Decision Level Research Articles

Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus using cross-modal specific transfer fusion technology based on infrared spectra and metabolomics

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Currently, the medical diagnosis of SLE mainly relies on the clinical experience of physicians, and there is no universally accepted objective method for diagnosing SLE. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an intelligent approach to accurately diagnose SLE to assist physicians in formulating appropriate treatment plans. With the rapid development of intelligent medical diagnostic technology, medical data is becoming increasingly multimodal. Multimodal data fusion can provide richer information than single-modal data, and the fusion of multiple modalities can effectively enhance the richness of data features to improve modeling performance. ResultsIn this paper, a cross-modal specific transfer fusion technique based on infrared spectra and metabolomics is proposed to effectively integrate infrared spectra and metabolomics by fully exploiting the intrinsic relationships between features across different modalities, thus achieving the diagnosis of SLE. In this research, a Decision Level Fusion module is also proposed to fuse the representations of two specific transfers further, obtaining the final prediction scores. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the performance of SLE prediction, with accuracy and Area Under Curve (AUC) reaching 94.98 % and 97.13 %, respectively, outperforming existing methods. SignificanceOur framework effectively integrates infrared spectra and metabolomics to achieve a more accurate prediction of SLE. Our research indicates that prediction methods based on different modalities outperform those using single-modality data. The Cross-modal Specific Transfer Fusion module effectively captures the complex relationships within each single modality and models the complex relationships between different modalities.

A-107 Sample Matrix Matters: A Precision Study of BioRad, TechnoPath, and Patient Pooled Samples Across 20 High Volume Chemistries and Immunoassays

Abstract Background BioRad is a major provider of QC materials in the US with robust peer data, and Technopath has emerged as a recent competitor, especially on cost. While many factors are considered when selecting QC materials, primary considerations include commutability, matrix effects, decision levels, and acceptability limits. A couple studies comparing BioRad and Technopath QC performance were published in recent years. However, none have compared performance to patient-pooled samples. We undertook a comparison of BioRad/Technopath QC performance, with the addition of patient-pooled samples in order to assess potential matrix effects. Methods We compared precision for 20 high-volume chemistry/immunoassay tests (Table 1) across two levels of BioRad and Technopath QC and a patient pooled sample over 7 days on 2 Abbott Alinity-i and 4 Alinity-C instruments. Each immunoassay control level was run 5 times/day across 10 tests and 7 days per instrument, (i.e., 700 results/level), and the same for chemistry controls (1,400 results/level). Lithium-heparin plasma patient-pool was prepared by obtaining sufficient volume and preparing daily frozen aliquots (i.e., 1400 immunoassay and 2800 chemistry results). Results BioRad and Technopath Chemistry QCs were highly comparable with all levels demonstrating <1% CV difference. Notably, CO2, B12, FT4 pooled-patient CVs were >2% lower than the best performing high control. Additionally, greater differences in performance were observed across immunoassay controls with high BioRad QC performing better for 7 tests. Conclusions Chemistry QC for Technopath and BioRad are largely comparable (i.e., CV differences <1%). Overall, BioRad immunoassay control performance was slightly to somewhat better (i.e., B12, CA125, and CA15-3). B12 and CO2 were particularly unstable (as reflected by patient-pool CVs). That said, differences in performance were not untenable and could be handled based on a tailored approach of extending QC limits if assay/instrument performance allows, and/or changing control material or reagents on a tighter schedule.

A-342 Precision Evaluation of the pH, PO2 and PCO2 tests in the i-STAT® G3+ Cartridge using the i-STAT 1 System for Venous, Arterial and Capillary Whole Blood Specimens in Clinical Settings

