Desired Degree Research Articles

Degrees of Desirability

This paper investigates how colonial discourses in late 19th-century Cuba invoke discussion of racialized sexuality. I propose “degrees of desirability” as an analytical framework defined by culturally pervasive stereotypes and tropes regarding sexuality as a racialized unit of observation and operationalized through hierarchies against which Cuban women were measured. The term “degrees” signifies quantifiable differentiation or ‘Other-ness’ ascribed to non-White Cuban women, while “desirability” illustrates how colonial narratives objectified Cuban women sexually. Firstly, I analyze how these perspectives classified Cuban women along the axes of race and perceived exoticism, particularly in the contexts of colonial prostitution and conjugal relations. I will then present three distinct essays, each authored by a Spanish or American man contemporaneously, that converge in depicting the Mulatta as the most perplexing instance of established, rigid hierarchies. The Mulatta is characterized by her dual proximity to both Blackness and whiteness, navigating the sexual stereotypes associated with each. Thus, “degrees of desirability” is used to underscore colonial essentialisms regarding the race and sexual affect of Cuban women in this period.

A cross sectional study of role of technology in health for middle-aged and older adults in Singapore

Telemedicine has gained popularity due to the increasing use of technology in our lives. However, no studies have explored the demographic factors affecting acceptability, desirability and adherence (ADA) to telemedicine in Singapore. Our study aims to evaluate the level of ADA of telemedicine services within demographic factors and to explore the association of potential demographic factors with the degree of acceptability, desirability and adherence of telemedicine among older adults in Singapore. A cross-sectional study was conducted with Singapore citizens or permanent residents aged 40–99 years, who were able to provide informed consent. Interviewers conducted door-to-door surveys in 67 Blocks of Housing & Development Board flats in Singapore, offering a self-administered electronic questionnaire available in four languages. Random sampling without replacement determined the order of blocks, floors and units visited. The questionnaire utilised Qtelemediab scoring and covered sociodemographic data, usage of telemedicine, as well as ADA towards telemedicine. A total of 324 valid responses were analysed. Increased age was associated with a significant decrease across all three domains of ADA namely acceptability (β = − 0.02, 95%CI − 0.03; − 0.02, p-value = 0.002), desirability (β = − 0.02, 95%CI − 0.02; − 0.02, p-value < 0.001) and adherence (β = − 0.02, 95%CI − 0.03; − 0.0.02, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, lower education was associated with a decrease in all domains of ADA. Conversely, employment and increased household income were associated with higher ADA scores across all three domains. These associations were independent of gender, chronic health conditions and smoking history. Older participants with lower income and lesser education demonstrated lower levels of acceptability, desirability and adherence towards telemedicine. Our study highlights the importance of considering these factors in the implementation and promotion of telemedicine solutions.

The educational development of university teachers: mapping the landscape

This article presents the results of a scoping review designed to explore the current state of knowledge about the educational development of university teachers. More specifically, the study examined the definitions attributed to educational development, its aims, the factors that foster it and the variables studied in this field. A thematic analysis was conducted on 98 scholarly documents published between 2000 and 2022. The results indicate that the field of educational development is mainly characterized by ideological and political rather than scientific dimensions. Consequently, the focus is on desired changes in educational development, reflecting a high degree of desirability. Furthermore, the results highlight the individualistic nature of the starting point of professional learning process, suggesting that institutional conditions and resources should be adapted to accommodate the diversity of learning trajectories. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the complex landscape surrounding the educational development of university teachers, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches to promote teaching quality and professional development in the context of higher education.

