Degree Of Reliability Research Articles

Dynamic-Horizon Model-Based Value Estimation With Latent Imagination.

Existing model-based value expansion (MVE) methods typically leverage a world model for value estimation with a fixed rollout horizon to assist policy learning. However, a proper horizon setting is essential to world-model-based policy learning. Meanwhile, choosing an appropriate horizon value is time-consuming, especially for visual control tasks. In this article, we investigate the idea of adaptively using the model knowledge for value expansion. We propose a novel world-model-based method called dynamic-horizon MVE (DMVE) to adjust the use of the world model with adaptive rollout horizon selection. Based on the reconstruction-based technique, the raw and reconstructed images are both used to obtain multihorizon rollouts by utilizing latent imagination. Then, a horizon reliability degree detection approach is given to select appropriate horizons and obtain more accurate value estimation by the reconstructed value expansion errors. Experimental results on the mainstream benchmark visual control tasks show that DMVE outperforms all baselines in sample efficiency and final performance. In addition, experiments on the autonomous driving lane-changing task further demonstrate the scalability of our method. The codes of DMVE are available at https://github.com/JunjieWang95/dmve.

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Video-Based Approach to Assess Physical Function in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International recommended performance-based tests delivered by video-based in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Thirty-two participants (aged 40 to 70 years; 15 men) undertook assessments of 4 performance-based tests via both video-based (real-time and recorded) and face-to-face approaches, on the same day. Outcome measures were performance-based test and the number of technical issues encountered. The performance-based tests included the 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (velocity, m/s), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (number of repetitions), the Stair Climb Test (time, seconds), and the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG; time, seconds). The Bland-Altman limit of agreement measures, standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), minimal detectable changes (MDCs), and bias (mean difference) were employed to analyse the concurrent validity between video-based and face-to-face approaches of the performance-based tests. Reliability was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), CV, and SEM. A high degree of concurrent validity for the TUG (bias = -0.22), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (bias = -0.22), the Stair Climb Test (bias = -0.31), and the 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (bias = -0.06) was found. SEM and CV values were within the acceptable level for concurrent validity. There was a high degree of reliability demonstrated for all tests analysed. ICC measures ranged from 0.95 to 1.00 for intrarater reliability, and from 0.95 to 0.99 for interrater reliability. Video-based assessment of physical performance tests is a valid and reliable tool for measuring physical function among adults with knee osteoarthritis via Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA, USA). Video-based assessment is a promising public health tool to measure physical function in adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Features of the Dermatoglyphic Foot Pattern in Suicider Males

Since suicide is one of the most common types of violent death among people of working age (including military personnel) and children, it is necessary to conduct in-depth studies of the structure of skin patterns in a group of people with completed suicide in order to develop methods of active suicide prevention. In order to determine the propensity to commit suicide, the dermatoglyphs of the distal phalanges and metacarpal pads of the toes of 138 male subjects aged 18 to 59 years who committed suicide and 100 control subjects aged 18 to 59 years were studied. The type of pattern (arc, tibial or fibular loop, curl, complex pattern), delta and comb counts were determined. It was found that the suicide group differs from the control group mainly in a higher number of interruptions (ending X) of the main plantar lines A, B and C; an increase in the frequency of arc patterns on most toes of both feet with a degree of reliability; a decrease in the frequency of curls on the third toe of the left foot to 44.5±11.2 (p<0.001) and an increase in the frequency of this pattern on the second toes of both feet; an increase in the value of the comb count in the area of the tibial edge of the foot, with a decrease in the values near the fibular edge of the foot.

Concepts for realizing High-Voltage Power Modules by Embedding of SiC Semiconductors

Today’s power electronics modules typically consist of a ceramics substrate (DBC – Direct Bond Copper), carrying IGBTs, diodes or MOSFETs. These semiconductors are soldered or sintered to the ceramics and their top sides are interconnected by thick Al wires. An integration of further components or functions on the DBC substrate is difficult or even not possible. Therefore, driver circuits and controllers have to be mounted to a separate substrate, typically an organic Printed Circuit board (PCB). The PCB has to be connected to the DBC by wires or pins. The mechanical integration of the whole system requires a bulky housing. Embedding of power semiconductors like SiC MOSFET allows a significant size reduction, improved electrical performance and a high degree of reliability of such modules. In the last years, the capability of PCB embedding technology for the realization of low and high voltage power modules was demonstrated. Fraunhofer IZM together with partners from the industry demonstrated the feasibility for different applications, from single die SiC packages to high voltage automotive traction inverters. In this paper, a general overview about innovative power module technologies will be given and the embedding of power semiconductors will be introduced in detail. It will address all most relevant point, like the demands on the semiconductor, the thermal and electrical considerations as well as the demands on the used materials. To address the integration of the required driver circuits and controllers, the idea of modularization such electronics systems will also be presented. Here already packaged components will be used and embedded into PCB layers too. As a result, a modular approach to form a complete system will be developed. Different functional layers, e.g. power switches, logic modules, will be formed and finally stacked und connected to form the system. The concept and first realized demonstrators will be discussed.

