Method Of Paired Comparisons Research Articles

Visual and auditory factors on seat preference in a small musical theatre

This paper investigates the visual and auditory factors influencing seat preference in a small musical theater. The venue is as a versatile space capable of accommodating musical performances, with an irregularly shaped seating area designed for 300 seats. Specifically, the seating structure is designed to enhance intimacy, connecting from the first to the second floor, and features staggered blocks of seats arranged in a curved formation. Visual images of the stage view and binaural impulse responses towards the center of the stage were collected at nine selected seats in situ conditions. To determine factors related to visual, auditory, and seat preferences, a paired comparison method was employed in a laboratory setting to derive scale values for each seat. Ten subjects with experience attending musical performances and normal hearing were participated in the experiments. The auditory stimuli were convolved with vocal anechoic recordings, and visual images were synthesized to depict the same performance scene. Preference scores were obtained through three type of experiments, considering visual information only, auditory information only, and simultaneous presentation of visual and auditory information. Based on the results, influence of visual and auditory factors on seat preference was discussed.

The history of the great migration: Movement to the urban north (1916-1970) and its cultural, social, and political impact

The main purpose of the article is to conduct a historical analysis of the extensive migration that took place during 1916-1970. The object of the study is the cultural, social and political effect of this phenomenon. The methodology of the study involves the use of historical analysis methods, methods of systematization of available historical information, the method of expert analysis, the method of hierarchical analysis and the method of pair comparison. As a result of the study, key cultural, social and political factors that influenced the process of formation of large migration in the period 1916-1970 were identified through the conducted expert historians. A model of the hierarchical influence of these factors on the formation and development of migration processes is presented. The study has a limitation and takes into account only a specific period in history. At the same time, in further studies, a significant scientific emphasis should be placed on economic factors.

Cybercrime in the Middle East: A Comparative Analysis with Global Trends

This article aims to present a modern methodological approach that will allow the selection of the optimal strategy for combating cybercrime in the Middle East. The research methodology requires using methods that would enable the assessment of the study problem and help solve it effectively; thus, the hierarchy analysis developed by T. Saaty was widely used by researchers and practitioners in solving economic problems. The method of paired comparison and the involvement of experts through the Delphi method was also used. This paper explicitly defends the choices made for countering cybercrime, stressing that these choices should be tailored to the changes in the Middle East. The study acknowledges this restriction by concentrating only on the features of cybercrime in Middle Eastern nations. To gain a more profound understanding of the problem, future studies should investigate cybercrime in other areas, such as EU nations.

Reverberation Time in Traditional Courtyard Yue Opera Theatres

The development of traditional Chinese theatres is closely related to the development of traditional Chinese opera. The acoustic quality of the theatre plays a crucial role in the performance effect of Chinese opera. As one of the five major traditional Chinese opera genres, Yue opera has a significant number of existing traditional theatres in the Shaoxing area. This study conducted on-site measurements of the reverberation time in traditional courtyard Yue opera theatres. The results indicate that the mid-frequency EDT values in the main viewing areas range from 0.6 to 0.7 s, and T30 is around 0.7 s. Furthermore, aiming to investigate the optimal reverberation time for Yue opera performance spaces and the factors influencing preferences, subjective experiments using auralization technology and a paired comparison method were conducted. The results show that the optimal reverberation time for Yue opera performance spaces is around 0.8 s. There was no difference in the optimal reverberation time between the ordinary group and the experienced group, but the ordinary group tended to show a higher preference for shorter reverberation times. Compared to singing clips, recitation clips obtained higher preference scores for short reverberation times, indicating that audiences require higher clarity when listening to recitations.

Study on the sound quality of the electric vehicle powertrain under acceleration conditions

The evaluation and prediction of the sound quality (SQ) of electric vehicle (EV) powertrains are critical to the overall SQ of EVs. Firstly, a grouping method for noise samples is proposed to achieve rational grouping when SQ evaluations are performed using the grouped paired comparison method and its improvements. Secondly, aiming at the limitations of psychoacoustic parameters in predicting SQ under nonstationary conditions, a SQ prediction model based on the energy features of intrinsic mode functions (IMF) of signals is proposed. Finally, SQ evaluations are conducted, comparing the prediction performance of two SQ models based on energy features and psychoacoustic parameters. The prediction results show that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the model with energy features is 4.18%, while the MAPE of the model with psychoacoustic parameters is 8.88%, which demonstrates that energy features are superior in predicting the SQ of EV powertrains under acceleration conditions.

