Evaluation Process Research Articles

Engineered feature embeddings meet deep learning: A novel strategy to improve bone marrow cell classification and model transparency

Cytomorphology evaluation of bone marrow cell is the initial step to diagnose different hematological diseases. This assessment is still manually performed by trained specialists, who may be a bottleneck within the clinical process. Deep learning algorithms are a promising approach to automate this bone marrow cell evaluation. These artificial intelligence models have focused on limited cell subtypes, mainly associated to a particular disease, and are frequently presented as black boxes. The herein introduced strategy presents an engineered feature representation, the region-attention embedding, which improves the deep learning classification performance of a cytomorphology with 21 bone marrow cell subtypes. This embedding is built upon a specific organization of cytology features within a squared matrix by distributing them after pre-segmented cell regions, i.e., cytoplasm, nucleus, and whole-cell. This novel cell image representation, aimed to preserve spatial/regional relations, is used as input of the network. Combination of region-attention embedding and deep learning networks (Xception and ResNet50) provides local relevance associated to image regions, adding up interpretable information to the prediction. Additionally, this approach is evaluated in a public database with the largest number of cell subtypes (21) by a thorough evaluation scheme with three iterations of a 3-fold cross-validation, performed in 80% of the images (n = 89,484), and a testing process in an unseen set of images composed by the remaining 20% of the images (n = 22,371). This evaluation process demonstrates the introduced strategy outperforms previously published approaches in an equivalent validation set, with a f1-score of 0.82, and presented competitive results on the unseen data partition with a f1-score of 0.56.

Evaluasi Program Pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka di Ma’had Utsman bin ‘Affan Binbaz 25 Jambi

This research aims to evaluate the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum learning program at Ma'had Utsman bin 'Affan BINBAZ 25 Jambi. The aspects evaluated include: planning, implementation, and learning evaluation. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The subjects in this research were 4 teachers, Ma'had Utsman bin 'Affan BINBAZ 25 Jambi, and 4 students. The data were analyzed using critical analysis techniques, with the Miles and Huberman model through data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. The results of the research show that the evaluation process for the Merdeka Curriculum Learning Program at Ma'had Utsman bin 'Affan BINBAZ 25 Jambi has not been implemented optimally. This can be seen from educators who 100% have not made teaching modules in the learning process, 50% of teachers who do not provide teaching materials in the form of learning media, 75% of teachers who do not create small groups in learning, and 75% of teachers who use objective and subjective tests.

Regional flood risk grading assessment considering indicator interactions among hazard, exposure, and vulnerability: A novel FlowSort with DBSCAN

With escalating flood risks due to global warming and frequent extreme rainfall events, it is crucial to highlight the importance of flood risk assessment for devising prudent mitigation strategies and promoting sustainable development. Against this backdrop, this study proposes a novel regional flood risk grading assessment method, namely the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN)-FlowSort method, aimed at comprehensively assessing flood risks in county-level regions of Anhui Province. The innovation of this method lies in its consideration of interactions among the hazard, exposure, and vulnerability subsystems, as well as the comprehensive determination of assessment indicator weights through the Probability Language Term Set-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (PLTS-DEMATEL) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM). Thus, the subjectivity and objectivity of the weights of the indicators are integratedly taken into account. Additionally, this study introduces DBSCAN to generate reference profiles, improving the reliance on expert input in the traditional FlowSort method and enhancing the automation and objectivity of the evaluation process. The results of the study demonstrate that the DBSCAN-FlowSort method exhibits superior classification performance in predicting flood hazards, particularly in accurately identifying and assessing high-risk areas when considering interactions among indicators in different subsystems. This method provides a new scientific tool for flood risk assessment and management, which is crucial for devising flood resource allocation and risk mitigation measures in both theory and practice.

