoencoder architecture that can dissociate the spatio-temporal representation to separately capture the spatial and the temporal information, since abnormal events are usually different from the normality in appearance and/or motion behavior. Specifically, the spatial autoencoder models the normality on the appearance feature space by learning to reconstruct the input of the first individual frame (FIF), while the temporal part takes the first four consecutive frames as the input and the RGB difference as the output to simulate the motion of optical flow in an efficient way. The abnormal events, which are irregular in appearance or in motion behavior, lead to a large reconstruction error. To improve detection performance on fast moving outliers, we exploit a variance-based attention module and insert it into the motion autoencoder to highlight large movement areas. In addition, we propose a deep K-means cluster strategy to force the spatial and the motion encoder to extract a compact representation. Extensive experiments on some publicly available datasets have demonstrated the effectiveness of our method which achieves the state-of-the-art performance. The code is publicly released at the link11https://github.com/ChangYunPeng/VideoAnomalyDetection.

Vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure: a review of the literature.

Surgical treatment of the transverse colon is difficult because of the many variations of blood vessels. We reviewed the patterns of vascular anatomy and the definition of the vessels around the splenic flexure. We searched the PubMed database for studies on the vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure that were published from January 1990 to October 2020. After screening of full texts, 33 studies were selected. The middle colic arteries were reported to arise independently without forming a common trunk in 8.9-33.3% of cases. The left colic artery was absent in 0-7.5% of cases. The accessory middle colic artery was present in 6.7-48.9% of cases and was present in > 80% of cases without a left colic artery. The reported frequency of Riolan's arch was 7.5-27.8%. The frequency was found to vary widely across studies, partially due to the ambiguous definition of Riolan's arch. A comprehensive preoperative knowledge of the branching patterns of the middle colic artery and left colic artery and the presence of collateral arteries would be helpful in surgery for colon cancer in the splenic flexure.

Does high adherence to contact precautions lead to low in-hospital transmission of multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms in the endemic setting?

Conflicting results have been published on the impact of contact precautions (CPs) on reduction of transmission of multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms (MDROs) in the endemic setting. Ambiguous definitions coupled with low adherence partly explain these differences. We prospectively monitored the level of adherence to CPs and aimed to relate it to in-hospital transmission of MDROs. Between January 2016 and March 2018, all patients under CPs underwent continuous monitoring of adherence to CPs by routine on-site visits on days 0, 3 and 7 after initiating CPs using a standardized checklist. The protocol included 10 interventions that were routinely checked such as CP sign at the door as well as wearing of gowns and gloves upon entry to the patient room. Patients requiring CPs were defined as colonized or infected with MDROs (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), non-Escherichia coli extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) Enterobacterales, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative micro-organisms (CRGN)) as well as patients infected with respiratory viruses, norovirus, scabies and hypervirulent strains of Clostridioides difficile. Overall, data from 13,756 CP records from 1378 visits of 812 patients were analysed. Adherence varied between 93% and 100% for each intervention, except for "separate space for contaminated material" with an adherence of 5.3-6.1%. The incidence of in-hospital transmission during the study period was extremely low for MRSA, VRE, non-E.coli ESBL Enterobacterales and CRGN with 0.00-0.064 cases/1000 patient days. High adherence coupled with continuous monitoring of CPs correlated with a very low in-hospital transmission rate. These results indicate that CPs are highly effective if routine monitoring of adherence is implemented.

Defining cyberwar: towards a definitional framework

ABSTRACT For nearly thirty years scholars have offered changing definitions of cyberwar. The continued ambiguity demonstrates that efforts at establishing definitional clarity have not been successful. As a result, there are many different and contradictory definitions, ranging from cyberwar’s non-existence to cyberwar as an imminent threat. Ongoing definitional ambiguity makes interdisciplinary research and policy communications challenging in this diverse field. Instead of offering a new definition, this paper proposes that cyberwar can be understood through a fluid framework anchored in three themes and five variables identified in a broad interdisciplinary survey of literature. This framework's applicability is demonstrated by constructing an example definition of cyberwar utilising these themes and variables.