Development of flour confectionery products using physiologically valuable beekeeping products

The current tasks facing specialists involved in the production and circulation of food products is the creation of products that are balanced in terms of physiologically valuable ingredients. The formation of cookies with a modified recipe composition can change the perception of cookie descriptors. So, a desirable aspect is the search for physiologically valuable ingredients that enrich the finished product and meet the requirements of consumers when assessing its consumer properties, characteristic of the geographical location of the regions of residence and familiar to consumers. The purpose of the research was to develop flour confectionery products using physiologically valuable beekeeping products – bee pollen pellet collected in various regions of the country, and to evaluate the consumer characteristics of the resulting products, taking into account the factors of traditional perception of organoleptic indicators. The objects of the research were samples of bee pollen collected in various regions of Russia. The quality of bee pollen pellet was assessed according to organoleptic indicators: appearance, color, consistency, smell, taste. The assessment of physicochemical quality indicators of bee pollen pellet was carried out using industry-accepted methods. The quality of sugar cookies was assessed using accepted methods for assessing the quality of flour confectionery products. The assessment of the organoleptic quality indicators of the cookies was also carried out hedonistically using the acceptability and preference method and the paired comparison method. The research has confirmed the feasibility of using bee products (bee pollen pellet) in the production of flour confectionery products. Hedonic tests of the perception of flour confectionery products with the addition of beekeeping products and bee pollen have confirmed the traditional perception of the finished products. In general, the proposed solutions for the development of flour confectionery products using physiologically valuable beekeeping products will expand the range of functional food products.

What dress code do we teach students and residents? A survey of patients’ and their families’ preferences regarding physicians’ appearance

Introduction: From the late 1960s to the present, physicians’ dress codes have been actively studied in Western countries. Until the early 21st century, patients tended to prefer a conservative dress style, such as “shirt and tie or skirt” with white coats for physicians. However, as attitudes toward dress codes have changed, knowledge regarding this issue needs to be updated. A variety of colours of scrubs are currently commonly used by medical professionals, but it is not known whether all colours are acceptable to patients. The current study sought to investigate the acceptability of various dress codes for physicians from the patients’ perspective, to inform medical education. Methods: Outpatients and their family members at a university hospital and a small-to-medium-sized hospital were surveyed. We inquired about which of the different styles of white coats and different colours of scrubs were most desirable for male and female physicians. We used Scheffe’s paired comparison method to determine rankings. Results: Patients and their family members expected their physicians to wear white coats rather than scrubs. Furthermore, a more traditional and formal dress code was preferred. The least preferred colour of scrubs was yellow. Conclusion: The current results indicated that patients’ preference for a traditional, conservative appearance has not changed over time. This finding does not match current perspectives on infection prevention. Both patient preferences and infection prevention are important for informing education and gaining patient trust. Keywords: White Coat, Scrub Colour, Physicians’ Appearance, Medical Education, Doctor-Patient Communication

Investigation Of Consumers' Attitudes Towards Seaweeds and Insects

The purpose of this research is to determine consumers' preferences for the consumption of seaweeds and edible insects and the factors affecting this very phenomenon. Accordingly, face-to-face surveys were conducted with 132 participants in Antalya. The probit model was used to determine the factors affecting seaweed consumption preference. The reasons why consumers do not prefer edible insects, were determined the deploying the fuzzy paired comparison method. The findings show that the society was not inclined to consume insects as food. The reasons for not consuming insects, in order of importance, are disgust, health concerns, appearance, beliefs, taste perception, texture perception, ethical and moral values, perception of hardness and perception of fear. On the other hand, interest in consuming seaweed as food is much higher. In general, It has been found that women and young consumers who are prone to trying new foods are more likely to purchase seaweed. The results show that the recommendations of institutions such as the United Nations on this issue should be reviewed before implementation.

Prospects for the Formation of an Educational Ecosystem

During the period of higher education reform, there is an increasing need to identify new approaches and develop the discussed models of interaction between the university and students, employers and authorities, which makes it relevant to study the prospects of university structures from the perspective of the ecosystem approach. The purpose of this study is to determine the main characteristics of the ecosystem as a socio-economic phenomenon, the projection of which onto the higher education system gives an idea of the strategically significant directions of its development. Among the research methods, content analysis of scientific publications, methods of paired comparisons and aggregation of keywords for constructing verbal models, as well as methods of logical analysis and synthesis of information within the subject area of research were used. The work identifies the main parameters of educational ecosystems in terms of prospects for the development of higher education in modern Russian conditions. As a result, an integral definition of such a concept as “ecosystem” is given, and in relation to the higher education system, the possibility of building a network structure of a university system using innovative platforms aimed at realizing synergistic effects for all participants in the educational ecosystem being formed is shown.