Abstract Background Precise and accurate measurements of blood gases are important for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of respiratory, metabolic, and acid-base disturbances. This study demonstrates the precision of the pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) tests in the i-STAT G3+ cartridge with the i-STAT 1 System in arterial, venous, and capillary whole blood specimens in point-of-care or clinical laboratory settings. Methods The precision of the i-STAT pH, PO2, and PCO2 tests in the i-STAT G3+ cartridge was assessed at external clinical sites by end-users using whole blood specimens across the measurement range for each test: pH (6.500 - 7.800 pH units), PO2 (5 - 700 mmHg), PCO2 (5.0 - 130.0 mmHg). The study included venous whole blood samples from ∼140 adult subjects (≥ 18 years) and arterial whole blood samples from ∼140 adult subjects at 3 clinical sites. Each whole blood sample was run in duplicate on the i-STAT G3+ cartridge. In addition, ∼140 specimens were collected in capillary tubes using two fingerstick draws from adult subjects and ∼20 capillary heel-stick specimens were collected into two capillary tubes from neonate subjects (birth - 28 days) at two clinical sites. Specimens used in this study were prospectively collected venous, arterial, or capillary specimens under an Institutional Review Board approved informed consent or were de-identified leftover venous or arterial specimens. For each specimen type, duplicates from each subject were grouped into subintervals based on their mean values. The subintervals included the medical decision levels of 7.300, 7.350 and 7.450 pH units for pH, 30, 45 and 60 mmHg for PO2 and 35, 45, 50 and 70 mmHg for PCO2. The estimates of the pooled standard deviation (SD) and pooled coefficient of variation (%CV), as well as their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each subinterval. Results Across all specimen types (excluding outliers), the pooled SD for pH ranged from 0.00591 - 0.01747 pH units for subintervals 6.500 - 7.300, >7.300 - 7.450, >7.450 - 7.800 pH units. For PO2, the pooled SD ranged from 0.71 - 3.76 mmHg for subintervals 10 - 40 mmHg and >40 - 50 mmHg and the pooled %CV ranged from 1.63 - 8.76 %CV for subintervals >50 - 100 mmHg, >100 - 250 mmHg and >250 - 700 mmHg. For PCO2, the pooled SD ranged from 0.000 - 1.709 mmHg for subintervals 5.0 - 35.0 mmHg, >35.0 - 50.0 mmHg and >50.0 - 62.5 mmHg and the pooled %CV ranged from 1.10 - 3.62 %CV for subinterval >62.5 - 130.0 mmHg. Conclusions The precision study demonstrated that the pH, PO2 and PCO2 tests in the i-STAT G3+ cartridge when tested using the i-STAT 1 System deliver precise results within ∼2 minutes for venous, arterial, and capillary whole blood patient specimens when tested by end users in a point-of-care or clinical laboratory setting. These studies were funded by Abbott Laboratories.

A-045 Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of A1c Test by HPLC - Lifotronic™ H100Plus Analyzer - in a Brazilian Clinical Laboratory

Abstract Background Over the years, the measurement of Glycated Hemoglobin (A1c) has solidified as an important risk marker for pre-diabetic patients and for the diagnosis and control of diabetic patients. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (CLAE) method has been adopted in prospective studies such as the DDCT, and international certification by the NGSP is available. In this study, analytical performance metrics including imprecision, correlation, linearity, carryover, and detection of hemoglobin variants were evaluated for the Lifotronic® H100 Plus analyzer from China. Methods The results were evaluated following CLSI guidelines on samples within stability, collected according to standardized procedures. For the comparative method, 40 patient samples ranging from 4 to 15.4% were analyzed, and two concentrations of internal quality control material were used for intra-assay (5 repetitions per day) and inter-assay (over five days) imprecision testing. Linearity was assessed using samples at two concentrations, one low (4.5%) and another high (17.2%). For carryover evaluation, low (4.98%), intermediate (9.97%), and high (14.96%) concentrations were assayed in an interleaved manner. Hemoglobin variants found in the studied population were determined using the same method employed in correlation tests (HbS, HbF, HbC, HbE, and HbD). Results The method comparison study revealed a Total Error for decision levels of 5.6%: 2.23% and 6.5%: 1.70%, which were lower than the maximum allowable Total Error of 3.3% (EFLM - EuBIVAS). The difference plot showed that 95% of the results fell within acceptable limits. Positive bias was observed in 7 out of 40 tested samples, predominantly in samples with concentrations above 6,5%, although the medical team assessed it as having no clinical impact. For intra-assay imprecision, the obtained result was 0.86%, and for inter-assay imprecision, it was 0.87%, both deemed acceptable according to the 3.0 % specification proposed by the supplier for the two tested levels.Linearity tests were approved for concentrations proposed by the manufacturer between 3 and 18%, and no carryover was found between samples. All hemoglobin variants previously detected in the comparative method were also identified in the test method without exception, although the specific type of Hb variant was not identified. Conclusions The Lifotronic™ H100Plus analyzer demonstrated approved analytical performance with some notable observations: positive bias was observed in samples with concentrations above 6,5%, though it was not considered clinically relevant, the throughput of 58 tests per hour could be a limitation for laboratories with high testing volumes and the analyzer detected the presence of Hb variants, although it did not identify their specific types.

