Federated Learning Model for Auto Insurance Rate Setting Based on Tweedie Distribution

In the assessment of car insurance claims,the claim rate for car insurance presents a highly skewed probability distribution,which is typically modeled using Tweedie distribution.The traditional approach to obtaining the Tweedie regression model involves training on a centralized dataset,when the data is provided by multiple parties,training a privacy-preserving Tweedie regression model without exchanging raw data becomes a challenge.To address this issue,this study introduces a novel vertical federated learning-based Tweedie regression algorithm for multi-party auto insurance rate setting in data silos.The algorithm can keep sensitive data locally and uses privacy-preserving techniques to achieve intersection operations between the two parties holding the data.After determining which entities are shared,the participants train the model locally using the shared entity data to obtain the local generalized linear model intermediate parameters.The homomorphic encryption algorithms are introduced to interact with and update the model intermediate parameters to collaboratively complete the joint training of the car insurance rate-setting model.Performance tests on two publicly available datasets show that the proposed federated Tweedie regression algorithm can effectively generate Tweedie regression models that leverage the value of data fromboth partieswithout exchanging data.The assessment results of the scheme approach those of the Tweedie regressionmodel learned fromcentralized data,and outperformthe Tweedie regressionmodel learned independently by a single party.

Influence of Blended Course Teaching Reform on Student Satisfaction

With the rapid development of information technology in contemporary times,the blended teaching mode that blends online and offline courses has become an international trend in higher education.Taking blended tourism management courses at Chongqing Three Gorges University as an example,we explored the impact of such teaching reform on student satisfaction based on the SERVPERF model.Empirical analysis of 179 valid questionnaires revealed that five elements of the reform,namely,reliability,assurance,valuableness,responsiveness,and empathy,have a significant positive impact on students’learning satisfaction.Specifically,in the context of blended courses,factors such as a stable and reliable teaching environment,comprehensively guaranteed educational conditions,teaching content that highly aligns with students’demands and value expectations,prompt responses to students’needs and feedback,and empathetic consideration of students’perspectives are critical for enhancing student satisfaction.Based on these conclusions,we propose several strategies and methods for improving the effectiveness of blended teaching in the hope of propelling its continuous improvement and optimization,thus further elevating the quality of higher education.

Arterial Hypertension-Related Factors within Custodial Settings of Southern Benin in 2023

Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general population, further research is needed to understand the reality of hypertension within the custodial setting. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with arterial hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study held in prisons in southern Benin from March to April 2023, involving inmates selected by two-stage random sampling. In the first stage, four prisons out of the six in the southern region of Benin were selected by simple random sampling. In the second stage, the prisoners were selected by systematic random sampling, with the sampling frame being the numbered list of eligible prisoners in each prison selected. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight was defined by a body mass index (weight/height2 (kg/m2) ≥ 25. Factors associated with hypertension were identified by multiple logistic regression, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Altogether 336 inmates aged 37.55 ± 1.72 years were surveyed. The prevalence of hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023 was 31.32% (95% CI [17.06;52.57]). Associated factors were inmate age (ORa = 3.36 95% CI: [1.94;5.85]) and abnormal waist circumference (ORa = 2.61 95% CI [1.27;5.40]). Conclusion: The prevalence of arterial hypertension in prisons of southern Benin (31.32%) is high when compared with the national average (25.9% (22.5-29.3)). The ministries of the Interior and Health need to collaborate to involve inmates in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.

Development of a High Early Strength Non-fuorine and Non-alkaline Flash Setting Admixture and Flash Mechanism

To solve the problems of high rebound rate and strength reversion of shotcrete,a non-fluorine and non-alkaline liquid flash setting admixture(FSN)with low rebound and high early strength was synthesized under 60-65℃water bath environment through orthogonal test design and taking setting time and compressive strength as indicators.The experimental results show that the optimum mass ratio of FSN is aluminum sulfate:diethanolamine:triethanolamine:pseudo-boehmite:lithium carbonate:water=57%:8%:0.05%:2%:2%:31%.When FSN is added with 7%of the mass of portland cement,the cement paste can be initially set in 3 min and finally set in 5 min.The compressive strength of mortar is 1.2 MPa at 6 h,18.0 MPa at 1 d,and more than 100%at 28 days;The microscopic analysis shows that the rapid release of Li^(+),NH^(4+),and CO_(3)^(2-)ions by FSN in the paste solution effectively shortens the induction period of high C_(3)S content in Portland cement,directly forms early coagulation AFt crystals in FSN and CH dominated by Al_(2)(SO_(4))_(3),and forms a large number of C-S-H gels in the later stage,so that the cement can quickly coagulate and harden,and the strength in the later stage is not retracted.

