Fully implicational methods for approximate reasoning based on interval-valued fuzzy sets

The aim of this paper is to discuss the approximate rea- soning problems with interval-valued fuzzy environments based on the fully implicational idea. First, this paper constructs a class of interval-valued fuzzy implications by means of a type of impli- cations and a parameter on the unit interval, then uses them to establish fully implicational reasoning methods for interval-valued fuzzy modus ponens （IFMP） and interval-valued fuzzy modus tel- lens （IFMT） problems. At the same time the reversibility properties of these methods are analyzed and the reversible conditions are given. It is shown that the existing unified forms of α-triple I （the abbreviation of triple implications） methods for FMP and FMT can be seen as the particular cases of our methods for IFMP and IFMT.

Colorectal cancer screening:The value of early detection and modern challenges

The screening of colorectal cancer(CRC)is pivotal for both the prevention and treatment of this disease,significantly improving early-stage tumor detection rates.This advancement not only boosts survival rates and quality of life for patients but also reduces the costs associated with treatment.However,the adoption of CRC screening methods faces numerous challenges,including the technical limitations of both noninvasive and invasive methods in terms of sensitivity and specificity.Moreover,socioeconomic factors such as regional disparities,economic conditions,and varying levels of awareness affect screening uptake.The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic further intensified these challenges,leading to reduced screening participation and increased waiting periods.Additionally,the growing prevalence of early-onset CRC necessitates innovative screening approaches.In response,research into new methodologies,including artificial intelligence-based systems,aims to improve the precision and accessibility of screening.Proactive measures by governments and health organizations to enhance CRC screening efforts are underway,including increased advocacy,improved service delivery,and international cooperation.The role of technological innovation and global health collaboration in advancing CRC screening is undeniable.Technologies such as artificial intelligence and gene sequencing are set to revolutionize CRC screening,making a significant impact on the fight against this disease.Given the rise in early-onset CRC,it is crucial for screening strategies to continually evolve,ensuring their effectiveness and applicability.

Comparison of the Development Model of DTP Pharmacy between China and the United States and Its Enlightenment

Objective To systematically analyze the development status of DTP pharmacy in the United States and China,and to find out the problems in China’s DTP pharmacy and put forward some countermeasures and suggestions.Methods Relevant literature was searched and reviewed to study the history,market scale and development trend of DTP pharmacy in the United States and China.Then,the problems in China’s DTP pharmacy were found out.Results and Conclusion DTP pharmacy model in the U.S.has taken shape and is maturing.The high degree of industry concentration is an important feature of the U.S.pharmacy.In contrast,China’s DTP pharmacy started late,and the industry pattern has not yet been finalized.There are still some problems in the DTP pharmacy certification and quality management.It is recommended to promote the rapid development of DTP pharmacies in China by encouraging the outflow of prescription drugs,establishing a third-party pharmacy accreditation organization and strengthening the team of licensed pharmacists and other personnel.

Unveiling Global Human Trafficking Trends: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of global human trafficking trends over a twenty-year period, leveraging a robust dataset from the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC). The study unfolds in a systematic manner, beginning with a detailed data collection phase, where ethical and legal standards for data usage and privacy are strictly observed. Following collection, the data undergoes a rigorous preprocessing stage, involving cleaning, integration, transformation, and normalization to ensure accuracy and consistency for analysis. The analytical phase employs time-series analysis to delineate historical trends and utilizes predictive modeling to forecast future trajectories of human trafficking using the advanced analytical capabilities of Power BI. A comparative analysis across regions—Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe—is conducted to identify and visualize the distribution of human trafficking, dissecting the data by victim demographics, types of exploitation, and duration of victimization. The findings of this study not only offer a descriptive and predictive outlook on trafficking patterns but also provide insights into the regional nuances that influence these trends. The article underscores the prevalence and persistence of human trafficking, identifies factors contributing to its evolution, and discusses the implications for policy and law enforcement. By integrating a methodological approach with quantitative analysis, this research contributes to the strategic planning and resource allocation for combating human trafficking. It highlights the necessity for continued research and international cooperation to effectively address and mitigate this global issue. The implications of this research are significant, offering actionable insights for policymakers, law enforcement, and advocates in the ongoing battle against human trafficking.