A-341 Precision Evaluation of the i-STAT® Glucose Test in the i-STAT G Cartridge using thei-STAT 1 System for Venous, Arterial and Capillary Whole Blood Specimens in Clinical Settings

Abstract Background Precise and accurate measurements of whole blood glucose levels are important for the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from diabetes and hypoglycemia. This study demonstrates the precision of the i-STAT G cartridge with the i-STAT 1 System in arterial, venous, or capillary whole blood in point of care or clinical laboratory settings. Methods The precision of the i-STAT G cartridge was assessed at external clinical sites by intended end users with whole blood specimens across the measurement range of 20 - 700 mg/dL. The study included testing venous whole blood samples from 154 adult (≥ 18 years) patients and arterial whole blood samples from 173 adult patients at three clinical sites. Each whole blood sample was run in duplicate on the i-STAT G cartridge. In addition, 139 capillary whole blood specimens from both adult subjects and neonate subjects (birth - 28 days) were collected and tested for capillary whole blood precision. Duplicate fingerstick draws were collected in capillary tubes from 119 adult subjects at two clinical sites and duplicate heel-stick specimens were collected in capillary tubes from 20 neonate subjects at two clinical sites. Specimens used in this study were prospectively collected venous, arterial, or capillary specimens under an Institutional Review Board approved informed consent or were de-identified leftover venous or arterial specimens. For each specimen type, duplicates from each subject were grouped into subintervals based on their mean values. The subintervals included the glucose medical decision levels of 45 mg/dL, 120 mg/dL and 180 mg/dL. The estimates of the pooled standard deviation (SD) and pooled coefficient of variation (%CV), as well as their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each subinterval (20-90 mg/dL, >90-150 mg/dL, >150-250 mg/dL, >250-700 mg/dL or >250-400 mg/dL and >400-700 mg/dL, as applicable). The precision estimates for each subinterval were compared against an acceptance criteria of the greater of 3 mg/dL or 5% of the mean (mg/dL) of the subinterval. Results The whole blood precision was found to be less than or equal to 5.00 %CV for all subintervals for each specimen type. For venous specimens, the %CV ranged from 0.35% to 0.43%; for arterial specimens the %CV ranged from 0.26% to 0.46% and for capillary specimens (adult and neonate combined), the %CV ranged from 1.38% to 2.71%. Conclusions The study demonstrated that the i-STAT Glucose test in the i-STAT G cartridge when tested using the i-STAT 1 System delivers precise results within ∼2 minutes for venous, arterial, and capillary whole blood patient specimens across a glucose range of 20 - 700 mg/dL when tested by end users in a point of care or clinical laboratory setting. The studies were funded by Abbott Laboratories.

A-334 Vital one: a point-of-care platform for rapid, comprehensive, central-lab quality blood testing