On emergence in service platforms: An application to P2P lending

Three critical barriers limit the development of knowledge about service platforms today: ambiguous definitions of what service platforms entail, overemphasis of a digital artifact, and the a-priori assumption that an established and mature service platform exists. The logics, mechanisms, and implications associated with the initial development, subsequent transformation, and evolution of service platforms throughout their lifetime are therefore poorly understood. To address these challenges, we use complex systems theory to reconceptualize service platforms as complex adaptive systems and delineate three distinct order levels of emergence in service platforms: first-order, second-order, and third-order emergence. Contextualized for peer-to-peer lending platforms, our study contributes new knowledge of the systemic dynamics of service platforms at different moments in time – initial formation or assemblage, functioning, and evolution, while also identifying and discussing mechanisms that propitiate emergence.

A critical note on filtering-face-piece filtration efficiency determination applying EN 149

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, filtering-face-pieces and their certification get great attention from society. The determination of total filtration efficiency according to DIN EN 149/DIN EN 13274-7 (European standard for FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks) has several drawbacks, making reliable certification of filtering-face-pieces difficult. This note analyses two of these drawbacks, namely the ambiguous definition of the total filtration efficiency and the broad range of the test aerosol particle size distributions allowed. The range of total filtration efficiency values for individual masks resulting from rather wide or missing specifications in the standard is calculated using size resolved penetration curves of 11 FFP2 masks from literature and 11 FFP2 masks from own measurements. From the 22 FFP2 masks regarded in this analysis, two would either pass or fail certification in dependence of the applied definition of the total filtration efficiency and the test aerosol applied.

Assessment in education: Current trends, problems and contradictions (review of scientific publications)

Introduction. Modern views on the goals and content of education around the world are changing the viewpoints on educational assessment: the goals and functions of assessment are expanded, new assessment forms and tools are being introduced, the roles of students and teachers in assessment practice are revised. Global trends in educational assessment are reflected in national education systems, many of which have made the transition to criteria-based assessment. This process is accompanied by a rapid increase in the volume of scientific and methodological publications on this issue, reducing the ability of scientists and practising educators to comprehend the cumulative evidence in this area of research, which is important at the stage of reform. The solution to this problem can be facilitated by an analytical review of sources, representing a generalisation of international experience in the development of educational assessment.Aim. Based on the analysis of scientific publications, the current research is aimed to comprehend and generalise the current trends prevailing in the world theory and practice of assessment of student learning outcomes, to identify problems and contradictions as a potential basis for the occurrence of risks in assessment practices, to determine the current research directions towards the improvement of assessment in education.Methodology and research methods. The scientific papers of the last thirty years, revealing the issues of the education process assessment, have been used in the research. Sources were selected through the methods of descriptive and bibliometric analysis. The comparative and aspect-based analyses were employed in the research.Results. The wide range of assessment goals confirms the significance of the assessment as the education component; however, it results in some contradictions between the goals, which appear in estimated dichotomies: formative and summative assessment, norm-based and criteria-based assessment. Despite the contrapositive between the formative and summa-tive assessments, the analysis conducted shows the necessity of their integration. The variety of theoretical approaches to the interpretation of assessment forms, the ambiguous definition and use of terminology, the multiplicity of criteria-based assessment models, qualitatively different approaches to the development of criteria and the creation of assessment rubrics on their basis are sources of risks in the practice of educational assessment. In addition, an obstacle to ensuring effective assessment of students’ educational achievements is the insufficient level of competence of teachers as assessors, the unpreparedness of students themselves to take responsibility for the results of their learning.Scientific novelty. From a critical standpoint, the ideas are presented and the results of discussions on the problems of assessing the educational results of students in scientific sources are summarised. The analysis performed can serve as a basis for further research to build an ordered theoretical framework for assessment in education.Practical significance. An analysis of the pros and cons of international experience in the field of educational assessment can help scientists and practising teachers gain a more objective view of new approaches to the assessment of student learning outcomes, thereby contributing to the minimisation of the manifestation of possible risks in the development of assessment tools and procedures and their implementation in educational practice.

