Qualitative Features Research Articles

Qualitative and Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Bacterial Orbital Cellulitis

ABSTRACT Purpose To summarise the qualitative and quantitative parameters of bacterial orbital cellulitis (OC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and explore their clinical correlations. Methods Multi-centre retrospective study with inclusion of patients of all ages with OC who underwent MRI. Patients with isolated pre-septal cellulitis, bilateral disease and poor-quality scans were excluded. An enlargement ratio for extraocular muscles (EOMs) was calculated by dividing maximal EOM measurements from the affected side by the contralateral side. Results Twenty MRI scans from twenty patients (Mean age: 40.8 ± 24.3 years old, M: F = 15:5) between 2011 and 2022 were analysed. Three (15.0%) cases were paediatric patients (<18 years old). All cases had both pre-septal and orbital fat involvement. The EOM were affected in nineteen cases, with the superior muscle complex (18/19, 94.7%) most commonly affected. Mean enlargement ratio (1.30, Range: 1.04–1.82) was greatest for the medial rectus on axial views on T1 and fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced T1 (FS CE T1). Optic peri-neuritis was present in eleven (55.0%) patients, whilst two (9.5%) cases had optic neuritis. A greater degree of proptosis was observed in patients with optic neuropathy and those who underwent surgical intervention compared to those without (p = .002 and p = .002, respectively). Conclusion MRI remains an important imaging modality for evaluating complicated OC. However, qualitative features may lack accuracy and is not a reproducible means of analysis. Simple quantitative parameters, such as proptosis and EOM measurements, correlate with high-risk clinical features and may have utility in predicting clinical course.

GENERATIONAL INVESTMENT PATTERNS IN MUTUAL FUNDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GENERATION X AND MILLENNIALS

This Master’s thesis examines the investment patterns in mutual funds across two distinct generational cohorts: Generation X and Millennials. The primary aim of this study is to analyze and compare the investment behaviors and preferences between these two groups, focusing on factors such as risk tolerance, investment time horizon, and preferred fund types. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data analysis of investment portfolios with qualitative surveys and interviews, this research provides a comprehensive view of how generational differences influence investment decisions. The quantitative analysis involves a statistical examination of mutual fund holdings and transactions sourced from a proprietary database covering the period from 2010 to 2020. Meanwhile, the qualitative component features insights from over 200 individual interviews with representatives of each generation, supplemented by surveys to gauge attitudes towards various investment strategies and market outlooks. Initial findings suggest significant divergences in the investment strategies between Generation X and Millennials. Generation X investors tend to favor income-focused and balanced funds, displaying a preference for stability and long-term growth, influenced possibly by their proximity to retirement. In contrast, Millennials are more inclined towards equity-heavy portfolios and show a greater propensity for embracing emerging market funds and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) themed investments, driven by higher risk tolerance and a longer investment horizon. This thesis not only highlights the distinct investment preferences of these generations but also delves into the sociopolitical and economic factors that might influence these patterns. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of these generational differences for financial advisors, mutual fund managers, and policymakers. By identifying and understanding these generational investment behaviors, industry professionals can better tailor their approaches to meet the needs and preferences of each demographic group, enhancing client satisfaction and engagement. This comparative study contributes to the financial industry’s understanding of demographic shifts and their impacts on market trends, offering valuable insights for developing more targeted and effective investment products and strategies.

Hepatic steatosis: Qualitative and quantitative sonographic assessment in comparison to histology.

Globally, B-mode ultrasound is the most common modality used for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between qualitative liver ultrasound parameters, attenuation imaging (ATI) and histopathology-diagnosed steatosis grade obtained from liver biopsy. Our secondary aim was to examine the interobserver variability of qualitative ultrasound features. A retrospective cohort study was performed which included adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who had same-day liver ultrasound, ATI and liver biopsy for grading hepatic steatosis severity between 2018 and 2022. The qualitative US features for hepatic steatosis were independently scored by three radiologists and interobserver variability was examined. Histologic steatosis grade, ATI and qualitative ultrasound parameters were compared. Ninety patients were included; 67% female with a median age of 54 (IQR 39-65) years. The radiologist's overall impression had the highest correlation (very strongly correlated) with histologic steatosis grade (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). ATI coefficient and all qualitative ultrasound B-mode features except for liver echotexture and focal fat sparing were strongly correlated with histologic steatosis grade (r ≥ 0.70, P < 0.001). Most qualitative ultrasound features had good agreement between observers (Kappa statistic 0.61-1.0, P < 0.001), (Kendall coefficient 0.92, P < 0.001). The examined qualitative ultrasound parameters and ATI had good-excellent performance for diagnosing clinically significant hepatic steatosis; however, the radiologist's overall impression had the best correlation with histologic steatosis grade. Our findings suggest an ongoing role for qualitative liver ultrasound assessment of hepatic steatosis despite the emergence of newer quantitative measures.