Comparative evaluation of nebulized versus intravenous dexmedetomidine on intubating conditions during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation

BackgroundThere is a search for an ideal agent to facilitate awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI). Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2 agonist which can be administered through intravenous, intramuscular, buccal, intranasal & inhalational routes. It provides good intubation conditions without oxygen desaturation but may cause hypotension and bradycardia when administered intravenously. Hence, alternative routes of administering dexmedetomidine which may improve its safety profile are worth exploring. MethodsIn this randomised, controlled, double-blind trial, 46 ASA I/II adult participants scheduled for elective ENT surgery were randomly allocated to Group ND (Nebulised Dexmedetomidine) (n = 23) to receive nebulisation with dexmedetomidine 1μg.kg−1 and Group ID (Intravenous Dexmedetomidine) (n = 23) to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine 1μg.kg−1 before AFOI. All the patients received injection midazolam 1 mg i.v. as premedication before anaesthesia was initiated. The primary outcome was the cough score. The secondary outcomes were the RSS, SAYGO boluses, post-intubation score, hemodynamic parameters, recall of the procedure, patient satisfaction score and any side effects. ResultsThe cough score was significantly lower in nebulized group (2.43 ± 0.992 vs 3.52 ± 1.082) with p = 0.001. RSS(3.30 ± 0.926 vs 4.22 ± 1.126; p = 0.004), number of SAYGO boluses required (2.74 ± 0.864 vs 3.57 ± 1.161; p = 0.009) & the post intubation score (1.48 ± 0.593 vs 2.17 ± 0.778; p = 0.001) were also significantly lower in nebulized group. ConclusionsNebulisation with dexmedetomidine results in desirable degree of sedation and better tolerance of the procedure with adequate attenuation of the haemodynamic responses to intubation.

Androgen State and Erectile Function in Men with Chronic Distress

The objective: to study the state of androgen supply and erectile function in men with chronic distress. Materials and methods. We examined 30 internally replaced males (Average age, M±σ=50.50±3.83) with manifestations of chronic distress (Group I) and 20 practically healthy males (Group II), (Average age, M±σ=51.95±4.60). All men underwent general clinical examination, body mass index evaluation, assessment of depression according to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), assessment of symptoms of androgen deficiency according to the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS). Severity of erectile dysfunction was evaluated according to the International Index of Erectile Function scale (IIEF). The following parameters were determined in blood serum: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (TF), estradiol (E), cortisol (K). Results. According to the HADS scores in group I men, the average anxiety domain score was 12.03±1.50 points, the average depression domain score was 13.93±1.49, and the total score was 26.0±2.64 points. In patients of group II, the average anxiety domain score was 2.20±0.88 points, the average depression domain score was 2.60±1.00, and the overall score was 4.80±1.40 points. The comparison of the total score of group I and the total score of group II is statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). According to the AMS, in men of group I, androgen deficiency was more expressed comparing to the control group (45.93±3.30 and 13.30±2.04 points, respectively, p&lt;0.001). Analysis of the IIEF-15 questionnaire revealed a decrease in all indicators of erectile function in men of group I comparing to group II. A study of the hormonal state showed a decrease in the level of TT in men of group I compared to the indicators of group II: 9.30±2.84 and 15.27±0.96 ng/ml, respectively (p&lt;0.001). The average TF levels in group I were reduced comparing to group II and reached 10.23±1.38 and 17.39±1.03 pg/ml, respectively (p&lt;0.001). The levels of LH and FSH in men of group I were within normal age-related fluctuations and did not differ statistically significantly from similar levels of group II. The average E level in men with chronic distress was significantly increased comparing to the control group and reached up to 0.25±0.05 versus 0.11±0.03 nmol/l, respectively (p&lt;0.001). The average C level in men with chronic distress was significantly increased comparing the control group and reached up to 13.33±2.19 versus 6.72±1.33 μg/dL, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions. 1. The survey results indicate that chronic distress is a factor that worsens sexual function in men. In addition to erectile dysfunction, as evidenced by a decrease in the corresponding IIEF integrative indicator 15 «erectile function», the survey found a decrease in both the frequency of occurrence and the degree of sexual desire, a deterioration in orgasmic sensations in the form of a decrease in the frequency of ejaculation and orgasms. 2. Cortisol is an important hormone that forms protective reaction in stressful situations, but loses its positive properties during chronic distress. A prolonged increase in cortisol levels can lead to a pathological condition accompanied by an increase in BMI, depression, anxiety, decreased testosterone levels and ED. 3. A decrease in testosterone levels in chronic distress and visceral obesity in men is not accompanied by a compensatory increase in LH and FSH levels. This can be explained by increased aromatization of testosterone in visceral adipose tissue and a decrease in the pituitary gland’s response to the development of androgen deficiency as a result of combined damage to the central and peripheral parts of the regulation of testosterone synthesis.

