bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating effect of organizational culture on strategy implementation in private chartered universities in Kenya
Authors: Nderitu Joyce Wanjiku , Waiganjo Esther , Orwa George O.
Published: March 2021

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of organizational culture on strategy implementation in Private chartered universities in Kenya. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of hierarchy culture on the strategy implementation in Private chartered universities in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted and it used both quantitative and qualitative data as it seeks the effect of organizational culture on the implementation of corporate strategy. The accessible population included University and students’ leaders. This study used both stratified random sampling and the target sample size was 194 employees. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to describe the relationships between dependent and independent variables.  The study used correlation and regression techniques as well as the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the study hypotheses.  A multiple linear regression model was also used to derive inferential statistical indicators like the correlation, coefficient of determination, F-statistics, t-test statistic, and the p-value.  In this research Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to test for the existence of multicollinearity.  Normality testing was done to compare the cumulative distribution of the data.  Factor analysis was also carried out on all items in each variable in order to reduce the measurable and observable variables. The key finding based on the tests conducted in the study was that the variable: Hierarchy culture had an effect on the dependent variable: Strategy implementation. The p-value published showed that there was a positive effect of hierarchy culture on strategy implementation in Private chartered universities in Kenya
Optimization of waqf land management in Indonesia
Authors: Syarief Elza
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research is to find out what is meant by donated land, how is the existence of the waqf land and how to study the law of the waqf land and how to optimize the management of the donated land in Indonesia. The object of this research is related to the understanding and meaning of the donated land by the Muslim community in general and especially the Muslim community in Indonesia, which is the majority population. This study uses a literature study research approach, theoretical studies using descriptive analysis methods. The results show that the revitalization of the management of waqf land in Indonesia is a very important and urgent agenda at this time. This can be done through the waqf land certification program based on information and communication technology, making an agreement on wakaf fiqh related to the productivity of the waqf land, implementing modern concepts of waqf land management based on Islamic legal principles, and supported by reliable and professional human resources of waqf institutions. is a challenge and an opportunity for Indonesia to make a big leap as the center of waqf in the world. A strong factor to support this goal is the relatively large availability and the existence of waqf land, the majority of Indonesia's population is Muslim, and the laws and regulations related to land and waqf land tend to be sufficient enough so that collaboration is needed. that is more integrated among the waqf land stakeholders in Indonesia
Promotion and place advertising combination on positive word of mouth private label product mediated by consumer satisfaction
Authors: Siswati Endang
Published: March 2021

This research uses a quantitative approach, using 25 samples taken from the population, namely consumers of retail companies that sell private label products, including Superindo, Indomaret, and Alfamart. The purpose of this study is to analyze and determine whether the variable customer satisfaction can mediate the effect of promotion and place advertising on positive word of mouth. Data analysis in this research used PLS (Partial Least Square) with the SmartPLS program, which consists of a measurement model, namely convergent validity, discriminant validity and composite reliability, as well as structural models namely R-Square, Q-Square, Path test coefficients to test the significance of influence, and the Sobel test to test for mediation. The results showed that consumer satisfaction was not able to mediate a positive relationship between promotion and positive word of mouth, but promotion had a significant effect on consumer satisfaction.
Acid-base balance in acute ethylene glycol poisoning in rats treated with fomepizole
Authors: Przystanowicz Jędrzej , Zielińska-Psuja Barbara , Kowalówka-Zawieja Joanna , Sommerfeld Karina
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Ethylene glycol (EG) is relatively nontoxic but undergoes a multi-step oxidation to toxic metabolites, aldehydes and acids. The accumulation of organic acids, mainly glycolates, leads to the development of profound, life-threatening metabolic acidosis. A key therapy is an antidotal treatment with fomepizole (4-MP), the inhibitor of the first step of EG biotransformation enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase.Aim. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the efficacy of fomepizole in the prevention of acid-base balance disorders in acute ethylene glycol poisonings in rats.Material and methods. Adult male Wistar rats were given EG (p.o.) with single (i.p.) or multiple (p.o.) doses of 4-MP (EG 3830 and 5745 mg/kg, respectively, 4-MP in single dose of 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg followed by 10 mg/kg every 12 hours). Blood gas analysis was performed and blood pH, bicarbonate concentration and base excess were evaluated.Results and conclusions. The single dose of 4-MP was effective in preventing a decrease in blood pH, bicarbonate concentration and base excess during the entire experimental period (pH 7.35 vs 7.21 at hour 12, bicarbonate concentration 27.2 vs 18.3 mmol/dm3 at hour 8, base excess 1.8 vs -8.2 mmol/dm3 at hour 18). The multiple administration of 4-MP started 2 hours after EG poisoning resulted in rapid restoration of proper values of acid- -base balance parameters. Fomepizole is highly efficacious in restraining the acid-base balance disorders which are concomitant with acute ethylene glycol poisonings.
Immunocytochemical indicators of apoptosis in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Kasprzak Aldona , Hausmann Miłosz , Małkowska-Lanzafame Agata , Surdyk-Zasada Joanna , Przybyszewska Wiesława , Siodła Elżbieta , Surdacka Anna
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Inflammatory mechanisms of chronic periodontitis (CP) may be linked to various forms of disturbances in apoptosis.Aim. The study aimed at comparison of tissue expression of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and proapoptotic proteins (p53, caspase-3) in gingival tissues of 30 patients with CP and of 15 with healthy periodontium.Material and methods. Gingival samples (n = 68) were obtained during the open curettage procedure with gingivectomy of adult patients (18 women and 12 men) with CP. Classical immunocytochemical (IHC) method was used to detect apoptotic proteins, and the obtained expression was evaluated using semi-quantitative IRS scale.Results. No differences could be revealed in expression intensity or reciprocal correlations between apoptotic proteins within the group of patients with CP. Greater expression of the two apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and p53) were detected in patients with CP than in control individuals. Moreover, a more pronounced expression of Bcl-2 was demonstrated in gingival samples of patients with localised form as compared to generalised form of CP. Expression of caspase-3 (effector phase of apoptosis) manifested no differences between CP and control individuals. Greater expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and caspase-3 was detected in cells of inflammatory infiltrates in lamina propria than in keratinocytes.Conclusions. In CP significant alterations developed in expression of indicators of apoptosis, with prevalence of Bcl-2 and p53 expression, as compared to the control. The localised form of CP was linked to higher proportion of Bcl-2-positive cells of inflammatory infiltrates, suggesting that apoptosis was inhibited mainly in this form of CP. The comparable expression of caspase-3 in gingival cells with CP and in control and absence of correlation with clinical data suggested that the process of apoptosis did not play a significant role in destruction of periodontium tissues in CP.
Sympathetic Nervous System activity – a new concept of the complicated etiology of low back pain radiates distally at the extremities
Authors: Skorupska Elżbieta , Atarowska Magdalena , Samborski Włodzimierz
Published: March 2021