Abstract Background Diagnostic tools are fundamental to informed healthcare decisions, but the current state of in vitro diagnostics presents barriers to providing timely access to a wide menu of tests. This poster discusses a method for overcoming these challenges with a novel and miniaturized point-of-care (PoC) solution, the VitalOneTM. While many PoC solutions have limited test menus tailored for specific scenarios, Vital Biosciences introduces a comprehensive test menu in a compact PoC format that uses centrifugal microfluidic workflows to deliver quantitative results for over 50 analytes spanning hematology, clinical chemistry, and immunoassay modalities, ensuring central-lab quality results for a wide variety of use cases in a 20-min time frame (or 15 min for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) lipid panel, and liver panel). The VitalOneTM is designed to perform a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive panel with a full array of immunoassays and clinical chemistry assays, returning over 50 results with as little as 300-750 µL of whole blood. This poster provides a comprehensive and transparent view of both our results and underlying methods of operation. By comparing the VitalOneTM system with established benchmarks like Roche, Sysmex, and Beckman Coulter instrument systems, we demonstrate consistent assay performance, resilience to interference, and performance that is compliant with CLIA Total Allowable Error standards. Methods A method comparison analysis of measurements on VitalOneTM platform was performed against predicate instruments that are commonly used in centralized laboratories (Roche Cobas, Beckman AU480, Beckman Coulter DxH500, Beckman Access 2, and Sysmex 140). Additionally, a 5-8 point calibration curve was generated for each analyte across the desired assay measuring range (AMR) using commercially available validation kits on three separate days, resulting in a master calibration curve. To check for sensitivity to potential interferences that may be present in patient samples, endogenous and exogenous interference testing was performed following Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Lastly, robustness testing was carried out to mimic the extremes of variances in volumes, times, or temperatures that may be encountered when running an assay protocol. Results The method comparison analysis (n = 840 samples) and precision studies revealed that the VitalOne exhibited a strong correlation with the benchmark instruments and were in compliance with CLIA's total allowable error limits, reinforcing the reliability and clinical relevance of our diagnostic system. Assays across Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and immunoassays demonstrated >95% of data within CLIA TEa% and run-to-run imprecision ≤ 5%. Additionally, linearity studies revealed that each analyte AMR spans across physiologically relevant concentrations, defined by medical decision levels and reference intervals for each analyte. Our robustness and endogenous and exogenous interference testing performed as per CLSI guidelines has demonstrated that the VitalOneTM system closely matches, and in certain parameters, such as biotin interference, even surpasses that of the predicate instruments. Conclusions In summary, the VitalOneTM platform represents a significant advancement in point-of-care diagnostics, offering a comprehensive, accurate, and efficient alternative to traditional laboratory testing. This innovation is poised to transform the way clinicians approach diagnostics, enabling more informed decision-making and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Exploring the decision-making experience of elderly diabetes patients regarding their health-seeking behaviour: a descriptive qualitative study

BackgroundDiabetes has emerged as a critical global public health issue. The burden of diabetes is escalating in developing countries, including China. For individuals with diabetes, making informed and rational decisions...

Совершенствование подхода к управлению мерами государственной поддержки предприятий в ходе реализации промышленной политики

Issues of the effectiveness of the implementation of industrial policy and measures of state support for industrial enterprises have reached the level of state strategic decisions in connection with the emergence of new external and internal challenges facing Russia today. The main problem that urgently needs to be solved is the development of mechanisms for implementing state policy in terms of the application of state support measures in the context of ongoing sanctions and political pressure. The authors of the article presented an evolutionary cross-section of the content of industrial policy, provided criteria for classifying its instruments and forms of implementation through a description of government support measures. Consideration of industrial policy from the historical and functional side at the macro- and meso- levels (specific territory and specific industry) contributed to the systematization of government support measures for industrial enterprises. The relevance of the research interest is related to the fact that with a significant number of publications in Russia and abroad concerning the issues of improving industrial policy and measures of state impact on industrial facilities, the problem of appropriate effective methodological and practical support for the management of state support measures remains unsolved. The article presents a systematization of state support measures for industrial enterprises, a critical analysis of the methodology for selecting enterprises receiving state support, an assessment of the results of the implementation of the applied system of support measures, as well as the reasons for the gap between the stated goals of industrial policy and its actual results. In this scientific article, the authors propose to improve the approach to assessing enterprises that are recipients of government support in order to ensure that their choices comply with the goals of industrial policy.