Using PURPOSE-T in clinical practice: a realist evaluation

AimTo explain how the clinical and organisational context influenced the way the Pressure Ulcer Risk Primary or Secondary Evaluation Tool (PURPOSE-T) is used by nursing staff to support their clinical judgement and decision making about care planning and delivery. MethodsA realist process evaluation was undertaken in a large acute hospital trust using mixed methods incorporating organisational policy review, staff semi-structured, ethnographic observation of clinical care and patient record review. Approximately 75 hours of ethnographic field work involving 72 patients, 15 patient record reviews and 16 staff interviews were undertaken on 4 wards. FindingsFindings suggest PURPOSE-T assisted nurses differently depending on their level of experience. Those with less experience use it as an educational guide, while those with more experience made an initial clinical judgement and used PURPOSE-T as a safety net to ensure they hadn’t missed anything. Nurses were concerned about demonstrating good documentation of assessment, care planning and delivery in order to underpin consistent communication about care and because they had an underlying fear of being blamed if things went wrong. There is an array of other contextual features that impact the planning and delivery of pressure area care that go beyond the use of PURPOSE-T alone, including systematic equipment provision, competing patient safety initiatives and rehabilitation requirements. ConclusionThe findings reinforce the assertion that PU-RAIs are complex interventions and could inform the development of a more integrated system of care which takes into account the contextual features associated with PU prevention in modern hospitals.

Thermodynamic modeling and process evaluation of advanced ionic liquid-based solvents for CO2/CH4 separation

Carbon capture technology is a prospective strategy to address the increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, with the core challenge of developing new cost-effective processes. In this work, the energy analysis and economic evaluation were conducted based on rigorous thermodynamic models and the process simulation results of a novel chemical absorption-dominated hybrid solvent which consists of functional ionic liquid of choline triazole ([Cho][Triz]) and sulfolane (TMS) to separate CO2 from shale gas. The solubility of CO2 and CH4 in different solvents were calculated using phase equilibrium model including the NRTL activity coefficient equation, the RK equation of state, chemical reaction equilibrium equations, and the mass balance equation. The physical properties of the ionic liquid-based solvent systems were calculated with empirical equations which was corrected using experimental data. The results obtained from the thermodynamic models exhibited good agreement with experimental data. Subsequently, the established models and the parameters obtained were embedded into Aspen Plus for further analysis. The total CO2 capture energy consumption of 1.65 GJ·t−1 CO2 and the cost of 48.07 $·t−1 CO2 were achieved using the new solvent when the mass fraction of IL was 60 wt%. Compared with the commercial 30 wt% MDEA carbon capture process, it reduced the energy consumption and economic cost of 64.16 % and 45.59 %, respectively.

Determinants of Community Participation in Sustainable Management of Rural Water Supply System: Evidence from District Lahore, Pakistan

Sustainable functionality of rural water supply systems is one of the most imperative aspects to ensure the provision of safe drinking water for communities. In recent decades, a number of projects have been initiated by national and international organizations to meet the desired need for safe drinking water and sanitation, but a large proportion of these development projects fail shortly after their execution. The majority of water supply projects fail in rural communities within three years after development due to the least level of community participation regarding decision-making, site identification, planning, execution, monitoring, evaluation and management process and, above all, unawareness, lack of basic technical and management skills. This study presents the most influencing determinants of community participation that are compulsory for the sustainable functionality of rural water supply systems. This study was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan and simple random sampling methods and techniques were applied to draw the sample from the population. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. The result of the study indicated that a significant association existed among community participation in planning, execution, operation, maintenance & evaluation processes and sustainability functionality of rural water supply systems.

Optimasi Algoritma Machine Learning Menggunakan Teknik Bagging Pada Klasifikasi Diagnosis Kanker Payudara

Classification algorithms have a very important role in Machine Learning, but not all algorithms have the same performance in every case. Algorithm performance can be affected by the type of data used, differences in problem characteristics, and the parameters used. Additionally, ensemble learning techniques such as Bagging can affect algorithm performance. Therefore, the problem arises of how to choose the most suitable algorithm for a particular classification task and how to optimize the performance of the algorithm. This research aims to carry out a comparative analysis and optimization of classification algorithms in Machine Learning. Classification algorithms that will be evaluated include Support Vector Machine (SVM), Neural Network, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN). Evaluation of the performance of these algorithms will be carried out using the confusion matrix, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve, and Area Under Curva (AUC). The result of this research is a comparative analysis of the optimization of classification algorithms using the bagging technique. After carrying out the evaluation process using the confusion matrix and ROC curve, it was found that the algorithm optimization using the bagging technique only had an effect on the Decision Tree (DT) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithms. . The accuracy of the DT algorithm increased by 0.6% while the accuracy of KNN increased by 1.3%. The AUC value for the DT algorithm increased by 1.4% and the KNN algorithm increased by 0.3%.

