Specific Information Research Articles

Inductive Link Prediction via Interactive Learning Across Relations in Multiplex Networks

Network embedding is an important class of link prediction methods, which can use the distance between learned low-dimensional node representations to characterize the similarity between nodes. Traditional network embedding methods focus on single-layer networks, while in reality, a large part of complex networks are not isolated, but interdependent and interrelated, forming multiplex complex networks. Also, how to effectively exploit layer correlations in multiplex networks to learn more robust and valuable representations, to improve link prediction performance, has been a hot research topic in the field of complex network analysis. However, previous studies mainly focus on inferring intralinks in each layer of complex networks or anchor links among layers. Another issue that has not been discussed is how to predict potential links or reconstruct the network in unobserved relations based on existing multiplex networks. To this issue, we define a novel inductive link prediction problem in multiplex networks, in which most existing multichannel network embedding methods fail to solve. This is either because they only emphasize the specific structure information of an individual layer or only capture the common information for all layers. To effectively address this problem, we propose a novel embedding method termed interactive learning across relations (ILAR), to capture and fully exploit the multiple relations and complex layer correlations in multiplex networks. We leverage two convolutional modules and ILAR to capture the sufficient complementary and correlations in multiplex networks. Moreover, during interactive learning, a disparity constraint is introduced, which enforces the features encoded from two convolutional modules to be different and prevents information redundancy. Finally, the extensive experiments in several real-world datasets show that our model can significantly outperform the existing state-of-the-art network embedding methods on the novel link prediction problem in multiplex networks.

Evaluation of offensive and defensive agility depending on the type of visual cue and personal decision-making styles in basketball

Background: The specific goal was to determine the level and differences in the performance of reactive agility (RA) depending on the type of visual stimulus and to identify the role of selected psychological patterns in the decision-making process. Method: 13 female basketball players (17.12 ± 1.09 years; mean BW 58.17 kg ± 7.68 kg; mean BH 1.73 ± 0.11, BMI 19.53 ± 3.86) playing top Slovak junior league. The diagnosis of specific game reactions was carried out using a Y-shaped reaction agility test. The stimulus for the action effect was a light direction indicator and a video sequence. Decision-making style was assessed using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ). Results: The significance of the differences between offensive actions according to the type of stimulus was revealed by statistically significant differences between offensive reaction agility to a light stimulus and a stimulus with a contextual stimulus, and also in the case of defensive actions. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between offensive and defensive skills in the light stimulus, between the performance in offensive skills in the light stimulus, between the two types of defensive agility (light and video) and in the context stimulus, and a correlation between vigilance and both offensive activities was also found. Conclusion: The player's sensorimotor mechanisms are different depending on the type of stimulus, not on the type of actions, which leads to the conclusion that specific contextual information can lead to faster and more accurate decisions during the game 1:1 and improve the timing of action effects.

Incremental Weighted Ensemble for Data Streams With Concept Drift

As a popular strategy to tackle concept drift, chunk-based ensemble method adapts a new concept by adjusting the weights of historical classifiers. However, most previous approaches normally evaluate the historical classifier based on an entire chunk newly arrived, which may cause delayed adaptation. To address the issue, two novel ensemble models, named incremental weighted ensemble (IWE) and incremental weighted ensemble for multi-classification (IWE-M), are proposed. At each time step, all base classifiers are incrementally updated on a newly arrived instance. Following that, the instance is collected into a cache array. Once a data chunk is formed, a new base classifier is created. More specially, a forgetting mechanism based on variable-size window is designed to adjust the weight of each base classifier in IWE in terms of its classification accuracy on the latest instances in an online manner. IWE-M, an extension of IWE, aims to solve multi-class problems with local concept drifts. In IWE-M, the weight of a base classifier is expanded to a weight vector. In this way, this ensemble model can retain specific historical information about non-drift regions from a local drift. Experimental results show that the proposed ensemble frameworks outperform six competitive approaches on Accuracy and G-mean.

Hybrid Knowledge and Data Driven Synthesis of Runtime Monitors for Cyber-Physical Systems

Recent advances in sensing and computing technology have led to the proliferation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in safety-critical domains. However, the increasing device complexity, shrinking technology sizes, and shorter time to market have resulted in significant challenges in ensuring the reliability, safety, and security of CPS. This paper presents a hybrid knowledge and data-driven approach for designing run-time context-aware safety monitors that can detect early signs of hazards and mitigate them in CPS. We propose a framework for formal specification of unsafe system context using Signal Temporal Logic (STL) combined with two optimization approaches for scenario-specific refinement and integration of STL specifications using data collected from closed-loop CPS simulations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in simulation using an autonomous driving system (ADS) and two closed-loop artificial pancreas systems (APS) as well as a publicly-available clinical trial dataset. The results show that a safety monitor developed with the proposed approaches demonstrates up to 4.7 times increase in average prediction accuracy (F1 score) over several well-designed baseline monitors while reducing both false-positive and false-negative rates in most scenarios.