Salutogenic health measures: Psychometric properties of the Danish versions of the Flourish Index and the Secure Flourish Index.

Measurement of human flourishing represents a salutogenic approach to epidemiological and behavioral research emphasizing factors contributing to "good lives" rather than pathology. The objective of this study was to translate and psychometrically test the 10-item Flourish Index (FI) and 12-item Secure Flourish Index (SFI) in a convenience sample of Danish adults. A total of 325 participants completed a cross-sectional survey, with 148 of those participants completing the survey a second time (retest). Confirmatory factor analysis in a structural equation modelling framework was used to establish structural validity by comparing four different pre-specified models of the indexes. Additionally, internal consistency, convergent and incremental validity, and retest reliability were examined. The FI models exhibited superior structural validity compared with similar models of the SFI, although all models had good fits. Internal consistencies with McDonald's omega were 0.89 and 0.87 for the FI and SFI, respectively. The five (FI) or six (SFI) domains were happiness & life satisfaction, mental & physical health, meaning & purpose, character & virtue, close social relationships, and financial & material stability (λ4 = 0.51-0.91). Convergent and incremental validity tests supported predefined hypotheses. Retest analyses with the FI and SFI showed a high degree of retest reliability. Based on the psychometric evidence reported in this study, the Danish Flourish Index and Secure Flourish Index seem suitable for use with healthy adult Danes. The authors hope that this psychometric evaluation of the FI and SFI will stimulate research on patterns, health and economic outcomes, and predictors of human flourishing in Denmark.

Enhancing heat transfer in thermosyphons: The role of self-rewetting nanofluids, and filling ratios for improved performance

This study investigates the complex dynamics of heat transfer and phase change within a flat-shaped thermosyphon, examining various parameters and working fluids. The research explores the effects of different working fluids, filling ratios, and heat inputs on the system's thermal performance. This study employs an axisymmetric model, to enhance the accuracy of the solution compared to a 2D model while maintaining a low computational cost. To validate our numerical model, we conducted comprehensive comparisons with experimental data, including the axisymmetric model, and capturing the nanofluid effects. Remarkably, our simulations consistently align with the experimental findings, demonstrating a high degree of accuracy and reliability in our model.The findings show that self-rewetting nanofluids exhibit superior heat transfer capabilities and a reduced risk of dry-out compared to traditional working fluids. Notably, self-rewetting fluids and self-rewetting nanofluids exhibit a unique behavior, reversed surface tension trends with rising temperatures, which effectively prevents dry-out by attracting liquid to hot regions. Additionally, the enhanced thermal conductivity of nanofluids during boiling enhances their performance furthermore. Also, the research studies the impact of filling ratios on temperature profiles and heat transfer rates, emphasizing the importance of higher filling ratios in lowering bottom plate temperatures. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing thermosyphons in applications like electronic cooling.

Factors affecting feed conversion ratios in US commercial catfish production ponds

AbstractFeed conversion ratio (FCR) is widely used as a measure of feed use efficiency in commercial aquaculture production and research. Surprisingly, little work has focused on the factors that affect FCR in plankton‐based, commercial ponds despite the widespread use of FCR as a production metric. Proposals to use FCR as a numeric standard for environmental regulation (mandatory or voluntary) raise questions as to whether FCR meets the reliability and consistency requirements of a good metric, and whether it would lead to desired behavioral changes. This article summarizes FCR data from university research verification programs conducted on US catfish farms and databases developed from commercial farm records. The relevant research literature is synthesized with respect to factors that affect FCR. US catfish is used as a case study because pond‐level data from verification trials (Extension/research‐led on‐farm trials of best available science) and commercial farm records are available. While specific to US catfish production, the analysis provides insights into factors affecting FCR that likely apply to other pond‐based aquaculture species. Commercial verification of pond data showed (1) significant variation in FCR (coefficients of variation from 1% to 47%) among ponds with similar stocking, feeding, and aeration rates; (2) significant effects of survival on FCR; and (3) no significant effects on FCR of yield, feed type, management, or production system. Improvements in FCR would occur with improved survival that requires improved management of federally protected fish‐eating bird populations and development of additional, effective vaccines for diseases. FCRs were found to not exhibit the degree of reliability and consistency required for use as an effective metric or numeric standard for regulatory purposes. Use of FCR for mandatory or voluntary regulation is unlikely to lead to behavioral changes by farmers.

