Tool For Comparative Analysis Research Articles

ChatGPT or Bard: Who is a better Certified Ethical Hacker?

In this study, we compare two leading Generative AI (GAI) tools, ChatGPT and Bard, specifically in Cybersecurity, using a robust set of standardized questions from a validated Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) dataset. In the rapidly evolving domain of Generative AI (GAI) and large language models (LLM), a comparative analysis of tools becomes essential to measure their performance. We determine the Comprehensiveness, Clarity, and Conciseness of the AI-generated responses through a detailed questioning-based framework. The study revealed an overall accuracy rate of 80.8 % for ChatGPT and 82.6 % for Bard, indicating comparable capabilities and specific differences. Bard slightly outperformed ChatGPT in accuracy, while ChatGPT exhibited superiority in Comprehensiveness, Clarity, and Conciseness of responses. Introducing a confirmation query like “Are you sure?” increased accuracy for both generative AI tools, illustrating the potential of iterative query processing in enhancing GAI tools' effectiveness. The readability evaluation placed both tools at a college reading level, with Bard marginally more accessible. While evaluating certain questions, a distinct pattern emerged where Bard provided generic denials of assistance while ChatGPT referenced “ethics.” This discrepancy illustrates the contrasting philosophies of the developers of these tools, with Bard possibly following stricter guidelines, especially in sensitive topics like Cybersecurity. We explore the implications and identify key areas for future research that become increasingly relevant as GAI tools see broader adoption.

Panel Comparative Analysis Tool: An Open-Source Comparative Analysis Tool for Next-Generation Sequencing Panel Target Regions

Multi-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels have become a routine diagnostic method in the contemporary practice of personalized medicine. To avoid inadequate test choice or interpretation, a detailed understanding of the precise panel target regions is required. However, the necessary bioinformatic expertise is not always available, and publicly accessible and easily interpretable analyses of target regions are scarce. To address this critical knowledge gap, we present the Panel Comparative Analysis Tool (PanelCAT) an open-source application to analyze, visualize and compare NGS panel DNA target regions. PanelCAT uses RefSeq, ClinVar and COSMIC cancer mutation census databases to quantify the exon and mutation coverage of target regions and provides interactive graphical representations and search functions to inspect the results. We demonstrate the utility of PanelCAT by analyzing two large NGS panels (Illumina TruSight Oncology 500, and Qiagen Human Pan Cancer Panel) to validate the advertised target genes, quantify targeted exons and mutations, and identify differences between panels. PanelCAT will enable institutions and researchers to catalogue and visualize NGS panel target regions independent of the manufacturer, promote transparency of panel limitations, and share this information with employees and requisitioners.

Development of a greenhouse gas - air pollution interactions and synergies model for Korea (GAINS-Korea)

This study aimed to create Greenhouse Gas - Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS)-Korea, an integrated model for evaluating climate and air quality policies in Korea, modeled after the international GAINS model. GAINS-Korea incorporates specific Korean data and enhances granularity for enabling local government-level analysis. The model includes source-receptor matrices used to simulate pollutant dispersion in Korea, generated through CAMx air quality modeling. GAINS-Korea's performance was evaluated by examining different scenarios for South Korea. The business as usual scenario projected emissions from 2010 to 2030, while the air quality scenario included policies to reduce air pollutants in line with air quality and greenhouse gas control plans. The maximum feasible reduction scenario incorporated more aggressive reduction technologies along with air quality measures. The developed model enabled the assessment of emission reduction effects by both greenhouse gas and air pollutant emission reduction policies across 17 local governments in Korea, including changes in PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm) concentration and associated benefits, such as reduced premature deaths. The model also provides a range of visualization tools for comparative analysis among different scenarios, making it a valuable resource for policy planning and evaluation, and supporting decision-making processes.