Prospective randomized study to evaluate and compare the post-procedural sexual function in patients undergoing semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones in three different operating room settings

Objective:To evaluate and compare the effect of semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy on post-procedural sexual function with three different operating room settings.Methods:In this prospective randomized study,consecutive sexually active patients with normal pre-operative sexual function undergoing uncomplicated semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones were randomized into three groups,with three different operating room settings.Procedure-related anxiety and sexual function were assessed pre-operatively using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale and Brief Sexual Function Inventory(in males)and Female Sexual Function Index-6(in females),respectively.All the participants were stented following the procedure,and the stent was removed after 3 weeks.Post-procedural sexual function and general discomfort were assessed and compared between three groups at 1 week,3 weeks,and 12 weeks.The effect of surgery-related anxiety,preoperative sexual function,age,and general discomfort(including stent-related discomfort)on post-procedural sexual function were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Totally,327 eligible patients were randomized into three groups.The group of patients who underwent the procedural with a screen separating the operating area from the patient vision,while the patient could watch the endoscopy through a separate monitor,had better post-procedural sexual function compared to those who had total vision of the operating area as well as to those whose eyes were blocked.This difference was statistically significant.This post-procedural reduction in sexual function could not be attributed to in situ stent alone.Conclusions:Our study showed that semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy can have significant negative effect on sexual function,which can be reduced with proper preoperative counseling and an ideal operating room settings.

Watson-Jones Anatomical Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures without Image Intensifier in a Low-Resource Setting

Introduction: Standard procedures for surgical fixation of proximal femoral fractures (PFF) require an image intensifier which in developing countries remains a luxury. We hypothesized that, with a well-codified technique, the Watson Jones approach (WJA) without image intensifier nor traction table, can allow open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of PFF using Dynamic hip screw (DHS), with satisfactory outcome. Patients and methods: Forty one consecutive patients (mean age 59.5 ± 21.6 years, 61% males) who were followed in a Teaching Hospital for PFF treated by ORIF using the WJA and DHS from January 2016 to December 2020 were reassessed. The outcome measures were the quality of the reduction, the positioning of the implants, the tip-apex distance (TAD), the rate and delay of consolidation, the functional results using Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score, the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) and the overall mortality. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mechanical failure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33.8 ± 15.0 months. Fracture reduction was good in 31 (75.6%) cases and acceptable in 8(19.5%) cases. Implant position was fair to good in 37 (90.2%) patients. The mean TAD was 26.1 ± 3.9 mm. Three patients developed SSI. Consolidation was achieved in 38 (92.6%) patients. The functional results were good to excellent in 80.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 7.3%. There were an association between mechanical failure and osteoporosis (p = 0.04), fracture reduction (p = 0.003), and TAD (p = 0.025). In multivariate logistic regression, no independent factors were predictive of mechanical failure. Conclusion: This study shows that ORIF using DHS for PFF via the Watson-Jones approach without an image intensifier can give satisfactory anatomical and functional outcomes in low-resource settings. It provides and validates a reliable and reproducible technique that deserves to be diffused to surgeons in austere areas over the world.

Curriculum Ideological and Political Teaching and Practice of Study Tour Course Design in Higher Vocational Colleges: A Case Study of Qingdao Preschool Education College

Curriculum ideology and politics are critical for colleges and universities to fulfill theirfundamental mission of fostering moral and intellectual development. Within this framework, professionalcourses serve as the primary vehicles for integrating ideological and political education. Specifically, inthe field of study tours, the Study Tour Course Design emerges as a pivotal component for actualizingthe educational objectives of such programs. To construct a robust ideological and political curriculum,it is essential to devise a comprehensive system that aligns with professional teaching standards, industrybenchmarks, and vocational skill requirements. This involves a thorough exploration of ideologicaland political elements within the curriculum, ensuring their seamless integration throughout the coursedevelopment process.

Age and geochemical evolution of granite magmatism in Olkhon region from Caledonian syncollisional ore-free granite to the rare metal granite and pegmatite of Middle Paleozoic intraplate setting

The detailed description of two granite complexes in the Olkhon subterrane is given.The Early Paleozoic Sharanur complex was formed by granitization of gneisses of the Olkhon series.It includes migmatites,granite-gneisses,granites and pegmatites of normal alkalinity;they belong to the type of syncollisional granites.The Middle Paleozoic Aya granite complex includes mother Aya massif of amazonite-bearing granites and several types of rare-metal pegmatites.They have elevated alkalinity,low of Ba,Sr,and high LILE and HFSE elements contents.The Aya pegmatites lie in northwest cracks of stretching and associated with the rise of the territory under the influence of the North Asian plume.These cracks and pegmatites mark the beginning of a new intraplate geodynamic setting.Two geochemical types are distinguished among the pegmatites of this complex.These are amazonite pegmatites of Li-F type with Ta mineralization and complex type pegmatite with Be-Rb-Nb-Ta and Li-F mineralization(the Ilixin vein).The Tashkiney pegmatite vein is similar to Ilixin,but lies in the gneisses of the Olkhon series.It shows high concentrations of Be,Nb,Ta,as well as W,Sn,but lacks Li and F,due to a greater depth and higher temperature of the melt crystallization of this pegmatite.