Propagation of a viscous gravity current beneath a granular mush

The two-dimensional gravity-driven motion of a relatively dense viscous liquid at the base of a granular mush is investigated using a model that exploits the relative shallowness of the flow. The granular mush obeys a $\mu (I)$ -rheology, and we assume that the two phases are segregated throughout the motion. The viscous liquid spreads under gravity, carrying the granular mush above and transporting it outwards as levees at either end of the flow. The accumulation of granular material away from the centre of the deposit produces hydrostatic pressure gradients that retard the viscous gravity current. At later times, the granular mush is quasi-static relative to the moving liquid owing to the balance of outward granular transfer by the liquid and inward hydrostatic pressure gradients associated with the granular free surface. The viscous liquid exhibits a Poiseuille-like flow structure with negligible velocity at both the base and the granular interface. The flow of a fixed volume of viscous liquid becomes self-similar with the effective viscosity quadrupled relative to a classical viscous gravity current owing to the retarding effects of the granular mush. The case of constant input flux of viscous liquid is also analysed. The qualitative features are akin to the fixed volume case with the granular mush forming levees and slowing the viscous spreading. The case in which the upper medium is a Bingham material rather than a granular mush is also discussed, and the same features are observed, demonstrating the importance of the yield criterion in the upper medium.

Evaluation of Chemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Ricotta Cheese from Two Different Breeds: The Endangered Italian Teramana Goat and the Cosmopolitan Saneen Goat.

The present study aimed to compare the qualitative features of ricotta cheese produced by Teramana goats and Saanen goats raised in similar breeding systems and environmental conditions. The analyses were performed on ricotta after 0 (T0) and 5 (T5) days of storage at 4 °C. Ricotta cheese samples were subjected to chemical and physical analyses. The Teramana goat ricotta cheese was found to have a high-fat content characterized by a marked percentage of conjugates of linoleic acid (CLA). The reduction inketones and carboxylic acid revealed that Teramana goat ricotta cheese had greater oxidative stability during storage. According to the physical analyses, there are no differences between the two breeds in terms of color characteristics. Our findings underscore the importance of advocating for indigenous breeds, as evidenced by the compelling results observed in the production of ricotta cheese from Teramana goats.

What is Alzheimer's disease? An analysis of nosological perspectives from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Recent US proposals suggest defining Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on β-amyloidosis alone. This sparked debates that echoed historical ones about the significance of brain lesions and clinical phenotype. This review covers debates on AD nosology through three key periods: AD's discovery in German-speaking countries in the early 20th century, its redefinition in Anglo-Saxon countries in the 1960s-1980s, and current debates on the biological or clinicobiological definitions of AD. Key players' opinions are focused on. At the beginning of the 20th century, AD was defined as a clinicopathological entity. Debates arose around the pathological anchor, which included extended neurofibrillary tangles versus neuritic plaques (Alzheimer vs. Fischer) and its association with senile dementia (Kraepelin). In the 1960s-1980s, the debate shifted towards whether AD could be diagnosed using qualitative or quantitative neuropathological features and whether it was a unique process (Terry and Katzman) or had subtypes (Roth). The current definition proposed by the US Alzheimer's Association is based purely on biological β-amyloid abnormalities and represents a double break: from the historical clinicopathological definition of AD and from the historical emphasis on tau or combined tau and β-amyloid high levels of pathology. Conversely, the clinicobiological proposal of the International Working Group remains aligned with historical concepts of AD. This historical perspective illustrates the unresolved questions surrounding AD pathogenesis, role of lesions, and the clinical phenotype, especially for sporadic cases. The intense nosological debates throughout the history of AD also illustrate the diversity of theoretical frameworks for defining disease in medicine.

Toward Precision Diagnosis: Machine Learning in Identifying Malignant Orbital Tumors With Multiparametric 3 T MRI.

