Showing papers by "Military Academy published in 2019"

Kidney and uro-trauma : WSES-AAST guidelines

Abstract: Renal and urogenital injuries occur in approximately 10-20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Optimal management should take into consideration the anatomic injury, the hemodynamic status, and the associated injuries. The management of urogenital trauma aims to restore homeostasis and normal physiology especially in pediatric patients where non-operative management is considered the gold standard. As with all traumatic conditions, the management of urogenital trauma should be multidisciplinary including urologists, interventional radiologists, and trauma surgeons, as well as emergency and ICU physicians. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney and urogenital trauma management guidelines.

Multi-criteria FUCOM-MAIRCA model for the evaluation of level crossings: case study in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract: A level crossing, as a point of the crossing of road and rail traffic in the same level, is a place of conflicts subject to traffic accidents. In Serbia, the selection of the level crossings to be secured is mostly done based on the media and society pressure, as a result of an increase of the number of accidents at level crossings. In Serbia, there is no defined methodology for the evaluation of level crossings, respectively, for the development of a strategy for making relevant decision. This paper presents the application of a group multi-criteria FUCOM-MAIRCA (Full Consistency Method – Multi Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis) model that supports the process of selecting a level crossing in terms of investing in its security equipment. The FUCOM-MAIRCA multi-criteria model is tested in a case study which included the evaluation of ten level crossings within the railway infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia. The evaluation of the crossings is carried out through the assessment according to seven criteria set out on the basis of representative literature and surveys of experts. Sensitivity test of the FUCOM-MAIRCA model is performed by changing the weight coefficients of criteria and statistically processing the results using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Abstract: Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree injuries are rare in both adult and pediatric trauma patients, and due to their anatomical location, associated injuries are very common. Mortality is primarily related to associated injuries, but morbidity remains high even in isolated injuries. Optimal management of duodeno-bilio-pancreatic injuries is dictated primarily by hemodynamic stability, clinical presentation, and grade of injury. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventions have increased the ability to non-operatively manage these injuries. Late diagnosis and treatment are both associated to increased morbidity and mortality. Sequelae of late presentations of pancreatic injury and complications of severe pancreatic trauma are also increasingly addressed endoscopically and with interventional radiology procedures. However, for moderate and severe extrahepatic biliary and severe duodeno-pancreatic injuries, immediate operative intervention is preferred as associated injuries are frequent and commonly present with hemodynamic instability or peritonitis. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) duodenal, pancreatic, and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma management guidelines.

Multi-criteria FUCOM – Fuzzy MABAC model for the selection of location for construction of single-span bailey bridge

Abstract: Selecting the most favorable location for construction of single-span Bailey bridge is ideal for applying multi-criteria decision making. In that regard, it has been developed a model for selecting the most favorable location. The first part of the model is based on the full consistency method (FUCOM), and it is used for the evaluation of weight coefficients of criteria. The second part of the model presents the fuzzification of the Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) method, which is used in the evaluation of alternatives. Additionally, in the paper are presented basic criteria, based on which the selection is to be made

A Game Theoretic Approach for Privacy Preserving Model in IoT-Based Transportation

Abstract: Internet of Things applications using sensors and actuators raise new privacy related threats, such as drivers and vehicles tracking and profiling. These threats can be addressed by developing adaptive and context-aware privacy protection solutions to face the environmental constraints (memory, energy, communication channel, and so on), which cause a number of limitations for applying cryptographic schemes. This paper proposes a privacy preserving solution in ITS context relying on a game theory model between two actors (data holder and data requester) using an incentive motivation against a privacy concession or leading an active attack. We describe the game elements (actors, roles, states, strategies, and transitions) and find an equilibrium point reaching a compromise between privacy concessions and incentive motivation. Finally, we present numerical results to analyze and evaluate the theoretical formulation of the proposed game theory-based model.

Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Constitution of the Crude, Phenolic-Rich Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa, Brassica oleracea and Beta vulgaris.

Abstract: Crude, phenolic-rich extracts (CPREs) were isolated from different sources, such as Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa), Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra (B. oleracea) and Beta vulgaris (B. vulgaris) and characterized. These CPREs showed potential antibacterial and antifungal activities. H. sabdariffa CPRE (HCPRE) is the most potent, as it inhibited all tested bacteria and fungi. Total anthocyanins content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated in all three CPREs. H. sabdariffa contained 4.2 mg/100 g TAC, 2000 mg/100 g of TPC and 430 mg/100 g of TFC in a dry weight sample. GC–MS analysis of HCPRE showed 10 different active compounds that have antimicrobial effects against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, especially alcoholic compounds, triazine derivatives and esters. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images of Staphylococcus aureus DSM 1104 and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 43816 treated with HCPRE (50 μg/mL) exhibited signs of asymmetric, wrinkled exterior surfaces, cell deformations and loss of cell shapes; and adherence of lysed cell content led to cell clumping, malformations, blisters, cell depressions and diminished cell numbers. This indicates death of bacterial cells and loss of cell contents. Aspergillus ochraceus EMCC516 (A. ochraceus, when treated with 100 μg/mL of HCPRE showed irregular cell organelles and cell vacuolation.

Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of 7S and 11S Globulins Isolated from Cowpea Seed Protein

Abstract: The present work was carried out to determine the characteristics and antibacterial activity of 7S and 11S globulins isolated from cowpea seed (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). The molecular mass of 7S globulin was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE bands to be of about 132, 129 and 95 kDa corresponding the α/, α and β subunits. The molecular mass of 11S globulin was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE bands to be existed between 28 and 52 kDa corresponding the basic and acidic subunits. The minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of 7S and 11S globulins isolated from cowpea seed were determined against Gram positive bacteria viz: Listeria monocytogenes LMG 10470, Listeria ivanovii FLB 12, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 43816, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 26853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella ATCC 14028 using disc diffusion assay; they were showed to be in the range 10 to 200 µg/mL. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the protein-treated bacteria showed the antibacterial action of 11S globulin against S. typhimurium and P. aeruginosa was manifested by signs of cellular deformation, partial and complete lysis of cell components. Adding 11S globulin at both concentrations 50 and 100 µg/g to minced meat showed considerable decreases in bacterial counts of viable bacteria, psychrotrophs and coliforms compared to controls during 15 days storage at 4 °C, reflecting a promising perspective to use such globulin as a meat bio-preservative.

New multi-criteria LNN WASPAS model for evaluating the work of advisors in the transport of hazardous goods

Abstract: Successfully organizing the transport of hazardous materials and handling them correctly is a very important logistical task that affects both the overall flow of transport and the environment. Safety advisors for the transport of hazardous materials have a very important role to play in the proper and safe development of the transport flow for these materials; their task is primarily to use their knowledge and effort to prevent potential accidents from happening. In this research, a total of 21 safety advisors for the transport of hazardous materials in Serbia are assessed using a new model that integrates Linguistic Neutrosophic Numbers (LNN) and the WASPAS (Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment) method. In this way, two important contributions are made, namely a completely new methodology for assessing the work of advisors and the new LNN WASPAS model, which enriches the field of multi-criteria decision making. The advisors are assessed by seven experts on the basis of nine criteria. After performing a sensitivity analysis on the results, validation of the model is carried out. The results obtained by the LNN WASPAS model are validated by comparing them with the results obtained by LNN extensions of the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution), LNN CODAS (COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment), LNN VIKOR (Multi-criteria Optimization and Compromise Solution) and LNN MABAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison) models. The LNN CODAS, LNN VIKOR and LNN MABAC are also further developed in this study, which is an additional contribution made by the paper. After the sensitivity analysis, the SCC (Spearman Correlation Coefficient) is calculated which confirms the stability of the previously obtained results.

Selection of a location for the development of multimodal logistics center: Application of single-valued neutrosophic MABAC model

Abstract: A logistics center (LC) is unique technological, spatial, organizational and economic unity that brings together different providers and users of logistics services. By selecting the optimal LC location, transport costs are reduced and business performance, competitiveness and profitability are improved. In order to achieve the overall optimum, it is necessary to perform adequate evaluation and selection of the optimal location for the construction of a LC. In this paper is performed the evaluation of potential locations based on new approach in the field of logistics. Weight coefficients of criteria are determined using objective model integrated in Single-Valued Neutrosophic (SVNN) Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) model. In order to determine the stability of the model, the SVNN MABAC model is compared with other representative multi-criteria models. In the final part of the model validation, statistical correlation between the SVNN MABAC model and other proposed approaches (SVNN WASPAS, SVNN VIKOR, SVNN TOPSIS and SVNN CODAS) is performed.

Evaluation of CART, CHAID, and QUEST algorithms: a case study of construction defects in Taiwan

Abstract: The type and number of defects constitute a major indicator of project quality and are thus emphasized in project management. Therefore, it is necessary to explore appropriate tools and methods to ...

Cooperative Q-learning based channel selection for cognitive radio networks

Abstract: This paper deals with the jamming attack which may hinder the cognitive radio from efficiently exploiting the spectrum. We model the problem of channel selection as a Markov decision process. We propose a real-time reinforcement learning algorithm based on Q-learning to pro-actively avoid jammed channels. The proposed algorithm is based on wideband spectrum sensing and a greedy policy to learn an efficient real-time strategy. The learning approach is enhanced through cooperation with the receiving CR node based on its sensing results. The algorithm is evaluated through simulations and real measurements with software defined radio equipment. Both simulations and radio measurements reveal that the presented solution achieves a higher packet success rate compared to the classical fixed channel selection and best channel selection without learning. Results are given for various scenarios and diverse jamming strategies.