Granulometric and Mineralogical Characterization of the Sands of the Middle Course of the Kasai River (Territory of Ilebo, Province of Kasai/DR Congo)

The sand bars, in perpetual transformation, observable in the middle course of the Kasai river on the section between the city of Ilebo (pk605) to the confluence of the Loange river (pk525), pose enormous navigability problems. This may be dependent on hydrosedimentological characteristics of the Kasai River. This abundance of sand thus conditions the morphology of the middle course of the Kasai River in the section under our study. It therefore constitutes sedimentary navigation obstacles. The objective of this study is the granulometric and mineralogical characterization of the bar sands of the Kasai River in this study section. Particle size analyzes reveal these are moderately well classified to well classified unimodal sands (Classification coefficient between 1.29 to 1.742) largely presenting grain size symmetry and rarely fine asymmetry (Asymmetry coefficient—Skewness between −0.197 to 0.069) with mesorkurtic and rarely leptokurtic and platykurtic acuity (Angulosity coefficient—Kurtosis between 0.814 to 1.323). All these parameters evolve in sawtooth patterns from upstream to downstream. And then, an automated mineralogical analysis of the sands of the Kasaï River using a Qemscan FEG Quanta 650 made it possible to determine a very varied mineralogical procession with a sawtooth evolution. It is largely dominated by quartz (between 93.73% and 99.07%), followed by calcite (0.01% - 2.66%), iron oxides (0.01% - 1.88%), orthoclase (0.04% - 0.99%), plagioclase (0.01% - 0.75%) and Kaolinite (0.18% - 0.71%). Finally, this mineralogical procession is characterized by a group of minerals which do not reach the threshold of 0.55% such as: illite, apatite, ilmenite, muscovite, chlorite, biotite, montmorillonite, rutile, pyrophyllite, siderite, zircon and dolomite. The evolution of the mineralogical procession of the sands of the bars is not as clear as in the case of particle size parameters.

On the Teaching Design of Graduates’EAP Course:Enhancing Language Proficiency and Critical Thinking Skills

This paper explores the integration of the bridge-in,objectives,pre-assessment,participatory activities,post-assessment and summary(BOPPPS)teaching model within the context of the post-graduates Academic English course.It discusses how this structured approach can effectively enhance students’language proficiency,foster critical thinking skills,and align with the multifaceted objectives of advanced English language education.The study provides a detailed examination of each BOPPPS component as applied to the post-graduates Academic English curriculum,supported by theoretical underpinnings and practical implications.

Value and Measures of Integrating Local Red Culture into the Ideological and Political Course of Environmental Disciplines under the OBE Concept

Based on output-oriented education,the OBE(Outcome-Based Education)concept integrates local red culture into the ideological and political course of environmental disciplines,and is an important part of training applied talents of environmental disciplines in the new era.This educational model makes an innovation on the traditional educational and teaching concepts and centers on students.This paper analyzes the value of integrating local red culture into the ideological and political course under the OBE concept,and puts forward an effective implementation path.

Significance of“Printing English”in the Curriculum Setting of Business English Majors(Publishing Direction)

With the development of the global economy and the quick growth of international exchanges,Business English major plays an increasingly important role in higher education.The training goal of Business English major(publishing direction)has gradually shifted from the improvement of studentslanguage abilities to the cultivation of more specialized business knowledge and publishing skills.As an important course for Business English majors(publishing direction),Printing English is of great significance for cultivating studentsprofessional quality,professional competitiveness,career development,and practical ability.From the perspective of curriculum setting,it is necessary to re-understand the importance of Printing English in the curriculum setting of Business English major(publishing direction),and put forward corresponding teaching methods and strategies.

Strategies for Enhancing the Affinity of College Ideological and Political Course Teachers

This article aims to explore effective ways to enhance the affinity of ideological and political course teachers in universities.By analyzing the connotation of affinity,the factors that affect the affinity of ideological and political course teachers are analyzed,and corresponding improvement strategies are proposed.Research suggests that strengthening the construction of teacher ethics and conduct,improving teaching skills,enhancing emotional engagement,and enhancing practical training are key paths to enhance the affinity of ideological and political course teachers.The implementation of these paths will help improve the teaching quality and effectiveness of ideological and political courses,and promote the comprehensive development of students.