Improving the Efficiency of the Drive of the Test Bench of Rotary Hydraulic Machines

Volumetric hydraulic drive systems are quite widespread in many industrial sectors. To determine the degree of reliability of hydraulic machines, it is necessary to conduct resource tests. The main requirement for such tests is the compliance of the load level with the operating mode of the hydraulic machine. Analysis of existing methods of creating such a load showed a significant drawback of bench tests—the lack of useful work. Therefore, a number of authors suggest the use of stands with a regenerative drive system. One peculiarity of the work of such stands is the possibility of returning part of the spent energy back to the test system. However, such systems are insufficiently studied and have significant drawbacks. The purpose of this work is to increase the efficiency of the regenerative drive system of the test bench of volumetric hydraulic machines of rotational action by improving the theory and methodology of its calculation and design. This article describes the principle of operation of the circuit of the regenerative drive of the test bench of rotary hydraulic machines. A model of the elastic-dissipative state of the sections of the elements of the hydro-mechanical drive system of the stand is also proposed, which allows for the calculation of the structural and energy parameters of the regenerative hydro-mechanical system. The main structural and functional parameters affecting the operational performance of the system as a whole are also identified. A “test efficiency coefficient” is proposed, which allows for evaluation of the energy efficiency of the test process.

Muscle geometry and its relevance for sports performance? A perspective of current findings and future opportunities

Muscle geometry and its relevance for sports performance? A perspective of current findings and future opportunities

Advancements in Motorcycle Safety: Automatic Helmet Detection Systems Through Machine Learning

Motorcycle accidents are a huge concern today. The number of accidents occurring every day has increased rapidly which in turn results in loss of lives. One of the main factors in these fatal accidents is the lack of use of helmets. Even though the use of a helmet is mandatory people fail to follow it which causes these unfortunate events. The government has taken various initiatives regarding the increase in the use of helmets by creating awareness and also increasing the fines but people seem to be least bothered. To tackle these situations, we propose an automated solution for helmet detection on motorcyclists using a combination of techniques like YOLO and CNN. The combination of You Only Look Once (YOLO) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) helps to efficiently identify the helmets from the real-time datasets. The proposed system will help traffic police by reducing their work and automating the imposition of fines. As the techniques are used in combination, the accuracy and the degree of reliability of our system are higher compared to single techniques-based implementations. Key Words: Open CV-Open-Source Computer Vision Library ,CNN-Convolutional Neural Network ,OCR-Optical Character Recognition ,YOLO-You Only Look Once ,IOU-Intersection over Union ,DHCP-Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ,DDNS-Dynamic Domain Name System ,PoE-Power over Ethernet ,API-Application Programming Interface.

A preliminary study on the development of care staff's Final-Stage Decision-Making Support Scale for older adults with dementia.

This preliminary study aimed to develop a care staff Final Life-Stage Decision-Making Support Scale (FS-DM) for older adults with dementia (OwDs) in geriatric facilities. The FS-DM items were developed from focus group interviews with care staff and reviewed through discussions with several experts in dementia care. A questionnaire survey was conducted among care staff in geriatric facilities from February to March 2021. In total, 138 carers (110 [79.7%] women and 28 [20.3%] men, mean age: 41.5 ± 2.3 years) participated. Among them, 91 (65.9%) were professional caregivers, and 36 (26.1%) were nurses. The FS-DM was developed using a factor analysis, which resulted in 11 items grouped into three factors', as it is the three factors: (1) support for the realization of the wills of OwDs in their final life-stages through collaboration with families and multiple professionals; (2) consideration of communication regarding the formation and expression of the wills of OwDs in their final life-stages; and (3) support for eliciting the wills of OwDs during their final life-stages according to their decision-making ability and values. The factor loadings ranged from 0.385 to 0.827, and the accumulated contribution ratio was 61.03%. The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach's α of 0.740-0.855. The first and second factors of the FS-DM were significantly correlated with the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire item "Nurses' attitudes towards support for decision-making." Our results suggest that the FS-DM could provide supportive care for OwDs to formulate, express, and realize their will, and that it has a degree of reliability and validity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 130-134.