Measuring partnership synergy and functioning: Multi-stakeholder collaboration in primary health care.

In primary health care, multi-stakeholder partnerships between clinicians, policy makers, academic representatives and other stakeholders to improve service delivery are becoming more common. Literature on processes and approaches that enhance partnership effectiveness is growing. However, evidence on the performance of the measures of partnership functioning and the achievement of desired outcomes is still limited, due to the field’s definitional ambiguity and the challenges inherent in measuring complex and evolving collaborative processes. Reliable measures are needed for external or self-assessment of partnership functioning, as intermediate steps in the achievement of desired outcomes. We adapted the Partnership Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT) and distributed it to multiple stakeholders within five partnerships in Canada and Australia. The instrument contained a number of partnership functioning sub-scales. New sub-scales were developed for the domains of communication and external environment. Partnership synergy was assessed using modified Partnership Synergy Processes and Partnership Synergy Outcomes sub-scales, and a combined Partnership Synergy scale. Ranking by partnership scores was compared with independent ranks based on a qualitative evaluation of the partnerships’ development. 55 (90%) questionnaires were returned. Our results indicate that the instrument was capable of discriminating between different levels of dimensions of partnership functioning and partnership synergy even in a limited sample. The sub-scales were sufficiently reliable to have the capacity to discriminate between individuals, and between partnerships. There was negligible difference in the correlations between different partnership functioning dimensions and Partnership Synergy sub-scales. The Communication and External Environment sub-scales did not perform well metrically. The adapted partnership assessment tool is suitable for assessing the achievement of partnership synergy and specific indicators of partnership functioning. Further development of Communication and External Environment sub-scales is warranted. The instrument could be applied to assess internal partnership performance on key indicators across settings, in order to determine if the collaborative process is working well.

The Jevons paradox unravelled: A multi-level typology of rebound effects and mechanisms

Literature on the rebound phenomenon has grown significantly over the last decade. However, the field is characterized by diverse and ambiguous definitions and by substantial discrepancies in empirical estimates and policy proposals. As a result, cumulative knowledge production is difficult. To address these issues, this article develops a novel typology. Based on a critical review of existing classifications, the typology introduces an important differentiation between the rebound mechanisms, which generate changes in energy consumption, and the rebound effects, which describe the size of such changes. Both rebound mechanisms and rebound effects can be analytically related to four economic levels – micro, meso, macro and global – and two time frames – short run and long run. The typology is populated with eighteen rebound mechanisms from the literature. This contribution is the first that transparently describes its criteria and methodology for developing a rebound typology and that gives clear definitions of all terms involved. The resulting rebound typology aims to establish common conceptual ground for future research on the rebound phenomenon and for developing rebound mitigation policies.

Challenges in Applying Higher Order Thinking Skills Assessment in the Teaching of Arabic in Indonesia

One of the teachers’ responsibilities in the teaching and learning process is to conduct assessments. The main purpose of assessment is to understand students’ learning outcomes. Based on the outcomes, teachers can give feedback to improve the planning and the implementation of the teaching process and to determine the quality of the assessment instrument. The Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based assessment is urgently needed in schools to produce competitive graduates who have the critical thinking, communicative, collaborative, and creative skills. However, there are some challenges in the implementation of HOTS-based assessment, such as students’ low motivation and Arabic competence, ambiguous definitions of basic competencies in the curriculum, and lack of HOTS materials in textbooks. These challenges can be solved by making an acquisition-based learning of Arabic, reconstructing the descriptions of basic competence, and adapting HOTS-based assessment which is in line with the students’ ability.
 Keywords: challenges, HOTS, Arabic teaching, solutions

The study of a Christian 12-Step Program for Christian Smartphone-Addicted Adolescents: A Biblical Perspective.