Single molecule real-time sequencing data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures

Hypericum is a large genus that includes more than 500 species of pharmacological, ecological and conservation value. Although latest advances in sequencing technologies were extremely exploited for generating and assembling genomes of many living organisms, annotated whole genome sequence data is not publicly available for any of the Hypericum species so far. Bioavailability of secondary metabolites varies for different tissues and the data derived from different cultures will be a valuable tool for comparative studies. Here, we report the single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures for the first time. Sequencing data from cell suspension cultures yielded more than 33,000 high-quality transcripts from 20 Gb of raw data, while more than 55,000 high-quality transcripts were obtained from 35 Gb of raw data from plantlets. This dataset is a valuable tool for comparative transcriptomic analysis and will help to understand the unknown biosynthetic pathways of high medicinal value in the Hypericum genus.

Phytools 2.0: an updated R ecosystem for phylogenetic comparative methods (and other things).

Phylogenetic comparative methods comprise the general endeavor of using an estimated phylogenetic tree (or set of trees) to make secondary inferences: about trait evolution, diversification dynamics, biogeography, community ecology, and a wide range of other phenomena or processes. Over the past ten years or so, the phytools R package has grown to become an important research tool for phylogenetic comparative analysis. phytools is a diverse contributed R library now consisting of hundreds of different functions covering a variety of methods and purposes in phylogenetic biology. As of the time of writing, phytools included functionality for fitting models of trait evolution, for reconstructing ancestral states, for studying diversification on trees, and for visualizing phylogenies, comparative data, and fitted models, as well numerous other tasks related to phylogenetic biology. Here, I describe some significant features of and recent updates to phytools, while also illustrating several popular workflows of the phytools computational software.

Software-assisted identification of non-native pitch elements for Russian-speaking learners of Spanish

In this paper we present the results of an automatic comparative-contrastive analysis of functional elements of intonational contour (anacrusis, first peak, body, nucleus and final inflection) produced by non-native speakers of Spanish, whose first language is Russian. This analysis was carried out with the Plugin for phonetic-phonological analysis in Spanish (PAFe), a software tool for an instant comparative analysis of a non-native speakers’ pronunciation which takes audio recordings as input and implements multiple intonation comparison algorithms between native and non-native speakers of Spanish to calculate the percentage of similarity in intonation production. We used the intersyllabic analysis function of PAFe in order to identify which functional pitch elements of Russian speaking learners of Spanish -male and female- present more tonal deviations. Our results show that most tonal differences occurred in the body of the f 0 contour for female speakers whereas for male speakers the greatest tonal contrast was in the first peak. The obtained data indicate that these pitch elements are potentially challenging for Russian speaking learners of Spanish in their pursuit of acquiring phonetic-phonological competence. In addition, this study allowed us to identify which parameters of PAFe analysis per syllables require further refinement, such as processing of limited intonational spectrum values.

Систематизация и уточнение индексов эффективности логистики в управлении цепями поставок

Purpose: To clarify the indices of the efficiency of logistics of the Russian Federation in new supply chains formed under the influence of sanctions and other restrictions, in the conditions of new politics and new geoeconomics, which have formed the third crisis situation of the transport and logistics market. Methods: Methods of data analysis and diagnostics (observation, analysis, synthesis) of logistics efficiency indices are used as an interactive tool for comparative analysis of problems and opportunities of the main logistics parameters calculated by Turku School of Economics and supported by a current research of the World Bank. Results: The results of adjusting the logistics efficiency indices in the formed supply chains of the Russian Federation based on operational information from survey results and several types of data are shown; The adjustment of logistics efficiency indices in the formed supply chains by rail is given; the corrective data affecting the values of logistics efficiency indices in the Russian Federation are systematized depending on the conditions affecting the decrease in logistics efficiency indices in the Russian Federation and the possibility of their growth. Practical significance: The results obtained are of an applied nature, since they propose and justify a number of measures that ensure the development of new methodological approaches to the formation of effective business models.