The Ban on Illegal Mining in Ghana: Environmental and Socio-Economic Effect on Local Communities

The study was conducted to assess the effects of small-scale (artisanal) gold mining and its social and economic implications on the people in Amansie West District of Ghana. The artisanal gold mining communities were studied using secondary data from scholarly articles and journals, books, conference papers, research reports, policy documents, working papers, and briefs. Descriptive and systematic analyses were conducted. The result indicated that youth aged between 21 - 30 were most likely to engage in illegal mining operations in the selected study areas. The study revealed that farmland had been destroyed, making farming difficult for the inhabitants. It is evident from the review that dug-out pits from mining serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and death traps for humans. The study, therefore, accentuates the need for illegal small-scale gold mining to be formalised and strategic interventions and policies proposed for the protection of Ghana’s Natural resources. Furthermore, community members should be involved in policy-making and environmental protection issues to help control the menace of landscape destruction. Although the ban on illegal gold mining activity by the government has caused more people to lose their jobs leading to livelihood challenges in mining communities, it is a step in the right direction, as the ban seeks to halt and check the illegal small-scale mining sector. The study recommended alternative livelihood and income-generating projects such as beekeeping, mushroom culture, grasscutter rearing, and agroforestry technologies including the growth of economic fruit trees as alternative livelihood ventures.

Implicational lattices and generalization of Stone's representation theorem

Let F(S) be the free algebra of type (,∨,→) generated by the non_empty set S, it is proved that the logical equivalent relation defined by means of R 0_semantics is a congruence relation on F(S) and the corresponding quotient algebra is said to be the R 0_semantic Lindenbaum algebra. Taking R 0_semantic Lindenbaum algebra as a prototype, the concepts of implicational lattices and regular implicational lattices which are generalizations of the concept of Boolean algebras are introduced. Besides, the concept of fuzzy implicational spaces is introduced and the representation theorem of regular implicational lattices is obtained by means of fuzzy implicational spaces. In case of Boolean algebras, the corresponding fuzzy implicational spaces are zero_dimensional compact Hausdorff spaces and herefrom it is proved that the famous Stone’s representation theorem of Boolean algebras is a corollary of the representation theorem of regular implicational lattices.

IMPLICATIONAL RELATION AND PERCEPTUAL DISTINCTION:A CASE STUDY ON PLACE CONTRASTS OF FRICATIVES VS. AFFRICATES

A typological survey across Chinese dialects reveals that,in the[i]context,the place contrasts of dental vs.palatal affricates(i.e.,[tsi-t■i]and[ts^(h)i-t■^(h)i])imply the place contrast of fricatives(i.e.,[si-■i]).Assuming a connection between the implicational relation of phonological contrasts and perceptual distinction,this study examines the relative perceptual distinction of the sound pairs[tsi-t■i][ts^(h)i-t■^(h)i]and[si-■i]through a speeded-AX discrimination experiment.The results showed that the discrimination accuracy of the[tsi-t■i]and[ts^(h)i-t■^(h)i]pairs is significantly lower than that of the[si-■i]pair,indicating that the former two pairs are perceptually less distinct than the latter pair.The results lend support to the contention that a sound pair in the unmarked category tends to be perceptually more distinct than its counterpart in a marked category.

Petrogenesis of the Carboniferous Intrusive Rock in the Xiaobaishitou District of East Tianshan,Northwest China:Magma Evolution and Tectonic Significance

The Xiaobaishitou gabbro-diorite pluton comprises a medium-grained gabbro-diorite suite and a fine-grained diorite suite,which intrude the Kawabulag Group in the East Tianshan Orogen of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).A combination of mineral chemistry,zircon U-Pb age,whole-rock geochemistry,Sr-Nd isotopes,and in situ zircon Hf isotopes for newly found gabbro-diorite from the Xiaobaishitou district in the Central Tianshan Terrane(CTT)is presented to investigate the petrogenesis and tectonic or even crustal evolution of the East Tianshan Orogen.Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)zircon U-Pb analyses indicate that the gabbro-diorite was formed at 324.7±2.4 Ma.The isolated clinopyroxene formed under higher P-T-fO_(2)melt conditions(10.7–14.6 kbar;1199–1269℃;high fO_(2))than those for the hornblende,plagioclase,and zircon(557–687℃;moderate fO_(2))in the gabbro-diorite,which reveals a multilevel,magmatic storage system.The gabbro-diorite is characterized by fractioned REE patterns,enriched LILEs(e.g.,Ba and Pb),negative anomalies of HFSEs(e.g.,Nb and Ta),and low La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios,which are typically indicative of crustal contamination and accounted for by subduction-related fluids.The rock also characterized by typical features of high compatible elements(MgO=3.14–11.65 wt%,Cr=1–157 ppm,Ni=6–830 ppm),high Mg^(#)(47–74),positiveε_(Hf)(t)values(+5.1 to+10.3)andε_(Nd)(t)values(+2.3 to+4.4).These features suggest that the Xiaobaishitou gabbro-diorite was most likely derived from metasomatic mantle and contaminated minor crustal components.Taking into account the spatial and temporal distribution of the Carboniferous magmatic rocks in the CTT,we suggest the formation of the Xiaobaishitou gabbro-diorite was attributed to southward subduction of the Kangguer Ocean.