Research on the Course of Principles of Concrete Structure Design

Nowadays,education and teaching have become a hot topic,and teaching in colleges and universities is facing a brand-new development direction.Principles of Concrete Structure Design,as one of the main courses,transmits professional knowledge for students,enhances the students’professional ability,and further carries out in-depth research on the course to bring a better teaching effect for students.The article mainly focuses on the research of the principles of concrete structure design course,conducts an analysis of the teaching characteristics of the principles of concrete structure design course,and reasonably sets the teaching content from the optimization of the course teaching objectives;innovative course teaching methods can deepen the effect of knowledge understanding;reform of experimental practice teaching can lay down the effect of the internalization of knowledge,etc.The in-depth description and discussion of the relevant aspects of the research aim to provide guidelines for related research.

Phase-Based Optical Flow Method with Optimized Parameter Settings for Enhancing Displacement Measurement Adaptability

To enhance the applicability and measurement accuracy of phase-based optical flow method using complex steerable pyramids in structural displacement measurement engineering applications, an improved method of optimizing parameter settings is proposed. The optimized parameters include the best measurement points of the Region of Interest (ROI) and the levels of pyramid filters. Additionally, to address the issue of updating reference frames in practical applications due to the difficulty in estimating the maximum effective measurement value, a mechanism for dynamically updating reference frames is introduced. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to representative image gradient-based displacement measurement methods, the proposed method exhibits higher measurement accuracy in engineering applications. This provides reliable data support for structural damage identification research based on vibration signals and is expected to broaden the engineering application prospects for structural health monitoring.

Practice and Exploration of Ideological and Political Teaching in Landscape Design Courses for Environmental Design Majors

To implement the fundamental goal of moral education,based on the teaching practice of landscape design courses,we explore how to integrate value shaping,knowledge transfer,and skill cultivation in the teaching links of landscape design courses in environmental design majors,such as selecting design topics,assigning tasks,researching projects,designing works,designing explanations,and defense.

The Misdirection and Return of Graduate Course Teaching

Graduate course teaching plays an irreplaceable role in knowledge mastery,skill enhancement,and quality cultivation of graduate students.This paper addresses current issues in graduate course teaching,such as ambiguous objectives,formulaic content,formalistic operation,and oversimplified evaluation.It proposes corresponding solutions with the hope of steering graduate course teaching back to its original purpose and realizing its true significance.

Research on the Teaching Reform of Building Information Modeling Course Based on“Post,Course,Competition,and Certificate”Integration

With the rapid development of information technology,the utilization of building information modeling(BIM)is increasingly prevalent in the construction industry.In order to cultivate BIM application-oriented talents capable of effectively addressing industry development demands,this study proposes a reform plan for BIM courses that integrates post,course,competition,and certificate.The reform plan implements the teaching methods of post-course integration,competition-based teaching integration,and course certificate integration in the BIM course.It also carries out curriculum reform from four aspects:curriculum system,teaching mode,teaching content,and assessment method.Reform should be implemented to enhance students’professional and practical skills,thereby enabling them to secure improved employment opportunities and prospects for career development.

Discussion on the Integration of“Post,Course,Competition,Certificate”:Taking the Internet of Things Application Technology Courses in Higher Vocational Colleges as an Example

This article explores the development of the Internet of Things(IoT)application technology course in higher vocational colleges under the background of“post,course,competition,certificate.”It first emphasizes the importance of IoT talent training and course construction in higher vocational colleges and deeply analyzes the core concept of“post,course,competition,certificate”integration.In view of the problems faced in the course construction of IoT application technology in higher vocational colleges and the practical experience of Tianjin Vocational College of Mechanics and Electricity,the implementation strategy of the course construction of IoT application technology in higher vocational colleges is elaborated in detail based on the integrated concept of“post,course,competition,certificate.”

Course Design and Evaluation System Construction Under the STEM Education Mode

With the rapid development of information technology,Science,Technology,Engineering,and Mathematics(STEM)education,as a crucial model for nurturing innovative talents,is gaining increasing attention.However,challenges such as insufficient resources and a lack of diversity in teaching methods exist in its implementation.Against this backdrop,this article conducts an in-depth analysis of course design and evaluation system construction under the STEM education model.The aim is to explore effective teaching strategies and diversified evaluation methods,with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of education and cultivating students’comprehensive problem-solving skills.