Numerical Solutions of the Mathematical Models on the Digestive System and COVID-19 Pandemic by Hermite Wavelet Technique

This article developed a functional integration matrix via the Hermite wavelets and proposed a novel technique called the Hermite wavelet collocation method (HWM). Here, we studied two models: the coupled system of an ordinary differential equation (ODE) is modeled on the digestive system by considering different parameters such as sleep factor, tension, food rate, death rate, and medicine. Here, we discussed how these parameters influence the digestive system and showed them through figures and tables. Another fractional model is used on the COVID-19 pandemic. This model is defined by a system of fractional-ODEs including five variables, called S (susceptible), E (exposed), I (infected), Q (quarantined), and R (recovered). The proposed wavelet technique investigates these two models. Here, we express the modeled equation in terms of the Hermite wavelets along with the collocation scheme. Then, using the properties of wavelets, we convert the modeled equation into a system of algebraic equations. We use the Newton–Raphson method to solve these nonlinear algebraic equations. The obtained results are compared with numerical solutions and the Runge–Kutta method (R–K method), which is expressed through tables and graphs. The HWM computational time (consumes less time) is better than that of the R–K method.

Developing islamic values-based biology smart cards for the eleventh-grade students of special school

Students with special needs require specific education services different from other students in general. This research aims to develop Islamic value-based biology smart cards media for students with hearing and visual impairments. Furthermore, this research also seeks to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed learning media in improving students' learning motivation. This research employed the research and development method (R & D) with the development procedure proposed by Borg and Gall, which consists of nine stages. The research involved three experts in validating the product: a media expert, a material expert, and a language expert. Ten students with hearing impairment and ten students with visual impairment were selected as the research subjects. The validation findings from media experts are 98.5 percent, material experts' validation results are 97.32 percent, and linguists' validation results are 98.12 percent. The findings of the paired sample t-test were 0.00 < 0.05. As a result of the product trial, it can be determined that the developed Islamic value-based biology smart card media are feasible and effective in enhancing eleventh-grade special school students' motivation with hearing and visual impairments.

Development Student Worksheet Based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Matrix Materials for Class XI

This study aims to determine the validity of PBL-based worksheets on the XI class matrix material. The type of research used is the research and development method (R & D). This research stage will be based on the ADDIE development stage which consists of the analysis, design, and development stages. The instrument used in this research is the LKPD validation sheet, and the data obtained will be processed descriptively. From the research results, it is known that the results of the LKPD validation are 87.92% with a very valid category. Based on the final results of this study, the Problem Based Learning (PBL) Worksheet on Class XI Matrix Material is very valid.