On Boolean elements and derivations in 2-dimension linguistic lattice implication algebras

A 2-dimension linguistic lattice implication algebra(2DL-LIA)can build a bridge between logical algebra and 2-dimension fuzzy linguistic information.In this paper,the notion of a Boolean element is proposed in a 2DL-LIA and some properties of Boolean elements are discussed.Then derivations on 2DL-LIAs are introduced and the related properties of derivations are investigated.Moreover,it proves that the derivations on 2DL-LIAs can be constructed by Boolean elements.

Recent Advances in Nano‑Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture:Challenges,Risk Assessment,and Future Perspectives

Agro seeds are vulnerable to environmental stressors,adversely affecting seed vigor,crop growth,and crop productivity.Different agrochemical-based seed treatments enhance seed germination,but they can also cause damage to the environment;therefore,sustainable technologies such as nano-based agrochemicals are urgently needed.Nanoagrochemicals can reduce the dose-dependent toxicity of seed treatment,thereby improving seed viability and ensuring the controlled release of nanoagrochemical active ingredients However,the applications of nanoagrochemicals to plants in the field raise concerns about nanomaterial safety,exposure levels,and toxicological implications to the environment and human health.In the present comprehensive review,the development,scope,challenges,and risk assessments of nanoagrochemicals on seed treatment are discussed.Moreover,the implementation obstacles for nanoagrochemicals use in seed treatments,their commercialization potential,and the need for policy regulations to assess possible risks are also discussed.Based on our knowledge,this is the first time that we have presented legendary literature to readers in order to help them gain a deeper understanding of upcoming nanotechnologies that may enable the development of future generation seed treatment agrochemical formulations,their scope,and potential risks associated with seed treatment.

Influencing mechanism and hydrogeological implications of water level fluctuation of lakes in the northern Qaidam Basin,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qaidam Basin(QB)is a concentrated distribution area and chemical industrial bases of salt lakes in China.Lakes in the QB have been expanding during the past 20 years.Rapid lake expansion resulted in some considerable scientific issues on the protection of salt lake resources and infrastructure,and monitoring of hydrological processes at the lake-basin scale.Although the spatial-temporal trends of lake changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)have been well documented,the underlying influencing mechanism and hydrogeological implications of rapid lake changes in the QB are not well understood.Three lakes in the northern QB were selected to investigate lake water level fluctuations on different time scales based on extensive in-situ monitoring and satellite observations.The influencing mechanism and hydrogeological implications of rapid changes of terminal lakes were discussed in combination with the reported increasing precipitation rate and mass balance of glaciers in the northern QTP.Results reveal the following:(1)the fluctuation pattern of Sugan Lake was asynchronous and out of phase with that of Xiao Qaidam and Toson lakes during the monitoring period;(2)Sugan Lake water rose gradually,and the rise interval was from late April to early July.In contrast,Xiao Qaidam and Toson lakes took on a rapid and steep rise,and the rise intervalwas from late July to September;(3)the influencing mechanisms for rapid lake fluctuations are controlled by different factors:glacier and snow melting with increasing temperature for Sugan Lake and increasing precipitation for Xiao Qaidam and Toson lakes;(4)in accordance with different intervals and influencing mechanisms of rapid lake expansions in the QB,hydrological risk precaution of lakes and corresponding river catchments was conducted in different parts of the basin.This study provided an important scientific basis for assessing the hydrological process and hydrological risk precaution,and protection of salt lake resources along with rapid lake expansions in the arid area.

An Update Method of Decision Implication Canonical Basis on Attribute Granulating

Decision implication is a form of decision knowledge represen-tation,which is able to avoid generating attribute implications that occur between condition attributes and between decision attributes.Compared with other forms of decision knowledge representation,decision implication has a stronger knowledge representation capability.Attribute granularization may facilitate the knowledge extraction of different attribute granularity layers and thus is of application significance.Decision implication canonical basis(DICB)is the most compact set of decision implications,which can efficiently represent all knowledge in the decision context.In order to mine all deci-sion information on decision context under attribute granulating,this paper proposes an updated method of DICB.To this end,the paper reduces the update of DICB to the updates of decision premises after deleting an attribute and after adding granulation attributes of some attributes.Based on this,the paper analyzes the changes of decision premises,examines the properties of decision premises,designs an algorithm for incrementally generating DICB,and verifies its effectiveness through experiments.In real life,by using the updated algorithm of DICB,users may obtain all decision knowledge on decision context after attribute granularization.

