Method For Indices Research Articles

Hurst estimation for operator scaling random fields

Estimation method for Hurst indices in operator scaling Gaussian random field is developed. The model used in this paper has two Hurst parameters along the two orthogonal directions. The two directions are estimated first, then Hurst indices are estimated along the estimated directions. The performance of estimator is investigated theoretically and empirically.

Anthropometric parameters of first-year students of pedagogical specialties

The topic is relevant due to a detailed study of the factors determining the health level of nowadays students, and taking these factors into consideration for the development of programs to strengthen their health. Since the scientific literary data on the physical development of student youth is somewhat contradictory, namely the morphological and functional indicators of a person depends on the level of physical health and adaptive capacity, it has been decided to determine the freshmen’s anthropometric parameters.
 The aim of the study was to take anthropometric measurements of total and comprehensive body size of 105 students studying at Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, assess their compliance with anthropometric standards, determine the somatotype and foot shape in order to create a database for further monitoring of physical development and identify patterns of anthropometric indicators under conditions of modern learning technologies.
 Research methods. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to standard anthropometric methods suggested by V. V. Bunak [1]. Data estimation was performed by the method of centile intervals and indices. The foot shape was assessed by the plantogram based on the Chyzhyn index. The obtained data were statistically processed according to the STATISTICA 5.5 program.
 Research results. The peculiarities of anthropometric parameters and somatotype of Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University first-year students are established: height, body weight; girth sizes: chest, waist, hips; body mass index, Kettle mass-growth index, body harmony indices, foot shape

The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic on World Indices: The Entropy Approach

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak started in December 2019 in Wuhan. The virus has spread around the whole world, and it has caused a strong and serious pandemic. Symptoms such as cough, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and fatigue associated with COVID-19 are typical clinical findings. Coronavirus infection has become an important public health concern because of its increasing prevalence, serious complications, and mortality. In light of this information, we examine different entropy methods for world indices (ISE 30, FTSE 100, NIKKEI 225, SP 500, and DAX 30) in the pre-COVID-19 period (02.01.2019–17.11.2019) and the post-COVID-19 period (18.11.2019–23.11.2020) in this article. Besides, we discuss the performances of entropies such as Shannon, Renyi, Tsallis, and approximate entropy (ApEn) in detail and perform the notion of entropy for volatility measure. As a result, we present the numerical results for the data set.

Quantifying spatial accessibility of general practitioners by applying a modified huff three-step floating catchment area (MH3SFCA) method

BackgroundIt is necessary to ensure sufficient healthcare. The use of current, precise and realistic methods to model spatial accessibility to healthcare and thus improved decision-making is helping this process. Generally, these methods—which include the family of floating catchment area (FCA) methods—incorporate a number of criteria that address topics like access, efficiency, budget, equity and the overall system utilization. How can we measure spatial accessibility? This paper investigates a sophisticated approach for quantifying the spatial accessibility of general practitioners. (GPs). Our objective is the investigation and application of a spatial accessibility index by an improved Huff three-step floating catchment area (MH3SFCA) method.MethodsWe modify and implement the huff model three-step floating catchment area (MH3SFCA) method and exemplary calculation of the spatial accessibility indices for the test study area. The method is extended to incorporate a more realistic way to model the distance decay effect. To that end, instead of a binary approach, a continuous approach is employed. Therefore, each distance between a healthcare site and the population is incorporated individually. The study area includes Swabia and the city of Augsburg, Germany. The data for analysis is obtained from following data sources: (1) Acxiom Deutschland GmbH (2020) provided a test dataset for the locations of general practitioners (GPs); (2) OpenStreetMap (OSM) data is utilized for road networks; and (3) the Statistische Ämter des Bundes und der Länder (German official census 2011) provided a population distribution dataset stemming from the 2011 Census.ResultsThe spatial accessibility indices are distributed in an inhomogeneous as well as polycentric pattern for the general practitioners (GPs). Differences in spatial accessibility are found mainly between urban and rural areas. The transitions from lower to higher values of accessibility or vice versa in general are smooth rather than abrupt. The results indicate that the MH3SFCA method is suited for comparing the spatial accessibility of GPs in different regions. The results of the MH3SFCA method can be used to indicate over- and undersupplied areas. However, the absolute values of the indices do not inherently define accessibility to be too low or too high. Instead, the indices compare the spatial relationships between each supply and demand location. As a result, the higher the value of the accessibility indices, the higher the opportunities for the respective population locations. The result for the study area are exemplary as the test input data has a high uncertainty. Depending on the objective, it might be necessary to further analyze the results of the method.ConclusionsThe application of the MH3SFCA method on small-scale data can provide an overview of accessibility for the whole study area. As many factors have to be taken into account, the outcomes are too complex for a direct and clear interpretation of why indices are low or high. The MH3SFCA method can be used to detect differences in accessibility on a small scale. In order to effectively detect over- or undersupply, further analysis must be conducted and/or different (legal) constraints must be applied. The methodology requires input data of high quality.

