Real Life Research Articles

Vector-Based Realization of Area-Weight Proportional Multiplicatively Weighted Voronoi Diagrams With the ArcGIS Engine

In the geographical field, the studies have been on service areas using the Voronoi diagram and its derived models is extensive, but there is a lack of effective methods to achieve a good area-weight proportionality between generators and their exclusive regions. As a famous visualizing method, adaptive multiplicatively weighted Voronoi diagrams are able to achieve it, but are limited to displaying non-spatial data. The approach of the area-weight proportional multiplicatively weighted Voronoi diagram is proposed to solve these problems by allowing for spatial division with a point-fixed iteration approach and a vector-based multiplicatively weighted Voronoi diagram construction method from point features with spatial coordinates and references in GIS environments. It enables one to create a set of regions that is proportional to the weights of the generators. The method is successfully tested on a series of cases. The approach aims to establish a kind of spatial data model to represent demand and supply situations in real life.

Self-Supervised Feature Learning for Appliance Recognition in Nonintrusive Load Monitoring

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) can monitor the operating state and energy consumption of electric appliances in a non-intrusive manner and provides a promising approach to improving electricity usage efficiency for residential and commercial buildings. Although machine learning (ML) methods are powerful and have significantly advanced the developments of NILM, they request a sizable amount of labelled data for model training. However, getting operational data of each elec- trical appliance in real life is challenging, so the requirements for labelled data limit the NLIM's practicality. To tackle this challenge, a novel multi-layer momentum contrast (MLMoCo) learning mechanism is proposed for self-supervised feature rep- resentation learning. With only unlabelled aggregate load data, the proposed MLMoCo contrasts the augmented versions of the same sample (“positives”) with instances extracted from other samples (“negatives”). To maintain a dictionary with enough negative samples to be compared with the input, a momentum encoder is adopted to momentum update the parameters rather than by backpropagation during training. An event-based data augmentation method is also proposed to obtain the distinct but strongly related positive pairs for self-supervised feature learning. The experimental comparisons, including different state-of-the- art techniques and various downstream tasks with real-world datasets, demonstrate the remarkable performance gains of the proposed approach through learning from the unlabelled data, which could significantly increase the practicality of the NILM.

Racism in the film The Little Mermaid: Assessing its impact on social media

The controversy surrounding the casting of Halle Bailey, a black actress, as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" has sparked discussions about racism and representation in the media. Some people have rejected the idea of a black actress playing the role of a character who was initially depicted as white. The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. This research aims to see how people respond to the film The Little Mermaid in real life with a black main character. The Little Mermaid, a Disney classic, has been controversial due to the casting of a Black actress, Halle Bailey, as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake. Some people have refused to accept a Black actress like Ariel, which illustrates how a white-centric perspective requires a more profound understanding. The backlash against the movie has led to abysmal box office numbers in China and South Korea, showing the global reach of anti-Blackness. However, the importance of representation in media has been highlighted, and casting a Black actress as Ariel is seen as a positive step towards diversity and acceptance. The negative attention on The Little Mermaid has fueled a groundswell of support from other fans who view such anger as founded in racism.

Knitting Ladies Online

Knitting Ladies Online

Self-Development as a Vector of Sustainable Development of Society: The Perspective of Ukrainian Students

The discrepancy between one's own personality and the desired self-image causes dissonance. But one can always change everything if one cares not only about one's own “EGO”, but also about the values of a sustainable future. Self-actualization, self-development, self-determination - these are potential determinants of human existence as such. The ideological identity combines the memory of the past, the value realities of the present life, and outlines the vector of respect for the life of future generations, which in turn actualizes the conceptual paradigm of the concept of sustainable development a priori. The implementation of the social component of sustainable societal development involves maintaining and enriching the mental health and psychological well-being of citizens. A powerful internal resource for this is self-development, which is a vector of self-realization, unlocking potential and increasing the resilience of the individual. The aim of the empirical study was to examine the attitudes and activity of future psychologists regarding self-development as a vector for realizing the ideas of the concept of sustainable societal development. Materials and methods: The study involved 156 Ukrainian students studying psychology. Methods of written surveys, statistical processing and qualitative analysis of diagnostic data, ranking were used. Results: It was found that self-development is an important factor in the professional development success of future psychologists, an effective motive for their learning and a significant professional priority. Most respondents clearly understand the connection between their own self-development and the sustainable development of Ukrainian society. 
 Keywords: self-development, sustainable societal development, social component of sustainable societal development, students, future psychologists, professional training