Basic Needs Satisfaction and Conscious Motives for Sports Activities of Juniors

Athletic motivation is actively studied in the sports psychology. The study of the juniors’ motivation is crucial for exploring the reasons to quit the sport, the fac-tors that reduce an athlete’s productivity, the principles of building support pro-grams for young athletes. The purpose of the study was to study the basic needs satisfaction and the hierarchy of young athlete conscious motives. The study involved juniors, in the amount of 133 people aged 13-16 years (M=15.1; SD=1.6; 59.4% men). The following methods were used: the essay “Why I came into sports”, “Method of paired comparisons” by V.V. Skvortsov (modified by I.A. Akindinova), as well as statistical methods (descriptive statistics, W - Kendall, Chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis H - test). Personal, professional and status conscious motives were found out to form a complex motivation for sports activities. Conscious motives for sports activities differ among juniors in various sports. The least satisfied needs are those for acceptance needs and self-expression. The type of sport does not determine the satisfaction of the junior needs. The prospect of the study is to create a model of motivation for a young athlete. The results can be used in the activities of sports institutions.

Pre-Qualification Assessment of Counterparties as a Factor in Effective Logistics Management System

At production enterprises the continuity, stability and uninterrupted production is due to the quality of the material and technical resources supplied and the services provided by the counterparties. To ensure the required level of quality, it is advisable to approach the process of selecting counterparties comprehensively. The purpose of the study is to form a methodological approach to the conduct of pre-qualification selection as a way to minimize tax and production and economic risks that have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the selection of counter-agents and the entire logistics system of enterprises of all forms of ownership. The object of study is a production enterprise supplying shutoff and control valves. The study was conducted using the following scientific methods: classification, generalization, comparative analysis, experiment, calculations and measurements. The results provided a detailed assessment of preliminary qualification selection as an important source of comprehensive information on the counterparty, a tool for filtering counterparties with the use of rating assessment. The practical significance and novelty lies in the systematization and classification of the assessment criterion and requirements for suppliers of materials and equipment, works, services based on the best industry practices and recommendations of the federal tax service, which allows achieving objectivity and transparency of the results of counterparties’ assessment. According to the author, the rating assessment allows not only to assess the financial and production activities of the counterparty, but also to determine the position of the counterparty relatively to other competitors in the industry. The author proposes to use several methods in building a system of rating assessment of counterparties. These are the systematization method, analytical, comparative method, coefficient methods and the method of paired comparisons. Based on the generalizing information and characteristics the author has formed a complex portrait of the counterparty, as well as directions of improvement of his activity. The obtained results were implemented in the logistics system of LLC “Company Vostsibugol”.

Multispectral Imaging Method in Laparoscopy

Introduction. At present, video data acquired in narrow spectral bands are widely used to improve the efficiency of diagnostics in various medical fields, laparoscopy in particular. Conventional laparoscopy uses images obtained in the white light. Images obtained in the visible range suitably depict the color and textural features of tissues. However, it is difficult for a physician to use visible images for distinguishing between lesion areas and normal tissues, largely due to their proximity in color and texture. The efficiency of lesion detection can be improved using fluorescence images, which clearly differentiate lesion areas from normal tissues. However, the use multispectral data implies the need to present the images obtained both in the white and fluorescence light to the physician. In this paper, we propose an image composition method based on visible and fluorescence images, which facilitates their analysis by physicians. A distinctive feature of the method is the use of CIEDE 2000 metric for image fusion, which takes the properties of human vision into account.Aim. Development of a method for multispectral data visualization, which provides a physician with an image that combines white light data and a color-highlighted area of lesions.Materials and methods. The proposed method consists of the following steps: preprocessing of images obtained in visible and fluorescence light; segmentation of the lesion area in the fluorescence images; generation of a pseudo-color image of the segmented lesion area; and fusion of the pseudo-color image with the image obtained in the white light.Results. The proposed method forms an image that includes an image of the operation area obtained in the white light and a separated lesion area based on fluorescence information in the near infrared range. The image composite takes the properties of human vision into account. An experimental study of the method was carried out on actual laparoscopic images, involving endoscopists who were experts in subjective evaluation of video images. The method of paired comparisons was used to evaluated the presented images. The majority of experts preferred the fused image formed by the proposed method to those visualized simultaneously in the white and fluorescence light.Conclusion. The developed method ensures generation of images with an increased diagnostic value.