The aim of this study was to explore the suitability of a Christian 12-step program based on a biblical perspective for smartphone-addicted adolescents. The study found that "repentance" and "realizing ones' calling" were the main similarities between the 12-step program's core principles and biblical themes. Based on a biblical analysis the 12 step program however features some limitations, including an ambiguous definition of the "great power", a superficial understanding of sin, and a need to consider adolescents' characteristics. This study suggests the following strategies: (1) diagnosis of adolescents' image of God and transformation of this image into a biblical image of God, (2) intervention regarding sin through a holistic perspective, (3) adolescents' recognition of their own calling, and (4) an adult counselor working to trigger social learning in 12 steps. Finally, for application within Christian counselling, the study suggests a cognitive therapeutic approach based on a biblical image of God and a systematic evaluative process of sin in addicted adolescents.

Looking at the Gig Picture: Defining Gig Work and Explaining Profile Differences in Gig Workers’ Job Demands and Resources

Gig workers are a growing portion of the workforce and of increased interest to researchers. Recent reports suggest one in four workers is involved in gig work to some extent. Additionally, gig work has been a trending topic in organizational psychology for the past few years; however, our systematic literature review revealed the need for more attention to address definitional ambiguity and consider the intricacies of gig work. Specifically, this article identified the following gaps in the extant literature: the need for a comprehensive definition of gig work, the creation of profiles to differentiate gig workers, and the application of organizational psychology theories to explain gig workers’ experiences. This conceptual article addresses these gaps by providing clarity with a definition for gig work that captures both the primary (e.g., shared by all gig workers) and secondary (e.g., shared by some gig workers) characteristics of gig work. Further, this article describes five gig worker profiles (i.e., Gig Service Providers, Gig Goods Providers, Gig Data Providers, Agency Gig Workers, and Traditional Gig Workers) based on combinations of secondary characteristics to identify different types of gig work. Using the definition provided in this article and applying the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, propositions were developed to compare gig worker profiles based on the job demands and job resources they experience. Thus, this article serves as a foundation to advance the literature through a consistent definition of gig work that paves the way for future research to better understand gig workers through the JD-R model.

Fuzzy Factors and Asset Allocation

In this article, the authors discuss asset allocation through the factor exposure lens. They argue that a factor dimension brings novel challenges, including ambiguity in investor objectives, a multitude of suitable factor definitions, and the time-varying nature of asset/factor correlations. Such new classes of uncertainties do not fit neatly into the probabilistic framework that is at the core of modern portfolio theory. As a remedy, the authors suggest leveraging fuzzy set theory, which has been specifically created to deal with ambiguities in process objectives, component definitions, and relationships. The authors review basics of the theory, illustrate how to apply it to portfolio optimization problems, and discuss practical application of such a fuzzy asset allocation framework. <b>TOPICS:</b>Factor-based models, portfolio theory, quantitative methods <b>Key Findings</b> ▪ Most existing factor-based asset allocation frameworks imply quasi-deterministic linkage between assets and factors. At the same time, a broad body of evidence supports the existence of a broad-stroke relationship. ▪ Introducing factor considerations into portfolio construction also brings genuinely novel challenges, including vagueness of related investor objectives, time-varying asset/factor relationships, and ambiguity of factor definitions. ▪ We show that using the so-called fuzzy set theory may serve as a simple and entirely intuitive framework for accommodating such challenges. Fuzzy set theory was originally introduced in the 1960s and since then has grown into a well-developed branch of applied mathematics and artificial intelligence. We illustrate the basics of the theory and the benefits of applying it to both factor asset allocation tasks and portfolio construction problems more generally.

Different functional characteristics can explain different dimensions of plant invasion success