Clinical implications of forkhead box M1, cyclooxygenase-2, and glucose-regulated protein 78 in breast invasive ductal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma(BIDC)represents the largest heterotypic tumor group,and an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of BIDC is key to improving its prognosis.AIM To analyze the expression profiles and clinical implications of forkhead box M1(FOXM1),cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),and glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78)in BIDC.METHODS A total of 65 BIDC patients and 70 healthy controls who presented to our hospital between August 2019 and May 2021 were selected for analysis.The peripheral blood FOXM1,COX-2,and GRP78 levels in both groups were measured and the association between their expression profiles in BIDC was examined.Additionally,we investigated the diagnostic value of FOXM1,COX-2,and GRP78 in patients with BIDC and their correlations with clinicopathological features.Furthermore,BIDC patients were followed for 1 year to identify factors influencing patient prognosis.RESULTS The levels of FOXM1,COX-2,and GRP78 were significantly higher in BIDC patients compared to healthy controls(P<0.05),and a positive correlation was observed among them(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that FOXM1,COX-2,and GRP78 had excellent diagnostic value in predicting the occurrence of BIDC(P<0.05).Subsequently,we found significant differences in FOXM1,COX-2,and GRP78 levels among patients with different histological grades and metastasis statuses(with vs without)(P<0.05).Cox analysis revealed that FOXM1,COX-2,GRP78,increased histological grade,and the presence of tumor metastasis were independent risk factors for prognostic death in BIDC(P<0.001).CONCLUSION FOXM1,COX-2,and GRP78 exhibit abnormally high expression in BIDC,promoting malignant tumor development and closely correlating with prognosis.These findings hold significant research implications for the future diagnosis and treatment of BIDC.

New Developments in US Arctic Strategy and Their Implications for Arctic Governance

With the increasing strategic relevance of the Arctic region in the international system,the United States,as the global hegemon and also an Arctic country,has gradually viewed the region as an important arena to address its alleged security threats and conduct major-power competition.

Association between Support and Satisfaction with Life among Older Adults in Ekiti, Nigeria: Findings and Implications

Many developing countries like Nigeria lack policy for the care of the older adults and this creates major challenges for the elderly population. The traditional family institution and community support that used to be safety nest are being adversely affected by westernization. This development might have adverse effect on life satisfaction among the older adults. This hospital based cross-sectional study was designed to determine the association between support and life satisfaction among older adults. A total of 128 subjects participated in the study out of which 28.9% were satisfied with life. Expectation of support was mainly from the family, less from the community and very low from the government. The level of support received from all sources generally fell short of expectations. Marital status and source of livelihood were significantly associated with life satisfaction. There is inadequate social support from the government and support from family and community fell below expectations. Expectations of support were the most strongly correlated with life satisfaction. Support for older adults must be addressed in order to meet their expectations and improve their level of satisfaction with life.

Environmental Impact Assessment System and Process in Developing Countries

Environmental impact assessment (EIA), a decision-making process for project appraisal and sustainability adopted globally as an administrative process to identify, predict, evaluate, and monitor projects from their feasibility, preconstruction, construction, and operation stages to mitigate the adverse impacts and enhance the beneficial impacts for the protection of the affected environment, The study objective is to explore global EIA systems and processes and find shortcomings and implications for making the best instrument or tool to protect the natural environment from man-made activities over the project cycle. For this, the relevant literature on the EIA system and process was reviewed and evaluated through the application of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including the assessment of legal instruments and the adoption of EIA methodologies in developing countries. EIA, initiated in the 1970s in the US and Australia, expanded to developing countries and was amended in East and Southeast Asia from the 1970s to the 2000s. The evaluation assessed that the South Asian countries follow UNEP and IAIA guidelines, utilizing national laws and expert consultations, with screening criteria and administrative processes based on established environmental legislation. Ad hoc, checklist, matrix, network, overlay, cost-benefit analysis, and predictive or simulation in EIA practice are used to assess the environmental impacts of development activities. Failure to recommend major projects undermines public trust and prevents mitigation measures from being implemented. Most developing countries have followed EIA to fulfill the legal requirement with shadow-off monitoring and follow-up rather than to upset, reduce, or compensate for the project impacts as per size, location, and severity of the project area. The research and guidelines outlined in the IAIA principles and process have synthesized the best EIA practices worldwide. Public participation, impact coverage, scientific mitigation, transparent evidence-based approaches, monitoring, follow-up, legitimate approaches, and future appraisal opportunities are major concerns to be included in best EIA practice.