Orbital tumors present a diagnostic challenge due to their varied locations and histopathological differences. Although recent advancements in imaging have improved diagnosis, classification remains a challenge. The integration of artificial intelligence in radiology and ophthalmology has demonstrated promising outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of machine learning models in accurately distinguishing malignant orbital tumors from benign ones using multiparametric 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. In this single-center prospective study, patients with orbital masses underwent presurgery 3 T MRI scans between December 2015 and May 2021. The MRI protocol comprised multiparametric imaging including dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), as well as morphological imaging acquisitions. A repeated nested cross-validation strategy using random forest classifiers was used for model training and evaluation, considering 8 combinations of explanatory features. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) values were used to assess feature contributions, and the model performance was evaluated using multiple metrics. One hundred thirteen patients were analyzed (57/113 [50.4%] were women; average age was 51.5 ± 17.5 years, range: 19-88 years). Among the 8 combinations of explanatory features assessed, the performance on predicting malignancy when using the most comprehensive model, which is the most exhaustive one incorporating all 46 explanatory features-including morphology, DWI, DCE, and IVIM, achieved an area under the curve of 0.9 [0.73-0.99]. When using the streamlined "10-feature signature" model, performance reached an area under the curve of 0.88 [0.71-0.99]. Random forest feature importance graphs measured by the mean of SHAP values pinpointed the 10 most impactful features, which comprised 3 quantitative IVIM features, 4 quantitative DCE features, 1 quantitative DWI feature, 1 qualitative DWI feature, and age. Our findings demonstrate that a machine learning approach, integrating multiparametric MRI data such as DCE, DWI, IVIM, and morphological imaging, offers high-performing models for differentiating malignant from benign orbital tumors. The streamlined 10-feature signature, with a performance close to the comprehensive model, may be more suitable for clinical application.

Space-like electromagnetic form factors of lambda- and sigma-baryons from quark-diquark Faddeev equations

An important goal of ongoing and future experiments is to explore spectra and transition form factors of baryons with non-zero strangeness. Of particular interest is the transition form factorγ(∗)Σ0→Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma ^{(*)} \\Sigma ^0 \\rightarrow \\Lambda $$\\end{document} in the time-like momentum region that can be extracted from Dalitz decays. On the road towards a theoretical description of these form factors we extend a covariant dynamical quark-diquark model for the baryon Faddeev equation to the strange-quark sector. Based on an excellent description of the mass spectrum of selected baryon octet and decuplet states and reasonable results for the nucleon form factors we determine the elastic electromagnetic form factors of Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Lambda $$\\end{document} and Σ+,Σ0,Σ-\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Sigma ^+, \\Sigma ^0, \\Sigma ^-$$\\end{document} hyperons in the space-like region as well as the ones for the octet transition γ(∗)Σ0→Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma ^{(*)} \\Sigma ^0 \\rightarrow \\Lambda $$\\end{document}. We discuss qualitative and quantitative features of the diquark-quark picture and compare systematically with previous results from a three-body Faddeev approach and lattice data where available.

A nomogram based on the quantitative and qualitative features of CT imaging for the prediction of the invasiveness of ground glass nodules in lung adenocarcinoma

PurposeBased on the quantitative and qualitative features of CT imaging, a model for predicting the invasiveness of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) was constructed, which could provide a reference value for preoperative planning of GGN patients.Materials and methodsAltogether, 702 patients with GGNs (including 748 GGNs) were included in this study. The GGNs operated between September 2020 and July 2022 were classified into the training group (n = 555), and those operated between August 2022 and November 2022 were classified into the validation group (n = 193). Clinical data and the quantitative and qualitative features of CT imaging were harvested from these patients. In the training group, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics in CT imaging of GGNs were analyzed by using performing univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, followed by constructing a nomogram prediction model. The differentiation, calibration, and clinical practicability in both the training and validation groups were assessed by the nomogram models.ResultsIn the training group, multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that the maximum diameter (OR = 4.707, 95%CI: 2.06–10.758), consolidation/tumor ratio (CTR) (OR = 1.027, 95%CI: 1.011–1.043), maximum CT value (OR = 1.025, 95%CI: 1.004–1.047), mean CT value (OR = 1.035, 95%CI: 1.008–1.063; P = 0.012), spiculation sign (OR = 2.055, 95%CI: 1.148–3.679), and vascular convergence sign (OR = 2.508, 95%CI: 1.345–4.676) were independent risk parameters for invasive adenocarcinoma. Based on these findings, we established a nomogram model for predicting the invasiveness of GGN, and the AUC was 0.910 (95%CI: 0.885–0.934) and 0.902 (95%CI: 0.859–0.944) in the training group and the validation group, respectively. The internal validation of the Bootstrap method showed an AUC value of 0.905, indicating a good differentiation of the model. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test for the training and validation groups indicated that the model had a good fitting effect (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the calibration curve and decision analysis curve of the training and validation groups reflected that the model had a good calibration degree and clinical practicability.ConclusionCombined with the quantitative and qualitative features of CT imaging, a nomogram prediction model can be created to forecast the invasiveness of GGNs. This model has good prediction efficacy for the invasiveness of GGNs and can provide help for the clinical management and decision-making of GGNs.