Cultural Aspects of Waste Management in Poland and China

The main aim of this article was to present differences in the social determinants of waste management and environmental protection in Poland and People's Republic of China. A research gap was identified related to the small number of studies comparing China and Poland in the field of waste management. A systematic review of the literature on waste management and society's approach to environmental protection was conducted, with particular emphasis on municipal waste. The article uses data from local databases, i.e. the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in Poland and The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, as well as data from the World Bank and OECD. The method of comparative analysis and Hofstede's tool were used for selected aspects of the social approach to waste management in Poland and the People's Republic of China. Empirical research was conducted in August 2023. Literature review based on key groups of social factors that differ in the analysed countries. These include those related to purity, religious beliefs, respect for nature, responsibility and ecology. Chinese citizens approach the power supply in their environment in a more collective way than in Poland. The European Union's recommendations has positively affected management of municipal waste in Poland, while in People's Republic of China legislation is constantly updated. In the authors' opinion, in subsequent studies it is worth focusing on comparing other countries in terms of their social approach to environmental protection, as well as conducting surveys.

Italian Legislation in Times of Pandemics and International Law: The Way out of the Emergency

Abstract Building upon the practice analysed in the previous issue of this Yearbook, the present inquiry provides a follow-up of the normative framework in force in the Italian legal system in 2022 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. By enacting a plethora of prescriptive measures, Italy either implemented, derogated, or violated international obligations. In this respect, this contribution pursues a twofold objective. On the one hand, it is aimed at assessing Italy’s attitude towards international law. To this end, rather than reporting entirely new measures, it will attempt to point out what happened to the main policies Italy implemented during the emergency. On the other hand, it intends to provide a useful tool for comparative analysis. The conclusions that will be reached may indeed allow for a comparison with the practice of other countries which have experienced a situation similar to that of Italy, both to draw analogies or differences regarding the stance they have taken towards international law and to assess the latter’s role in global health governance.

Economic-financial performance and value creation in the Brazilian construction industry

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the economic-financial performance (EFP) and value creation (VC) in the Brazilian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on the theories of strategy and finance, a quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and explanatory and applied study was carried out, contrasting the performance of the Direcional company and the civil construction industry – both listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange and the Over-the-Counter Market (B3)FindingsThe analysis of the EFP in the Brazilian construction industry shows that EZTEC, Helbor, Trisul and Direcional were the companies with the best EFP in the period. The analysis of the Economic Value Added (EVA®, henceforth EVA), as a VC metric and basis for assessing the relative technical efficiency score by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA®, henceforth DEA), revealed that the companies Direcional, EZTEC, MRV and CR2 were considered efficient throughout the period covered. The multicriteria methodology for empirical testing of the EFP and VC allowed not only contrasts Direcional's results with the other companies of the construction industry but also offered a complementary tool for comparative analysis of enterprises of different sizes, structures and realities.Research limitations/implicationsRegardless of any contextual limitations, from a theoretical point of view, the research not only helps fill the research gap aforementioned but also expands knowledge on the topic and demonstrates how this multi-criteria methodology (integrating DEA and EVA) can be used to assess EFP and VC in addition to traditional tools. However, this new approach evaluates, at the same time, corporate and sectorial effectiveness by contrasting the efficiency and efficacy (simultaneously) in the generation of performance and value of a company in relation to the industry.Practical implicationsSignificant implications for managerial practice could be noted by offering a tool to improve company performance and creating a competitive benchmarking process for analysts, investors, managers, financing agencies, shareholders, policymakers and business owners, as well as organizations and sectors in similar situations – who need to assess the EFP and VC holistically and improve their decision-making processes.Originality/valueThe uniqueness and innovation of this research come from the original multi-criteria methodology developed, applied and validated for analysis of EFP and VC. This methodology was operationalized through DEA applied to the companies' EVA, making it possible to compare corporate results and those of the whole industry in a balanced way – an unexplored issue in the literature, especially in emerging economies, opening several avenues for future research.