A comparative study on the efficacy of dual-pol and full-pol ASAR data in radiative transfer modeling for forest above-ground biomass estimation

ABSTRACT In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the potential of dual-polarization and full-polarization L- and S-band airborne SAR (LS-ASAR) data (ISRO’s dual-frequency airborne SAR mounted on NASA’s Gulfstream III aircraft) in forest above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation has been carried out. The study area comprises the temperate forests of the Lenoir landing site in Southwest Alabama, United States of America. A trunk scattering model based on Vector Radiative Transfer (VRT) theory is used in this study to estimate the AGB. Full-polarization ASAR data inversion retrieves three critical biophysical parameters: tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and tree count, whereas with dual-polarization ASAR data, the model is limited to retrieving only two parameters (tree height and DBH). These parameters are then employed in a suitable allometric equation to estimate the AGB over the study area. Validation of the retrieval results is performed through comparison with ground-truth measurements taken from the study site. The findings demonstrate that the inversion of L-band full-polarized data yields the highest correlation (R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 20.37 t/ha), revealing high accuracy in AGB estimation. The L-band dual-polarized data shows a high correlation (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 30.66 t/ha), indicating reasonable accuracy. However, the S-band data, both full and dual-polarized, reveals weaker correlations with higher RMSE values (R2 = 0.59, RMSE = 55.07 t/ha, and R2 = 0.49, RMSE = 58.31 t/ha, respectively), suggesting a lower degree of reliability. This study emphasizes the pre-eminence of L-band fully polarized data inversion for reliable and accurate AGB estimation while also showing the utility of relatively ubiquitous dual-pol data (L-band) to achieve reasonable accuracy for the same.

Quantitative photothermal analysis and multispectral imaging of dental structures: insights into optical and thermal properties of carious and healthy teeth.

In the analysis of two-layered turbid dental tissues, the outer finite-thickness layer is modeled by an optical transport coefficient distinct from its underlying semi-infinite substrate layer. The optical and thermophysical parameters of healthy and carious teeth across the various wavelengths were measured leading to the determination of the degree of reliability of each of the fitted parameters, with most reliable being thermal diffusivity and conductivity, enamel thickness, and optical transport coefficient of the enamel layer. Quantitative pixel-by-pixel images of the key reliable optical and thermophysical parameters were constructed. We introduced a theoretical model of pulsed photothermal radiometry based on conduction-radiation theory and applied to quantitative photothermal detection and imaging of biomaterials. The theoretical model integrates a combination of inverse Fourier transformation techniques, avoiding the conventional cumbersome analytical Laplace transform method. Two dental samples were selected for analysis: the first sample featured controlled, artificially induced early caries on a healthy tooth surface, while the second sample exhibited natural defects along with an internal filling. Using an Nd:YAG laser and specific optical parametric oscillator (OPO) wavelengths (675, 700, 750, and 808nm), photothermal transient signals were captured from different points on these teeth and analyzed as a function of OPO wavelength. Measurements were also performed with an 808-nm laser diode for comparison with the same OPO wavelength excitation, particularly for the second sample with natural defects. The findings demonstrated that the photothermal transient signals exhibit a fast-decaying pattern at shorter wavelengths due to their higher scattering nature, while increased scattering and absorption in the carious regions masked conductive and radiative contributions from the underlayer. These observations were cross-validated using micro-computed tomography, which also enabled the examination of signal patterns at different tooth locations. The results of our study showed the impact of optical and thermal characteristics of two-layered turbid dental tissues via an inverse Fourier technique, as well as the interactions between these layers, on the patterns observed in depth profiles.

Improvement and optimization of spacecraft environmental control and life support systems

Environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) are essential for the triumph of human spaceflight missions, furnishing astronauts with crucial resources like breathable air, purified water, nourishment, and protection from radiation. The unique and challenging space environment, coupled with the critical nature of ECLSS components, necessitates a high degree of reliability to prevent catastrophic failures. This paper conducts a comprehensive examination of various ECLSS subsystems, including air revitalization, water processing, food storage, waste management, and radiation shielding. Gaining perspectives from historical missions like Apollo, Skylab, and the International Space Station (ISS), the research outlines strategic approaches to improve the fault tolerance of ECLSS. The implementation of advanced simulation modeling, strategic component redundancy, and improved subsystem interconnectivity are posited as pivotal measures to bolster the reliability of ECLSS. These improvements are vital to guarantee the safety and viability of prolonged space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, thereby facilitating humanitys ongoing exploration of the universe.

