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Introduction to Fuzzy Cognitive Maps
Publication Name: Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 427
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 1-13
Description:
This chapter gives a short introduction to Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs). It starts with the origin and first applications of Cognitive Maps, then describes the theoretical background of FCMs. Based on the cognitive model, simulations can be performed in order to predict the dynamic behavior of the system and support decision making tasks. The widely applied variations of implementation details are also covered, including their effect on model properties and behavior. A simple example is given to help understanding the theoretical parts, and a short outlook is provided to the possible ways of model creation, too.
Open Access: Yes
FIRST APPLICATION OF AN IMPROVED-RESOLUTION DARK-FIELD MICROSCOPY SETUP, COMBINED WITH A NOVEL DIRECT-STAINING LIVE IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE INVESTIGATION METHOD, VISUALISING THE MOTION OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI SPIROCHETES
Publication Name: Acta Microscopica
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 33
Issue: 1
Page Range: 54-62
Description:
Dark-field microscopy has been increasingly applied in diagnostics in recent years, for example in Lyme borreliosis, due to the growing concerns about the diagnostic utility of standard serological tests. Although the diagnostic value of microscopic methods is still debated due to the lack of proper clinical testing and the definition of the diagnostic cutoff levels, it is important that the spirochetes causing the disease can be visualized from body fluids via dark-field investigation. Additionally, a specific identification of Borrelia is still not routinely possible, visual observation is usually fortified with additional PCR investigations. We are publishing the pictures from the first-time application of an enhanced dark-field illumination technique that improves the resolution and picture quality of digital recordings. The same illumination setup, combined with a novel live staining of Borrelia burgdorferi with cleaned, FITC-labelled anti-Borrelia antibodies, has produced remarkable recordings of the same spirochetes, in natural motion. All experiments were performed on remnant samples of DualDur kit laboratory investigations.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: DOI not available
Clinical and Financial Validation of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) Definition of Post-Pancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis (PPAP): International Multicenter Prospective Study
Roland Andersson
Giuseppe Malleo
Bodil Andersson
Kuirong Jiang
Christoph Michalski
Stefano Partelli
Giuseppe Kito Fusai
Keith D. Lillemoe
Zipeng Lu
Werner Hartwig
Kevin Christopher Conlon
Naoki Ikenaga
Helmut Friess
Masafumi Nakamura
Savio George Barreto
Luca Gianotti
Domenico Tamburrino
Nicolò Pecorelli
Gennaro Nappo
Alberto Manzoni
Jakob R. Izbicki
Markus W. Büchler
Oliver Strobel
Olivier R.C. Busch
Thilo Hackert
Michael Sarr
Daniel Kilburn
Alessandro Esposito
Ulla Klaiber
Manish Bhandare
Asahi Sato
Elisa Bannone
Mohammad Abu Hilal
Rosa Klotz
Valentina Andreasi
Jie Yin
Cristina Ferrone
Yi Miao
Martin Loos
Marc G. Besselink
Giovanni Marchegiani
Charles Vollmer
Marco Montorsi
Christopher L. Wolfgang
Kaival Gundavda
Francesca Fermi
Fraser Jeffery
Alice Cattelani
Alessio Marchetti
Daniela Merz
Gaetano Corvino
Pasquale Scornamiglio
Daniel Halloran
Nicholas J. Zyromski
Dejan Radenkovic
Robert Padbury
Roberto Salvia
Christos Dervenis
Alessandro Zerbi
Kyoichi Takaori
Shailesh V. Shrikhande
Ajith K. Siriwardena
Ugo Boggi
Attila Oláh
Massimo Falconi
Mustapha Adham
Abe Fingerhut
John P. Neoptolemos
Charles J. Yeo
Saxon Connor
Jens Werner
Maximillian Bockhorn
Harish Lavu
Christopher M. Halloran
Publication Name: Annals of Surgery
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Objective: To validate the ISGPS definition and grading system of PPAP after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Summary Background Data: In 2022, the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) defined post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) and recommended a prospective validation of its diagnostic criteria and grading system. Methods: This was a prospective, international, multicenter study including patients undergoing PD at 17 referral pancreatic centers across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the United States. PPAP diagnosis required the following three parameters: (1) postoperative serum hyperamylasemia /hyperlipasemia (POH) persisting on postoperative days 1 and 2, (2) radiologic alterations consistent with PPAP, and (3) a clinically relevant deterioration in the patient's condition. To validate the grading system, clinical and economic parameters were analyzed across all grades. Results: Among 2902 patients undergoing PD, 7.5% (n=218) developed PPAP (6.3% grade B and 1.2% grade C). POH occurred in 24.1% of patients. Hospital stay was associated with PPAP grades (No POH/PPAP 10 days (IQR 7-17) days, grade B 22 days (IQR 15-34) days, and grade C 43 days (IQR 27-54) days; P<0.001), as well as intensive care unit admission (No POH/PPAP 5.4%, grade B 12.6%, grade C 82.9%; P<0.010), and hospital readmission rates (No POH/PPAP 7.3%, grade B 16.1%, grade C 18.5%; P<0.05). Costs of grade B and C PPAP were 2 and 11 times greater than uncomplicated clinical course, resp. (P<0.001). Conclusions: This first prospective, international validation study of the ISGPS definition and grading system for PPAP highlighted the relevant clinical and financial implications of this condition. These results stress the importance of routine screening for PPAP in patients undergoing PD.