Security rights in crypto-assets: an opportunity for uniform law?

Abstract As the market of crypto-assets grows, so does the demand for their use as collateral in cross-border lending transactions. Such a development, though, may pose significant challenges to the main pillars of security rights due to the distinctive features and the nature of crypto-assets. Accordingly, this article identifies and explores the core legal issues, offers guidance in the crypto-collateral area, and assesses the role of uniform law. In the absence of specific legislation, the analysis is conducted under the prism of the international secured transactions framework, as shaped by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) legislative instruments. As such, the article examines whether the current framework suffices to address emerging challenges or contains gaps and limitations that require legislative intervention. The article argues that the increasing use of crypto-assets as collateral may constitute both an opportunity for uniform law to have a leading role in addressing the arising issues and shaping the field, and an opportunity to put new uniform rules in place. This would require both updating the existing legal instruments in line with new technological needs and creating new instruments where necessary. International fora like Unidroit and UNCITRAL would ideally offer the desirable degree of harmonization, or uniformization, in the area of security rights over crypto-assets. Rather than subjecting them to diverging legal rules, developing more uniform approaches would offer consistency, thus increasing legal certainty and supporting technological innovation.

HETEROGENEOUS ESTERIFICATION OF EXTRACTED FIBERS FROM Leleptadenia pyrotechnica AND Phoenix dactylifera L.

The aim of the study was to investigate the use of direct heterogeneous esterification method of extracted fibers from Leptadenia pyrotechnica khimp (Leptadenia pyrotechnica) and date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using adipic and citric acids. Homogeneous esterification leads to the degradation of lignocellulosic material, making it impossible to obtain a pure ester of extracted crude fiber by this method. Methods. The esterification reaction was carried out from three samples of the plant Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Phoenix dactylifera L. leaf, and fiber) were extracted as crude fibers and used in the heterogeneous esterification process. The total esterified fibers were six esters (each sample esterified with citric and adipic acid). The study employed ordinary laboratory equipment together with Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the ester contents were in the range 21.6% to 28%. The degree of substitutions was in the range 0.38 to 0.57. Conclusion. This process was simple and effective in producing esterified extracted plants fibers with a desirable degree of substitution.

Professional health of instructor-officers with different service experience.

Aim: To investigate the levels and indicators of professional deformation in instructor-officers with different service experience as a negative factor in their professional health. Materials and Methods: The research, which was conducted in 2022-2023, involved 136 instructor-officers of the National Academy of Internal Affairs aged 25-55 years with different service experience (up to 5 years - 21 people, 5-10 years - 45 people, 10-15 years - 42 people, over 15 years - 28 people). Results: The dynamics of the levels of professional deformation in instructor-officers of higher educational institutions depending on the experience of their service activities have been determined, and the peculiarities of the manifestation of key professional and psychological indicators that affect their professional health in the course of their service activities have been revealed. Conclusions: Professional deformation can be manifested at the initial, middle, and deep levels. The experience of service activities makes adjustments to the formation of professional deformation in instructor-officers because deformational changes in personality occur under the constant influence of the conditions of the profession. With the increase in experience, they become more adapted to stressful phenomena and tense situations of service activities, but the degree of desire to change the type of activity increases. The decrease in proactive attitude and selectivity of contacts during the performance of professional tasks is often accompanied by exhaustion, which indicates a progressive tendency to the development of deformational changes in instructor-officers.

Optimizing durability of the thin white topping applying Taguchi method using desirability function