Impacts of Community Participation on Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Sytems: A Study from District Lahore, Pakistan

The availability and functionality of an improved water supply system among the population are basic human rights and imperative to prevent numerous viral/infectious diseases. The provision of safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene plays a central role in individual and communal health, but unfortunately, the situation is strikingly poor among nations, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. To understand the existing situation and the impacts of community participation on the sustainability of the water supply system, this study was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. The prime objective was to find out the participation of the community in planning, execution, operation and maintenance, evaluation process, and the management approaches and techniques with a view of seeing how best community participation level contributed to the sustainability of the water supply program. For this purpose, a simple random sampling procedure was applied to draw the sample from the population. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection and validated through pilot testing. Results showed that participatory approaches in water supply program planning, execution, operation, maintenance, and evaluation led to community satisfaction and program sustainability.

Ergo-mechanical evaluation of the post-harvest drying process on a small scale based on participatory principles

Using direct sunlight for the post-harvest drying process is easy and cheap for most small farmers in rural areas in developing areas. This method has weaknesses, namely the emergence of musculoskeletal complaints, fatigue, and additional workload due to unnatural working postures and exposure to hot sun on workers. Apart from that, the drying temperature is not optimal because it relies only on environmental temperature and is weather-dependent. As an alternative, a dryer can be used by applying ergo-mechanical principles. Ergo-mechanical is used to overcome work problems in the drying process and produce an ergonomic mechanical structure, thereby creating health, safety, and work sustainability. Ergo-mechanical applications are based on workers' participation as users, known as participatory principles. Participatory, as part of applying ergonomics concepts, aims to create harmony between work tools and workers. Ergo-mechanical is applied in designing dryers through ergonomic and mechanical studies to produce dryers that suit their needs and avoid causing new problems for small farmers. To design dryers, ergonomic studies were carried out using anthropometric data of workers as users. Meanwhile, mechanical studies were carried out by applying the principle of heat transfer between two fluids, namely fuel and environmental air.

Implementasi Evaluasi Pembelajaran Go Buya di MIS Istiqomah Perbatasan Entikong Kalimantan Barat

Cultural literacy plays a crucial role in education, not only as an effort to protect and promote local and national cultural heritage, but also as a way to shape the identity of the Indonesian nation in society. This aims to ensure that love and preservation of cultural riches is maintained. MIS Istiqomah Entikong is located on the border between Indonesia and Malaysia. The aim of implementing the Go Buya Learning evaluation for students is to improve the quality of learning and develop insight into cultural literacy, and to see the implementation of Go Buya learning through learning media using educational and interactive games in accordance with student development whose results can be measured well. The strategy used in this research service activity is the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. The steps taken in this service activity are (1) conducting interviews with teachers and students at MIS Istiqomah Entikong regarding Go Buya Learning (2) Preparing materials and evaluation instruments in Go Buya learning (3) Making evaluation instruments for Go Buya learning and ( 4) Implementation of assistance for activities carried out from the observation stage, implementation process and overall evaluation of Go Buya learning.

MEDIATION – THE OFTEN-MISSED OPPORTUNITY!

Parties have the opportunity to regulate the dispute, and during mediation, an acceptable solution for the dispute resolution can be seen, which will strengthen the personal or business relationship between the parties in the future. One of the key functions of a mediator to successfully mediate business disputes is to focus on the interests of the parties and be able to separate them from the positions of the parties. International mediation is seen as the amicable process of the resolution of cross-border commercial disputes, which helps parties to preserve commercial relationships. The mediator should individually analyze every case before a mediation meeting is planned. The mediator should decide whether to start with a general joint meeting or conduct individual meetings. The above-mentioned has a great impact on future processes and results. The implementation of general mediation standards in national law is a big challenge. Standards on applying enforcement and refusal mechanisms in International business disputes are general, vague, and more evaluative. States should work on the development of national guidelines and case law regarding the evaluation process of mediation by court. Digital assets from Blockchain Technology can be inherited, and because of the specificities (different territories, internet space, and different tech companies) of currency, disputes may arise in transacting inheritance. It is debatable why the Singapore Convention should not apply to settlement agreements raised from cryptocurrency.

