Coherent state quantization of paragrassmann algebras

By using a coherent state quantization of paragrassmann variables, operators are constructed in finite Hilbert spaces. We thus obtain in a straightforward way a matrix representation of the paragrassmann algebra. This algebra of finite matrices realizes a deformed Weyl-Heisenberg algebra. The study of mean values in coherent states of some of these operators lead to interesting conclusions.Comment: We provide an erratum where we improve upon our previous definition of odd paragrassmann algebra

Neurophysiological markers predicting recovery of standing in humans with chronic motor complete spinal cord injury

The appropriate selection of individual-specific spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) parameters is crucial to re-enable independent standing with self-assistance for balance in individuals with chronic, motor complete spinal cord injury, which is a key achievement toward the recovery of functional mobility. To date, there are no available algorithms that contribute to the selection of scES parameters for facilitating standing in this population. Here, we introduce a novel framework for EMG data processing that implements spectral analysis by continuous wavelet transform and machine learning methods for characterizing epidural stimulation-promoted EMG activity resulting in independent standing. Analysis of standing data collected from eleven motor complete research participants revealed that independent standing was promoted by EMG activity characterized by lower median frequency, lower variability of median frequency, lower variability of activation pattern, lower variability of instantaneous maximum power, and higher total power. Additionally, the high classification accuracy of assisted and independent standing allowed the development of a prediction algorithm that can provide feedback on the effectiveness of muscle-specific activation for standing promoted by the tested scES parameters. This framework can support researchers and clinicians during the process of selection of epidural stimulation parameters for standing motor rehabilitation

Blockchain Technology for Viable Circular Digital Supply Chains: An Integrated Approach for Evaluating the Implementation Barriers

Blockchain technology (BT) is creating a new standard for all business operations. It can assist businesses in handling the complexity of circular digital supply chain management. Despite this optimistic view, several barriers hinder its implementation. In this regard, this study contributes to Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, the viability with a critical emphasis on its potential ramifications and influence on the future agenda while using BT technology in supply chain (SC). In addition, the research reduces the knowledge gap by investigating and ranking the key barriers to the deployment of BT in viable circular digital supply chains (VCDSCs) and studies their interdependencies and causal relationships. The barriers to BT adoption in VCDSC are identified through a thorough literature review and considering viability performance. These barriers are then classified using the AHP method. DEMATEL is then employed to examine the cause/effect, correlation, and connection among the 14 barriers selected barriers from the AHP classification to estimate each barrier's overall degree of impact over the others. This paper identifies and analyses the BT adoption barriers in VCDSC as well as examines how the key barriers interact. As a result, according to the AHP/DEMATEL method, the most prominent influencing barriers to the BT implementation in VCDSC are “Data transparency”, “Market competition”, “Missing infrastructure”, “Lack of standardization”, “Complex protocol”, “Lack of industry involvement”, “Financial constraints”, “Missing infrastructure”, “Data transparency” and “Interoperability”. The outcomes offer a potential path for identifying important barriers as well as insight into the implementation of BT in SC while integrating different capabilities such as viability, sustainability, and circular economy principles. Managers and researchers will benefit from this research by gaining an understanding of the challenges that must be prioritized and examined for BT to be implemented successfully in VCDSC. The use and implementation of Blockchain-enabled VCDSC continue to face challenges despite an increase in relevant practice and research. Despite the benefits of blockchain technology, managers struggle to apply such technology in the context of their company. In this respect, this paper uses an integrated AHP-DEMATEL for categorizing the BT barriers as well as the interrelationship between them. In this respect, this paper presents a The BT barriers studied are those related to the use of BT in SC while integrating different paradigms such as viability, digitalization, and circular economy. While many studies look at the barriers to BT adoption, none of them has ever included the viable capability, which means the ability to "react agilely to positive changes, be resilient to absorb negative events and re-cover after disruptions and survive at long-term periods". The study concludes with insightful comments based on the findings and suggestions for eradicating those obstacles and their associated effects

Towards responsible conflict minerals supply chain management: A systematic literature review and a supply chain governance framework

Abstract Purpose –Literature on conflict minerals supply chain management issues has witnessed a significant surge during the last decade. The authors review how CM research addressed supply chain issues over the last decades and present a critical assessment of such literature based on supply chain governance theory. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review approach was adopted and a sample of 122 papers was identified in relevant journals. A descriptive, thematic and content analysis of the papers is presented to delineate the structure and the main research clusters of the literature. Findings – The authors provide a comprehensive assessment of CMSC literature and identify four main research clusters. Most research has focused on operational practices and adopted a fragmented approach to CMSC issues. Accordingly, the authors provide research propositions related to under-explored aspects in extant literature. Implications – This study has a number of implications. Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of specific CMSC issues have been addressed in current literature, and how responsible CMSC actions can be implemented. Originality/value – This study is one of the first literature reviews of publications on CMSC from a supply chain governance perspective. This review presents an overarching map of CMSC literature and a series of propositions to inform future research. Keywords –conflict minerals, literature review, supply chain due diligence, responsible supply chain management, supply chain governance, conflict resources