Usability study of SOSteniamoci: An internet-based intervention platform to support informal caregivers in Italy.

Providing informal care can be experienced as stressful and lead to caregiver burden. Internet-based interventions, a specific form of eHealth, have proven to be a good option to support informal caregivers. SOSteniamoci, an internet-based intervention already tested in Lithuania, was translated and adapted for Italian caregivers. As many novel eHealth solutions have been rejected by end-users due to usability problems, we aimed to evaluate the usability of the adapted platform, using a computer-based prototype. The following methods and metrics were applied: 1. task analysis, using audio and video recordings that included three usability metrics: task completion rate, frequency of errors, and frequency of help requests; 2. the system usability scale (SUS); and 3. a semi-structured interview to collect additional data about the system's design and overall satisfaction. Ten informal caregivers (60% female; age M = 47.8, SD = 15.21) provided insights and suggestions for increasing the usability of the platform. The platform was considered satisfactory, with a mean score on the SUS of 75 (SD = 13.07) out of 100. The task analysis measurements highlighted difficulties in how to log in to the platform, understanding what the intervention is about, and texting the therapist. The same difficulties were also mentioned during the post-experience interview. Thus, improvements were subsequently made to enhance users' experience when navigating the platform. Finally, the platform overall was found to be intuitive and friendly, and the contents were appreciated. To maintain participants' engagement and prevent drop-out, it is crucial to test the usability of internet-based interventions. Even though the platform proved to be user-friendly, intuitive and easy to use, several enhancements were implemented based on participants' feedback. Thus, the usability of internet-based interventions should be tested, and end-users must be involved in the development process of such solutions.

Inflachromene ameliorates Parkinson's disease by targeting Nrf2-binding Keap1.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by movement disorder. Despite current therapeutic efforts, PD progression and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra remain challenging to prevent due to the complex and unclear molecular mechanism involved. We adopted a phenotype-based drug screening approach with neuronal cells to overcome these limitations. In this study, we successfully identified a small molecule with a promising therapeutic effect for PD treatment, called inflachromene (ICM), through our phenotypic screening strategy. Subsequent target identification using fluorescence difference in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (FITGE) revealed that ICM ameliorates PD by targeting a specific form of Keap1. This interaction led to upregulating various antioxidants, including HO-1, NQO1, and glutathione, ultimately alleviating PD symptoms. Furthermore, ICM exhibited remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the activation of astrocytes and microglia, which are critical factors in PD pathology. Our findings suggest that the phenotypic approach employed in this study identified that ICM has potential for PD treatment, offering new hope for more effective therapeutic interventions in the future.

Unfolding Affective Atmospheres during the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: The Constitution of Affective Governance in Taiwan

This article primarily explores the generation and circulation of the affective atmosphere during the COVID-19 crisis, providing a nuanced understanding of the emergence of affective governance. It constructs an analytical framework to examine the spatiality, collectivity, and authority within affective atmospheres, which are essentially interrelated and mutually influential. It argues that the affective atmosphere can be manipulated to direct public emotions and actions, shaping specific forms of affective governance. Through a case study of Taiwan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper unfolds how affective dynamics converge to reinforce Taiwanese nationalism through the construction of atmospheric walls, social and psychological mobilisation, and technology-based interventions. It demonstrates that governments adapt to changing atmospheres and achieve their strategic intentions through performative spatial arrangements, emotional appeals and affective rhetoric, as well as the development of a digital surveillance landscape. It illuminates how these epidemic transmission control strategies have driven a shift in governance models towards greater emphasis on transforming and manipulating affective nationalism to stimulate public sentiments and collective actions. Finally, this paper suggests that further research and discussion is needed regarding the multifaceted nature of affective atmospheres to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of governance mechanisms, as well as to promote civic engagement and inclusivity.

Flipped dialogic learning method with ChatGPT: A case study

This article presents a case study and ideas to flip classical dialogic learning method. Some possibilities of using ChatGPT to stimulate the active role of the student in the dialogic teaching method are shown. Data from observations of students training to be teachers of mathematics and informatics in their work with artificial intelligence (AI) are presented. A model for the application of the flipped dialogue in the education of students is proposed. An example of dialogue is given. The study concludes that that the main advantages of using flipped dialog learning with AI are easy access to the platforms, the lack of stress and stimulating the research qualities of students when searching for specific information or stimulating the system to make mistakes. The ability to ask the right leading questions and to detect the gaps of the “interlocutor” are important competencies applicable in dealing with life’s problems.