Introduction

The June 2023 issue of our journal brings together our valuable readers with six different articles. In this issue, there are two research articles, one focusing on the continent of Europe and one on the Asian continent, two opinion articles focusing on the migration issue, which is one of the most important agenda items of Turkey and indeed the world, and two book reviews. The first research paper, authored by John Conrad Masabo, examines the potential repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of European Union (EU) integration and its global impact. Exploring different views on whether the EU can become the most influential power in the post-COVID-19 world, the author suggests that while this possibility exists, there are significant hurdles that the EU must overcome before achieving such status. Merve Özten Yıldız, the author of the second research article, which aims to reveal how India is trying to construct a South Asian identity with Indo-Pacific discourses, examines the rise of India as the second most influential power in Asia. In his article, the author analyzes the official and practical discourse of India to understand its role in shaping regional identity and its growing influence on the international scene. The first review essay, authored by Müzeyyen Okyay, focuses on the issue of migration. The author dealt with the refugee and migrant problem, which has recently become the primary agenda item in EU-Turkey relations. In this study, the situation of people who have to migrate from their homeland, which is a common problem of Turkey and the EU and requires joint efforts to solve, has been examined within the framework of local laws and international agreements, and the effects of migration on the relations between Turkey and the EU have been analyzed. The second review essay belongs to Ufuk Tok. In this article, Tok examines the uncertainties that arose in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal and the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The author, who has the expectation that the integration of the country under the rule of the Taliban with the contemporary world will not be easy and quick, but will be gradual, also analyzes the effect of the long-lasting war on irregular migration from Afghanistan to the west and explores the possibilities of preventing the migration movement towards Turkey. The first review in the publication review section belongs to Selin Çınar. Çınar presents a comprehensive review of the compilation book The Routledge Handbook of Ideology and International Relations, edited by Jonathan Leader Maynard and Mark L. Haased and published in 2022. The second publication evaluation was made by Ahmet Emin Yıldız and is on the book titled Post-Cold War China-India Relations, written by Nezir Oğuş, the first edition of which was published in 2021. We would like to thank all the authors who have contributed to this issue of our journal by sending their works, and all the referees who have put effort in the evaluation process of these works; we hope that the continuing interest in our journal from the national and international academic community will continue.

Advancement in graphical user interface tailored quality classification of sape soundboard

This research introduces an innovative methodology for evaluating and predicting soundboard quality in the intricate craftsmanship of sape instruments. Despite the sape’s profound cultural significance, the process of selecting soundboard wood has been inadequately explored, resulting in uncertainties within the crafting community. Addressing this research gap, this study integrates advanced machine learning techniques and devises a specialized Graphical User Interface (GUI) tailored for sape makers. The methodology encompasses a thorough acoustic analysis of three distinct hardwoods—adau, merbau, and tapang—employing machine learning classification through Support Vector Machine with a Gaussian kernel. The study culminates in the development of a user-friendly GUI for soundboard quality assessment. Results underscore the model’s proficiency for achieving an optimized accuracy of 87.8% in classifying sape audio samples. The MATLAB App Designer-based GUI streamlines the evaluation process, offering a practical and accessible tool for craftsmen. This integrated approach, harmonizing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, holds the potential to revolutionize sape instrument manufacturing, ensuring the preservation and progressive evolution of this rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the Value of Computational Methods for Metajournalistic Discourse: The Example of COVID-19 Reporting in Dutch Newspapers

Exploring the Value of Computational Methods for Metajournalistic Discourse: The Example of COVID-19 Reporting in Dutch Newspapers

DAPSI(W)R(M) put into practice for a nature-based solution: Framework applied to the coastbusters approach