Buckling and postbuckling of porous cylindrical shells with functionally graded composite coating under torsion in thermal environment

Abstract: This paper investigates the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of functionally graded porous circular cylindrical shells reinforced by orthogonal stiffeners resting on Pasternak elastic foundations in thermal environment and under torsional load by an analytical approach. Shells are reinforced by closely spaced stringers and rings in which material properties of the shell and the stiffeners are assumed to be continuously graded in the thickness direction. Basing on the classical shell theory with von Karman geometrical nonlinearity and smeared stiffeners technique, the governing equations are derived. Using the Galerkin method with the three-term solution of deflection, the closed form to find critical load and post-buckling response are obtained. The effects of porosity coefficient, material, temperature, dimensional parameters, stiffener and foundation are analyzed.

Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Revisited: Evidence for High-, Mid-, and Low-Frequency Vocabulary Knowledge.

Abstract: The association between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension has been extensively researched. However, modeling the contribution of vocabulary knowledge within different frequency ranges ...

Application of interval valued fuzzy-rough numbers in multi-criteria decision making: The IVFRN-MAIRCA model

Abstract: This paper presents a new approach for the treatment of uncertainty and imprecision based on interval-valued fuzzy-rough numbers (IVFRNs). IVFRNs make decision making possible using only the internal knowledge from the data, using objective indeterminacy without the need to rely on models of assumption. By using IVFRN, instead of subjectively entering external uncertainties, the structure of the given data is used. Taking into account the given assumptions, an original multi-criteria model was developed based upon the IVFR approach. In the multi-criteria model the traditional MAIRCA (Multi-Attribute Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis) method was modified. Testing and validation of the model was carried out by means of a case study in which the selection of the optimal landing operations point for overcoming water obstacles was considered. A sensitivity analysis of the IVFRN MAIRCA model was carried out through 24 scenarios which showed a high degree of stability of the results.

A step-by-step approach to social marketing in energy transition

Abstract: By examining social marketing this articles has featured a step-by step approach for residential behavioural change towards sustainable energy transition. Specifically, this article considers the value-based approach instead of rational information campaigns for behavioural change of energy users. The proposed framework is based on environmental values and designed to transform the selected destructive behaviour into a sustainable one. The framework consist of five steps: (1) selecting the behaviour, (2) user orientation, (3) exchange, (4) marketing mix: elements of intervention, (5) measuring behaviour change. As behavioural change is the final goal of any energy efficiency campaign, it becomes also a starting point and an objective of the rest of the activities in the framework. Second, we suggest using the user orientation concept that divides the society into three groups based on their attitude towards environmental issues, i.e. environmentalist, the environmentally concerned and the disinterested. In the third step we apply the exchange theory; whereas in the step of 'marketing mix' a conceptual combination of six elements for energy transition is reasoned: proposition, cost, communication, communities and partnership. Finally, the fifth step stresses on the measurement of the behavioural change that enables energy transition. The proposed step-by step framework is based on theory and builded on current practice in a field that is analysed in the article.

Financial performance evaluation of seven Indian chemical companies

Abstract: Financial appraises creates a prominent media for giving advice in the expansion, development of any society as well as its role in forbearance and stamina in depletion and recession. Obviously, manufacturing units have a main role in the development and progress of modern India. Indian economic relied on agricultural activities but industries also provide a prominent booster for the economic cycle. The current empirical study investigated the 7 Indian chemical companies in terms of financial aspect using ratio analysis, Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) along with weighing systems of equal weighing, Entropy Shannon and Friedman test as the objective of research during 2010 to 2018. By the way, present research resulted in weighing and ranking of above-named industries in three classes. The weighing systems of Friedman test and Entropy Shannon were revealed a relatively linear scatter plot with no significant differences between values. DEA model had distinguished and classified the efficient companies based on rank values.

Developing the sensitivity of LIME for better machine learning explanation

Abstract: Machine learning systems can provide outstanding results, but their black-box nature means that it’s hard to understand how the conclusion has been reached. Understanding how the results are determined is especially important in military and security contexts due to the importance of the decisions that may be made as a result. In this work, the reliability of LIME (Local Interpretable Model Agnostic Explanations), a method of interpretability, was analyzed and developed. A simple Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model was trained using two classes of images of “gun-wielder” and “non-wielder". The sensitivity of LIME improved when multiple output weights for individual images were averaged and visualized. The resultant averaged images were compared to the individual images to analyze the variability and reliability of the two LIME methods. Without techniques such as those explored in this paper, LIME appears to be unstable because of the simple binary coloring and the ease with which colored regions flip when comparing different analyses. A closer inspection reveals that the significantly weighted regions are consistent, and the lower weighted regions flip states due to inherent randomness of the method. This suggests that improving the weighting methods for explanation techniques, which can then be used in the visualization of the results, is important to improve perceived stability and therefore better enable human interpretation and trust.