A novel computer-aided diagnosis system for the early detection of hypertension based on cerebrovascular alterations

© 2019 The Authors Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality in the USA. While simple tools such as the sphygmomanometer are widely used to diagnose hypertension, they could not predict the disease before its onset. Clinical studies suggest that alterations in the structure of human brains’ cerebrovasculature start to develop years before the onset of hypertension. In this research, we present a novel computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for the early detection of hypertension. The proposed CAD system analyzes magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data of human brains to detect and track the cerebral vascular alterations and this is achieved using the following steps: i) MRA data are preprocessed to eliminate noise effects, correct the bias field effect, reduce the contrast inhomogeneity using the generalized Gauss-Markov random field (GGMRF) model, and normalize the MRA data, ii) the cerebral vascular tree of each MRA volume is segmented using a 3-D convolutional neural network (3D-CNN), iii) cerebral features in terms of diameters and tortuosity of blood vessels are estimated and used to construct feature vectors, iv) feature vectors are then used to train and test various artificial neural networks to classify data into two classes; normal and hypertensive. A balanced data set of 66 subjects were used to test the CAD system. Experimental results reported a classification accuracy of 90.9% which supports the efficacy of the CAD system components to accurately model and discriminate between normal and hypertensive subjects. Clinicians would benefit from the proposed CAD system to detect and track cerebral vascular alterations over time for people with high potential of developing hypertension and to prepare appropriate treatment plans to mitigate adverse events

The effect of platelet‐rich plasma as a scaffold in regeneration/revitalization endodontics of immature permanent teeth assessed using 2‐dimensional radiographs and cone beam computed tomography: a randomized controlled trial

Aim: To assess the outcomes of platelet‐rich plasma as a scaffold in regenerative/revitalization endodontics (RET) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 2‐dimensional radiographs. Methodology: Twenty‐six healthy patients with mean age of 12.66 ± 4.47, and immature permanent anterior teeth with necrotic pulps, were randomly allocated to two groups, whereby RET was performed using platelet‐rich plasma (PRP, test group) and blood clot (BLC, control group). Changes in root length (RL), root dentinal thickness (RDT), apical foramen width (AFW) and radiographic root area (RRA), were assessed using both radiographic methods, whilst changes in periapical area diameter (PAD) were assessed using CBCT, over a period of 12 months. T ‐test and chi‐square/Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare continuous and categorical data between BLC and PRP groups, respectively. Changes in RL, RDT, AFW, RRA and PAD were examined by comparing the two groups (PRP versus BLC) using multilevel modelling, considering the clustering effect of repeated measures of several teeth originating from the same participant. Results: Changes in RL, RDT, AFW, RRA and PAD, over time, were found to be significant for both groups. There was, however, no difference between the RET techniques (PRP versus BLC), using both radiographic and CBCT methods. The results of both assessment techniques (CBCT and 2‐dimensional radiographic methods) were highly consistent (overall ICC ranged between 0.80 and 0.94). In addition, a significant effect of baseline PAD was found on RL, RRA and AD at 12 months (RL effect = −0.68, P < 0.001; RRA effect = −1.91, P = 0.025; AD effect = 0.08, P = 0.024). Conclusion: The current study highlights successful and comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes of RET techniques using PRP and BLC. Standardized and calibrated 2‐dimensional radiographic assessment was as effective as CBCT in assessing RET outcomes; therefore, the routine use of CBCT in RET is not recommended. Although an effect of baseline periapical lesion diameter on root development outcomes, at 12 months, were observed, more studies are recommended in order to assess such an effect

On the construction of generalized Grassmann representatives of state vectors

Generalized $Z_k$-graded Grassmann variables are used to label coherent states related to the nilpotent representation of the q-oscillator of Biedenharn and Macfarlane when the deformation parameter is a root of unity. These states are then used to construct generalized Grassmann representatives of state vectors.Comment: 8 page

Advances in MetaDL: AAAI 2021 Challenge and Workshop

Algorithms and the Foundations of Software technolog

Isolation and Identification Studies on Potential Xylanase Producing Strain Trichoderma sp. WICC F46 Isolated from Tropical Soil

Trichoderma is one of few fungal species of high potential application as bio factory for xylanase production. During last few years increased demand have been observed on the need to isolate high efficient strains from soil sample and to use different microbiological and bioprocess engineering approaches to increase the production yield. In this work, efficient xylanase producer strain was isolated from soil and fully identified using phylogeny analysis. In order to develop an efficient submerged medium for xylanase production, media screening was carried out followed by optimization using one factor at a time (OFAT) method. After optimization of medium composition, the maximal xylanase volumetric production reached 311.71 UmL-1. This medium was composed of corn cob, peptone, magnesium sulphate, calcium chloride, and ammonium sulphate