Abstract The success of invasive plant species can be evaluated using different dimensions, such as, range size, abundance and impact. These different dimensions do not always covary but are rarely separated, suggesting an urgency to disentangle the functional mechanisms behind them. A dataset of leaf traits and four dimensions of invasion success (i.e. range size, local abundance, impact on native plant abundance and impact on native plant diversity) were compiled for 395 non‐native plant species in the US and Europe. Associations among dimensions of invasion success and between leaf traits and dimensions were analysed with general linear models (LMs) and supplemented by phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models, which control for the phylogenetic relatedness across species. The pair‐wise associations between most pairs of invasion dimensions were weak or neutral. The only exception was the association between impact on native plant abundance and impact on native plant diversity, which was strongly positive. Traits of species that have large range sizes were associated with a high metabolic rate; whereas, traits of species that were abundant or had a strong impact at the local scale were associated with low metabolic rate. In addition, traits of species with a large range size or having strong impacts on native plant abundance were associated with acquisitive strategies; whereas, traits of species with a high local abundance or strong impacts on native plant diversity were associated with conservative strategies. Synthesis. Different dimensions of invasion success were associated with different functional traits. Invasion success at the regional scale was related to traits that promote rapid colonization; whereas, invasion success at the local scale was related to traits that are potentially less preferred by herbivores. Some locally successful invaders even possessed traits that facilitate a high stress tolerance and conservative strategy, which were similar to locally abundant native species. Therefore, an ambiguous definition of ‘invasion success’ in mechanism‐related studies may produce inconsistent or even controversial conclusions, highlighting the importance of separately studying different dimensions of invasion success.

Who Is a Hyperpolyglot?

Just what do we mean when we characterize someone as a “Hyperpolyglot”? This paper delves into the existing definitional ambiguities regarding the terminology of “Hyperpolyglot,” and argues that HYPIA’s formation has added greater clarity to the question through its membership process for hyperpolyglots around the world.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНІ АСПЕКТИ ТА ПРОБЛЕМИ ОБЛІКУ ФІНАНСОВИХ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The article is devoted to the study of organizational aspects and problems of accounting for financial performance of enterprises. Reliable calculation of the financial result of the enterprise – the key purpose of financial accounting. All accounting standards, both national and international, are aimed at determining the amount of profit. Recently, the role of the financial performance indicator of economic entities has changed. With the transition to a market economy qualitatively changes the terminological structure of this type of accounting group as profit. In this regard, there is a need to provide reliable information on the financial performance of economic entities. The essence of the financial result is one of the most important indicators of the enterprise. Approaches to the interpretation of the concept of “financial results” as an important aspect in the formation of the concept of systematization of financial results of the enterprise are studied. It is determined that understanding the essence of this category and making effective management decisions to further achieve high financial results – the main guarantee of increasing the efficiency of business organizations. Currently, the ambiguity of definitions and calculations of the financial result indicator creates difficulties in its understanding and analysis for users interested in reporting. The problematic issues of the organization of accounting of financial results are outlined. Existing problems of accounting for financial results need to be addressed immediately, as well as the development of various mechanisms that will facilitate the adaptation of enterprises to market changes, international standards and the needs of external and internal users to obtain real information about business results. Ways to improve the accounting of financial results are identified, which will provide information to internal users for their management decisions on the use of the obtained financial results for the reporting period. Based on the analysis of problematic issues of accounting for the object of accounting research, the priority tasks necessary for further improvement of accounting for financial performance of enterprises.

A strategic framework for resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure systems - an overview, modelling, design and assessment

In this paper, basic concepts of resilience, ecology and sustainability are introduced first. Then, associated performance metrics and interdependency of critical infrastructure systems are presented and discussed. Moreover, the importance of big data (BD) and data mining (DM), as emerging themes in this field, is discussed. Other relevant issues such as how to foster decision making and accountability to plan for any expansion in resilience services, resources, and the associated performance metrics and interdependency of critical infrastructure systems are presented. It is the recommendation of this study that due to the difficulty and complexity of resilience, and its definitional ambiguity, the ability to assess such a concept helps to bridge the gap between theory and application, and between the academic and the policy circles. A framework for creating resilient, ecological and sustainable infrastructure systems is also proposed, as a recommendation, in a more holistic and comprehensive way.

A strategic framework for resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure systems - an overview, modelling, design and assessment

In this paper, basic concepts of resilience, ecology and sustainability are introduced first. Then, associated performance metrics and interdependency of critical infrastructure systems are presented and discussed. Moreover, the importance of big data (BD) and data mining (DM), as emerging themes in this field, is discussed. Other relevant issues such as how to foster decision making and accountability to plan for any expansion in resilience services, resources, and the associated performance metrics and interdependency of critical infrastructure systems are presented. It is the recommendation of this study that due to the difficulty and complexity of resilience, and its definitional ambiguity, the ability to assess such a concept helps to bridge the gap between theory and application, and between the academic and the policy circles. A framework for creating resilient, ecological and sustainable infrastructure systems is also proposed, as a recommendation, in a more holistic and comprehensive way.

