Objective Method Research Articles

Comparison of Shear-Wave Elastography USG and CT: Composition Analysis of Rectus Femoris Muscle in Healthy Adults and Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

This study aimed to compare shear-wave elastography (SWE) USG and composition analysis of CT on the right mid-rectus femoris muscle (RF) in both healthy adults and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Sixty-three healthy adults and 22 CKD patients were included. One musculoskeletal radiologist performed right RF SWE USG, while two radiologists measured shear-wave velocity (SWV) from the same SWE images. CT scan was performed, and muscle composition was measured using imageJ, categorized into four HU-based compositions. Interobserver agreement for SWV between two readers was evaluated. Correlations between SWV and CT compositions were analyzed using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation. SWV of healthy group was significantly higher than CKD group by each reader (p = 0.030 and 0.038). The percentage of low-density muscle was higher in CKD group than healthy group (p < 0.001), and the percentage of normal density muscle was higher in healthy group than CKD (p < 0.001) by each reader. Interobserver agreement of SWV by the two readers was almost perfect in both groups (k = 0.957-0.984, 0.959-0.993). There was a statistically significant correlation between SWV and the percentage of normal density muscle on CT in both healthy adults and CKD patient groups (Reader 1, r = 0.318-0.480, p = 0.001 and 0.024; Reader 2, r = 0.511-0.518, p < 0.001 and p = 0.013). SWV demonstrated a significant correlation with the percentage of normal density muscle on CT in both healthy adults and CKD patients by each reader. SWE provides a radiation-free approach that may offer an objective method for evaluating muscle quality, potentially making it an option for muscle monitoring.

Concentric-object and equiangular-object methods to perform standardized regional analysis in renal mpMRI.

Renal multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) sequences, including T1-T2 mapping, Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD), Renal blood flow (RBF), and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), provide insights into kidney function. However, consensus on selecting regions of interest (ROIs) is lacking. This study aims to describe and compare the Concentric Objects (CO) and Equiangular Objects (EO) methods for standardized ROI selection and assess their efficacy in capturing regional variations in renal MRI parameters. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent mpMRI renal scans. ROIs were selected manually and by applying the CO and EO algorithms to each mpMRI sequence. The methods were tested across various subregion configurations. Regional differences in renal MRI parameters were evaluated. CO and EO methods demonstrated statistically significant differences in mpMRI parameters across renal regions. ASL-RBF, BOLD-MRI, and T2-map results indicated substantial variations from the lower to upper kidney areas. This study implemented CO and EO algorithms in renal mpMRI, showing their potential for evaluating cortico-medullary and cranio-caudal profiles. The findings validate the CO method for BOLD and ADC measurements and presented ASL-RBF and T1-T2 map profiles. The EO method's utility needs further validation with renal patients.

Towards making EIA more human-centric: Demonstration in Nepal of a values crystallization approach to capture local shared values for scoping use

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are a critical component of planning and decision-making processes before projects are conducted, because they are used to forecast and inform mitigation of potential impacts on the local community, including its social, physical, and natural environments. Current EIA processes predominantly focus on issues that can be directly measured using objective methods, with mostly tokenistic inadequate use of suites of qualitative methodologies needed for identification and documentation of issues relating to community shared values. On the other hand, protests and tensions are known to easily arise which are related to such human values-based issues not being addressed. In this pragmatic study, a method is demonstrated which can bridge this gap, by capturing local community shared values in a well-defined manner and short time. The approach, called WeValue InSitu, enables local communities to construct their own bespoke group shared values statements in a specialized crystallization process, with outputs which are well-articulated proto-indicators. In this study we compare the outputs from two existing scoping reports of EIA in Nepal with the outputs from the values crystallization approach which we conducted with ten groups in a village in Nepal, and show that the latter brings out many more, and more localised, shared values of the community, and additionally reveals underlying interrelationships between values, producing conceptual maps for planning effective mitigations. Future studies can investigate whether the achievements of this method offer any advantages to existing qualitative methods in improving EIA-SIA scoping, and/or whether the hegemony of objectivism of institutions and proponents is an unsurmountable barrier.