Pollen morphology of Asteraceae from Garhwal Himalaya (Uttarakhand, India): part I

Palynotaxonomy is crucial for understanding plant evolution, biodiversity, and ecological history by systematically classifying and identifying species based on pollen morphology. In addition, a regional pollen flora is crucial for precise pollen identification in various applied fields of palynology, including melissopalynology, aeropalynology, forensic palynology, paleopalynology, and copropalynology. In this communication, we explore the pollen morphology of 28 species of Asteraceae, employing both light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the grains were monad, isopolar, radially symmetric, tricolporate, and exhibited oblate-spheroidal to prolate-spheroidal shapes. The infratectum was found to be columellate, caveate, or noncaveate. The supratectum exhibited echinate or microechinate characteristics, with the exine surface showing perforate, microreticulate, or perforate regulate features. Among some species, a lophate pattern was observed, revealing two distinct variations: one characterized by a ‘15 lacunae type,’ while the other exhibited a ‘21 lacunae type’. Some unusual variations were observed in the aperture character among certain species, like the occurrence of tricolpate grains and pollen dimorphism due to variation in aperture number. Light microscopic examination was preliminary for resolving columellar structure but it clearly showed a double level of columella in some species. A cluster analysis, incorporating qualitative and quantitative features of pollen grains and an artificial pollen key have been set forth to distinguish studied species, supplemented by LM and SEM micrographs. The current findings have enriched the existing pollen database of Asteraceae and could play an important role not only in palynotaxonomy but also in allied fields.

Estimation of aquatic ecosystem health using deep neural network with nonlinear data mapping

Estimation of aquatic ecosystem health indices can assist in reducing the burden of time-consuming, labor-intensive, and cost-effective fieldwork for the sustainable evaluation of freshwater ecosystem status. In this study, we developed a deep neural network to estimate the trophic diatom index (TDI), benthic macroinvertebrate index (BMI), and fish assessment index (FAI) using water quality and hydraulic and hydrological data. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was built to estimate health indices. In addition, an autoencoder was adopted to produce manifold features that were used as inputs for the CNN model. Conventional machine learning models, including artificial neural networks, support vector machines, random forests, and extreme gradient boosting, have been developed to estimate the TDI, BMI, and FAI. The results showed that the CNN with an autoencoder exhibited the best performance, with validation accuracies of Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.592 and 17.249 for TDI, 0.669 and 12.282 for BMI, and 0.638 and 13.897 for FAI, respectively. The autoencoder enhanced the nonlinear feature learning of the time series and static input data, which contributed to improving the CNN feature extraction for accurate estimation of aquatic ecosystem health indices compared to other data-driven approaches. Therefore, deep learning techniques can be used to investigate aquatic ecosystem health by successfully reflecting the quantitative and qualitative features of health indices.

Analysis of COVID-19 Disease Model: Backward Bifurcation and Impact of Pharmaceutical and Nonpharmaceutical Interventions

The SEIQHR model, introduced in this study, serves as a valuable tool for anticipating the emergence of various infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and illnesses transmitted by insects. An analysis of the model’s qualitative features was conducted, encompassing the computation of the fundamental reproduction number, R0. It was observed that the disease-free equilibrium point remains singular and locally asymptotically stable when R0&lt;1, while the endemic equilibrium point exhibits uniqueness when R0&gt;1. Additionally, specific conditions were outlined to guarantee the local asymptotic stability of both equilibrium points. Employing numerical simulations, the graphical representation illustrated the influence of model parameters on disease dynamics and the potential for its eradication across different noninteger orders of the Caputo derivative. In essence, the adoption of a fractional epidemic model contributes to a deeper comprehension and enhanced biological insights into the dynamics of diseases.