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can be applied to alleviate negative human impacts on ecosystems and promote the general health or well-being of the environment. Human-induced activities, including installation of NbS, are governed by legislative requirements (e.g. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)), especially when such activities occur in Marine Protected Areas (MPA's). A correct and thorough description of the legislative framework governing the application and development of NbS is therefore essential. The Drivers-Activities-Pressures-State change-Impacts (on human Welfare)-Responses (using Measures) or DAPSI(W)R(M) framework is valuable when environmental assessment procedures include a NbS, as well as when policy and industry require guidance for the practical application of a NbS concept. In this study, we applied the DAPSI(W)R(M) framework to the Coastbusters approach, in which mussel beds (Mytilus edulis) and tubeworm aggregations (Lanice conchilega) are installed in the Belgian part of the North Sea with the aim of improving coastal resilience and maritime infrastructure works. Within the context of the Coastbusters approach, the various elements of the DAPSI(W)R(M) framework were elucidated. Coastal defense is a driver, with activities including the integration of coastal infrastructure and aquaculture practices. Pressures related to these activities on benthic habitats were described using the MarESA sensitivity approach. State change assessments were performed based on the various marine regulations (e.g. Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Habitat Directive, Water Framework Directive) which together outline a precise set of criteria and indicators designed to assess the sustainability and health of ecosystems. The present study provides a detailed framework for the environmental evaluation of seaward NbS, from state changes to impacts on human welfare. Three quantitative estimations of ecosystem service indicators (coastal protection, carbon retention and water quality (N) regulation) were used, with the indicators quantified by in-situ measurements and data from literature. Subsequently, the 10-tenets approach for taking measures (e.g. use of biodegradable material, local species, etc.) was used to develop responses that facilitate the optimal implementation of NbS. The approach outlined in this study can be used as a guide for stakeholders as they move through the environmental evaluation processes that are required for successful development of a seaward NbS. Our results underscore the importance of a favorable institutional environment for NbS and suggest that public acceptance and stakeholder involvement play a crucial role in successful implementation. This study contributes to the understanding and operationalization of Nature-based Solutions in coastal management.

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Methods, evidence identification, evaluation, and consensus process for development of treatment recommendations.

To describe the methodology used by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) to re-evaluate the scientific evidence relevant to CPR in small and large animals, to newborn resuscitation, and to first aid and to formulate the respective consensus-based clinical guidelines. This report describes the evidence-to-guidelines process employed by RECOVER that is based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and includes Information Specialist-driven systematic literature search, evidence evaluation conducted by more than 200 veterinary professionals, and provision of clinical guidelines in the domains of Preparedness and Prevention, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Post-cardiac Arrest Care, Newborn Resuscitation, First Aid, and Large Animal CPR. Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in academia, referral practice, and general practice. For this update to the RECOVER 2012 CPR guidelines, we answered 135 Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) questions with the help of a team of Domain Chairs, Information Specialists, and more than 200 Evidence Evaluators. Most primary contributors were veterinary specialists or veterinary technician specialists. The RECOVER 2024 Guidelines represent the first veterinary application of the GRADE approach to clinical guideline development. We employed an iterative process that follows a predefined sequence of steps designed to reduce bias of Evidence Evaluators and to increase the repeatability of the quality of evidence assessments and ultimately the treatment recommendations. The process also allowed numerous important knowledge gaps to emerge that form the foundation for prioritizing research efforts in veterinary resuscitation science. Large collaborative, volunteer-based development of evidence- and consensus-based clinical guidelines is challenging and complex but feasible. The experience gained will help refine the process for future veterinary guidelines initiatives.

ASPECTS OF TRANSLATION QUALITY PROBLEM

Translation quality evaluation is generally referred to as one the mechanisms for translation industry development and the most important tool in the field of translator training, which determines the relevance of the stated topic. The purpose of this study is to review the problems and approaches to translation quality evaluation highlighting the differences in their treatment. The paper focuses on the study of the cognitive-terminological and system-activity aspects of translation evaluation, with special emphasis on the borderline between the process of quality evaluation and its result. An analysis of the term translation quality as used in meta-translation discourse demonstrated significant differences in the conceptualization of this notion. In translation theory, the term is generally used as an evaluative indicator of translation results, although in a broader sense it also refers to one of the main categories of translation studies that requires systematic research and description. In meta-translation discourse, translation quality may refer to a fairly high level of translation per se, but in combination with additional descriptive characteristics the term can also indicate different levels of quality, down to the lowest. To assess the results of translation using classical evaluative terms, namely equivalence and adequacy, it is generally necessary to clarify their conceptual content, which corresponds to a particular scientific paradigm. The existence of different and/or opposing points of view on the theory and practice of translation quality evaluation is accounted for by the complex and multidimensional nature of the phenomenon under consideration. The novelty of the conducted research lies in the distinction between translation evaluation as a result and translation evaluation as a process considered as a type of intellectual activity. Finally, we developed a model which reflects the structure of evaluation activities in the field of translation. The main components of this model are: the evaluation sphere, the evaluation actor, the object under evaluation (i.e. translation results), the purpose of evaluation activity, the evaluation method, the criteria and the parameters of evaluation. Following the system-activity approach one can take into account various facets of the problem of translation quality evaluation as well as the complex of motives and individual independent steps that determine the end result.