Open Access: Yes
Algorithmic model generation for multi-site multi-period planning of clean processes by P-graphs
Publication Name: Journal of Cleaner Production
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 434
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Optimal clean process design requires strict constraints to enforce waste and byproduct management, all of which can be formulated in the language of mathematical programming. However, waste management and the utilization of by-products are often carried out in locations or periods other than the production process. The paper describes all modeling steps by P-graphs sufficient to represent raw material availability and production capacities in multiple time periods at multiple sites, as well as transportation and storage capacities of process materials and wastes. These steps are integrated into a single comprehensive model generation algorithm. For easier understanding, each model generation step is illustrated by a case study of planning a multi-site multi-period furniture production process alongside the recent challenges of energy supply and waste management. Finally, the case study of furniture production is analyzed under various circumstances to highlight the power of the proposed tools in daily production and transportation planning. Accordingly, the proposed method provides such alternative 5 best manufacturing and logistics plans that, in the event of a complete failure or overloading of one of the production capacities at either locations, there is still an alternative plan within a 3% profit decrease.
Open Access: Yes
SPECTRAL ACCELERATION FROM THE 2017 SARPOL-E ZAHAB EARTHQUAKE: PREDICTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
Publication Name: World Conference on Earthquake Engineering Proceedings
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 2024
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This article investigates the spectral acceleration of the ground motion generated by the 2017 Sarpol-e Zahab earthquake, examining the spatial distribution of the observed spectra at different periods, revealing a distinct influence of source directivity. The earthquake motions were acquired by the Iranian Strong Motion Network (ISMN), and data from a total of 110 seismic stations were obtained from their network for the purpose of the present study. The regions located south of the epicenter experienced a higher spectral acceleration value compared to those sites located to the north. In addition, estimates from ground motion prediction equations (Abrahmson et al., 2014, ASK14; Akkar et al., 2014, ASB14) provided a basis for comparison. These equations predicted intensities over various distances and periods. The residual analysis results indicate that the ASB14 model provides a more accurate fit when compared to the ASK14 model for distances less than 300 km. However, for distances greater than 300 km, the ASK14 model demonstrates a better fit. The derived response spectra play a significant role in evaluating maximum response amplitudes and for seismic hazard studies. Our assessments combined PSA information with source characteristics, geology, soil conditions, and epicentral distance. The current study highlights the impacts of the 2017 Sarpol-e Zahab earthquake on the Darbandikhan Dam, which caused cracking on the road pavement along the Dam crest and horizontal and vertical displacement in some parts of the dam. Finally, the study evaluates the strong-motion distribution maps of acceleration response spectra (PSA) with 5% damping at various period intervals from (0.1 to 2.0 sec) on the dam site, which could produce the consequences observed for the dam.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: DOI not available
Effects of Reprocessing on Surface Oxidation and Microstructural Composition in Metal Injection-Molded Materials: Insights from SEM, EDX, and Metallographic Analysis †
Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 79
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This paper explores the evolving significance of metal injection molding (MIM) technology, particularly as a promising alternative for the precise and cost-effective manufacturing of small-scale, high-volume products in the automotive industry. Despite its growing adoption, the quality control processes for intermediate “green” parts and the final metal products are not yet well established, posing significant challenges in ensuring product reliability and consistency. Furthermore, the research thoroughly examines the recycling of MIM feedstock and its impact, especially on the change in carbon content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were taken of the samples, the chemical composition was analyzed using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and the pearlitic regions of samples from different generations were compared using image analysis software on microscopic cross-sections.