STUDY OF DEFORMABILITY OF THE LARGE-SPAN ROOF STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IN THE FORM OF AN ASYMMETRICAL SHELL

The scientific article is devoted to a complex study of deformability of saddle-type shell of negative Gaussian curvature of a public object that has been in operation for a long time for further general restoration of the building’s roofing system. The authors have developed a specific algorithm for conducting experimental research, providing additional static load on a shell at the lower point of the gentle axial line of the supporting arches. To smoothly carry out the loading procedure, we mounted containers in barrel form on the roof surface and gradually filled them with water. We carried out an experimental evaluation of the bearing capacity of the shell with the determination of the redistribution of forces along the length of the section in the lower zone of the conventionally outlined arch. The experimental test results revealed that the deformability of the shell surface under short-term loading did not exceed 2.0 mm, and, under long-term loading, it was no more than 4.0 mm. Analysis of the qualitative features of structure deformation shows that the displacement of the roof’s points, located symmetrically to the vertical axis, has the opposite sign to the sign of the displacement of the actual ‘saddle’ point (the case of symmetrical deformation). We conducted a numerical verification of the behaviour of the investigated structure by forming a detailed finite element spatial model of the shell. Comparison of the results of numerical calculation with the results of field tests shows the coincidence of qualitative and quantitative parameters, which, in turn, characterises the developed theoretical model as fully adequate and suitable for analysing the stress-strain state of similar large-span structural systems. Based on the results of comprehensive theoretical and experimental research, we made proposals for the further restoration of the roofing structure with the limitation of the self-weight of the covering to 1 kN/m2. Engineers and scientists can use the research results to reconstruct similar authentic structural systems. Keywords: calculation, restoration, loading, deflection, shell, negative Gaussian curvature.

Anterolateral keyhole transorbital routes to the skull base: a comparative anatomical study.

Although keyhole transorbital approaches are gaining traction, their indications have not been adequately studied comparatively. In this study the authors have defined them also as transwing approaches-meaning that they use the different facies of the sphenoid wing for cranial entry-and sought to compare the four major ones: 1) lateral orbitocraniotomy through a lateral canthal incision (LatOrb); 2) modified orbitozygomatic approach through a palpebral incision (ModOzPalp); 3) modified orbitozygomatic approach through an eyebrow incision (ModOzEyB); and 4) supraorbital craniotomy through an eyebrow incision (SupraOrb), coupled with its expanded version (SupraTransOrb). Cadaveric dissections were performed at the neuroanatomy lab. To delineate the skull base exposure, four formalin-fixed heads were used, with two sides dedicated to each approach. The outer limits were assessed via image guidance and were mapped and illustrated accordingly. A fifth head was dissected purely endoscopically, just to facilitate an overview of the transwing concept. Qualitative features were also rigorously examined. The LatOrb proves to be more versatile in the middle cranial fossa (MCF), whereas the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) exposure is limited to a small area above the sphenoid ridge. An anterior clinoidectomy is possible; however, the exposure of the roof of the optic canal is suboptimal. The ModOzPalp adequately exposes both the ACF and MCF. Its lateral trajectory allows the inferior to superior view, yet there is restricted access to the medial anterior skull base (olfactory groove). The ModOzEyB also provides extensive exposure of the ACF and MCF, but has a more superior to inferior trajectory compared to the ModOzPalp, making it more appropriate for pathology reaching the medial anterior skull base or even the contralateral side. The anterior clinoidectomy is performed with improved visualization of the optic canal. The SupraOrb provides mainly anterior cranial base exposure, with minimal middle fossa. An anterior clinoidectomy can be performed, but without any direct observation of the superior orbital fissure. Some MCF access can be accomplished if the lateral sphenoid wing is drilled inferiorly, leading to its highly versatile variant, the SupraTransOrb. All the aforementioned approaches use the sphenoid wing as skull base corridor from a specific orientation point; hence these are designated as transwing approaches. Their peculiarities mandate careful case selection for the effective and safe completion of the surgical goals.

ВЕРОЯТНОСТЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ НИКОТИНОВОЙ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ У КУРЯЩИХ ПАЦИЕНТОК С ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ОБСТРУКТИВНОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ ЛЕГКИХ С УЧЕТОМ СТАЖА КУРЕНИЯ И КОЛИЧЕСТВА ВЫКУРИВАЕМЫХ СИГАРЕТ

Introduction. This paper presents the results of assessing the likelihood of developing nicotine addiction, depending on smoking history and on the number of cigarettes smoked per day by women of fertile age. The aim is to establish the prognostic probability of nicotine addiction development in smokers, depending on smoking history and on the number of cigarettes smoked. Materiаls and Methods. The prospective study included 107 smoking female patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and nicotine addiction of different stages (hereinafter referred to as nicotine addiction). The patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on their secondhand smoke: 53 smoking patients with and 54 smoking patients without secondhand smoke. The observational group consisted of 42 non-smoking women without any chronic diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was diagnosed based on the clinical recommendations of the Russian Respiratory Society (2021). Reliability of the outcomes was assessed using the methods of parametric and nonparametric statistics. Prior to the application of all statistical research methods, we checked whether our sam- pling complied with the Gaussian (normal) distribution law. The distribution law was described using the Kolmogorov- Smirnov and Lilliefors normality criteria, and a single-sample Shapiro-Wilco normality test. Nonlinear links of binary features with quantitative or qualitative features were evaluated using logistic regression. Logistic regression analysis made it possible to create a statistical model for predicting the probability of an event based on available data. Results and Discussion. With an average smoking activity of 14 cigarettes per day, the onset of nicotine addiction in the first group (a combination of active and secondhand smoke) began with the smoking experience of 12 years, reaching the maximum probability with the experience of 15 years. In the second group, nicotine addiction appeared and reached its maximum (100 %) four years later than in the first group. With an increase in the number of cigarettes up to 16 per day, an identical pattern was observed within the course of earlier nicotine addiction. Conclusions. Secondhand smoke, in addition to active smoking, increases the nicotine load with the development of more pronounced prerequisites for the pathogenetic processes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development.

Prognostic Impact of Visceral Adipose Tissue Imaging Parameters in Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma after Surgical Resection.

Visceral adiposity is known to be related to poor prognosis in patients with cholangiocarcinoma; however, the prognostic significance of the qualitative features of adipose tissue in cholangiocarcinoma has yet to be well defined. This study investigated the prognostic impact of adipose tissue imaging parameters reflecting the quantity and qualitative characteristics of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in 94 patients undergoing resection of cholangiocarcinoma. The area, mean computed tomography (CT) attenuation, and mean 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake of SAT and VAT on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT for staging work-up were measured, and the relationship of these adipose tissue imaging parameters with clinicopathological factors and survival was assessed. TNM stage, histologic grade, lymphovascular invasion, and the size of cholangiocarcinoma showed positive correlations with adipose tissue imaging parameters. Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that the visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (VSR) (p = 0.024; hazard ratio, 1.718) and mean FDG uptake of VAT (p = 0.033; hazard ratio, 9.781) were significant predictors for RFS, but all of the adipose tissue imaging parameters failed to show statistical significance for predicting OS. In addition to visceral adiposity, FDG uptake of VAT might be a promising prognostic parameter for predicting RFS in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

The lexeme "normal" in Russian speech: a case study

The subject of the study is the lexeme "normal", a multidimensional analysis of which is carried out on the basis of data from the National Corpus of the Russian Language (NCRR), which includes more than 2 billion words, which makes it quite representative. The purpose of the work is to determine the composition of the homocomplex "normal" in modern Russian, to compare homonyms in semantic, syntagmatic, functional aspects. The relevance of the research undertaken is due to the fact that the lexicographic literature does not provide a complete description of all homonyms "normal". Thus, the predicative "normally" has remained outside the attention of lexicographers, although it is in this category that the pragmatic potential of the studied word is realized; in addition, cases of using the word in a discursive function have not been noted. This study was conducted on the basis of a concordance of 4055 texts with this lexeme, a large amount of material allowed us to draw conclusions about the quantitative and qualitative features of the functioning of this homocomplex. In accordance with this goal, descriptive, quantitative, statistical methods, as well as corpus analysis methods were used in the work. The methodological basis of the research was the works devoted to the problem of functional homonymy (V. V. Vinogradov, O. S. Akhmanova, V. V. Babaytseva, P. A. Lekant, etc.) and methods of corpus linguistics (O. N. Lyashevskaya, N. V. Pertsov, V. A. Plungyan, E. V. Rakhilina, D. V. Sichinava, etc.). The results The following provisions became the basis of the work: based on the data selected from the corpus, it is argued that the homocomplex "normally" unites a group of functional homonyms (adjective in short form; adverb; predicative (category of state); interjection), which differ in a set of morphological features, syntactic function, syntagmatic features, semantics expressed in speech. It is concluded that all these homonyms are active in modern Russian speech; they have pragmatic and stylistic features in different speech spheres. The first texts with the predicative "normally", as well as with the homonymous adverb, recorded in the NCRR, belong to the end of the XIX century; the use of "normally" as an interjection in a discursive function appears much later, in the 1980s. Statistical methods allowed us to determine the most frequent collocations with the lexeme "normally".