Promotion of Student Self-Regulation from Transformational Evaluation Processes: Case Applied to the Innovation Program in University Teaching

Objective: To describe from a transformational model based on student empowerment, the implementation of active and collaborative evaluation procedures among students, with the purpose of promoting self-regulation of their learning. Theoretical Framework: The new conception of evaluation has involved the incorporation of new evaluative agents in the process, focused on an evaluation for learning and how learning, integrating students as active participants in their own learning and evaluation, developing self-regulation and metacognitive, promoting student empowerment, and the delegation of evaluative responsibilities from a dialogic and collaborative model. Method: The methodology adopted for this research arises from a qualitative approach and includes an intrinsic case study, for which the ALE–Q Questionnaire - Evaluation Climate as learning and empowerment in Higher Education by Ibarra-Sáiz, María Soledad, was applied. & Rodríguez-Gómez, Gregorio. Results and Discussion: It can be confirmed that greater student participation in learning evaluation processes promotes student autonomy and responsibility, which mobilizes more inclusive, empowered and democratic evaluation processes. The possibility that students can make value judgments and commit to their own learning, which mobilizes learning throughout life. Implications of the Research: The research involved delving into the learning evaluation procedures in higher education and promoting from here a change from the traditional evaluation paradigm towards a transformational evaluative approach based on student empowerment, this paradigmatic break highlights what is legitimized found among higher education teachers to implement traditional, unilateral evaluation models with little student participation. Originality/Value: The study stresses traditional learning evaluation models versus transformational evaluative models, where the active, collaborative and empowered participation of students is promoted, producing a break in the linearity of how the evaluation processes have been conceived.

Edukasi Ketahanan Keluarga Berbasis Agama Islam Di Desa Banyuraden

The high and evenly distributed number of early marriages in Banyuraden Village, Gamping District, Sleman Regency should raise concerns in order to lessen the issue of family discord by bolstering the spiritual principles of Islam, which is the predominant religion practiced by the locals. One way to do this is by participating in one of the Toddler Family Development (Bina Keluarga Balita) activity groups. For this reason, Participation Action Research (PAR) was used to teach family resilience and conduct community service projects with pertinent themes. Planning, licensing, and communicating family resilience challenges are all part of the implementation at the BKB community group in the same village, Mutiara Hati Child Care Center. Additionally, a focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted about the creation of Islamically oriented family resilience materials associated with the BKB activities. The evaluation process is then preceded by socialization. The strengthening of Islamic-based family resilience materials that have been modified for BKB activities can still be done after completing this PKM activity.

Intuitionistic Connection Cloud Model Based on Rough Set for Evaluation of the Shrinkage–Swelling of Untreated and Lime-Treated Expansive Clays

The evaluation of the shrinkage–swelling characteristic of expansive clay is of great significance, but it is a complex problem since the evaluation process involves numerous uncertain factors, such as randomness, non-subordination, and hesitation uncertainties. Here, an intuitionistic connection cloud model has been proposed to address this issue. First, an evaluation index system is established. According to the reliability of interval-valued evaluation indexes, the corresponding cloud numerical characteristic parameters are specified based on the membership interval generated by the intuitionistic fuzzy principle. Moreover, the improved conditional information entropy based on rough set theory is utilized to assign the index weight. Subsequently, combined with the weight, the intuitionistic connection degree of the sample to the classification standard is determined to identify the shrinkage–swelling grade. Finally, a case study on the shrinkage–swelling grade of untreated and lime-treated expansive clays in Hefei Xinqiao International Airport was performed to illustrate the validity and reliability of the model. The results show that the proposed model is reasonable and feasible for the evaluation of the shrinkage–swelling grade of untreated and lime-treated expansive clays.