White topping is a relatively new rehabilitation technology for giving strength to Asphalt pavement. Time to time resurfacing is necessary for bituminous pavement in hot climate region of India where heavy vehicles, operating under frequent start/stop conditions. So, we can apply white topping where recurring problem arises due to rutting of bituminous pavement. In India, endeavors to develop both traditional and ultra-thin white toppings as well as thin white toppings were built on an experimental basis, but their outcomes have not been specifically tracked. The performance and existence of pavement is affected by a range of things such as the load imposed by means of the site visitors plying on it, the weather, indigenous materials used and renovation standards. To examine their overall performance below Indian site visitors and climatic conditions road roughness test, compressive power by way of taking concrete cores and visible inspection survey has been executed.Moreover, the necessity for the new sorts of concrete with higher durability and higher overall performance for precise purposes, as compared to the available sorts, is sensed greater than ever. The concrete durability, laid low with one kind of variables consisting of compressive strength, resistance and permeability, has already attracted the attention of many researchers. In this research the effects of adding white topping concrete, changes in the humidity and temperature of the rehabilitated surrounding atmosphere are investigated to observe whether they will cause any growth in compressive strength and resistance of concrete and/or any decay in its permeability. For this, the Taguchi method is carried out as a method of design of experiment to get the most excellent level for every variable, accompanied by applying the regression approach to model the variables. finally, the final most desirable degrees for the sturdiness are offered primarily based on the desirability function.

Junction dynamics in phase-field simulations vis-à-vis asymptotics predictions : A beginning study

An ideal situation in phase-field methodology is when realistic evolution dynamics can be simulated at much larger interface widths. Asymptotic analysis, at best, can only help half address the challenge. It might give insights for making model adjustments so as to capture the appropriate sharp-interface description up to various orders of accuracy. However, this still is insufficient to conclude if artificial enlargement of interfacial thickness to desirable degree is permissible. Laborious numerical tests and crosschecks have to be performed to find it out. The current work will emerge to stand as a classic example for such a scenario. It is seen that sensitivity to modeling choices is more pronounced in the case of evolution of junctions than it is anywhere else. In particular, we noticed that interfacial mobility interpolating forms or formulations can put up severe restrictions on the required interface widths for reproducing close to converged sharp-interface behaviors. To make things worse, this is highly system dependent, i.e., the same material system considered in a different setup, or the same setup when considered for different material systems can require a change in mobility formulation for faster recovery of the limiting dynamics. Also, it is found that the traditional recipe popularly adopted for carrying out interface-width reduction studies is unsustainable and has to be replaced by a costlier routine.

Optimizing conditions for the recovery of lignans from sesame cake using three green extraction methods: Microwave-, ultrasound- and accelerated-assisted solvent extraction

Lignans, a group of polyphenolic low molecular weight bioactive compounds with health benefits, are major constituents of sesame cake (SC), a by-product derived from sesame oil processing. The utilization of this by-product in the food or nutraceutical industries could explore its valorization route in compliance with sustainability and circular economy principles. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different environmental-friendly processing approaches such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for lignans extraction from SC using central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM). Sesaminol triglucoside (SETRI) and sesaminol diglucoside (SEDI) were identified and quantified as the major lignan glucosides in SC. Ethanol/water mixture was selected as ‘green’ solvent for all extraction methods. The influence of ethanol concentration (X1), extraction time (X2), temperature (X3) and solid-to-solvent (SS) ratio or solid weight (X4) on extraction yield (EY), SETRI and SEDI contents for each technique was examined. The developed models exhibited a high degree of desirability (> 0.72) with determined optimal levels of extraction parameters as follows: X1 = 71%, X2 = 10 min, X3 = 50 °C, X4 = 1.50 g/20 mL for UAE; X1 = 80%, X2 = 5 min, X3 = 50 °C, X4 = 0.85 g/20 mL for MAE; X1 = 80%, X2 = 20 min, X3 = 65 °C, X4 = 2 g for ASE. Under these optimal conditions, the experimental values for EY, SETRI and SEDI contents in SC extracts were: 8.28%, 105.98 mg/g and 16.93 mg/g, respectively for UAE; 8.75%, 105.41 mg/g and 18.76 mg/g, respectively for MAE; 9.34%, 108.00 mg/g and 18.34 mg/g, respectively for ASE. The ANOVA analysis from the RSM were fitted with quadratic models yielding acceptable R2 (> 0.87), adjusted R2 (> 0.77), predicted R2 (> 0.74), and nonsignificant lack-of-fit (p > 0.05) values. Ethanol concentration and solid-to-solvent ratio were the most influencing factors affecting lignans extraction. Although ASE was found as the most suitable method for extracting lignans from SC, from an industrial viewpoint, UAE could be a more affordable technique due to advances in ultrasonic processing devices for large scale applications.