Legal Framework for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights

Abstract It is difficult to overestimate the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of entrepreneurs in a market economy – they are necessary “tools” and a driving force in the market relations that expand a country’s gross domestic product, and as such should be directly involved in the socio-economic policy of the state. Due to a historical absence of the specialised legal means and procedural tools required to ensure the effective security and protection of the rights of entrepreneurs, Kazakh legislators have carefully studied examples from other countries to develop their own legislation relating to profit-making entrepreneurial activities during the early stages of the post-independent development of Kazakhstan. In this way, licensing processes, protections for entrepreneurs from unreasonable inspections and abuse of power by the authorities, the creation of special organisations to protect entrepreneur’s rights, and a reduction in the number of administrative barriers in practice were all consolidated and codified into the regulatory structure. All the above allowed the authors to highlight the main purpose of this study – a comprehensive systemic study of the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of entrepreneurs in socio-economic, political, and legal relations (as exemplified by the Republic of Kazakhstan). The main and practically significant results were obtained by employing both theoretical and methodological analysis of scientific publications covering the issues of legal security and the protection of entrpreneurial rights and freedoms at the national and international levels, as well as tools of comparative legal, comparative political, systemic and structural analysis, value-statutory and institutional methods, and content analysis of statistical data and official documents. This paper constitutes a study of a scientific and recommendatory legal and socio-political nature, which has unconditional practical significance, originality in clarifying certain issues, and is aimed at a broad study of the essential aspects of the legal protection of entrepreneurial activity in modern Kazakhstan. We recognize that the subject considered in this paper is promising for further scientific elaboration and detailing of certain points, which have been superficially touched upon in this study.

CEGA: a method for inferring natural selection by comparative population genomic analysis across species

We developed maximum likelihood method for detecting positive selection or balancing selection using multilocus or genomic polymorphism and divergence data from two species. The method is especially useful for investigating natural selection in noncoding regions. Simulations demonstrate that the method outperforms existing methods in detecting both positive and balancing selection. We apply the method to population genomic data from human and chimpanzee. The list of genes identified under selection in the noncoding regions is prominently enriched in pathways related to the brain and nervous system. Therefore, our method will serve as a useful tool for comparative population genomic analysis.

Virtual choir: between technical and aesthetical

The relevance of the article. The relevance of the research topic is determined by the extraordinary popularity of the remote form of joint choral performance in contemporary musical culture. The virtual choir is a fairly new, but already very widespread form of music-making, which is gradually acquiring new characteristics and functions compared to those that were inherent in its early days.
 The main factors of the development of the virtual choir phenomenon can be divided into “evolutionary” (the digitalization of art; the interest of performers in new forms of music making; active development of art therapy and inclusive art practices) and “revolutionary” (the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war, which, although more localized than the pandemic, involves a very large number of choirs that have been unable to work as usual).
 The latter two factors have led to a quantitative explosion of virtual projects, as well as significant changes in their focus, structure, functions, and composition of performers, etc. that require appropriate scientific understanding.
 The purpose of the research is to analyze and systematize existing studies of the virtual choir and to make up a strategy for its comprehensive research.
 The methodology. The study of the available scientific literature on the phenomenon of the virtual choir was carried out using the tools of systematic, textual comparative and comprehensive analysis.
 The results. The main scientific works on the virtual choir are systematized in four main areas: socio-psychological, technical, didactic and historical. It was found that musicology, choral studies and interpretation aspects have been studied very briefly. Most of the works reveal certain inaccuracies in the presentation of the history of virtual choral performance (except for Сayari), as well as some contradictions in the results of previous studies. In addition, the article raises the question of the conformity of the studied phenomenon with the concept of “virtual choir”.
 The scientific novelty. For the first time, the research provides a systematic review of scientific papers about the virtual choir, revealing the current trend towards the study of non-musical aspects.
 The practical significance. The materials of the article can be used in practical activities of conductors and choristers, as well as in the educational process of training conductors, choirmasters and vocalists in conditions of remote work.
 Conclusions. Scientific comprehension of the phenomenon of the virtual choir is active, but rather limited. Most often, it acts as a certain aesthetic phenomenon that should replace (mostly temporarily) the work of “live” choirs during social cataclysms that limit the possibility of creative communication between people. That is why the most relevant areas of research are socio-psychological and technical. At the same time, many works raise the question of the legality of using the term “virtual choir” for this multimedia activity, which, according to experts, has little in common with both the choir and virtuality. As a matter of fact, the lack of musicological, choral, interpretological investigations, typical for traditional choral activity, revealed within the scope of this study indirectly confirms this idea. The first step on the way to further scientific development of this topic should be a multi-faceted analysis of the current activity of virtual choirs.