Proton pump inhibitors and mandibular bone quality: A preliminary study.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) provide a long-lasting anti-acidic effect by inhibiting the proton pump, and they are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. PPIs adversely affect the bone structure via deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible PPI-induced bone changes in the mandible on panoramic radiographs with the methods of fractal analysis and panoramic morphometric indices. Panoramic radiographs of 402 patients were used (201 PPI users, 201 control group). Fractal analysis was performed on 4 regions of interests (ROI): 1- upper part of the ramus, 2- angulus, 3- anterior of the mental foramen, 4- distal of the middle ramus. Also, the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), and Klemetti index (KI) were performed on radiographs. There were significant differences in terms of ROI3, MCW, and KI between the control and study groups (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference for ROI1, ROI2, ROI4, and PMI (p > 0.05). Males were severely affected than females. Osteoporotic changes were detected in the trabecular and cortical bone in the mental foramen region in PPI users with fractal analysis and morphometric indices, while there were no differences for mandibular ramus and angulus regions according to fractal analysis.

Comparison of weighted and unweighted methods of wealth indices for assessing SOCIO-ECONOMIC status

Due to some of the limitations of monetary measures, various non-monetary approaches for assessing household wealth have been developed as alternative tools for classifying household socio-economic status. Among them, wealth indices based on household durable assets are being used. The literature revealed that two basic methods of constructing wealth indices are employed: an unweighted method, where assets are weighted equally; and a weighted method, where specific weights are assigned to assets. In the case of using the weighted method, weighting can be assigned using various techniques. The overall objective of the study is to compare the wealth indices constructed by using weighted and unweighted methods for assessing the socio-economic status of households in rural Bangladesh. Firstly, the study attempts to construct wealth indices based on durable assets using the unweighted method and two techniques of the weighted method: weighted index using the inverse of proportion, and weighted index using principal component analysis (PCA). Following this, the study compares some distributional characteristics of these indices as well as monetary indicators. At the same time, the study evaluates and examines some attractive properties of these indices such as the extent of clumping and truncation, consistency with traditional monetary measures. Comparative analysis revealed that the unweighted asset index, as well as weighted asset index using PCA, can be treated as an efficient alternative to the monetary measures to evaluate the living standard of the households in the present study. However, due to some advantage's asset index using PCA can be considered to be somewhat better than the unweighted index. But, as the unweighted asset index is not very different from the weighted asset index using PCA, it can also be used as an alternative to the monetary measures without the need to use weighting.

Experimental Investigation and Adaptability Analysis of Hybrid Traction Power Supply System Integrated With Photovoltaic Sources in AC-Fed Railways

To realize energy conservation and emission reduction of railways, as well as alleviate the contradiction between supply and demand of energy, a hybrid traction power supply system integrated with photovoltaic sources (HTPSS-PVSs) is proposed. HTPSS-PVS can achieve the on-site access and consumption of photovoltaic (PV) sources along the railway line, without affecting the original structure of the traction power supply system (TPSS). Considering the strong stochastic volatility of traction loads and PV sources, the adaptability of HTPSS-PVS is analyzed to fully reveal the dynamic interaction mechanism among different subsystems, particularly in port electrical quantity and power quality. The quantitative evaluation methods of different power quality indices are also introduced after PV access. Afterward, the joint simulation and experimental investigation of the whole system are carried out. The results not only demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme but also point out that this coupling system has good adaptability. Compared with other schemes, it can be easily applied to the majority of conventional ac-fed two-phase TPSSs already operated or under construction due to their lower investment cost and shorter construction cycle. Finally, the relevant application suggestions are given to better match different tradeoff indicators and operation modes of the system.