Geometry and electronic structure of Yb(III)[CH(SiMe3)2]3 from EPR and solid-state NMR augmented by computations.

Characterization of paramagnetic compounds, in particular regarding the detailed conformation and electronic structure, remains a challenge, and - still today it often relies solely on the use of X-ray crystallography, thus limiting the access to electronic structure information. This is particularly true for lanthanide elements that are often associated with peculiar structural and electronic features in relation to their partially filled f-shell. Here, we develop a methodology based on the combined use of state-of-the-art magnetic resonance spectroscopies (EPR and solid-state NMR) and computational approaches as well as magnetic susceptibility measurements to determine the electronic structure and geometry of a paramagnetic Yb(III) alkyl complex, Yb(III)[CH(SiMe3)2]3, a prototypical example, which contains notable structural features according to X-ray crystallography. Each of these techniques revealed specific information about the geometry and electronic structure of the complex. Taken together, both EPR and NMR, augmented by quantum chemical calculations, provide a detailed and complementary understanding of such paramagnetic compounds. In particular, the EPR and NMR signatures point to the presence of three-centre-two-electron Yb-γ-Me-β-Si secondary metal-ligand interactions in this otherwise tri-coordinate metal complex, similarly to its diamagnetic Lu analogues. The electronic structure of Yb(III) can be described as a single 4f13 configuration, while an unusually large crystal-field splitting results in a thermally isolated ground Kramers doublet. Furthermore, the computational data indicate that the Yb-carbon bond contains some π-character, reminiscent of the so-called α-H agostic interaction.

Factors Associated with Knowledge about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Measuring the level of knowledge in a population at high risk for GDM will highlight the gaps and help in designing appropriate interventions. The objective of this study was to measure the knowledge about GDM and to identify the factors associated with it among pregnant women in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women seeking antenatal care services in two of the public sector tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh city. The study was performed using a self-administrated predesigned questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: More than 40% of the participants had poor knowledge about GDM complications, diagnosis and management. Women with lack of exercise [adjusted odds ratio 3.3 (95% CI 1.8, 6.1)]; having past histroy of GDM [3.2 (1.8, 5.7); primigravida [2.9 (1.6, 5.1)]; information on GDM received from doctors [2.0 (1.2, 3.4)] and those with low education level [1.8 (1.1, 2.9)] were more likely to have poor knowledge about GDM. Whereas, women with positive family history were 60 times more likely to have good knowledge about GDM. Conclusion: Primigravida mothers and those with low education level should receive specific information and awareness regarding GDM. Healthy lifestyle is important for the prevention and improvement in the diagnosis and management of GDM among pregnant women in Riyadh.

Application of Interview Protocol Refinement Framework in Systematically Developing and Refining a Semi-structured Interview Protocol

A semi-structured interview is a data collection method used in qualitative inquiry. It involves the use of preconstructed questions to elicit information about a topic under investigation. A well-prepared interview protocol is an important tool for collecting quality data. Hence, preparing interview protocols and refining them to ensure precision and relevance is an important step to warrant the credibility and quality of data. This article discusses the steps taken to refine an interview protocol developed to conduct an analysis of the English language speaking skills needs of front office operators in the Maldives tourism industry. It describes the application of the Interview Protocol Refinement (IPR) Framework to refine the interview protocol. The four phases of the IPR Framework were used: (1) ensuring interview questions aligned with research questions, (2) constructing an inquiry-based conversation, (3) receiving feedback on the interview protocol, and (4) piloting the interview protocol. The application of the IPR Framework resulted in a fine-tuned interview protocol. The first phase helped to attain interview questions aligned with research questions. This phase helped in fine-tuning the interview protocol by ensuring that the interview questions aligned with the purpose of the research. The second phase allowed the building of an inquiry-based conversation that reflects the context of the research, thus creating an interview protocol designed to obtain specific information through conversation. The next phase aided in improving the protocol based on readers’ feedback. This phase helped in refining the interview questions by changing the content and wording of some questions and reordering them. The last phase resulted in conducting an interview in a real setting and testing the interview protocol. This helped to refine the interview protocol further by rephrasing interview questions for clarity, adding details to some questions, and modifying the linguistic composition of some questions. The IPR Framework involves an iterative refining process, thus enhancing the quality and trustworthiness of the interview protocol.