Artificial intelligence for training and reporting infection prevention measures in critical wards.

Healthcare associated infections (HAI) are a major concern. Infections and sepsis are prevalent causes of prolonged hospitalization, healthcare resources consumption, and mortality. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures need to be encouraged with the purpose to become standard protocol. Hand hygiene represents the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections. Poor hand hygiene is often due to: the belief that the use of gloves replaces hand hygiene, lack of good example from colleagues and superiors, sinks that are difficult to access or insufficient in number, staff often too busy / not enough time, poor knowledge of guidelines and protocols. Artificial intelligence was recently integrated in hand washing devices; this can implement training on a daily basis but also is an objective method to assess the efficacy of the IPC measures adopted. The benefit–cost ratio of this approach needs to be discussed.

Oral microbiocenosis state under different approaches of replacing dental crown defects

Dental caries is one of the most common health problems. The aim of the research was to study the spectrum of microbiota, which is part of the dental biofilm, and its biological properties. The study involved 90 participants of the study group and 20 of the control group. Dental plaque and saliva were used as principal clinical specimens. The main research method was bacteriological. All samples from study participants were positive for microbiota. At the initial collection of material, 395 unique isolates were obtained: 338 from patients with caries and 57 from healthy volunteers. The microbiocenosis of the oral cavity associated with the development of caries contained such eudodominants as Streptococcus mutans, Peptostreptococcus spp., Fusobacterium spp., Prevotella spp. and dominants Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterobacterales, Prevotella spp. and Candida albicans. In contrast the eudominants of the healthy oral cavity were microorganisms with known commensal properties, in particular Streptococcus salivarius, Aerococcus viridans, Veillonella spp. After the dental treatment, significant shifts in the taxonomic composition of the dental biofilm were observed. Therefore, the composition of the oral cavity microbiocenosis in participants who underwent restoration of the dental crown defects with zirconium inserts approached patients to the healthy cohort participants. The eudodominants of the oral microbiocenosis of the participants who underwent direct restoration were S. mitis, Peptostreptococcus spp. and Veillonella spp. In zirconium restoration, the commensals S. salivarius and A. viridans were eudodominants. The obtained isolates of opportunists possessed high virulence properties. Streptococcus spp. cultures were sensitive to norfloxacin screening in only 28.6% of cases. Among cultures of the genus Staphylococcus, 23.8% were methicillin resistant. Representatives of Enterobacterales had chemotherapeutic sensitivity that varied significantly depending on the group of antimicrobial agents. Using disks with phenylboronic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and cloxacillin, it was established that Klebsiella spp. were producers of class A carbapenemases (n=3) and contained AmpC (n=3). Carbapenemases were also produced by at least 65.2% of the studied cultures of non-fermenting gram-negative microorganisms. In our study, all obtained isolates were also endowed with the ability to form a biofilm. Therefore, microbiological research in dentistry should be considered as one of the objective methods for assessment of health of the oral cavity and will also have advantages in choosing a method of correcting defects of dental crown parts and in some cases, making an informed decision about the prescription of antimicrobial treatment.

CHANGES IN LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS WITH ACCOMPANYING ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND TYPE 2 DIABETES, DEPENDING ON BSMI VDR GENE POLYMORPHISM