P467 Towards AI-Augmented Clinical Decision Making: An Examination of ChatGPT's Utility in Acute Ulcerative Colitis Presentations

Abstract Background ChatGPT is a large language model based chatbot created by OpenAI. Since its release, ChatGPT has gained widespread attention among the healthcare community regarding its potential utility as a medical practice tool. In addition, ChatGPT can be adapted to serve as a clinical-decision support tool. In this study we explored the potential of ChatGPT as a decision support tool for acute Ulcerative Colitis (UC) presentations in the setting of the emergency department (ED). Methods Our investigation centered around 20 distinct acute UC presentations to the ED, accumulated over two years. Case summaries - embodying crucial data points such as symptoms, vital signs, and laboratory results - were processed by ChatGPT. For each case, we asked ChatGPT to assess disease severity based on the TrueLove and Witts classification, substituting erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥30 with C-Reactive protein ≥12. Furthermore, it was to recommend hospitalization or outpatient care for each case based on the disease severity. The answers were compared with assessments made by our department's gastroenterologists and the actual decision made by the physician in the ED. Results Overall, ChatGPT categorized 12, 7 and 1 patient with severe, moderate and mild disease, respectively. For each case, ChatGPT supplied a detailed answer depicting severity of every variable of the criteria and an overall severity classification (table 1). Compared to our gastroenterologists’ assessments, ChatGPT graded 16/20 (80%) of the patients with the same severity. A high degree of reliability was found between the two assessments as the average measure intra-class correlation coefficient of absolute agreement was 0.839 (95% confidence interval 0.588-0.937, F= 5.95, p<0.001). Inconsistencies in four cases stemmed primarily from inaccurate cut-off values for systemic variables. Following severity assessment, ChatGPT leaned towards hospitalization for 16 out of 18 (88.9%) patients. For two moderate UC cases, however, it could not provide a decisive recommendation. Comparatively, only 12 out of the 20 patients were hospitalized in actual clinical practice. Conclusion In this unique study, findings suggest that Chat-GPT, has potential as a clinical decision-support tool in assessing UC severity and recommending suitable settings for further treatment. While this concept warrants further investigation and validation, its ability to evaluate a clinical scenario based on established criteria could greatly benefit the field of Inflammatory bowel disease and gastroenterology.

An Automated System for Physician Trainee Procedure Logging via Electronic Health Records

Procedural proficiency is a core competency for graduate medical education; however, procedural reporting often relies on manual workflows that are duplicative and generate data whose validity and accuracy are difficult to assess. Failure to accurately gather these data can impede learner progression, delay procedures, and negatively impact patient safety. To examine accuracy and procedure logging completeness of a system that extracts procedural data from an electronic health record system and uploads these data securely to an application used by many residency programs for accreditation. This quality improvement study of all emergency medicine resident physicians at University of California, San Diego Health was performed from May 23, 2023, to June 25, 2023. Automated system for procedure data extraction and upload to a residency management software application. The number of procedures captured by the automated system when running silently compared with manually logged procedures in the same timeframe, as well as accuracy of the data upload. Forty-seven residents participated in the initial silent assessment of the extraction component of the system. During a 1-year period (May 23, 2022, to May 7, 2023), 4291 procedures were manually logged by residents, compared with 7617 procedures captured by the automated system during the same period, representing a 78% increase. During assessment of the upload component of the system (May 8, 2023, to June 25, 2023), a total of 1353 procedures and patient encounters were evaluated, with the system operating with a sensitivity of 97.4%, specificity of 100%, and overall accuracy of 99.5%. In this quality improvement study of emergency medicine resident physicians, an automated system demonstrated that reliance on self-reported procedure logging resulted in significant procedural underreporting compared with the use of data obtained at the point of performance. Additionally, this system afforded a degree of reliability and validity heretofore absent from the usual after-the-fact procedure logging workflows while using a novel application programming interface-based approach. To our knowledge, this system constitutes the first generalizable implementation of an automated solution to a problem that has existed in graduate medical education for decades.

Reliability of Time-Series Plasma Metabolome Data over 6 Years in a Large-Scale Cohort Study.