Open Access: Yes
Scheduling Manufacturing with Flexible Recipes to Maximize the Utilization of Renewable Energy
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 114
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 955-960
Description:
The production schedule has a direct impact on the periodic utilization and energy consumption of equipment units. Meanwhile, for companies operating small power plants, the available renewable solar or wind energy changes continuously during the day, as does the hourly market price of the energy that can be purchased. Fortunately, the flexibility of production, possible schedules, or alternative recipes allow not only the minimization of costs but also the maximum use of renewable resources. The novelty of the P-graph-based method proposed here is the integration of three component problems into a single optimization model, namely the production scheduling by discrete event formulation, the management of flexible recipes by process synthesis, and the maximal renewable energy utilization according to discrete-time energy production and market price forecasts by representing them with temporarily available resources. The challenge of formalizing the optimization problem lies in synchronizing the time model of production scheduling with the resolution of market price and renewable energy production forecasts. The results show that the flexibility to alter both the sequence and schedule of operations by the integrated optimization model plays a critical role in optimizing energy usage.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET24114160
Hospital integration to improve the chances of recovery for decubitus (pressure ulcer) patients through centralised procurement procedures
Publication Name: Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 10
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Introduction: In Central Europe, in Hungary, the state guarantees access to health care and basic health services partly through the Semmelweis Plan adopted in 2011. The primary objectives of the Semmelweis Plan include the optimisation and transformation of the health care system, starting with the integration of hospitals and the state control of previously municipally owned hospitals. The transformation of the health care system can have an impact on health services and thus on meeting the needs of the population. In addition to reducing health inequalities and costs, the relevant benefits include improving patients’ chances of recovery and increasing patient safety. The speciality under study is decubitus care. Our hypothesis is that integration will improve the chances of recovery for decubitus patients through access to smart dressings to promote patient safety. Objective: to investigate and demonstrate the effectiveness of integration in improving the chances of recovery for decubitus ulcer patients. Material and methods: The research compared two time periods in the municipality of Kalocsa, Bács-Kiskun County, Southern Hungary. We collected the number of decubitus patients arriving and leaving the hospital from the nursing records and compared the pre-integration period when decubitus patients were provided with conventional dressings (01.01.2006–2012.12.31) and the post-integration period, which entailed the introduction of smart dressings in decubitus care (01.01.2013–2012.12.31). The target population of the study was men and women aged 0–99 years who had developed some degree of decubitus. The sample size of the study was 4456. Independent samples t-test, Chow test and linear trend statistics were used to evaluate the results. Based on the empirical evidence, a SWOT analysis was conducted to further examine the effectiveness of integration. Results: The independent samples t-test model used was significant (for Phase I: t (166) = −16.872, p < 0.001; for Phase II: t (166) = −19.928, p < 0.001; for Phase III: t (166) = −19.928, p < 0.001; for Phase III: t (166) = −16.872, p < 0.001). For stage III: t (166) = −10.078, p < 0.001; for stage IV: t (166) = −10.078, p < 0.001; for stage III: t (166) = −10.078, p < 0.001). for stage III: t (166) = −14.066, p < 0.001). For the Chow test, the p-values were highly significant, indicating a structural break. Although the explanatory power of the regression models was variable (R-squared values ranged from 0.007 to 0.617), they generally supported the change in patient dynamics after integration. Both statistical analyses and SWOT analysis supported our hypothesis and showed that integration through access to smart dressings improves patients’ chances of recovery. Conclusions: Although only one segment of the evidence on the effectiveness of hospital integration was examined in this study, integration in the study area had a positive impact on the effective care of patients with decubitus ulcers, reduced inequalities in care and supported patient safety. In the context of the results obtained, these trends may reflect different systemic changes in patient management strategies in addition to efficient allocation of resources and quality of care.
Open Access: Yes
Gearbox Fault Diagnosis Using Industrial Machine Learning Techniques †
Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 79
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This paper highlights the need for precise and reliable diagnostic methods for early fault detection in gearbox systems, something critical for industrial maintenance. Advances in machine learning (ML) and image processing have opened new avenues for diagnosis. This study explores ML techniques, particularly edge detection and maximized pooling, with the Inverse Distance Weighting method, for diagnosing gearbox faults from vibration signal images. Using the ODYSSEE-A Eye platform, a model was developed that achieved 96% accuracy in identifying faults from a 500-sample dataset. The research results promote further investigation and progress in this area, indicating specific possible directions for further research.
Open Access: Yes