Exploring the Implications of Patient Advocacy Outcomes among Practicing Nurses within the Hospital Context: A Qualitative Research

Background: Nurses are expected by their international code of ethics to advocate for patients to enhance safety and quality care. However, there is a limited understanding regarding the implications of specific patient advocacy outcomes experienced by nurses who advocate for patients in the hospital context. Purpose: This study explored the implications of patient advocacy outcomes experienced among practicing nurses in the hospital context. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study design was utilized. Data was collected through purposive sampling and an in-depth semi-structured interview of 25 Registered Nurses in an acute care hospital. An inductive qualitative content analysis method was used, and the SRQR guidelines for reporting qualitative studies were followed. Results: This study revealed that nurses who succeeded in advocating for patients experienced feelings of happiness, increased confidence levels, increased work output, and job satisfaction. However, nurses who failed to succeed in advocating for patients experienced physical, emotional, and psychological consequences, which contributed negatively to the quality of patient care. Therapeutic communication and nurses’ commitment to intervene for patients emerged as vital qualities and skills required to succeed in the patient advocacy process. Conclusions: This study showed that patient advocacy has advantages. However, when nurses fail to succeed in their attempt to advocate for patients in clinical practice, the outcomes can negatively affect their own well-being and the quality of patient care delivery. These study results could promote awareness and help nurses to develop strategies for improving patient advocacy activities based on their experiences. Additionally, nurses can seek help, including psychological counseling, when necessary to enhance their optimal well-being as they care for their patients. Nursing educational institutions and hospital managers can support, train, and equip nurses with the required skills for enhancing positive advocacy outcomes. .

Empress Wu Zetian and the Development of Buddhism:Historical Significance and Contemporary Implications

The paper focuses on Wu Zetian,the only empress in China’s history,and her relationship with Buddhism.This study focuses on the book Zizhi Tongjian and compares the differences in the portrayal of Wu Zetian’s connection with Buddhism with the ancient texts of the Old Tang Book and the New Tang Book.It uses historical contextualism to analyze the epochal implications of these differences in the Northern Song Dynasty.Additionally,the paper discusses how historians downplayed or marginalized Wu Zetian’s achievements while emphasizing the negative aspects of her reign.Notably,historian Sima Guang,who was influenced by Confucianism and his own political situation,produced a biased description of Wu Zetian and the Buddhism which she promoted during her reign.

Artificial intelligence in rectal cancer:What is the future?

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most prevalent cancer in both men and women,and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.Around 60%-70%of CRC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages,with nearly 20%having liver metastases.It is noteworthy that the 5-year survival rates decline significantly from 80%-90%for localized disease to a mere 10%-15%for patients with metastasis at the time of diagnosis.Early diagnosis,appropriate therapeutic strategy,accurate assessment of treatment response,and prognostication is essential for better outcome.There has been significant technological development in the last couple of decades to improve the outcome of rectal cancer including Artificial intelligence(AI).AI is a broad term used to describe the study of machines that mimic human intelligence,such as perceiving the environment,drawing logical conclusions from observations,and performing complex tasks.At present AI has demonstrated a promising role in early diagnosis,prognosis,and treatment outcomes for patients with rectal cancer,a limited role in surgical decision making,and had a bright future.

The Value Implication and Practical Path Yan'an Spirit into Middle School Education

During the Yan’an period,the Chinese Communists cultivated and formed the Yan’an spirit.The main contents of the Yan’an spirit include the firm and correct political direction,the ideological line of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts,the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly,and the entrepreneurial spirit of self-reliance and hard work.The Yan’an spirit has played an important role in various periods of China’s revolution,construction,and reform.In the current era of socialism with Chinese characteristics,it is essential to extract the educational value of the Yan’an spirit.By incorporating the Yan’an spirit into middle school education,students can adhere to the correct political orientation,adhere to their ideals and beliefs,adhere to mind emancipation and seeking truth from facts,adhere to the people-centered approach,and adhere to self-reliance.The integration of the Yan’an spirit into classroom teaching,campus activities,project-based learning,and study trips plays a vital role in educating students about the Yan’an spirit,contributing significantly to the cultivation of successive generations of socialist builders and successors.