It is known that Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic disease of the musculoskeletal system, which leads to a significant loss of working capacity and disability of people of working age, which worsens the quality of life of the population and causes economic burden and losses to all countries of the world. In addition, OA is known as a disease with an inherent high level of comorbidity. Scientists single out diseases of cardiovascular diseases, digestive systems and metabolic disorders as those that are most often combined with OA and complicate the course of each other in manifestations, diagnostic and treatment processes. Today, modern science needs to understand the presence of a common genetic origin. It is known that the polymorphic variant of the VDR vitamin D receptor gene has a predisposition to common osteochondral diseases. However, the issue of participation in pathogenetic mechanisms of development and progression remains controversial. A polymorphic variant of the VDR gene has a predisposition to osteochondral diseases. However, its involvement in the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development and progression of osteoarthritis remains controversial, therefore The aim of the study is to investigate the specifics of the impact of comorbid pathology on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and the state of the vascular wall in patients with osteoarthritis, taking into account the polymorphic variant of the VDR gene (Bsml, rs1544410). Object and research methods. 100 patients were examined and also divided into groups: 1st group – patients with OA; II – OA with arterial hypertension; ІІІ – OA, arterial hypertension (AG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a blood sample was taken and, depending on age, comorbidity, the presence of the polymorphic variant BsmI (rs1544410) of the VDR gene, indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the level of end metabolites of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 were studied and the impact on radiological changes and the functional state of the knee joints was evaluated. Control – 30 people. Results of the study and their discussion. It has been established that osteoarthritis is characteristic of persons of working age. With increasing age, it is characteristic to be burdened by comorbid pathologies with worsening of the course of the main disease. Expected violation of carbohydrate metabolism was observed in the III group of patients, although dynamic probable changes were also in the II group (p&lt;0.05). Lipid metabolism in the I group was probably higher than the group of control, but was within the physiological norm, while groups II and III had significant pathological changes compared to the indicators of the I group and practically healthy persons. Hypercholesterolemia became a trigger for a decrease in the total level of stable total nitrogen monoxide metabolites and an increase in endothelin-1, which forms endothelial dysfunction and leads to the progression of AG and worsening of the course of OA. After the genotyping and division into genotypes of the polymorphic variant BsmI of the VDR gene, conclusions were obtained about the unfavorable allele A in the exchange processes of the above indicators. Conclusions. Features of violations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the condition of the endothelium, against the background of comorbidity and the presence of an unfavorable allele A of the BsmI polymorphic variant of the VDR gene should be taken into account in the complex diagnostic and treatment process of patients with OA.

Evaluation of Operational Safety Risk in Wastewater Treatment Plants Based on WSR and Matter–Element Extension Theory

Wastewater treatment plants are of significant importance in facilitating China’s urbanization process. The fundamental purpose of wastewater treatment plants is to control water pollution and protect the environment. It is therefore essential that they are operated in a safe manner in order to achieve this goal. In order to guarantee a systematic and objective assessment of the operational safety risks inherent to wastewater treatment plants, the Wuli–Shili–Renli (WSR) theory has been introduced. Accordingly, a three-dimensional evaluation index system was developed for the assessment of these risks. A combination of subjective and objective methods utilizing game theory was employed to determine comprehensive risk factor weights. Subsequently, the material–element extension theory model was implemented in a wastewater treatment plant situated in the northern region of the Changchun Development Zone. The assessment classified the plant as Level 1 (safe), although it was determined that improvements in accident prevention are necessary. This study presents a robust framework for operational safety assessment that contributes to enhanced risk management and the long-term reliability of wastewater treatment operations. The results of the sensitivity analyses provide substantial evidence of the reliability and validity of the model.

A look at the treatment of the contents of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education in Biology 1

&lt;p&gt;Currently, the study of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education in the subject of Biology 1 and the treatment of its contents at the basic secondary educational level is of great importance. Agricultural education is of vital importance to achieve sustainable development, adopting environmental, economic and social policies based on agroecological principles related to food production and local development from the Cuban educational system. In this sense, it is necessary for teachers to promote and encourage students towards the use of agroecological practices to contribute to the education of current and future generations in love and respect for rurality and for the school to become an extensionist of the agrarian culture. The objective of this article is: to systematize the theoretical foundations of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education and the treatment of its contents, promoting agroecological practices on the basis of food sovereignty and security. To achieve this objective, theoretical (analytical-synthetic; inductive-deductive) and empirical (observation; documentary analysis and interview) methods were used. The importance of this work lies in seventh grade students being able to develop agroecological practices in school, family and community with a view to finding possible solutions to the problems associated with production processes to support family food security.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE

The aim of the study. To determine the frequency of Willebrand disease (VWD) in patients which turned to the SI IBPTM of the NAMS of Ukraine with hemorrhagic manifestations. Research metods. Object and research methods. The object of the study were 298 people with hemorrhagic syndrome aged from 7 months to 66 years old who have turned to the specialists of the institution since 01.01.2021, of which 198 (66,4%) came in for the first time. Coagulation hemostasis was investigated by methods that meet international standards and recommendations. Ristocetin-cofactor activity of factor Willebrand (VWF: RCo), content of the antigen VWF (VWF: AG), and coagulant activity of factor VIII (FVIII: C) were performed for the diagnosis of VWD. Results and Conclusions. VWD were found in 29 patients (9,7%) of the 298 people with hemorrhagic syndrome. VWD was revealed in 7,6% of patients from the 198 patients who were first investigate. The 15 (51,7%) VWD patients was diagnosed for the first time. In 48 (24,2%) was first diagnosed with hereditary or caused by various factors of disaggregational thrombocytopathy. Von Willebrand disease is the most common type of congenital hemostasis disorders (0,6-1,3% of the population), the type of inheritance is autosomal recessive/dominant. An algorithmic approach should be applied to diagnosis. Laboratory diagnosis consists of screening coagulological tests and three levels special tests. To establish the diagnosis, the necessary tests are determined by VWF: RCo, VWF: Ag and FVIII: C.

Neurodata-based headsets for the (digital) employee well-being – responsibilities between benefit and harm

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate the importance of recognizing stress in the workplace. Accurate novel objective methods that use electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brainwaves can promote employee well-being. However, using these devices can be positive and potentially harmful as manipulative practices undermine autonomy. Design/methodology/approach Emphasis is placed on business ethics as it relates to the ethics of action in terms of positive and negative responsibility, autonomous decision-making and self-determined work through a literature review. The concept of relational autonomy provides an orientation toward heteronomous employment relationships. Findings First, using digital devices to recognize stress and promote health can be a positive outcome, expanding the definition of digital well-being as opposed to dependency, non-use or reduction. Second, the transfer of socio-relational autonomy, according to Oshana, enables criteria for self-determined work in heteronomous employment relationships. Finally, the deployment and use of such EEG-based devices for stress detection can lead to coercion and manipulation, not only in interpersonal relationships, but also directly and more subtly through the technology itself, interfering with self-determined work. Originality/value Stress at work and EEG-based devices measuring stress have been discussed in numerous articles. This paper is one of the first to explore ethical considerations using these brain–computer interfaces from an employee perspective.

An alternative instrumental method for studying the morphofunctional state of eyelids in chronic blepharitis

Background: To date, the assessment of morphofunctional changes within eyelids is performed using laser scanning confocal microscopy, which has extensive diagnostic capabilities. Identification of the indicators equivalence of this method and laser Doppler flowmetry will confirm the existence of an alternative, objective and economical method of eyelid examination in chronic blepharitis. Aim: To prove the possibility of laser Doppler flowmetry application as an alternative method of eyelid morphofunctional state assessment. Materials and methods: The study included 62 patients (124 eyes) with an established diagnosis of chronic mixed demodecticosis blepharitis, including 46 women and 16 men, mean age 65.8 ± 3.2 years, randomly assigned into two groups with identical age and gender composition. Group 1 patients (31 patients, 62 eyes) were treated with cosmeceuticals containing terpenes and terpenoids 2 times a day and tear substitute 3 times a day for 1.5 months. Group 2 patients (31 patients, 62 eyes) used an eyelid care gel containing sulphur medicaments 2 times a day and a tear substitute 3 times a day for 1.5 months. In addition to standard ophthalmological examination, laser Doppler flowmetry and laser scanning confocal microscopy were performed. Dynamic follow-up was performed after 1.5 and 3 months. Results: The analysis of laser scanning confocal microscopy and laser Doppler flowmetry parameters revealed a high inverse correlation between the density of inflammatory cells of the eyelids tarsal conjunctiva and neurogenic oscillations of blood flow, as well as high direct correlation with the index of blood flow shunting. A marked direct correlation between the density index of meibomian gland acinuses and the parameters of myogenic oscillations of blood flow and neurogenic oscillations of lymph flow was established. Conclusions: Pearson’s correlation analysis performed on laser scanning confocal microscopy and laser Doppler flowmetry parameters assessing the morphofunctional state of the eyelids demonstrated the presence of equivalence in both study groups with high statistical reliability. The obtained data confirm the possibility of using laser Doppler flowmetry method for objective assessment of eyelid condition and allow the parameters of this method to serve as criteria for choosing pathogenetically oriented therapy of chronic blepharitis with evaluation of its effectiveness.