Leveraging a multivariate approach towards enhanced development of direct compression extended release tablets

Extended release formulations play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry by maintaining steady plasma levels, reducing side effects, and improving therapeutic efficiency and compliance. One commonly used method to develop extended release formulations is direct compression, which offers several advantages, such as simplicity, time savings, and cost-effectiveness. However, successful direct compression-based extended release formulations require careful assessment and an understanding of the excipients’ attributes. The scope of this work is the characterization of the compaction behavior of some matrix-forming agents and diluents for the development of extended release tablets. Fifteen excipients commonly used in extended release formulations were evaluated for physical, compaction and tablet properties. Powder properties (e.g., particle size, flow properties, bulk density) were evaluated and linked to the tablet’s mechanical properties in a fully integrated approach, and data were analyzed by constructing a principal component analysis (PCA). Significant variability was observed among the various excipients. The present work successfully demonstrates the applicability of PCA as an effective tool for comparative analysis, pattern and clustering recognition and correlations between excipients and their properties, facilitating the development and manufacturing of direct compressible extended release formulations.

Сonstitutional Regulation of Elections in the Countries of East and South-East Asia: Comparative Analysis of the Coefficient of the Legislator’s Interest

The territorial framework of the study includes the constitutions of the countries of East and South-East Asia. The comparative analysis of articles of constitutions of these countries devoted to elections is presented, the main directions of constitutional and legal regulation of elections are analyzed. The main attention in the article is paid to solving the question of which countries’ constitutions show the greatest and least interest in electoral norms. It is established that a simple comparison of the number of articles of the constitution that are devoted to elections does not accurately reflect the degree of interest of the legislator. The author’s method of calculation is proposed, designated as the «Coefficient of legislator’s interest» (CLI). CLI represents the share of articles on elections in the total number of articles of a specific Constitution. It has been established that the largest CLI in the region characterizes the Constitution of Mongolia. The conclusion is made that the CLI indicator can serve as one of the elements of the characteristics of the Constitution of any state, as well as a tool for comparative analysis of legislative acts of different countries, as well as acts adopted at different times.

A novel approach for analysing environmental sustainability aspects of combine harvesters through telematics data. Part II: an IT tool for comparative analysis

A novel approach for analysing environmental sustainability aspects of combine harvesters through telematics data. Part II: an IT tool for comparative analysis

SOD1-ALS-Browser: a web-utility for investigating the clinical phenotype in SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective Variants in the superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene are among the most common genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Reflecting the wide spectrum of putatively deleterious variants that have been reported to date, it has become clear that SOD1-linked ALS presents a highly variable age at symptom onset and disease duration. Methods Here we describe an open access web tool for comparative phenotype analysis in ALS: https://sod1-als-browser.rosalind.kcl.ac.uk/. The tool contains a built-in dataset of clinical information from 1383 people with ALS harboring a SOD1 variant resulting in one of 162 unique amino acid sequence alterations and from a non-SOD1 comparator ALS cohort of 13,469 individuals. We present two examples of analyses possible with this tool, testing how the ALS phenotype relates to SOD1 variants that alter amino acid residue hydrophobicity and to distinct variants at the 94th residue of SOD1, where six are sampled. Results and conclusions The tool provides immediate access to the datasets and enables bespoke analysis of phenotypic trends associated with different protein variants, including the option for users to upload their own datasets for integration with the server data. The tool can be used to study SOD1-ALS and provides an analytical framework to study the differences between other user-uploaded ALS groups and our large reference database of SOD1 and non-SOD1 ALS. The tool is designed to be useful for clinicians and researchers, including those without programming expertise, and is highly flexible in the analyses that can be conducted.