Development of an Ontology-Based Knowledge Network by Interconnecting Soil/Water Concepts/Properties, Derived from Standards Methods and Published Scientific References Outlining Infiltration/Percolation Process of Contaminated Water

The present work deals with the development of an Ontology-Based Knowledge Network of soil/water physicochemical & biological properties (soil/water concepts), derived from ASTM Standard Methods (ASTMi,n) and relevant scientific/applicable references (published papers—PPi,n) to fill up/bridge the gap of the information science between cited Standards and infiltration discipline conceptual vocabulary providing accordingly a dedicated/internal Knowledge Base (KB). This attempt constitutes an innovative approach, since it is based on externalizing domain knowledge in the form of Ontology-Based Knowledge Networks, incorporating standardized methodology in soil engineering. The ontology soil/water concepts (semantics) of the developed network correspond to soil/water physicochemical & biological properties, classified in seven different generations that are distinguished/located in infiltration/percolation process of contaminated water through soil porous media. The interconnections with arcs between corresponding concepts/properties among the consecutive generations are defined by the relationship of dependent and independent variables. All these interconnections are documented according to the below three ways: 1) dependent and independent variables interconnected by using the logical operator “depends on” quoting existent explicit functions and equations; 2) dependent and independent variables interconnected by using the logical operator “depends on” quoting produced implicit functions, according to Rayleigh’s method of indices; 3) dependent and independent variables interconnected by using the logical operator “related to” based on a logical dependence among the examined nodes-concepts-variables. The aforementioned approach provides significant advantages to semantic web developers and web users by means of prompt knowledge navigation, tracking, retrieval and usage.

Grain quality and associated characteristics and properties of spring wheat of Canadian breeding

The article presents the results of the study of soft spring wheat varieties of Canadian breeding in order to identify the genetic sources of high baking value. A comprehensive assessment of the following economic and useful traits was carried out: yield, plant height, resistance to lodging and major fungal diseases, weight of 1000 grains, grain unit, vitreous content, protein and gluten content in the grain. The method of complex indices was used for the final evaluation of the varieties. It was found that the studied Canadian varieties are unsuitable for use in breeding for high yields in the conditions of the Central part of Russia. It was revealed that the varieties Bluesky, Oslo, Biggar, BW 90, Ac Kagma, CDC Merlin and Ac Taber have the highest values of complex indices. They are recommended for use in the breeding of soft spring wheat varieties with high yield and baking values of grain.

A Two-Stage Wavelet Decomposition Method for Instantaneous Power Quality Indices Estimation Considering Interharmonics and Transient Disturbances

As the complexity increases in modern power systems, power quality (PQ) analysis considering interharmonics has become a challenging and important task. This article proposes a novel decomposition and estimation method for instantaneous PQ indices (PQIs) monitoring in single- and three-phase systems with interharmonics and transient disturbances. To separate the interharmonic components, a set of new scaling filter and wavelet filter with narrow transition bands is designed for the undecimated wavelet packet transform (UWPT). Furthermore, a two-stage decomposition method for multitone voltage and current signals is proposed. The Hilbert transform (HT) is applied to calculate the instantaneous amplitude and phase of each frequency component, which accordingly allows the monitoring of different PQI parameters. Numerical tests are conducted to check the performance of the proposed method. The test results show that, compared to other conventional approaches, instantaneous PQIs estimated by the proposed method present significant advances for tracking transitory changes in power systems and could be considered as a helpful tool for high-accuracy PQ detections.

Point and Interval Estimators of Reliability Indices for Repairable Systems Using the Weibull Generalized Renewal Process

The generalized renewal process considers repair efficiency of imperfect repair in reliability assessment of repairable systems; therefore, its evaluation results are close to real repair circumstance than the ordinary renewal process or the non-homogeneous Poisson process. Based on the asymptotic distribution of maximum likelihood estimation, a calculating method of reliability indices for repairable systems with imperfect repair is proposed. The point and approximate interval estimators of model parameters for Kijima type Weibull generalized renewal processes Models I and II, as well as reliability indices of repairable systems, such as reliability, cumulative failure number and failure intensity, etc., are all presented. Two real cases are studied using generalized renewal processes Models I and II respectively to show the validity of our method. The results show that imperfect repair makes the instantaneous failure intensity of a repairable system discretely jump either up or down at the time of each failure, and the method proposed in this paper agrees well with the other exiting methods, and can also reduce the complexity of calculation.

Air pollution and neurological development in children.