A methodological approach to optimizing financial resources to increase the level of economic security in a dynamic external environment

Abstract The purpose of the article is to present a new approach to the optimal selection of financial resources to increase the level of economic security in a dynamic external environment. The scientific question arises as to which of the possible options is optimal, taking into account the dynamism of the external environment and security needs. The object of the study is the economic safety of industrial companies. The methodology is based on modern methods of system analysis, multi-criteria evaluation and paired comparison. The main result of the study is the proposed approach to assessing resource support for the implementation of a security mechanism, which, based on the actual limitations of human, organizational and financial resources at the disposal of most Ukrainian enterprises, can significantly improve the efficiency of their use without reducing the effectiveness of actions which are aimed at increasing competitiveness. The study has limitations, since it only takes into account the specifics of enterprises in the industrial sector of this economy, and therefore the options for financial resources are adjusted accordingly.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STATE POLICY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES: FINANCIAL ASPECT

The main purpose of the article is a theoretical and methodological substantiation of the optimal choice of a modern strategy for implementing state policy for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. The object of the study is the development of small and medium-sized businesses. The subject of the study is the state policy for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. The scientific task posed in the article involves demonstrating a new approach to choosing the optimal strategy for implementing the state policy for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. The research methodology involves the use of various methods, including the expert analysis method, the paired comparison method, the Delphi method, the integral assessment method, the regression analysis method and a number of general theoretical methods, such as synthesis, deduction, abstract logical, etc. As a result of our research, we presented two models of optimal financial support for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. The calculation made it possible to select one that is most significant for modern conditions. An approach is proposed to assess the effectiveness of the development of small and medium-sized businesses through the calculation of an integral indicator of the effectiveness of the implementation of state policy for the development of small and medium-sized businesses. The study has limitations and does not take into account statistics for the last year in the calculation due to the lack of a number of indicators due to martial law. Prospects for further research are to focus on solving the problems of effectively countering modern financial threats and risks in the context of implementing state policy for the development of small and medium-sized businesses under martial law.

Survey Attitude Toward The Level Of Understanding Of Descriptive Statistics by Students in Higher Education: Pair Comparison Methode

Many people find statistics very difficult. This impacts students not only on their academic performance but also on unpleasant influences or negative perceptions. This research aims to produce a scaling instrument for attitudes toward student statistics levels using the pair comparison method with valid and reliable characteristics. This research is a quantitative descriptive research by developing a research instrument with a pair comparison scale. The subjects of this research were 160 students who had received courses. This instrument consists of 11 dimensions that measure students' attitudes toward their level of understanding of statistics. The analysis uses quantitative description. The results of scaling the student attitude instrument towards the level of understanding of statistics using the pair comparison method show that the characteristics of each dimension are valid and the Cronbach value meets high-reliability criteria. The results of scaling the attitude instrument towards statistical material with the highest average response order were in the material understanding mode," with a value of 0.695. This high-reliability value can indicate a wider range of abilities, meaning more heterogeneous. With this pair comparison method scaling, it can capture substantial heterogeneity in a person's personal value hierarchy, and it is easier for respondents to answer because they compare two objects.

Development of an individual display optimization system based on deep convolutional neural network transition learning for somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) is an essential examination for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This study developed a method to individually optimize the display of whole-body SRS images using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) reconstructed by transfer learning of a DCNN constructed using Gallium-67 (67Ga) images. The initial DCNN was constructed using U-Net to optimize the display of 67Ga images (493 cases/986 images), and a DCNN with transposed weight coefficients was reconstructed for the optimization of whole-body SRS images (133 cases/266 images). A DCNN was constructed for each observer using reference display conditions estimated in advance. Furthermore, to eliminate information loss in the original image, a grayscale linear process is performed based on the DCNN output image to obtain the final linearly corrected DCNN (LcDCNN) image. To verify the usefulness of the proposed method, an observer study using a paired-comparison method was conducted on the original, reference, and LcDCNN images of 15 cases with 30 images. The paired comparison method showed that in most cases (29/30), the LcDCNN images were significantly superior to the original images in terms of display conditions. When comparing the LcDCNN and reference images, the number of LcDCNN and reference images that were superior to each other in the display condition was 17 and 13, respectively, and in both cases, 6 of these images showed statistically significant differences. The optimized SRS images obtained using the proposed method, while reflecting the observer's preference, were superior to the conventional manually adjusted images.