Inferring attack relations for gradual semantics

A gradual semantics takes a weighted argumentation framework as input and outputs a final acceptability degree for each argument, with different semantics performing the computation in different manners. In this work, we consider the problem of attack inference. That is, given a gradual semantics, a set of arguments with associated initial weights, and the final desirable acceptability degrees associated with each argument, we seek to determine whether there is a set of attacks on those arguments such that we can obtain these acceptability degrees. The main contribution of our work is to demonstrate that the associated decision problem, i.e., whether a set of attacks can exist which allows the final acceptability degrees to occur for given initial weights, is NP-complete for the weighted h-categoriser and card-based semantics, and is polynomial for the weighted max-based semantics, even for the complete version of the problem (where all initial weights and final acceptability degrees are known). We then briefly discuss how this decision problem can be modified to find the attacks themselves and conclude by examining the partial problem where not all initial weights or final acceptability degrees may be known.

A novel method for simulating ex vivo tooth extractions under varying applied loads

BackgroundTooth extraction is a common surgical procedure where the invasiveness of the surgery can affect the nature of the dentoalveolar remodelling which follows. However, there is very little biomechanical data relating the loading applied during tooth extraction to the outcomes of the procedure. The purpose of this pilot study is to present a novel ex vivo experimental method for measuring tooth extraction mechanics and to explore preliminary metrics for predicting extraction success. MethodsA custom experimental apparatus was developed in-house to extract central incisors from ex vivo swine mandible samples. Twenty-five (n = 25) incisors were extracted at different rates in displacement- and force-control, along with an intermittent ramp-hold scheme for a total of five schemes. Peak forces and extraction success were recorded for each test. Video analysis assisted in determining the instantaneous stiffnesses of the dental complex during continuous extractions, which were compared using the K-means clustering algorithm. FindingsTooth extraction forces ranged from 102 N to 309 N, with higher-rate tests tending towards higher peak forces (141 N – 308 N) than the lower-rate tests (102 N–204 N) for displacement- and force-controlled schemes. The K-means algorithm clearly identified load rates among tests, indicating that higher-rate loading increased system stiffness relative to the lower-rate tests. InterpretationThe developed experimental method demonstrated a desirable degree of control. The preliminary results suggest the influence of load rate on the mechanical response of the dental complex and extraction outcome. Future work will further investigate the biomechanics of tooth extraction and relate them to tissue damage to improve future tooth extraction procedures.

Ekologiczny łańcuch dostaw: narzędzia do oceny E-odpadów – globalna perspektywa

When a company's supply chain has achieved a desirable degree of eco-friendliness in all regards, from a sustainability perspective, its performance will be satisfactory. Since the closed-loop e-waste supply chain's operations are primarily focused on achieving sustainability objectives related to the manufacturing, distribution, reusing, and discarding electrical components, it is crucial to evaluate its success in this area. In order to monitor the performance of supply chains and enhance the processes, the supply chain operations reference model offers suggestions and benchmarking tools. In this study, a conceptual framework is illustrated to show how these standards could be used in the E-waste supply chain to link business processes, metrics, industry standards, and technology in order to enhance the relationship and coordination between the supply chain members and to increase sustainability throughout the supply chain. Insufficient attention so far has been paid to the SCOR model's sustainability criteria, according to an assessment of the literature. Consequently, in the wake of portraying the structure of Supply Chain Operation Reference model, we make sense of which credits should be included in Supply Chain Operation Reference so to reflect manageability and which cycles and practices are related with every standard or should be remembered for Supply Chain Operation Reference to lay out the connection between execution, cycles, and practices.