Polarized signatures of orbiting hot spots: Special relativity impact and probe of spacetime curvature

Context. The Galactic Center supermassive black hole is well known to exhibit transient peaks of flux density on a daily basis across the spectrum. Recent infrared and millimeter observations have strengthened the case for the association between these flares and circular orbital motion in the vicinity of the event horizon. The strongly polarized synchrotron radiation associated with these events leads to specific observables called QU loops, that is, looping motion in the Stokes QU plane of linear polarization. These patterns have been observed by the Submillimeter Array, VLTI/GRAVITY, and ALMA. Aims. We want to deepen the understanding of the QU loops associated with orbiting hot spots. To this end, we computed such loops in Minkowski and Schwarzschild spacetimes in order to determine which aspects of the observed patterns are due to special- or general-relativistic phenomena. Methods. We considered a parcel of energized plasma in circular motion in Minkowski spacetime and in Keplerian orbit in the Schwarzschild spacetime. We computed, using the GYOTO ray-tracing code, the polarized radiative transfer associated with this orbiting hot spot and derived the evolution of the flux density, astrometry, and Stokes Q and U parameters. Results. We show that QU loops in Minkowski spacetime at low or moderate inclination i ≲ 45° (where i = 0° is a face-on view) share all the qualitative features of Schwarzschild QU loops. There exist QU loops for all setups considered (including for the face-on view and vertical magnetic field), there may be one or two QU loops per orbital period for a vertical magnetic field configuration, and there are always two QU loops in case of a toroidal magnetic field. The simplicity of Minkowski spacetime is a key asset for allowing us to provide analytical formulas that explain the details of this behavior. Moreover, we analyzed the flux variation of the hot spot and show that it is dictated either by the angular dependence of the radiative transfer coefficients or by relativistic beaming. In the former case, this can lead to extreme flux ratios, even at a moderate inclination. Finally, we highlight the increasing mirror asymmetry of the Schwarzschild QU track with increasing inclination and show that this behavior is a specific Schwarzschild feature caused by light bending. Conclusions. Although special-relativistic effects have not been extensively discussed in this context, they are a crucial part in generating the observed QU loops. However, general-relativistic light bending leads to a specific observable feature encoded in the asymmetry of the observed loops, and this feature might allow the spacetime curvature to be quantified.

MEDICAL FUZZY-EXPERT SYSTEM FOR PREDICTION OF ENGRAFTMENT DEGREE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

The paper presents an information technology for assessing the degree of engraftment of dental implants in the event of a pathology violation through the use of fuzzy sets, which allows using this method for medical diagnostic tasks. Main scientific results: developed algorithms and mathematical models that formalize the process supporting diagnostic decisions based on fuzzy logic; developed mathematical models of membership functions that formalize the presentation of qualitative and qualitative informational features based on the rules of fuzzy logic, which can be used in information expert systems when assessing the degree of engraftment of dental implants in case of disease with pathological diseases.

Effect of Weft Yarn Type and Weaving Parameters on Surface Roughness and Drapeability of Woven Fabric

ABSTRACT Comfort is a qualitative feature and one of the requirements that modern garment buyers place on their purchases. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of weft yarn type, weft yarn tension, warp yarn tension, and weft density on drape and surface roughness properties of cotton plain woven fabric. Each factor was treated at two levels such as yarn type (ring-spun and rotor-spun), warp tension (1 kN and 2 kN), weft tension (PFT/B- and PFT/B+T) and weft density (14 picks/centimeter (PPC) and 18 PPC). Full factorial design was used to design the experiment and analyze the results of the experiment. The results of the analysis showed that fabric produced from ring-spun yarn has smoother surface and better drape than fabric produced from rotor spun yarn. As weft and warp yarn tension increased, the surface roughness of the fabric increased and fabric drape decreased. On the other hand, fabric drape decreased as the weft density increased and the surface roughness of the fabric increase as weft density decreased.