Three-dimensional Stereoscopic Evaluation and Quantitative Gray Scale Assessment of the Nasolabial Fold and Its Application in Injection Therapy

With the growing demand for aesthetic enhancements, particularly filler injections for nasolabial folds (NLFs), there is a need for more objective and quantitative assessment methods beyond the traditional subjective scales like the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). This study introduces a novel evaluation method combining 3-dimensional (3D) imaging and grayscale analysis to objectively assess NLF severity and treatment outcomes. A total of 100 healthy participants (86 females, 14 males; mean age 41.85±11.53 years) were assessed using WSRS scores and quantitative 3D measurements. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between WSRS scores and gray values (r=0.985, P &lt; 0.05). Significant differences in gray values and 3D linear measurements were observed across WSRS score groups, with high intra-rater reliability confirmed by intraclass correlation coefficients. In addition, 54 patients (mean age 42.9±8.9 y) with moderate to severe NLFs received hyaluronic acid injections. One month post-treatment, WSRS scores significantly decreased (from 3.74±0.45 to 1.63±0.59, P &lt; 0.05), and significant improvements were observed in several 3D measurements. The average gray value also decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05), indicating a reduction in wrinkle depth. These findings were supported by representative photos showing patient satisfaction and no severe complications. This study validates the use of 3D imaging and grayscale analysis as reliable tools for objectively assessing NLF severity and monitoring treatment efficacy, potentially improving the precision and reliability of aesthetic evaluations in clinical practice.

Whether higher risk indicates severe loss in the flood disaster assessment: A comparative analysis in the Hubei province of central China

Study regionHubei province, Yangtze River Basin, Central China Study focusRisk and loss analysis constitutes a critical element of flood disaster management. Nevertheless, the relationship between risk and loss has been infrequently examined in the literature. Here we developed a comparative analysis framework for assessing flood risk and loss in Hubei Province. The risk model incorporates 22 indicators in terms of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and emergency response & recovery capability. Indicator weights were determined through a combination of objective and subjective weighting methods based on the game theory. Flood risk and loss levels were classified using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and grey correlation analysis respectively. New hydrological insightsAnnual risk and loss maps exhibit a spatial pattern of higher levels in the eastern regions and lower levels in the western regions. However, the relationship between risk and loss was not as well as expected during designated flood periods. While regions impacted by disasters typically demonstrated higher risk levels, the risk in the regions unaffected by flood disasters appeared to be overestimated. By analyzing flood risk and loss across various temporal scales, this research contributes a novel perspective for the evaluation of flood risk models.

A life cycle-based comparison study of sludge recycling technology incorporating subjective and objective evaluations