Evaluation of 4-aminoquinoline derivatives with an n-octylamino spacer as potential multi-targeting ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The most successful therapeutic strategy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is directed toward increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the enzymes responsible for its hydrolysis. In this paper, we extended our study on 4-aminoquinolines as human cholinesterase inhibitors on twenty-six new 4-aminoquinolines containing an n-octylamino spacer on C(4) and different substituents on the terminal amino group. We evaluated the potency of new derivatives to act as multi-targeted ligands by determining their inhibition potency towards human AChE and BChE, ability to chelate biometals Fe, Cu and Zn, ability to inhibit the action of β-secretase 1 (BACE1) and their antioxidant capacity. All of the tested derivatives were very potent inhibitors of human AChE and BChE with inhibition constants (Ki) ranging from 0.0023 to 1.6 μM. Most of the compounds were estimated to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by passive transport and were nontoxic to human neuronal, kidney and liver cells in concentrations in which they inhibit cholinesterases. Generally, newly synthesised compounds were weak reductants compared to standard antioxidants, but all possessed a certain amount of antioxidant activity compared to tacrine. Of the eleven most potent cholinesterase inhibitors, eight compounds also inhibited BACE1 activity at 10–18%. Based on our overall results, compounds 8 with 3-fluorobenzyl, 11 with 3-chlorobenzyl and 17 with 3-metoxy benzyl substituents on the terminal amino group stood out as the most promising for the treatment of AD; they strongly inhibited AChE and BChE, were non-toxic on HepG2, HEK293 and SH-SY5Y cells, had the potential to cross the BBB and possessed the ability to chelate biometals and/or inhibit the activity of BACE1 within a range close to the therapeutically desired degree of inhibition.

Childbearing Tendency and Related Factors Among Married Women in Rasht City, north of Iran

Introduction: Reducing childbirth rates is a serious problem in some countries. Iran is one of the countries experiencing a decrease in the fertility rate, with a more than 50% decrease in avery’s child statistics. Objective: This study aimed to determine childbearing desire and its related factors among married women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 550 women aged 15 to 49 referring to comprehensive health centers in Rasht City were selected by multi-stage random sampling. Information was collected using a questionnaire consisting of three parts. The audience was asked about their willingness to have children in the personal and social profile section, the fertility information section, and the third section that to detect degree of desire to have children. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square and logistic regression were used to investigate the factors affecting the reluctance to have children. Results: The results of the research showed that the mean age of the women, the spouse, the age at marriage, and the duration of their marriage were 31.57±6.2, 35.69±6.6, 22.42±4.52, and 9.05±6.5 years, respectively and 54.9% of women were currently willing to have children. The relationship between unwillingness to have children was significant regarding the husband’s age (OR=1.112, 95% CI, 1.050%-1.177%, P=0.001). Also, the relationship between reluctance to have children and the age at marriage was not significant; however, it became significant with the length of marriage (OR=1.090, 95% CI, 1.019%-1.167%, P=0.013). The relationship between unwillingness to have children and the women’s opinion about the desired number of children was significant (OR=8.101, 95% CI, 3.518%-18.654%, P=0.001). The relationship between unwillingness to have children and the number of current children was significant (OR=16.515,95% CI, 8.293%-32.888%, P=0.001). Conclusion: Our analysis showed that the inability to accept the responsibility of being a parent is one of the reasons why people postpone childbearing to the fourth decade of life and even beyond. Detailed studies are needed to correct the current trend of population decline.

The need for a contextualized adaptation of the evaluation of the destination image

The literature stresses the importance of measuring the destination brand image to determine a successful tourism promotion strategy, a strategy that is likely to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of a destination in a highly competitive and changing environment. Measurement scales are commonly used by academics and practitioners. An empirical study was conducted with French tourists, regarded as the main source market for the competing destinations of Tunisia and Spain. In light of a prior qualitative study, the brand image was quantitatively measured using semantic differential scales taken from the literature and adapted following expert advice. The results raised the issue of the international adaptation of measurement scales, despite the proper use of the operative procedures for measurement scales valid in several countries. The main objective of the present study is to raise a methodological issue regarding the desirable degree of adaptation of the measurement scales used by Destination Marketing Organizations while taking into account the validity and reliability constraints of the tools. To what extent is the adapted version of the chosen scale equivalent to the source version? The present study, conducted on two destinations and different cultural contexts, shows that a rigorous adaptation might lead to a loss of about 40% of the original scales.