특성화고 예비신입생 및 학부모의 고교 진학 준비과정 분석: 서울 지역을 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to explore ways to improve vocational high school admissions support. Accordingly, in order to analyze the experiences of vocational high school students in the high school preparation process, a survey was conducted targeting vocational high school freshmen and their parents. The main results of the study are as follows.
 First, many students considered their career path and aptitude at the stage of deciding to go on to vocational high school, and some were concerned about society's negative views. Second, awareness of the support policy for university admissions to vocational high schools was high, but awareness of other support policies was found to be low. Third, the motivation for entering vocational high school was often consistent with the purpose of establishing vocational high schools, there were some students who decided to enroll because of their grades or college admission. Fourth, in the case of vocational high school admission and career guidance, middle school and vocational high school teachers were found to be of great help, but satisfaction with middle schools career guidance was relatively low. Fifth, in terms of vocational high school admission information, the need for continuous provision of information and the difficulty in collecting specific information for major or admission preparation were confirmed. Based on the research results, improvement methods were presented to communicate a consistent message to create a positive image of vocational high schools, strengthen advancement and career guidance training for middle school and vocational high school teachers, provide specific major information for admission support.

Vaccination against pertussis in Latin American preterm and low-birth weight infants: experts opinion position for a neglected childhood age group

ABSTRACTBackgroundPertussis remains as one of the oldest leading vaccine-preventable diseases of childhood, despite many decades of primary vaccine doses’ and boosters’ implementation. Although the epidemiology is well understood in infants and children, premature babies and low-birth weight infants remain a special group where the disease incidence is unknown, severity of the disease is considerable, and specific vaccination recommendations are scarce.Research design and methodsA retrospective review of the available evidence of pertussis vaccination in premature and low birth weight infants was analyzed from January 2000 to December 2022 in six selected countries: Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Panamá, Costa Rica, and Chile.ResultsChile had reports of adverse effects associated with vaccination of premature infants with the pentavalent vaccine, and their rationale to switching to the hexavalent vaccine. Colombia had reports of the justification for the use of hexavalent vaccine in prematures in the Neonatal Units and Kangaroo Mother Programs throughout the country. Mexico had selected publications of the vaccination status in prematures and low-birth weight infants.ConclusionDespite its importance, increased morbidity, and highest risk of complications in premature babies, there is a paucity of information of vaccine recommendations and coverage rates among selected Latin American infants.

Assessment of DP Threshold and its Test–Retest Reliability in Normal Hearing Individuals

Purpose: Distortion Product (DP) threshold test has been recently introduced as a clinical tool that provides frequency specific quantitative information on hearing sensitivity in dB HL. However, due to the dearth of literature in determining its degree of reliability, the extent of confidence in the test results has not been estimated. Therefore, the present study aimed at establishing the normative of DP threshold values across test frequencies in normal hearing individuals and check for its test-retest reliability.Methods: Purposive sampling was utilized in the study wherein fifty normal hearing individuals in the age range of 18 to 30 years (x̅=24, σ=2.1) were considered. DP threshold test was carried out across test frequencies from 1 kHz to 8 kHz in measurement window of 50 dB HL and was re-examined after 15 days.Results: The range of DP threshold level was -5 to 20 dB HL in right ear and -5 to 25 dB HL in left ear across the test frequencies. It was found to have the mean difference ranging -0.02 to 1.06 dB HL across test frequencies between the two sessions. Non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was performed to assess test-retest reliability which revealed no statistically significant difference for both ears (<i>p</i>>0.05).Conclusions: Hence, the current study presents normative of DP threshold test along with variance, beyond which the fluctuations in outer hair cell functioning can be expected to have occurred. Moreover, it is found to have good test retest reliability between the two sessions suggesting good potentiality of the test in assessing outer hair cells functioning.

Using AI-Powered Vehicle Identification System in Gas Stations (AI-VIS)

In many countries around the world, retail fuel sales have to be recorded and monitored with specific vehicle information such as license plate by government institutions and station managers. Different hardware methods are utilized to achieve this goal such as UHF (Ultra high frequency) vehicle identification tags installed on the vehicles. To extract data from the tags, RFID-UHF antennas need to be installed on the nozzle for the recognition of vehicles today, which implies an increase in hardware costs per vehicle. Additionally, the electronic waste generated by the hardware used for vehicle recognition hurts the environment. In this study, the aim is to provide a comprehensive solution that enhances the modern automotive world's efficiency, security, and convenience. The core objective of this study is to design and implement a cutting-edge Vehicle Identification System (VIS) that leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision. The proposed system has the ability to recognize various critical attributes of vehicles at gas stations, including the vehicle make, license plate, vehicle type, color, and fueling information. The system utilizes advanced Image Processing and Deep Learning techniques to achieve precise identification and classification, improving security, and law enforcement.