Abstract HUP15: An Exploring Qualitative Study of Real Life Experiences and Needs of Psychosocial Recovery Among Chinese Community Dwelling Stroke Survivors

Introduction: Stroke survivors may face challenges in managing their psychosocial functions. However, little is known about psychosocial experiences and needs of community-dwelling stroke survivors, particularly in China. Purpose: This study explored the experiences and needs of psychosocial recovery among Chinese community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods: Semi-structured and individual interviews were conducted with participants in Macao from community healthcare centers and supported groups using convenience sampling. Participants were asked about their experiences, challenges, and strategies for managing post-stroke psychosocial functions, and desired support for psychosocial recovery. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Twenty-six participants (mean age: 69.96±14.06 years old; mean post-stroke duration: 83.88±66.8 months) were recruited to participate in interviews. Regarding the experiences and challenges, most participants faced obstacles in managing emotions and barriers to rebuilding social lives due to the impacts of physical disabilities. Generally, most participants recognized that they were a minority of people in society, and some experienced further invalidation by society. The majority of participants lost motivation and expectations to face challenges, hesitated to disclose their conditions to others, and had less confidence in social interactions as they felt that they were different from others. Meanwhile, some participants adopted strategies to improve their psychosocial functions, including appreciation for oneself and important persons or events supporting them, adjustments to the disparity between expectations and reality, and reinterpretations of unpleasant experiences. Furthermore, communal creative activities offered by health professionals and peer support were recommended. Conclusion: To promote post-stroke psychosocial recovery in communities, health professionals should consider designing meaningful group activities for stroke survivors to meet their psychosocial needs. These findings will guide the development of interventions for enhancing psychosocial functions among Chinese community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Abstract WP113: An Exploring Qualitative Study of Real Life Experiences and Needs of Psychosocial Recovery Among Chinese Community Dwelling Stroke Survivors

Introduction: Stroke survivors may face challenges in managing their psychosocial functions. However, little is known about psychosocial experiences and needs of community-dwelling stroke survivors, particularly in China. Purpose: This study explored the experiences and needs of psychosocial recovery among Chinese community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods: Semi-structured and individual interviews were conducted with participants in Macao from community healthcare centers and supported groups using convenience sampling. Participants were asked about their experiences, challenges, and strategies for managing post-stroke psychosocial functions, and desired support for psychosocial recovery. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Twenty-six participants (mean age: 69.96±14.06 years old; mean post-stroke duration: 83.88±66.8 months) were recruited to participate in interviews. Regarding the experiences and challenges, most participants faced obstacles in managing emotions and barriers to rebuilding social lives due to the impacts of physical disabilities. Generally, most participants recognized that they were a minority of people in society, and some experienced further invalidation by society. The majority of participants lost motivation and expectations to face challenges, hesitated to disclose their conditions to others, and had less confidence in social interactions as they felt that they were different from others. Meanwhile, some participants adopted strategies to improve their psychosocial functions, including appreciation for oneself and important persons or events supporting them, adjustments to the disparity between expectations and reality, and reinterpretations of unpleasant experiences. Furthermore, communal creative activities offered by health professionals and peer support were recommended. Conclusion: To promote post-stroke psychosocial recovery in communities, health professionals should consider designing meaningful group activities for stroke survivors to meet their psychosocial needs. These findings will guide the development of interventions for enhancing psychosocial functions among Chinese community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Professional and personal traits of the teacher and the relationship with didactic strategies

<span lang="EN-US">During the context of virtual classes due to the pandemic, it was evidenced that many teachers had to face accelerated adaptation stages, which is why teachers presented difficulties in designing their teaching strategies and students showed certain difficulties in their learning. In this sense, this article aims to determine how the professional and personal traits of the teacher are related to their teaching strategies, in the context of COVID-19, from the perspective of the students. For which an investigation was developed with a quantitative approach, correlational level and non-experimental design. It was determined that there is a moderate direct relationship between the professional and personal traits of the teacher with his didactic strategies in the context of virtual teaching. Thus, it was also identified that teachers do not pour their professional experiences into the development of the subject, additionally it does not favor the solution of problems related to real life applications; this leads teacher to reflect on the importance of the construction of student knowledge, especially if it is about subjects that are taught in the last cycles, since the student is waiting for how and in which processes their knowledge will be applied theoretical knowledge.</span>