Plasma ALU-247, ALU-115, and cfDNA Integrity as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Breast Cancer

Abstract: Diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) by using sensitive and specific biomarkers is necessary. Cell-free DNA is a candidate biomarker in various cancers. Contrasting, shorted uniformed DNA released from apoptotic non-diseased cells, DNA released from malignant cells varies in size. DNA integrity is a ratio between 247 and 115 bp. So, this study was designed to investigate the role of plasma ALU-247, ALU-115, and DNA integrity as possible diagnostic and prognostic markers in BC patients as compared to plasma CA15.3. The concentrations of selected parameters were determined for 40 patients with BC (2 stage I, 31 stage II, 2 stage III, and 5 stage IV) and 10 healthy volunteers by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. The sensitivities of ALU-247, ALU-115, and cfDI as biomarkers for BC were evaluated and compared with CA15.3. Also, disease-free survival and overall survival were estimated. For all parameters, the concentrations in patients were significantly higher than in the control group; association with tumor stage and high sensitivities was observed. The studied parameters failed to predict survival or relapse in BC patients before surgery. Plasma ALU-247, ALU-115, and DNA integrity may prove to have clinical utility in BC diagnosis. Elevated preoperative CA15.3 was shown to be directly related to tumor burden, which may improve its diagnostic capability. Those selected parameters could be effectively used together with plasma CA15.3 for BC screening at early stage. Furthermore, both ALU-247 and ALU-115 seem to be preoperative prognostic markers for BC.

The relationship between insurance and economic growth: evidence from the European Union countries

Abstract: This paper has examined the relationships between insurance and economic growth across the European Union countries which belong to the European Insurance Federation. Using annual data over the per...

The Promise and Pitfalls of Conflict Prediction: Evidence from Colombia and Indonesia

Abstract: Policymakers can take actions to prevent local conflict before it begins, if such violence can be accurately predicted. We examine the two countries with the richest available sub-national data: Colombia and Indonesia. We assemble two decades of finegrained violence data by type, alongside hundreds of annual risk factors. We predict violence one year ahead with a range of machine learning techniques. Models reliably identify persistent, high-violence hot spots. Violence is not simply autoregressive, as detailed histories of disaggregated violence perform best. Rich socio-economic data also substitute well for these histories. Even with such unusually rich data, however, the models poorly predict new outbreaks or escalations of violence. "Best case" scenarios with panel data fall short of workable early-warning systems.

Nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of FG CNTRC shear deformable circular cylindrical shell with temperature-dependent material properties and surrounded on elastic foundations:

Abstract: Based on Reddy’s first-order shear deformation theory, the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of imperfect functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG CNTRC) circular cylindr...

Toward a sustainable supply chain for social credit: learning by experience using single-valued neutrosophic sets and fuzzy cognitive maps

Abstract: Social credit’s goal of fighting poverty and social inequality has meant that this concept has attracted increasing interest, particularly after Muhammad Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. However, studies that have analyzed the supply chain and socio-economic impacts of this type of micro-credit are still extremely rare. Social credit is an issue that needs to be taken seriously because its objectives differ from those of other types of credit, that is, its main goals go beyond profit to embrace additional social concerns. Adopting a process-oriented stance that used single-valued neutrosophic sets and fuzzy cognitive maps, this study sought to develop a cognitive structure that facilitates a deeper understanding of social credit’s supply chain. Group meetings were held with a panel of professional credit analysts. The resulting framework shows that the socio-technical approach applied provides value for those analyzing the cause-and-effect relationships between the supply chain components of social credit. The results thus contribute to fulfilling social credit’s goals of promoting sustainability and improving human lives. The advantages, managerial implications, and limitations of this research are also discussed.

Evaluation of iranian household appliance industries using mcdm models

Abstract: Technology development and maturation in the field of household appliance industries, approach to the initial media and aims of Industry 4.0 are promising scenarios for the future. However, the present cluster study of Iranian Household Appliance Industries (IHAI) empirically seeks the full details of IHAI based on the preliminary studies of both Iranian industries organization and Iranian environment protection agency once in the industry confirmation step and issue the authorities and licenses to stakeholders. Simple Additive Weighing (SAW), Additive Ratio ASsessment (ARAS) and COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment (CODAS) method and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) were employed to classify IHAI based on the main criteria via SPSS and Excel 2013 soft-wares. By the way, the Friedman test and Entropy Shannon weighing systems were also applied to distinguish the values of weights. The findings were revealed three prominent steps to achieve sustainable development purposes, economic estimation and efficiency appraise of industries in the easiest possible situation. Also, by current study IHAI were classified by a ranking system of DEA, in terms of efficiency score.