Integrating life cycle assessment and multi criteria decision making analysis towards sustainable cocoa production system in Indonesia: An environmental, economic, and social impact perspective

Sustainable Cocoa production practices should be investigated comprehensively to address sustainability requirements and mitigate Cocoa production issues in Indonesia. This study aims to identify the sustainable Cocoa production system considering the environmental, economic, and social impacts. Life cycle framework and multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) were integrated to obtain the study's objectives by comparing Cocoa monocropping system (CM) and Cocoa intercropping systems (IC). The result indicated that in the environmental sustainability aspect, the monocropping system (CM) showed higher performance as indicated by the lower environmental impact in all indicators; for example, CM emitted a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) that has a lower margin of 34.5–55.9 % compared to the intercropping system (IC-I and IC-II). In the economic aspect, both on the short-term and long-term analysis, the Cocoa intercropping system (IC-II) generated higher value-added and economic feasibility, with a higher profit margin of 150–205 % compared to CM and IC-1. Along with the increase of economic benefits in IC II, this system also significantly provides social benefits, as presented by the higher social index margin of 4.9–23.7 % compared to other systems. Furthermore, by applying decision-making analysis, the result determines the highest index on the Cocoa intercropping system II (IC-II). These findings highlight that applying the intercropping system II is recommended to overcome the cocoa issue at the farmer and decision-maker levels. Additionally, the proposed method that combined LCA-MCDM can be applied to another agricultural commodity to achieve sustainable agriculture production.

The Relationship between Information Technology and the Modernization of the National Governance System

Currently, a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation is emerging. New-generation information and communication technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence, evolve rapidly and profoundly impact economic and social development. They provide strong momentum for the modernization of national governance systems and capabilities. As an emerging governance resource, big data holds vast potential for promoting the modernization of national governance systems. It can enhance the decision-making level of governance, awareness of data openness and sharing, capabilities in public service, and risk management. Artificial intelligence presents opportunities for building a modern national governance system, facilitating precision, intelligence, and efficiency. National governance should seize the development opportunities of information technology, increasing its contribution to building a modern governance system.

From Single Orders to Batches: A Sensitivity Analysis of Warehouse Picking Efficiency

Currently, companies are called to meet variable market demand whilst having to comply with tighter delivery times, also due to the growing spread of e-commerce systems in the last decade. As never before, it is therefore mandatory to increase the efficiency within distribution centers to minimize operating costs and increase environmental and economical sustainability. The picking process is the most expensive task in a warehouse, both for the required resources and time for completing all the operations, which is typically carried out manually. Several policies can be identified, such as discrete or batch picking. Many studies tend to optimize both policies, treating them distinctly and integrating them with other factors including, for instance, the logic of product allocation. This article stands on a higher decision-making level: starting from a database obtained with a simulative approach that contains the average distances covered by pickers in different warehouse configurations, the aim is to provide an analysis of which factors have the greatest impact in preferring a discrete order picking policy over the batch one. The factors in question are shape factor, input–output point, routing and storage location assignment policies. Results can be useful for industrial practitioners in defining the most efficient managerial strategies.

Factors Influencing the Interest of Prospective Students in Choosing the D3 Accounting Program at Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin

Prospective students who wish to enter higher education must first choose the study program they desire, as this program will provide them with the knowledge and skills needed for their future. Selecting a study program may seem easy for prospective students, given the wide range of options available at a university. However, they also need to consider other factors, both internal and external, when making their choice. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the interest of prospective students in choosing the D3 Accounting Program at Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin and to provide information regarding the profile of respondents based on student status, gender, and the level of decision-making in selecting the D3 Accounting Program at Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin. The data analysis techniques used in this study include descriptive analysis, instrument testing, classical assumption testing, and hypothesis testing to analyze the effect of two or more independent variables on the dependent variable using regression equations for two or more variables. The t-test is used to examine the significance of each independent variable's constant, determining whether each variable has a partial (individual) effect on the dependent variable, while the F-test is used to assess the simultaneous impact of the independent variables on the dependent variable, determining whether the influence is significant or not. The results of the hypothesis testing using the F-test and t-test indicate that all alternative hypotheses (Ha) are accepted, and null hypotheses (Ho) are rejected. Thus, the findings reveal that social factors, job opportunities, accreditation, and education costs collectively influence the interest of prospective students in choosing the D3 Accounting Program at Poliban