Inadequate land capacity and low sludge recycling rates have become a major global environmental challenge. Low organic sludge content and inadequate waste management policy mean that there is an urgent need to improve sludge solutions in China, which has the world's largest WWT capacity. Decision-makers face difficulties in selecting sustainable sludge-to-resource technologies given the existence of multiple social, environmental and economic objectives, and also in optimizing the allocation of sludge between different available technologies. In this paper we used a combined analytic hierarchic process (AHP) and entropy weight (EW) method to evaluate four recycling technologies: aerobic composting (AC), dry-incineration (DI), hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis (PY), in terms of five economic, environmental and land resource indicators. The results showed that human toxicity was viewed as the most important indicator, while economic value of sludge product was the least important. HTC had the best overall performance of the evaluated technologies while PY was the least attractive. However, all four sludge recycling technologies showed greater potential for reducing carbon emissions and human toxicity than landfilling when sludge dewatering was included. Sensitivity analysis showed that adjustments to AHP weights only had a limited impact on the technical ranking. Finally, the result was further verified by a particle swarm optimization algorithm. Considering capacity constraints, the optimal proportion of the four technologies was found to be 44.9%, 42.7%, 0 and 12.4% for HTC, DI, PY and AC respectively. The paper demonstrates the effectiveness of combining subjective and objective methods to evaluate multiple indicators, providing decision-makers with a practical analysis framework for waste technology selection.

Research on optimization of mining methods for broken ore bodies based on interval-valued pythagorean fuzzy sets and TOPSIS-GRA.

Identifying the optimal mining methods plays a pivotal role in ensuring both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study aims to propose a model that combines interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy sets (IVPFS) and TOPSIS-GRA to select the optimal mining method for broken ore bodies. First, a multi-factor comprehensive evaluation system, including economic, safety, and technical aspects, was established. IVPFS was introduced to express the fuzzy information of the decision-making process within the evaluation system. Additionally, an objective method combining the principle of fuzzy entropy measurement with EWM was proposed to determine the weights of fuzzy information. This method distinguished the importance of decision-makers and indicators. Then, an integration of distance and similarity (TOPSIS-GRA) was employed for ranking alternative solutions to select the optimal one. This model was applied to the decision-making problem of mining methods for the broken and difficult-to-mine ore bodies in the Tanyaokou mining area. Initial fuzzy evaluation information was obtained by having decision-makers score the mining methods. Results showed that the comprehensive scores of four alternatives are 0.5172, 0.4683, 0.5192, and 0.5465, respectively. The optimal method was the point-pillar upward horizontal layered filling mining method. Finally, the sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the model. The comparative results under different fuzzy environments (PFS and TFS) demonstrated the strong capability of IVPFS in handling fuzzy information for optimizing mining methods.

A Review on the Use of Physiological Signals for Assessing Postoperative Pain

The assessment of pain intensity after surgery is important for guiding pain management. Due to the limitations of current pain evaluation tools, there is increasing interest in using objective methods to assess pain in clinical settings. This literature review aims to provide an overview of physiological methods for postoperative pain evaluation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to perform a literature search on the Scopus database from 2002 to March 2024. Sixty-one studies were included in this review investigating parameters derived from six physiological signals, including Electrocardiogram (ECG), Photoplethysmogram (PPG), Skin Conductance (SC), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyogram (EMG), and pupil size and reflexes. Parameters extracted from ECG, PPG, and SC signals were the most commonly studied. While there is evidence to support the use of physiological parameters as measures for postoperative pain evaluation, further research is needed to establish the reliability and generalizability of these parameters to develop an indicator that can be consistently applied across various clinical settings. For this purpose, this review describes current research findings and identifies limitations and directions for future work that should be considered in upcoming research on postoperative pain assessment.

Methodology for assessing health risk behaviours among undergraduates in Sri Lanka: a literature review

It is imperative to learn more about the distinctive Health-Risk-Behaviours (HRB) that are culturally acceptable in the lower-resource settings. Therefore, the objective of this review is to identify tools measuring HRBs among undergraduates in Sri Lankan context. A literature review was conducted both manually and electronically through Google Scholar and Hinari and PubMed databases. Self-administered Questionnaires were used in National Surveys and individual studies. Youth-Risk Behaviour-Surveillance-System was the most commonly used comprehensive HRB assessment tool. The National College Health Risk Behaviour Survey, National College Health Assessment were other widely used instruments. There are few validated tools and multiple short scales or items combined like Health-Promotion-Lifestyle[1]Profile, Health-Behaviour-Questionnaire or Inventory, DOSPERT scale, Adolescent-Health-Attitude and Behaviour[1]Survey, Healthy-Lifestyle-Scale, Health-Behaviour-Scale and Health-Behaviour-Checklist. Objective methods for assessing high-risk behaviors (HRBs) include measures of personality and aggression, which have been used to critically quantify violence and accidental injury, as well as biochemical tests for alcohol, nicotine, and other drug use, mechanical or computer sensors, and biological tests such as urinary cultures for sexual risk behaviours. These tools had focused only on specific aspects of HRBs among undergraduates in Western countries and were not comprehensive assessments of HRBs of undergraduates in lower-resource settings. It was evident that there has been a deficit of choices for the adaptation of an HRB tool for undergraduates in lower-resource-settings and a new tool to be developed for Sri Lankan context.