Pregnancy and early childhood are periods with high plasticity in neurological development. Environmental perturbations during these sensitive windows can have lifelong developmental consequences. This review summarizes key findings relevant to the effects of air pollution on neurological development. Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution, both during pregnancy and childhood, is associated with childhood developmental outcomes ranging from changes in brain structures to subclinical deficits in developmental test scores, and, ultimately, developmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders or autism spectrum disorders. Although the biological mechanisms of effects remain to be elucidated, multiple pathways are probably involved and include oxidative stress, inflammation, and/or endocrine disruption. Given the alarming global increase in developmental disorders in recent years, and increased human exposures to pollution, it is critical to reduce personal and community-level exposures through tight collaboration of interdisciplinary and multi-level bodies including community partners, physicians, industry partners, policy makers, public health practitioners, and researchers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Exposure to air pollution is associated with a range of childhood developmental complications. Biological mechanisms may include oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption.

ОЦЕНКА КОНКУРЕНТОСПОСОБНОСТИ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ИННОВАЦИОННОЙ СИСТЕМЫ

To the number of the key problems of modern development of Russia is the problem of sustainable economic development of each of its regions on the basis of consistent reform of market institutions and effective structural modernization of the regional economy. It is possible to achieve a solution to this problem only taking into account the entire range of external and internal factors and conditions affecting the regional economy, which need a comprehensive analysis of the region’s significant competitive opportunities. The aim of the research is an objective assessment of the competitiveness of the regional innovation system based on the method of integral indices, the level of innovative development of municipal districts and urban districts. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the complex diagnostics of the competitiveness of the region, which makes it possible to identify both the most favorable prerequisites for their economic growth, and the existing limitations in their economic development.

Methodological Aspects of Using Indicator Values in Biodiversity Analysis

Indicator values are becoming an increasingly popular tool in basic and applied botanical research: more than 55 original phytoindication systems, including about 200 optimal and range scales for various environmental factors, are known. This paper describes seven methods for calculating the phytoindication optimum of a taxonomical list: averaging with weighting by indicators of the taxon’s participation (cover, frequency, and activity) and the degree of ecological tolerance amplitude breadth. Optimum and interval indices of ecological consensus are proposed for a quantitative assessment of the level of ecological homogeneity of plant communities and floras. The distinguishing ability of the described methods of environmental calculation and consensus indices were critically compared and assessed in the environmental analysis module of the IBIS 7.2 botanical information system using data from Bashkiria and the Southern Urals at the level of phytocoenoses assigned to four communities and their coenofloras. The possible fields of further use of the results in phytocoenology and floristics are described.

POTATO MARKET CHANGES - EU OVERVIEW FOR THE 2010-2019 PERIOD

The EU potato sector is analyzed regarding production quantities, harvested area, yields, consumption, price indices, import and export intra, and extra EU. The present paper was intended as an empirical secondary data analysis of the EU potato sector for the period 2010-2019. The methods used are the direct comparison, the method of indices, relative and absolute changes, Gini coefficients. Romania was the 4th producer of potatoes in the EU by harvested area and the 7th by potato production quantity in 2019. The yield in EU standard humidity decreased to 14.79 tonnes/ha, pushing next to the last place near Bulgaria.

Breeding techniques to form final parent groups of sows (F&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;) with a high adaptive ability

Global experience related to increased pork production shows that breeding work has become an integral part of the technology, since it is impossible to further improve breeding and performance traits of animals without it and therefore the greater production of better quality pork. The paper presents the results of the breeding process arrangement for creation of F1 parental pig. Substantiation of breeding techniques when creating the final parental groups of sows (F1) with a high adaptive ability was based on complex methods to evaluate breeding animals, including traditional methods of domestic breeding and breeding indices. Evaluation of combination compatibility of breed-linear hybrids with the use of breeding indices during mating of parent initial forms allows to determine efficiency of using Yorkshire sows with Landrace boars, and Landrace sows with Yorkshire boars (final parental sows (F1)), which had significantly better reproductive indicators in comparison with BLW х BM genotype sows. Particularly efficient compatibility was recorded when selecting Yorkshire sows and Landrace boars. It was determined that in modern conditions an increase in the efficiency of breeding and pedigree work in pig breeding was based on the use of genetic methods, including: individual assessment of pedigree species according to the main breeding traits, evaluation of genome of each breeding animal, and use of breeding indices allowing to identify the true genetic potential of animals and predict performance traits of their offspring. The research relevance lies in using the innovative methodology for comprehensive assessment of combination compatibility of parental pairs, unified for pig husbandries and pig farms, which will make it possible to 10% accelerate the breeding process of forming the final parental forms of sows, ensure obtaining offspring with predictable reproductive, fattening and meat traits, and good adaptive ability.