Political Gender Violence Against Women in Brazil

Political gender violence against women is a specific form of violence that occurs in the political context, characterized by the use of gender stereotypes and prejudices to limit women’s access to spaces of political power. This form of violence has serious consequences for democracy, security, and economic and social development. To tackle political gender-based violence against women, it is necessary to adopt effective measures to prevent and punish it, as well as to promote gender equality and the full participation of women in politics and public life. Promoting education and awareness about gender equality and creating support networks for women involved in politics are some of the actions that can be adopted to combat this form of violence and build a more just and egalitarian society. This article aims to discuss political gender violence against women in Brazil. The type of research to be carried out in this work was a Literature Review, in which books, dissertations and scientific articles were consulted.

Natasha Kellem's Minoritarian Liberalism

Normative liberalism has promoted the freedom of privileged subjects, those entitled to rights – usually white, adult, heteronormative, and bourgeois – at the expense of marginalized groups, such as Black people, children, LGBTQ people, and slum dwellers. In this ethnographic analysis of Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I explore what happens when liberalism is challenged by people whose lives are impaired by normative understandings of liberty. I call such marginalized visions of freedom “minoritarian liberalism,” a concept that stands in for overlapping, alternative modes of freedom. In this piece, I introduce Natasha Kellem, a charismatic self-declared travesti (a term used in Latin America to indicate a specific form of female gender construction opposite to the sex assigned at birth). Through interconnected experiences, I offer ethnographic evidence of non-normative routes to freedom for those seeking liberties against the backdrop of capitalist exploitation, transphobia, racism, and other patterns of domination.

POSSIBILITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS TOURISM IN SERBIA

The development of sports tourism in the modern age is linked to the concept of sustainability. Sports tourism is a specific form of tourism that involves the use of ecological, economic and social principles of sustainability. Recreational sports in today's conditions become an integral part of the lives of both people at home and those who go on trips, so tourist destinations have turned to the development and improvement of sports tourism. Destinations located in areas of rural development have enormous potential for the development of sports tourism, and they have the greatest potential if they are in the initial stages of development. Serbia is well-known in the world of sports, so the development of sports tourism can be recognized in neighboring countries and in other countries that have insufficiently used this market. It is Serbia that can provide education in the field of sports tourism to neighboring countries. The countries of the Western Balkans are undervalued in the context of tourism development, so in the coming period it is necessary to determine which elemental services would provide a faster incentive for more intensive development. For the purposes of this paper, research was conducted that will provide answers about the possibilities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Serbia. The total number of respondents is 200. The survey was conducted online and included all regions in Serbia.

Community Radio in Hungary and Its Place in the Society, Politics, and Education

This article examines the community radio scene in Hungary, focusing on two stations in Budapest: Tilos Radio and EPER Radio. The authors explore the unique characteristics and principles of community radio in Hungary through desk research and interviews with key players in the community radio movement conducted in October 2022. They highlight how these two stations, while differing in their specific forms of community broadcasting, share a commonality of being independent and offering an alternative to mainstream and public radio programming. Sustainability was identified as a significant challenge facing community radio stations in Hungary, primarily because of unfriendly media policy promoting voices supporting the government. The article also provides characteristics of the community radio concept and the historical context of community radio in Hungary, noting that this country was the first in Central and Eastern Europe to incorporate the third broadcasting sector into media law.

FEEDBACK IN FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: STRATEGIES TO OPTIMIZE STUDENT LEARNING

Formative assessment, as an integral part of the learning process, influences student progress. A key component of this process is feedback, the mechanism by which relevant and useful information is provided to students about their performance. Through feedback, students develop their self-assessment and self-reflection skills, take responsibility for their own training, and establish learning objectives. Formative assessment provides a continuous framework for guiding student progress, and feedback provides specific information aimed at improving learning outcomes. Feedback offers a more complete perspective on students’ capabilities and learning needs, allowing teachers to adjust instruction. The objective of this study is to determine the theoretical pedagogical and psychological approaches of feedback in the formative assessment process and to present strategies that involve feedback (feed-up, feed-back, feed-forward) in order to improve student learning. To achieve this objective, theoretical methods of analysis and synthesis of the literature on formative assessment and feedback were applied. From a methodological point of view, the basic empirical method involved the application of a questionnaire addressed to students about their opinion on the feedback given and received during learning activities. The results obtained showed that relevant and individualized feedback is efficient from the students’ perspective in achieving learning objectives. The main conclusion of this study highlights the importance of the feedback system in the formative assessment process for the development of a learning culture based on continuous improvement and the active engagement of students in their own learning process.