Studies examining long-term longitudinal metabolomic data and their reliability in large-scale populations are limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the reliability of repeated measurements of plasma metabolites in a prospective cohort setting and to explore intra-individual concentration changes at three time points over a 6-year period. The study participants included 2999 individuals (1317 men and 1682 women) from the Tsuruoka Metabolomics Cohort Study, who participated in all three surveys-at baseline, 3 years, and 6 years. In each survey, 94 plasma metabolites were quantified for each individual and quality control (QC) sample. The coefficients of variation of QC, intraclass correlation coefficients, and change rates of QC were calculated for each metabolite, and their reliability was classified into three categories: excellent, fair to good, and poor. Seventy-six percent (71/94) of metabolites were classified as fair to good or better. Of the 39 metabolites grouped as excellent, 29 (74%) in men and 26 (67%) in women showed significant intra-individual changes over 6 years. Overall, our study demonstrated a high degree of reliability for repeated metabolome measurements. Many highly reliable metabolites showed significant changes over the 6-year period, suggesting that repeated longitudinal metabolome measurements are useful for epidemiological studies.

ПРОПАГАНДИСТСЬКІ СТРАТЕГІЇ В СУЧАСНОМУ МЕДІАДИСКУРСІ: АНАЛІЗ ПРИКЛАДІВ ЗІ СВІТОВОЇ ПРАКТИКИ

<pre><strong><em>The purpose of the study </em></strong><em>is to identify propaganda strategies in foreign media. Conducting the research is due to the fact that in the context of significant changes in the military and political situation in the world in general and around Ukraine, with the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression, propaganda, which is an effective tool for manipulating public opinion, is becoming widely spread in the media space. The media use different propaganda strategies, forming an irrelevant picture of reality. This leads to a decrease in the level of information security of the state, the result of which is the destabilization of the social and political situation, opposition to the adoption of certain state decisions, etc.</em></pre><p><strong><em>Research methodology</em></strong><em>. The study of propaganda strategies in modern media was based on the media manipulative approach, methods of manipulation of mass consciousness and content analysis. Their application made it possible to identify the main principles of consideration of the problems of propaganda strategies.</em></p><p><strong><em>The results</em></strong><em>. In the process of work, it was found that propaganda is the purposeful dissemination of unreliable information with a specific goal. Propaganda is aimed precisely at the human consciousness, because it allows to form clear concepts and images in it. Depending on the orientation, propaganda is divided into external and internal; according to the sphere of distribution – cultural, personal, informational, political; according to the degree of reliability of the information – true, partially true, false; according to the stage of spread – preparatory, active, latent.</em></p><p><em>Propaganda strategies include lies, decontextualization, disinformation, demonization of the enemy, obfuscation, deliberate obscurity, confusion, labelling, half-truths, repetition, join the crowd, commoners, stereotypes, fear, uncertainty, and doubt. The study states that the main propaganda strategies used in the analyzed media are «common people» and «stereotypes», less so – «join the crowd» and «half-truth».</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The novelty of the study is that propaganda strategies in foreign media were investigated for the first time. The understanding of the concept of «propaganda» has also been improved, the peculiarities of the functioning of propaganda strategies in foreign media have been investigated.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance</em></strong><em>. The practical significance of the research lies in the fact that the obtained results can be applied to journalists, diplomats and politicians when promoting certain ideas and opinions.</em></p><pre><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> information space, media discourse, mass manipulation, media, propaganda, propaganda strategies.</em></pre>

A novel weighted evidence combination method based on reliability and credibility degree with an application in decision making process

A novel weighted evidence combination method based on reliability and credibility degree with an application in decision making process

Combined Influence of Cyclic Loads and Corrosion on the Technical Condition of Metal Structures of Metro Escalators

This article examines the influence of loads, conventionally divided into static and cyclic ones, and of corrosion acting together on the structural elements of metal structures of metro escalators. The dynamics of corrosion processes are determined by the environment, the degree of influence of which, depending on the geographical location and based on seasonality, can vary from non-aggressive to highly aggressive. This, with simultaneous occurrence of deformations (a stressed state is created in the structure), can lead to fatigue failures. The state of the metal structure of the escalator in this case is the most important element, since the failure of almost any of its structural elements means a complete stop of the escalator.The prerequisites for corrosion fatigue for low carbon steels, as the main material in manufacture of metal structures for metro escalators, are also considered.The main objective of the study is to search for criteria for creating an experimental and computational method for determining the residual life of metal structures of metro escalators with a high degree of reliability. Identification and analysis of criteria for assessing the condition of metal structures was carried out by the authors using experimental research and survey methods, that resulted in a conclusion that the degree of degradation of the main characteristics and properties of metal structure elements is determined not only by the number of loading cycles, but also by the duration of exposure to an aggressive environment.