The Role of Nudges and Behavioral Interventions in Financial Decision Making

Financial decision-making, both at individual and institutional levels, plays a critical role in determining economic outcomes. Traditional economic theory posits that individuals are rational agents who make decisions based on complete information and a consistent set of preferences. However, behavioral economics has challenged this notion, highlighting cognitive biases, heuristics, and social influences that can drive suboptimal decisions. Nudges and behavioral interventions have emerged as tools to guide individuals toward better financial choices without restricting their freedom of choice. The purpose of this research is to present a descriptive investigation of behavioral interventions and nudges in financial decision-making. The main cognitive biases influencing financial behavior are first described, and then several nudge kinds and their applicability in diverse financial contexts— retirement savings, debt management, spending control, and investment decisions—are explored. Along with reviewing empirical data on nudges' efficacy, the paper addresses the ethical issues surrounding their application and pinpoints the variables that affect their effectiveness. This study aims to educate consumers, financial institutions, and policymakers about the potential advantages and constraints of behavioral interventions by providing a thorough overview of how nudges might impact financial decision-making. Keywords: Nudges, Behavioral Intervention, Financial Decision-Making, Cognitive Biases, Financial Literacy.

Pendampingan Penyusunan Kajian Lingkungan Hidup Strategis sebagai Dasar dalam Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are agreed-upon common goals that must be met by all nations by 2030. Efforts to meet the SDG targets are a national development priority that necessitates the coordination of planning policies at the national and regional levels. In Central Kalimantan, the provincial and district/city governments are currently preparing various Strategic Environmental Assessment documents (SEA). The goal of this activity is to increase the working group's and experts' understanding of the principles of sustainable development that have become the basis and integrated into the development of a region, so that they can provide recommendations for environmental considerations at the strategic decision-making level, particularly after the 2024 joint national and provincial election. It has been carried out to reduce the obstacles that have previously been a problem by providing technical guidance on various tools for preparing and validating SEA. Following the training, it was discovered that the understanding and mastery of district/city working groups and university experts could improve compared to before the assistance series.

The Factors Affecting the Small and Medium Enterprises Management in Shanghai

Administrative aspects are recognized as crucial components for the efficient functioning of the entire enterprise, especially in influencing daily operations. Each administrative link influences regular operations in different ways. At the level of decision-making, the scientific implementation of command and control is highly urgent. The optimum performance of corporate departments relies heavily on the implementation of effective decision-making processes. Although prominent leaders and principals hold significant guiding power over each department, this authority is often misunderstood. The power of leadership should not be overexerted or left unused. Instead, it should be strategically employed to foster and enhance the efficiency and productivity of each department. This study investigates the lasting impact of administrative factors on the efficiency of enterprise management. By promoting efficient administrative practices and well-informed decision-making, leaders can ensure that each department operates at its highest potential. This approach not only streamlines the enterprise's daily operations but also contributes to its long-term success and sustainability. Overall, the study highlights the intricate and essential relationship between administrative factors and enterprise management efficiency.

De la sustancia al yo como fundamento de la persona. Respuesta a John F. Crosby

This text continues the debate started with the article by Juan Manuel Burgos, The self as the ontological root of the person. Reflections on John F. Crosby, “Who” 6 (2017), pp. 33-54, to which John Crosby responded with the text On solitude, subjectivity and substantiality. Response to Juan Manuel Burgos, “Who” 8 (2018), pp. 7-18. In it, he responds to Crosby’s reflections by pointing out: 1) Crosby’s insistence on the relevance of intersubjectivity can be assumed as long as it is accepted that the self is situated at a more decisive foundational level of the person; 2) I accept, following Crosby, that the expression incommunicability can be used to refer to the person, although perhaps the use of this expression weakens his theses on intersubjectivity; 3) I continue to consider the use of the notion of substance to refer to the person to be inadequate and I believe that its functions should be replaced by a self understood in an ontological or foundational way.

European Academy of Neurology: First 10 years.

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) was founded in May 2014 as the scientific society of all neurologists and all national neurological societies in Europe. The creation of EAN was based on the conscious decision of two predecessor societies (the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the European Neurological Society) to have a unique society for this continent with its 53 countries according to the World Health Organization and with the EU as the most important continental political decision level. In this report, the important milestones and the motivations of the decision-makers during the first 10 years are described. The development of the annual congress, the broad educational agenda, and the scientific groundwork including the European guidelines for the practise of neurology are described. Collaboration with and work for the national neurological societies is an important task for EAN. The political representation of neurology in Brussels and collaboration with the scientific societies of neighbouring medical disciplines and patient organizations are other major tasks on the agenda of the organization. EAN's goal is to reduce the burden of neurological diseases and to be the "home of neurology" in Europe for physicians, patients, and society. EAN communicates and interacts with its members, patients, partners, politicians, and the public through different channels. EAN is the owner of the scientifically independent European Journal of Neurology. EAN is based in Vienna, where its head office is located, but is also strongly represented in Brussels.