Generalized Parametric Fuzzy Information Measure

Objective: To generalize an existing fuzzy information measure and verify its important properties. Methods: Both objective and descriptive methods have been adopted; problem-solving and problem-posing methods have been used. A collection of properties presented by De Luca and Termini is used as a standard for establishing new fuzzy information measures. Findings: This study has analysed the different features of the parametric measure of fuzzy information that we have presented. The suggested fuzzy entropy measure is a legitimate measure of fuzzy information since it meets all necessary requirements. Its monotonic behaviour has also been studied. Comparisons between the proposed measure of fuzzy information and the corresponding measure of probabilistic information have been discussed. Novelty: The unique quality of the suggested fuzzy information measure is found in its monotonic behaviour corresponding to parameter α. When conducting a multicriteria decision analysis and directing the decision-making process, monotonic fuzzy information measures are more useful. Because the suggested measure satisfies fundamental set features, it can be applied in soft computing for economics, decision-making, and data aggregation. Mathematics Subject Classification: 94 D 05 Keywords: Fuzzy Entropy, Uncertainty, Fuzziness, Measures of Information, Shannon Entropy

Design, optimization and validation of a small cabin for standardized objective measurements of earmuffs and earplugs on artificial head (ATF) according to ISO4869-3

The attenuation of hearing protection devices is currently mainly measured using the REAT (ISO 4869-1) standardized subjective method. However, during the development step, manufacturers need to carry out a numerous tests quickly making the REAT method unsuitable due to its need of a large number of subjects with associated training time and represents a significant cost. As an alternative, the standardized objective method (ISO 4869-3) uses an artificial head (ATF) in a controlled acoustic environment. Delta Plus called on CTTM to provide a test facility compliant with the 4869-3 standard, and designed with reduced dimensions to fit easily into its test laboratory. The presented work describes the steps of design, development and validation of a measuring cabin meeting these requirements. The search for a suitable geometry for the cabin volume is based on numerical modeling using boundary elements. The cabin, built using this initial approach, is then empirically optimized using different types of diffusers to meet sound field homogeneity criteria. Comparisons of measurements made using both subjective (ISO 4869-1) and objective (ISO 4869-3) methods are presented at the end.

A review of the surveys on health effect of aircraft noise for Narita International Airport

In this paper, we review two previous projects on health effects of aircraft noise for residents living around Narita International Airport, and introduce a summary of the new project which started since 2019. The airport was equipped with a Runway‐A at the opening, and a Runway‐B was constructed to keep pace with increased demand for air transport in 2002. The Runway‐C will be accomplished at the end of fiscal year 2028. The first project on health effects of aircraft noise was conducted in 1998 when the airport had only Runway‐A. And then, second project on health effects of aircraft noise was conducted in 2014 after beginning of conditional relaxation of curfew. These two projects were based on cross‐sectional study, and implemented using a questionnaire to investigate psychological effects like noise annoyance, night‐time insomnia, mental effects like emotional instability and depressive tendency, and physical effects like high‐blood pressure. Since 2019, third project on health effects have been started because of disestablishment of nighttime flight restrictions for the Runway‐A. In this new project, longitudinal data are also included and we have a plan to investigate using objective method. The progress of this project until 2022 is reported in this paper.