Is there room for in-hospital cardiorespiratory polygraphy sleep studies in children? – A real life practice

Is there room for in-hospital cardiorespiratory polygraphy sleep studies in children? – A real life practice

Representasi Budaya Bali pada Film A Perfect Fit: Analisis Semiotika Roland Barthes

A film is a literary work in the form of moving images or videos that can be seen, heard, and shown to convey information or a message to the general public. Films have various ways of depicting various realities of life, including social realities related to daily life, politics, psychology, culture, and others. This research aims to examine films that represent the reality of life in Balinese culture, namely the film A Perfect Fit. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method, with a study of Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. Data collection techniques were carried out using reading and note-taking techniques. Based on the research results, there are eight pieces of Balinese culture in the film A Perfect Fit, namely Canang Sari, Melukat, Kecak Dance, Balinese Karawitan, Prayer, Traditional Balinese Wedding Clothing, Mepantigan or Mud Wrestling, and Lontar Reading.

Body and Soul: Redefining Aging in T. S. Eliot’sand W. B. Yea

This paper aims to compare T. S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (1917) and W. B. Yeats’s “Sailing to Byzantium” (1927) by focusing on aging. Theological/philosophical perspectives connecting aging to wisdom prevailed in the Middle Ages and pre-modern periods. However, beginning from the nineteenth century and prevailing in the twentieth, the changed perspective of equating aging to the body replaced the previous view. This study focuses on this shifted sociocultural attitude mirrored in Eliot’s poem. In “Sailing to Byzantium,“ Yeats, in his early 60s, feeling physical aging, first leaves for the ideal Byzantium, where there is no cycle of birth, growth, and death. He leaves the decaying body and pursues the world of the soul and artistic completion symbolized by Byzantium, but eventually realizes that neither art nor the soul can exist by itself. The poet concludes that humans must return to this mortal body, the grieving real world, accept all the pain, and lead the body and the soul together in real life.

Automated Determination of a Behavioral Personality Type Using the Disc Method: Comparative Research of Programs and Chatbots Based on Artificial Intelligence

The article presents the results of the comparative research and testing of programs and chatbots based on artificial intelligence in order to determine the type of client's personality using the DISC method. The purpose of this study is to draw conclusions about the comparative effectiveness of the automated programs of psychometric text-based analysis and the possibility of their use in practice. We have analyzed 62 text mining programs and 11 artificial intelligence chatbots using automated language models and identified those that are capable of psychometric text analysis based on the DISC methodology. Using selected programs, we analyzed the text of social media posts and interviews of the selected company leader in order to determine his psychological characteristics and personality type. The studied programs are able to determine the personality type based on his/her texts and social networks, however, in our opinion, today such an assessment is not as reliable as with direct psychometric testing of a person and observation of his/her behavior in real life. This method of studying a person is quite useful from a marketing point of view and allows to prepare a product and business offer based on the psychological characteristics of a potential client.

3D Heat Conduction Solver for Complex Geometries

Abstract: The essential pre-requisites for any solver to tackle real life 3D problems are to handle complex geometries and quick turnaround time. In this direction an Unstructured Finite Volume (FVM) based multi-threaded heat conduction solver has been developed to address both the issues respectively. The solver is object oriented and written in Java language. Unstructured Finite Volume method has been utilized for the space discretization and a four stage Runge-Kutta scheme is used for time integration. This solution methodology is highly parallelizable and extensively used in CFD codes. The present solver can handle non-linear steady state and transient 3D thermal problems with Dirichlet, Neumann and surface radiation boundary conditions. The solver has been validated against bench mark problems. In the present work a 3D complex geometry is discretised into 2.5 lakh hexahedrons has been taken as a test case to demonstrate the efficiency of the solver with multi-threading in dual processor machines. The results obtained are presented.

TRANSMUTED NEW WEIGHTED EXPONENTIAL DISTRIBUTION: ITS DISTRIBUTIONAL PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS TO DATASETS FROM RAINFALL AND BREAST CANCER STUDIES

This research paper developed a new distribution referred as transmuted Newweighted exponential distribution. This is an extension of the popular Exponential distribution by using the transmutation map, the probability density function (pdf) and the cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the developed distribution were derived. Some distributional properties of the new distribution were extensively studied. The estimation of the distribution parameters was done using the method of maximum likelihood estimation. The performance of the TNWED has been evaluated using real life datasets from two (2) previous researches and the results show that our proposed distribution fits the datasets more better compared to the fits of the other two distributions (New Weighted Exponential distribution and Exponential distribution) considered in this study.