Comparison of Methods to Estimate Splenic Volume in Myelofibrosis Trials

Primary myelofibrosis (PM) is a chronic blood cancer which increases burden on the spleen to produce blood cells and results in palpable splenomegaly. In the clinic, splenomegaly is classified based on the distance between the spleen's lowest point and the left costal margin, however, this method is highly subjective and depends on the subject's position and respiration. Imaging techniques have the potential to provide accurate, reliable, and reproducible measurements of splenic volume (SV). In clinical trials assessing therapy response, an accepted imaging-based endpoint is ≥35% reduction in SV at week 24 from baseline as measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computer Tomography (CT). A ≥25% increase in SV is typically considered progression. The most accurate method for volume assessment is manual segmentation, since the entire spleen boundary can be utilized for the volume calculation. This study compared two other volume estimation methods: ellipsoid method and a model proposed by Bezerra et al (AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005). We compared the methods' performance in assessing treatment response or progression based on SV change from baseline to week 24. Imaging data from 30 participants were used in this study, predominantly acquired using MRI modality; CT was used as an alternative, when MRI was contraindicated. Scans from two timepoints per participant were used: baseline and 24 weeks after start of treatment. For the manual segmentation method, preliminary regions of interest were manually outlined on every imaging slice by an experienced imaging analyst and then reviewed by a trained radiologist. SV was derived by multiplying the number of voxels contained in the spleen outlined by the voxel size of the scan. For the ellipsoid method, maximum width (W) and orthogonal thickness (T) were measured on the axial images. Length (L) was measured by multiplying the number of slices containing spleen by the slice interval. Ellipsoid volume was calculated as follows: V = W * T * L * π / 6 For the length-estimated SV based on the Bezerra et al model, spleen length was utilized as shown: V = (L - 5.8006) / 0.0126 For each of the three methods, percent change in SV was calculated from baseline to week 24. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland Altman analysis were implemented for comparison of methods to manual segmentation. Sensitivity and specificity analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of each method to predict response or progression. The manual segmentation volume was significantly correlated with both the ellipsoid method (r(58) = 0.94, p &lt; 0.0001) and the length-estimated method (r(58) = 0.89, p &lt; 0.0001). When assessing percent changes from baseline to week 24 using manual segmentation, 4 of the participants achieved splenic response and 4 progressed with 25% increase in SV. However, analysis using ellipsoid method yielded 3 responding and 2 progressing participants. Finally, analysis with length-estimated volume yielded no responding or progressing participants. This data is also illustrated in Table 1, which shows the sensitivity and specificity results. Figure 1 illustrates Bland-Altman plots, suggesting that ellipsoid method provides a more accurate estimation of the change in SV compared to length-estimated volume. Furthermore, we found that the inaccuracy with length-estimated volume increases with larger spleens (not shown). Change in spleen volume contributes to the primary/ secondary endpoints in large multi-center clinical trials for myelofibrosis, so it is imperative that the methods used to measure SV are consistent across imaging sites. The current standard for assessing SV is the manual segmentation method because it provides the most comprehensive measurement of spleen size however, this process is burdensome, time consuming, and requires specific training. The ellipsoid and length-estimated methods were strongly correlated with the manual segmentation method; however, they were not as sensitive when determining treatment response or progression. The length-estimated method had the least level of agreement with manual segmentation. The ellipsoid method may be a better alternative; however, it is important to use one method consistently across all visits for a study participant. Additional work is required to test performance of methods on a larger cohort, as well as assess automated segmentation algorithms that may reduce the burden of manual tracing. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Development of Batak and Malay Batik Motif Stilation in Improving the Creative Industry in Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to determine the stylization of Batak and Malay batik motifs by developing the shape of a typical Batak batik motif with a typical Malay batik motif and to determine the process of developing a Batak and Malay batik motif design. The target of the research is to create and produce designs of stylized Batak and Malay batik motifs and to conduct batik trials on fabrics with motifs that have been developed, so as to produce textile products in the form of a blend of batik cloth between two tribes in North Sumatra. The research method used is the development research method (R&D). The research model is the IDI (instructional, development, Institute) development model, which includes three stages: define, develop, evaluate. The define stage includes: identifying problems, needs analysis, motive characteristic analysis, design concept analysis. The develop stage includes: development of motif designs and validation of product results by experts (validators). The results showed that Batak and Malay batik products deserve to be developed as a creative industry. The first validation gave a score of 0.89, the second validation got a score of 0.86 and the third validation obtained a score of 0.94. The average value of the validation results is 0.89, so the results of research on the development of stylized Batak and Malay batik motifs are included in the appropriate category and can improve the creative industry in Indonesian.

Determining soil particle-size distribution from infrared spectra using machine learning predictions: Methodology and modeling

Accuracy of infrared (IR) models to measure soil particle-size distribution (PSD) depends on soil preparation, methodology (sedimentation, laser), settling times and relevant soil features. Compositional soil data may require log ratio (ilr) transformation to avoid numerical biases. Machine learning can relate numerous independent variables that may impact on NIR spectra to assess particle-size distribution. Our objective was to reach high IRS prediction accuracy across a large range of PSD methods and soil properties. A total of 1298 soil samples from eastern Canada were IR-scanned. Spectra were processed by Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB) to predict sand, silt, clay and carbon. Slope and intercept of the log-log relationships between settling time and suspension density function (SDF) (R2 = 0.84–0.92) performed similarly to NIR spectra using either ilr-transformed (R2 = 0.81–0.93) or raw percentages (R2 = 0.76–0.94). Settling times of 0.67-min and 2-h were the most accurate for NIR predictions (R2 = 0.49–0.79). The NIR prediction of sand sieving method (R2 = 0.66) was more accurate than sedimentation method(R2 = 0.53). The NIR 2X gain was less accurate (R2 = 0.69–0.92) than 4X (R2 = 0.87–0.95). The MIR (R2 = 0.45–0.80) performed better than NIR (R2 = 0.40–0.71) spectra. Adding soil carbon, reconstituted bulk density, pH, red-green-blue color, oxalate and Mehlich3 extracts returned R2 value of 0.86–0.91 for texture prediction. In addition to slope and intercept of the SDF, 4X gain, method and pre-treatment classes, soil carbon and color appeared to be promising features for routine SGB-processed NIR particle-size analysis. Machine learning methods support cost-effective soil texture NIR analysis.

Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: criterion concurrent validity of classic and novel measurements

Background Limitations in spinal mobility are a characteristic feature of Axial Spondyloarthritis. Current clinical measurements of spinal mobility have shown low criterion-concurrent validity. This study sought to evaluate criterion-concurrent validity for a clinically feasible measurement method of measuring spine mobility using tri-axial accelerometers. Methods Fifteen radiographic-Spondyloarthritis patients were recruited for this study. Two postural reference radiographs, followed by three trials in forward, left and right lateral bending were taken. For all trials, three measurements were collected: tape (Original Schober’s, Modified Schober’s, Modified-Modified Schober’s, Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test), followed immediately by synchronized radiograph and accelerometer measurements at end range of forward and bilateral lateral flexion. The criterion-concurrent validity of all measurement methods was compared to the radiographic measures using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. A Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to assess agreement. Results In forward bending, the accelerometer method (r = 0.590, p = 0.010) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measures than all tape measures. In lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion tape measure (r = 0.743, p = 0.001) correlated stronger than the accelerometer method (r = 0.556, p = 0.016). The Domjan test of bilateral bending (r = 0.708, p = 0.002) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measure than the accelerometer method. Conclusions Accelerometer measures demonstrated superior criterion-concurrent validity compared to current tape measures of spinal mobility in forward bending. While a moderate correlation exists between accelerometer and radiographs in lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test were found to have the best criterion-concurrent validity of all tests examined in this study.

Modeling to predict thermal aging for flame-retardant fabrics considering thermal stability under fire exposure

The performance of firefighters’ clothing will deteriorate due to various exposures. Predicting its service life before decommissioning is essential to guide the use and maintenance of the uniform. The aim of this study is to introduce a model to predict the tensile strength of flame-retardant fabrics under fire exposure. The thermal degradation and microstructure of Kevlar/polybenzimidazole and polyimide/Kevlar fabrics were investigated. The decrease of tensile strength was attributed to the chemical changes and the development of microstructure cracks and charring of the fibers. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were established to predict the tensile strength after thermal aging. The ANN model presented a better prediction result ( R2 = 0.88, root mean square error (RMSE) = 96.91) than the MLR method ( R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 138.61). The addition of fabric backside temperature ( T), glass transition temperature ( Tg), and degradation temperature ( Td) further increased the R2 (4%) and decreased the RMSE (14.99) of the ANN model, which was recommended as a prediction approach with better accuracy. The findings of this study will contribute to estimating the continuous performance of firefighting clothing.

Spectrophotometric method for evaluating proteolysis in cheeses and aromatic additives with a cheesy taste

The spectrophotometric method for measuring protein content can be used to evaluate the degree of proteolysis in cheeses. At a wavelength of 280 nm, tryptophan and tyrosine are absorbed, a high amount of them is found in casein, the main protein of cheese mass. It was found that the value of the absorbance coefficient of the solution of proteins extracted from flavoring additives with cheese flavor (FA) and cheeses depends on the degree of proteolysis of proteins in the cheese mass and differs in FA and different types of cheeses. The highest absorbance coefficient is observed in the FA samples A1%1cm = 10.30, in which from 65 to 81% of the protein is converted into a soluble state. In cheeses, the degree of proteolysis is from 23 to 33%, and the absorbance coefficient of solution is from 1.1 to 2.4 (with the exception of Cheddar cheese), which indicates an incomplete transition of amino acids absorbing radiation at 280 nm into the extract released from cheeses. Using the spectrophotometric method, the results of measuring the content of soluble protein in cheeses and FA, strictly correlating with the results achieved by the Kjeldahl method (R2 > 0.81), can be obtained. To get reliable results of evaluating the content of water-soluble protein in cheeses, it is necessary to carry out measurements on a sample of cheeses belonging to the same species group, having the same specificity of proteolysis and slightly different absorbance coefficient between samples within the instance.

Automatic validation of the gantry tilt in a computed tomography scanner using a head polymethyl methacrylate phantom

The purpose of this study was to develop an automatic method for validating the computed tomography gantry tilt. A head polymethyl methacrylate phantom with a diameter of 16 cm was used. Gantry tilt angles were measured both manually and automatically. Manual measurements were performed by measuring the length of the anteroposterior and lateral diameters from acquired images using electronic calipers. Automatic measurements consisted of a number of steps: phantom segmentation, determination of the center of the phantom, measurement of the anteroposterior and lateral diameters, and computation of the gantry tilt angle. The method was implemented on the gantry angles from 0° to 15°. The proposed method of measuring gantry angles produced accurate gantry tilt angles. The differences with the angles displayed on the gantry were less than 1°. The results of the automatic method were the same as those of the manual method (R2 > 0.98).