Effect of Reducing Fluoroscopy Pulse Rates on Visibility of Devices and Radiation Dose in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The goal of our study was to clarify the effect of low pulse rate fluoroscopy applying in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on devices' visibility and radiation dose. Four types of fluoroscopy conditions combined with two pulse rates (7.5 and 15 pulses/s) and two types of adaptive temporal filters (ATFs) (weak and strong) were used. Samples for visibility evaluation were acquired with moving phantom and devices such as stent, balloon, and guidewire. Trailing artifacts and the visibility of stent were evaluated by Scheffe's method of paired comparisons. Incident air kerma (Ka,r) and kerma area product (PKA) in the clinic were obtained under two fluoroscopic pulse rate conditions (7.5 and 15 pulses/s). As a result, in 7.5 pulses/s fluoroscopy, trailing artifacts were decreased by using weak ATF with the median value of PKA and Ka,r reduced by about 50%, but stent visibility was decreased compared to 15 pulses/s. Therefore, a combination of 7.5 pulses/s fluoroscopy and suitable ATF can bring dose reduction with avoiding trailing artifacts, but dose per pulse should be adjusted to maintain the stent visibility.

TOWARDS THE PROBLEM OF SYNTHESIS OF DECISIONS UNDER FUZZY CONDITIONS: AGREEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL EXPERT ASSESSMENTS

The essence of the method of expert evaluations is a logical-intuitive analysis of the internal and external environment of the management object, the development of alternatives and a quantitative assessment of their quality. The generalized opinion of experts serves as a basis for choosing an adequate decision option. The complex use of intuitive and logical thinking, as well as the formal processing of experts judgments allows to obtain indicators of the quality of alternatives in a multi-criteria decision-making task. One of the common methods of processing expert information is the method of paired comparisons by T. Saati. Each expert submits conclusions in the form of a square matrix, the elements of which are formed according to the scale of the relative importance of the alternative. The consistency of the matrix of pairwise comparisons means that the relative weight coefficients of the alternatives retain their value, regardless of how the comparison is performed. Given that pairwise comparison matrices are built on the basis of human judgment and assumptions, some degree of inconsistency between its elements is to be expected. Such inconsistency is not critical, if it does not go beyond the defined limits. The article considers the method of harmonizing individual assessments of experts in the problem of synthesis of a decision under unclear conditions.

The misconception of soil organic carbon sequestration notion: When do we achieve climate benefit?

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is a key function of natural and semi‐natural ecosystems. Restoring this property in terrestrial ecosystems has become central to the EU's climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. However, SOC sequestration is a widely misunderstood concept. The different methodological approaches used to investigate and compare SOC stock under sustainable agricultural practices play a key role in reinforcing misconceptions about this complex process. This commentary paper aimed not only to provide a clear definition of SOC sequestration, but also to interpret the results that can be obtained for SOC stock change estimation using the SOC stock difference and the paired comparison methods, as well as to identify the soil carbon‐related processes that achieve climate mitigation. SOC sequestration can be defined as the progressive increase in a site's SOC stock compared with pre‐intervention via a net depletion and transfer of atmospheric CO2 into the soil, where it is retained as soil organic matter (SOM), by plants, plant residues, or other organic solids such as the material derived from the organic fraction of farming solid waste, which can be used as a fertilizer (e.g., manure, compost, biochar, and digestate), and that is produced or derived from that land unit. To date, the most appropriate way to determine whether a land unit's soil is a sink or rather a source of atmospheric CO2 is to implement the SOC stock difference method, provided the non‐occurrence of carbon exchange between ecosystems.

Effects of Subject Position on Metal Artifact Reduction of a Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis Using Computed Tomography

To validate the effects of subject position on single energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) of a reverse shoulder prosthesis using computed tomography (CT). A water phantom with a reverse shoulder prosthesis was scanned at four positions on the XY plane of the CT gantry (on-center, 50 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm from on-center in the negative direction of the X axis, respectively). We obtained images with and without SEMAR. The artifact index (AI) was measured via physical assessment. Scheffé's (Ura) paired comparison methods were performed with the amount of metal artifact by ten radiological technologists via visual assessment. The AI was significantly reduced when using SEMAR. As the phantom moved away from the on-center position, the AI increased, and metal artifacts increased in Scheffé's methods. SEMAR reduces metal artifacts of a reverse shoulder prosthesis, but metal artifacts may increase as the subject position moves away from the on-center position.