Can a digital slide scanner and viewing technique assist the visual scoring for the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay?

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMNcyt) assay is a comprehensive method to measure DNA damage, cytostasis and cytotoxicity caused by nutritional, radiation and chemical factors. A slide imaging technique has been identified as a new method to assist with the visual scoring of cells for the CBMNcyt assay. A NanoZoomer S60 Digital Pathology slide scanner was used to view WIL2-NS cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and measure CBMNcyt assay biomarkers using a high-definition desktop computer screen. The H2O2-treated WIL2-NS cells were also scored visually using a standard light microscope, and the two visual scoring methods were compared. Good agreement was found between the scoring methods for all DNA damage indices (micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) and nuclear division index with correlation R values ranging from 0.438 to 0.789, P < 0.05. Apoptotic and necrotic cell frequency was lower for the NanoZoomer scoring method, but necrotic frequency correlated well with the direct visual microscope method (R = 0.703, P < 0.0001). Considerable advantages of the NanoZoomer scoring method compared to direct visual microscopy includes reduced scoring time, improved ergonomics and a reduction in scorer fatigue. This study indicates that a digital slide scanning and viewing technique may assist with visual scoring for the CBMNcyt assay and provides similar results to conventional direct visual scoring.

Atuação do BNDES e disparidades regionais: evidências da indústria de transformação entre 2000-2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a dinâmica territorial de desembolso do BNDES sobre a indústria de transformação, a partir dos padrões setoriais de concorrência, regiões e unidades federativas, no período de 2000 a 2018 no Brasil. A abordagem fundamenta-se no arcabouço teórico do desenvolvimento regional e faz o uso do método analítico, descritivo e estatístico, das taxas de crescimento e índices de desigualdade de Theil (interestadual, inter-regional e intra-regional). Os resultados sugerem que a participação dos desembolsos nos grupos setoriais difusoras do progresso técnico/bens duráveis supera a parcela de indústrias de commodities e tradicionais em parte relevante dos últimos 18 anos. Ademais, nota-se que o BNDES alcançou uma distribuição regional mais equilibrada dos desembolsos entre o período de 2010-2015 influenciado, sobretudo, via o Programa de Sustentação do Investimento e fortalecimento da atuação no território. Contudo, a partir de 2015 a forte retração dos desembolsos refletiu veemente na ampliação das disparidades regionais.

Emergy evaluation of power generation systems

With the increasing demand of power sources, it is of great significance to evaluate different power generation systems and optimize the energy structure. The emergy is proved to be a comprehensive and powerful way to evaluate the sustainability of a system. In this paper, emergy is used to compare ten power generation systems by two calculation methods of emergy indices. The emergy data of integrated gasification combined cycle and wind power generation systems are gathered from the studies of life cycle assessment, while those of the other eight systems are taken from existing emergy evaluations and converted to the same baseline. The study of hydropower generation systems shows the influence of technical progress and geographical location to the sustainability. The comparison of ten power generation systems shows that the hydropower generation system has the best sustainability while the wind and solar systems demonstrate relatively low sustainability. Besides, the sustainability is relative to the carbon dioxide tax. The sustainability of wind and concentrated solar power generation systems is tend to be better than that of integrated gasification combined cycle power generation system with an increase in the carbon dioxide tax. The results indicate that the technology, investment cost and carbon dioxide emission are essential factors to sustainability of power generation systems.

Effect of blood serum enzymes on meat qualities of piglet productivity

The article presents the results of studies of fattening and meat qualities of young white pigs of different white breeds of different intensity of formation (Δt) in early ontogeny, biochemical parameters of blood serum (aspartate aminotransferase activity, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline transferase, alkaline phosphatase. It is established that according to the main indicators of fattening and meat qualities (age of reaching live weight of 100 kg, days; thickness of the sleeve at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, mm; length of chilled carcass, mm) young pigs of the controlled herd belong to the first class and class elite, and serum biochemical parameters are consistent with the physiological norm of clinically healthy animals. Taking into account the class of distribution by intensity of formation (Δt), a significant difference was established between animals of I (Δt = 0.795–0.832) and III (Δt = 0.660–0.703) groups on the average daily gain of live weight and age of reaching live weight of 100 kg. The relationship between the biochemical parameters of serum, fattening and meat characteristics of young pigs ranges from -0.250 to +0.385 and is unlikely. We offer in breeding and breeding work, along with the traditional methods of evaluation and selection of high-yielding animals use the method of evaluation and breeding indices.