Combatting over-specialization bias in growing chemical databases

BackgroundPredicting in advance the behavior of new chemical compounds can support the design process of new products by directing the research toward the most promising candidates and ruling out others. Such predictive models can be data-driven using Machine Learning or based on researchers’ experience and depend on the collection of past results. In either case: models (or researchers) can only make reliable assumptions about compounds that are similar to what they have seen before. Therefore, consequent usage of these predictive models shapes the dataset and causes a continuous specialization shrinking the applicability domain of all trained models on this dataset in the future, and increasingly harming model-based exploration of the space.Proposed solutionIn this paper, we propose cancels (CounterActiNg Compound spEciaLization biaS), a technique that helps to break the dataset specialization spiral. Aiming for a smooth distribution of the compounds in the dataset, we identify areas in the space that fall short and suggest additional experiments that help bridge the gap. Thereby, we generally improve the dataset quality in an entirely unsupervised manner and create awareness of potential flaws in the data. cancels does not aim to cover the entire compound space and hence retains a desirable degree of specialization to a specified research domain.ResultsAn extensive set of experiments on the use-case of biodegradation pathway prediction not only reveals that the bias spiral can indeed be observed but also that cancels produces meaningful results. Additionally, we demonstrate that mitigating the observed bias is crucial as it cannot only intervene with the continuous specialization process, but also significantly improves a predictor’s performance while reducing the number of required experiments. Overall, we believe that cancels can support researchers in their experimentation process to not only better understand their data and potential flaws, but also to grow the dataset in a sustainable way. All code is available under github.com/KatDost/Cancels.

Recreation Potential Assessment at Tamarix Forest Reserves: A Method Based on Multicriteria Evaluation Approach and Landscape Metrics

The purpose of this study was to develop new methods to describe outdoor recreation potential based on landscape indicators and systemic multicriteria evolution in the Tamarix forest reserves of Varamin city, a part of Iranian–Turanian forests of the Tehran province in Iran. First, in conducting a multicriteria evaluation, ecological factors that included slope, aspect, elevation, vegetation density, precipitation, temperature, and soil texture were mapped, classified, and coded according to the degree of desirability for outdoor recreation. All these maps were then intersected and the final map of recreational potential for three regions of the forest reserves was prepared. Results showed that the Shokrabad region had more recreation potential than the other two regions (Fakhrabad and Dolatabad) in terms of the sum of ecological factors potentially affecting tourism potential. Second, in conducting a landscape-based method, six of the most important indicators of the landscape that are effective in outdoor recreational potential were developed for each region. The combination of these landscape features determined the value of a place for recreational activities from a landscape perspective. The results showed that a large part of the Shokrabad region and a smaller number of places in the Fakhrabad and Dolatabad regions have high outdoor recreational potential. The area suitable for recreation in the output of the multicriteria evaluation method turned out to be greater than the area suggested by the landscape method, as more factors were examined in the multicriteria evaluation method. Of the set investigated, the topography and soil factors played an important role in the evaluation.

A multi-objective fuzzy facility location problem with congestion and priority for drone-based emergency deliveries

Emergency medical service (EMS) plays an essential role in modern emergency and health systems; however, the delivery service via traditional ground vehicles faces enormous challenges, e.g., traffic congestion and poor road conditions, especially for time-critical products. Fortunately, drones provide an alternative solution for EMS due to faster speed, fewer road restrictions, and fewer workforce requirements, compared to ground vehicles. This paper develops a drone-based queuing-location model with stochastic demands and congestion for EMS, where drones perform as mobile servers with a generally distributed service time. In practice, delivery decisions are often made in the presence of imprecise information, and customer requests often have different priorities. However, to our best knowledge, limited research has addressed these issues. Thus, this paper employs fuzzy theory to cope with the vague drone endurance and demand arrival rate under a priority queuing strategy. A multi-objective optimization approach is adopted to balance the total cost, system efficiency, and equitable response time. As the resulting model is challenging to solve, we apply chance-constrained, second-order conic, fuzzy, and weighted goal programming approaches to recast the model as a crisp mixed-integer second-order conic program, which can be efficiently solved via off-the-shelf solvers. Results based on a case study show that our method can help decision-makers to better balance various objectives, make more flexible decisions with desirable fuzzy degrees, and significantly improve the service level of high priority demands for EMS.