Recreational cycling provides greater satisfaction and flow in an immersive virtual environment than in real life

BackgroundAs the state of satisfaction and flow involved in the physical activity (PA) determines future training commitment, it is undoubtedly very important to study the factors influencing the attractiveness of PA. One of such factors is the usage of virtual reality (VR) technology which creates opportunities for its users to practice various forms of PA in a altered way. It is interesting whether PA practiced in a virtual environment can offer higher levels of satisfaction and flow comparing with PA practiced in the real world. Positive answer to this question support the statement that the use of such technology could contribute to the future commitment in PA. Therefore, in order to find out whether PA in VR can be an attractive alternative towards the PA in a real world, the research should be undertaken to verify if the state of satisfaction and flow involved in the practising certain PA in the VR environment could be higher comparing to the levels of pleasure and flow connected with the same PA carried out in the real world.ObjectiveThe main objective of the study was to assess the level of satisfaction and flow experienced by healthy adults during various cycling conditions: real life (RL), non-immersive and immersive virtual reality (nIVR and IVR). Additionally, questionnaires for assessing satisfaction with PA and flow in RL and VR were also validated in terms of their measurement reliability. The correlation of the results obtained during tests using both measurement tools was also assessed.MethodsForty students were studied, including 20 women (age 22.35 ± 2.32 years) and 20 men (age 22.95 ± 2.19 years). The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) was used to evaluate the enjoyment of cycling. Flow state was assessed using The Flow State Scale (FSS).ResultsBased on Friedman’s analysis of variance regarding the results obtained for all the respondents, it can be concluded that the conditions of cycling significantly affect their level of satisfaction (χ2 = 85.61(40;3); p < 0.001) and flow (χ2 = 40.52(40;3); p < 0.001). The research participants rated cycling the highest in IVR. Based on the calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficients, high measurement reliability of the questionnaires used in nIVR (PACES, α = 0.94; FFS-2, α = 0.86) and IVR (PACES, α = 0.89; FFS-2, α = 0.91). There was also a significant positive moderate correlation between PA satisfaction and user flow.ConclusionsThe research is the first attempt to directly compare the sense of satisfaction and flow when practicing cycling in RL and in nIVR and IVR. The greater attractiveness and higher level of flow during PA in IVR compared to a similar traditional form of PA in RL, found on the basis of the conducted research, should prompt reflection by both those involved in planning and promoting PA, as well as the creators of active video games (AVGs). Due to the great attractiveness of PA in IVR and the constant, dynamic development of immersive information technologies, virtual training may, in the near future, become not only an important supplement to conventional forms of exercise, but perhaps even an alternative solution.

Clinical responses and relapses in omalizumab-assisted desensitization to food in children: long-term evolution in real life

Desensitization (DSZ) or oral tolerance induction is increasingly used in children who do not outgrow their food allergies. Off-label omalizumab (OMZ) is used as adjuvant therapy for those with severe reactions, but there is little information on outcomes when OMZ is withdrawn. The long-term outcome in a group of children with severe milk or egg allergy who had undergone an OMZ-assisted DSZ procedure is here described. Clinical data from 21 children from the time they started DSZ until database closure were retrospectively collected, to assess the appearance of symptoms and response to clinical decisions under real-life conditions. Patients received OMZ before, during, and after the DSZ procedure itself and OMZ was subsequently discontinued. The scheduled treatment protocol had to be changed in almost all patients due to reactions or individual needs. Three of 21 patients had to prematurely abandon the procedure due to DSZ failure. The other 18 patients were able to tolerate the target dose of food, but nine of them developed symptoms when eating the food 1.5 to 6 months after stopping OMZ. These patients underwent a second course of OMZ-assisted DSZ, which was successful in six, but three had a second relapse 3 to 8 months after stopping OMZ and decided to quit. OMZ-assisted DSZ failed in almost a third of patients with severe allergy even after a second course of OMZ, almost 40% had a successful outcome with one course of OMZ, while almost a third required a second course. Relapses of symptoms occurred up to six months after stopping OMZ.