Meaning and Status of Health-related Quality of Life Recognized by Medical Professionals: a Qualitative Study.

BackgroundMedical professionals must maintain their health to provide quality medical care to patients safely. However, the health-related quality of life of medical professionals is a complex issue that currently lacks a standardized evaluation approach. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify their perceptions of the health-related quality of life of medical professionals and explore ways to measure their quality of life as accurately.MethodsThis study explored the subjective health status and well-being of Korean medical professionals by conducting three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 12 physicians and 6 nurses (November to December 2019). In the FGD, we elicited participants' opinions on existing health-related quality of life measurement tools. Also, we analyzed transcribed data through content analysis.ResultsParticipants in this study noted the ambiguity in the current definitions of health provided by the World Health Organization. They shared various problems of their health, mainly concerning fatigue and sleep disorders due to their work pattern. Also, participants shared anxiety, burden, and fear of negative consequences due to the complexity of their work. Participants voiced the necessity of a questionnaire on health-related quality of life that reflects the working lives of medical professionals.ConclusionMedical professionals in Korea were mainly criticizing about health-related quality of life problems caused by their work characteristics. The results of this study will provide valuable information for future health-related quality of life surveys targeting medical professionals in Korea, and also help to determine the method for monitoring the health-related quality of life for health professionals. In addition, the aspects and items identified by medical professionals as important for their health-related quality of life may be used as a basis for developing a new health-related quality of life measurement tools for medical professionals.

Could optimising periodontal health in expectant mothers reduce the risk of babies being born prematurely?

Data sources The systematic review has used various databases (EMBASE, Medline, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar), as well as hand searching, to collect its data sample. There is no mention of the authors' affiliations or any funding declaration. In addition, there is no mention of an information specialist/search strategist in the team. There is mention of two review authors who have been blinded to the authors of the studies, and their publication years, but there is no mention as to whether they could concur among themselves. In addition, they have mentioned a third expert when needed, but do not mention when or in what circumstance they were needed, as well as their credentials. This has the potential to introduce bias.Study selection The abstract analyses 31 studies, of which 20 met the quality assurance criteria. The papers searched for were those in both Spanish and English, which may potentially increase the number of relevant studies that contribute to data synthesis. The original searches identified 3,104 articles, yet the search strategy has not been adequately detailed by the authors; only a basic description of the type of phrases which were entered into the databases is provided. Table 1 clearly displays the databases and sources for the data collection, but it does not show how many papers were utilised from each database and there is no detail as to whether the search strategy was amended to align with the requirements of each database. A detailed strategy would be essential for transparency and reproducibility, and is a significant omission to the review. The authors have also observed that the literature search was performed in 2017 and the paper was published in 2018. However, the search strategies are only up until 2016, and due to this, there is potentially missing data from 2016-2018. In this missing data, one of the most important factors is the new international guidelines on periodontal disease diagnosis, which would have been instrumental in defining what the author describes as 'periodontitis'.Data extraction and synthesis This study excluded papers that used ambiguous definitions for periodontitis, but fails to define what 'ambiguous' means and what the criteria or diagnostic process were. In addition, the PRISMA diagram excludes studies that are 'short', with no mention of how this has been determined or justification for this exclusion. In addition, in the diagram, there is an incomplete sentence: 'Did not include a description of the...' - the description is incomplete and it is unclear what the authors were eluding to.Results Positive association does not equal causation and this is poorly defined. The results display an odds ratio of 2.01, 95% CI 1.81-2.36, which, if the methods were reproducible, would be a very statistically significant result.Conclusion Women with chronic periodontitis who are expecting children are at a twofold increase in the risk of their baby being born prematurely. Assessment of periodontal diseases in expectant mothers is not defined by professional consensus.