Intuitionistic Linguistic EDAS Method with New Score Function: Case Study on Evaluating Universities’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education

Intuitionistic linguistic numbers (ILNs) describe expert evaluation information by representing semantic assessment values and reflecting the confidence level and hesitation of decision-makers. ILNs are widely used to handle uncertain and incomplete information. The Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) method selects the optimal solution based on the distance of each alternative from the average solution, making it suitable for multi-attribute decision-making with conflicting attributes. This study proposes a new scoring function for ILNs and develops an evaluation method combining ILNs with EDAS (IL-EDAS). Experts’ evaluations of each alternative’s indices are expressed using ILNs, and the EDAS method ranks the alternatives to select the optimal solution. We apply this method to assess innovation and entrepreneurship education capabilities in universities, and compare the results with those from other methods to verify their applicability and practicality.

NKDFF-CNN: A convolutional neural network with narrow kernel and dual-view feature fusion for multitype gesture recognition based on sEMG

Deep learning algorithms have been widely applied to gesture recognition based on multi-channel surface electromyography (sEMG). However, the limitations in feature extraction capabilities of existing algorithms have restricted the performance of multitype gesture recognition. To address this challenge, we propose a novel sEMG-based gesture recognition algorithm, namely, Narrow Kernel and Dual-view Feature Fusion Convolutional Neural Network (NKDFF-CNN). Firstly, to overcome the issue of traditional square kernel convolution operation, which loses channel independence features, we employ the narrow kernel convolution in the model to learn time-related features in each independent channel of sEMG, resulting in obtaining representative correlation information between specific muscles and gestures. Then, the dual-view structure is used to capture both shallow and deep features, which are fused at the decision level. Thus, the multi-dimensional feature information is extracted. The NKDFF-CNN is further extended to ACCNKDFF-CNN by introducing acceleration signals for multimodal feature integration. Experimental validation on the NinaPro DB2 dataset demonstrates the superior classification performance of NKDFF-CNN, achieving 88.03 % accuracy for 49 hand gestures, outperforming other state-of-the-art MSFF-net. In addition, the ACCNKDFF-CNN model with multimodal feature information significantly improved the accuracy to 95.25 %. We also validated the proposed NKDFF-CNN on NinaPro DB3 with the disabled subjects and the NinaPro DB4 with healthy subjects. The results showcased that the NKDFF-CNN achieved advanced accuracies of 70.58 % and 85.91 % for the multitype hand gestures classification, respectively, showing the high generalization ability of the proposed model. As a consequence, the proposed NKDFF-CNN method achieved superior recognition performance in both accuracy and generality compared to other advanced models. Thus, it provides a reliable algorithm for research in fields such as rehabilitative medicine.

Integrating storage allocation with manual order picking and replenishment operations in a distribution centre

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a mathematical programming formulation and a simulation-based heuristic for the allocation of storage positions to products picked by human operators on man-aboard vehicles traveling through the warehouse of a wholesale company. In this problem, the tactical level of the assignment decisions affects the operational level of the picking process. We propose a simulation-optimisation framework that integrates the two. Our formulation of the storage location assignment problem also handles the constraint according to which a picking position should be paired with a (vertical) replenishment position for a given item. To solve realistic instances, we design an iterated local search (ILS) metaheuristic with an embedded discrete-event simulator (DES) that evaluates the most promising moves at each iteration. The DES allows reproducing the handling operations performed by multiple order pickers under uncertainty, mutual interferences and congestion-related phenomena. Overall, the flexible simulation-optimisation (SO) framework evaluates the operational times and daily productivity of the order picking organisation. Numerical results are presented for real data, under an S-shape picking policy with a skip-and-go rule to deal with lacking items. Under a proper tuning of the ILS parameters, the SO framework allows to achieve a nearly 17% improvement in warehouse productivity.