О целесообразности использования Индекса экологической эффективности для оценки уровня социально-экологического развития российских регионов

Introduction: Investment decisions by many private and institutional investors are made taking into account the information (current estimates, forecasts, trends) contained in various country ratings regularly published by leading international financial and regulatory organizations (IMF, IBRD, UN), which allows investors to assess the level of risk and return on investment in various projects in these countries. The article evaluates the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), the most common in international studies, from the point of view of its use as a comprehensive tool for comparative analysis and an indicator for assessing the success of achieving the goals of sustainable social and environmental development of Russian regions. Purpose: Analysis of the feasibility of using EPI and its individual elements as part of an integrated approach to assessing the effectiveness of social and environmental development of Russia and its regions. Results: The authors reviewed the transformation of the methodology for calculating EPI over the entire period of its compilation; analyzed the dynamics of indicators, directions and blocks that make up the Index; assessed their adequacy to the geographical and sectoral features of social and environmental development. Conclusions: An extremely high level of politicization of the Index and inconsistency of its calculation methodology with the real conditions of Russia’s economic development were revealed. The inexpediency of its use in the present conditions to assess the social and environmental development of Russian regions, to build a rating of their sustainable development, to develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of environmental programs and projects, including in the field of green and environmental investments, was proved.

Assessing Governance Structures in State-owned Enterprises using Transaction Cost Economics’ Dimensionalisation

This paper illustrates how Transaction Cost Economics’ (TCE) dimensionalisation, a governance structure comparative analysis tool, may be used in assessing corporate governance structures. To illustrate, this paper assesses the governance structures of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa and Singapore, two countries deploying different governance structures for organising SOEs. A proposition was developed in line with dimensionalisation to assess the organising models. The proposition is that SOEs organised using a bilateral governance structure are expected to perform better than those organised using a unified governance structure – since the attributes and characteristics of transactions/contracts are semi-strong in the bilateral structure, according to TCE. Findings appear to support the proposition, indicating that SOEs organised in a bilateral governance structure perform better relative to those that are organised under unified governance. Keywords: dimensionalisation, organising models, ownership models, state-owned enterprises, transaction cost economics (TCE)

Prediction of MYCN Gene Amplification in Pediatric Neuroblastomas: Development of a Deep Learning-Based Tool for Automatic Tumor Segmentation and Comparative Analysis of Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics Features Harmonization.

MYCN oncogene amplification is closely linked to high-grade neuroblastoma with poor prognosis. Accurate quantification is essential for risk assessment, which guides clinical decision making and disease management. This study proposes an end-to-end deep-learning framework for automatic tumor segmentation of pediatric neuroblastomas and radiomics features-based classification of MYCN gene amplification. Data from pretreatment contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans and MYCN status from 47 cases of pediatric neuroblastomas treated at a tertiary children's hospital from 2009 to 2020 were reviewed. Automated tumor segmentation and grading pipeline includes (1) a modified U-Net for tumor segmentation; (2) extraction of radiomic textural features; (3) feature-based ComBat harmonization for removal of variabilities across scanners; (4) feature selection using 2 approaches, namely, (a) an ensemble approach and (b) stepwise forward-and-backward selection method using logistic regression classifier; and (5) radiomics features-based classification of MYCN gene amplification using machine learning classifiers. Median train/test Dice score for modified U-Net was 0.728/0.680. The top 3 features from the ensemble approach were neighborhood gray-tone difference matrix (NGTDM) busyness, NGTDM strength, and gray-level run-length matrix (GLRLM) low gray-level run emphasis, whereas those from the stepwise approach were GLRLM low gray-level run emphasis, GLRLM high gray-level run emphasis, and NGTDM coarseness. The top-performing tumor classification algorithm achieved a weighted F1 score of 97%, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 96.9%, an accuracy of 96.97%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. Harmonization-based tumor classification improved the accuracy by 2% to 3% for all classifiers. The proposed end-to-end framework achieved high accuracy for MYCN gene amplification status classification.