Video Games as Awareness Raisers, Attitude Changers, and Agents of Social Change

The widespreadness of video games, particularly among digital natives, requires ongoing exploration of their profound effects. This study aligns with this need, investigating video games as possible tools for positive societal influence and exploring their potential to address sensitive social issues. Transportation theory underscores the transformative potential of video games, casting players as “travellers” who, traversing stages of reality dissolution, emotional connection, and altered return, present a pathway for attitude transformation. Participants (N=98) engaged with “Survival,” “Paper, Please,” and “Against All Odds” to explore the effectiveness of video games in addressing the refugee crisis, increasing awareness of the issue at hand, changing perceptions, and encouraging them to take action in real life. The study’s results align with integrated threat theory, revealing that immersive gaming experiences can induce significant changes in attitudes, decrease denial, and increase empathy. The results highlight the potential of video games to educate people about pressing global issues and invoke empathy without trivialising problems. Consequently, while this study extends the current body of knowledge, it offers some promising directions for further research to validate the affirmative impact of video games in this realm.

Achieving Fairness with Intelligent Co Agents

Fairness in resource allocation is a important problem that has many real life consequences. Althoughmany algorithms that try to achieve envy free allocation, proportionality or min max share were proposed that tries to encapsulate fairness this does not suffice because it was inherently assumed that agents are not intelligent and there is uniformity in treatment. This is vastly different from real life where there are many scenarios where agents would actively try to sabotage or reduce the allocation given to their adversaries. Therefore all agents must not be treated the same way. As seen in economics cartels are where certain players collaborate and try to maximize their interest by undermining competition. This could lead to dangerous consequences and unfair means as seen withreal life examples of apple or google undermining competition by monopoly as explained clearly in (Das, Dhamal, Ghalme, Jain, &amp; Gujar, 2022 [1])

An analysis of gender inclusion in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects: Intention vs. reality

AbstractMotivationGender equality is inherently bound with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) provision, access, and use. Gender shapes experiences of projects and services, from participation in design to ensuring access to appropriate facilities. Many observers call for active attention to gender throughout the project cycle, but there is little evidence of the extent to which this happens in practice.PurposeThe article examines the extent to which evaluations of WASH implementation identify good gender‐inclusive practices. It explores the reasons for failings and suggests ways gender equality could be more actively considered and effected in WASH programming.Methods and approachTextual analysis was undertaken on World Bank and UNICEF project evaluation documents to identify how gendered elements were addressed. Practices were then categorized according to a Gender Sensitivity Framework, rating them on a sliding scale measure from “gender insensitive” to “transformative.” The perceived barriers to gendered programming were subsequently triangulated using a mixed methods survey of WASH practitioners which used self‐identified challenges to assess consensus moderation to triangulate perceived barriers to gendered programming.FindingsLack of clarity in conceptualizing gender results in poorly defined targets that are often insufficiently context specific. Consequently, project objectives are either reductionist, limiting progress on “gender” to easily quantifiable measures that fail to capture the varied lived realities of gendered experiences, or comprise vague qualitative statements that cannot be accurately assessed, leaving gender inclusion unaddressed.Policy implicationsGender is a social construct that is shaped by culture. Context‐specific understanding would support more nuanced gender‐inclusion objectives that could be monitored while also correlating with people's lived realities. Regular evaluation of gender guidance would ensure organizations' understanding and conceptualization of gender reflects the fluidity of society. Policy and practice interventions that guarantee the active involvement of multiple stakeholders and diverse voices would ensure that implementation is effective and evaluation is more accurate.

Leisure and Festive Activities in Russian Army on Frontlines of World War I

The need to restore lost data on the last major war of the Russian Empire implies a comprehensive coverage of events during those years, including their non-combat component. Based on the study of the “Journals of Military Actions” of combat units, which reflect little-researched stories of non-combat realities of front-line life, the authors offer a new perspective on the military everyday life of the Russian Imperial Army. The article focuses on the “pleasant” and unexpected nuances of the daily lives of soldiers and officers during the difficult years of war. Researchers have turned to such facts of military reality during the specified period as the organization of the award procedure for the command staff and lower ranks, the organization of prayers as integral components of festive events, the conduct of state (imperial) and religious holidays, as well as recreational activities. This work provides an opportunity to obtain an objective understanding of the multifaceted life and everyday life of people in wartime conditions: when circumstances allowed, performances, games, and sports events were organized and held. Without theoretical knowledge in the field of psychology and stress management techniques, the command of the Russian army organized and encouraged activities aimed at alleviating the negative consequences of combat stress.