Varied and complicated etiology of low back pain radiates distally at the extremities is still causing disagreement and controversies around the issue of its diagnosis and treatment. New research data demonstrated that almost one in five persons with back pain experience symptoms indicative of neuropathic pain component. The neuropathic involvement is not completely understood, and different mechanisms are thought to play important role. A combination of nociceptive and neuropathic pain-generating mechanism is thought to be involved, which established the term mixed pain syndrome. In the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain the lesion, trauma or overloading of the disc is thought to be a primary source of the neuropathic pain but the concept of neuropathic component of pain is more probable for chronic stage than acute. Assessment of neuropathic pain involves a systematic approach which includes a series steps; past and present history, detailed description of pain distribution, quality, pain intensity and neurological examination with emphasis on sensory testing. The sensory examinations need often to be supply neurophysiological testing and quantitate sensory testing. Some groups of the drugs are thought to be useful e.g. tricyclic antidepressant, sodium channel blockers (e.g. carbamazepine), gabapentin, opioids, NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor blockers and others for neuropathic pain treatment. The use of specific kind of the drugs depends on the symptoms and examinations findings.
The influence of age and dosage on the pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine in rabbits
Authors: Bienert Agnieszka , Płotek Włodzimierz , Wiczling Paweł , Warzybok Justyna , Borowska Katarzyna , Buda Katarzyna , Kulińska Karolina , Billert Hanna , Kaliszan Roman , Grześkowiak Edmund
Published: March 2021

Aim. This study aimed to examine the influence of maturation and dosage on the sedative and haemodynamic response observed in rabbits after the administration of dexmedetomidine. Material and methods. The pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine was studied on 14 healthy New Zealand white rabbits at three periods of maturation; stage 1–1.5 months old, stage 2–2.5 months old and stage 3–6.5 months old ones. The administered dose of dexmedetomidine ranged from 25 µg/kg to 300 µg/kg of body weight. The pedal withdrawal reflex was used to measure the duration of anaesthesia. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure were measured at the third stage of the study to evaluate the haemodynamic response. A simple pharmacodynamic relationship between the dose and the duration of anesthesia was used to describe the data.Results. We observed that young rabbits were less sensitive to dexmedetomidine than adult animals, as was reflected by the pedal withdrawal reflex, and we found that the haemodynamic response to dexmedetomidine depended on dosage of the drug. Dexmedetomidine decreased the mean blood pressure in a dosage-dependent manner with the highest decrease observed for the lowest dose. As the dose increased, the hypotensive effect of the drug was less noticeable. After the administration of dexmedetomidine the heart rate decreased to the same value regardless of the dose applied.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease and eating behavior in group of women and men aged 20 to 30 years
Authors: Dobrzyńska Małgorzata , Przysławski Juliusz
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Proper nutrition and the use of preemptive care can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause of death in the world. Aim. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutritional habits, nutritional status, assessment of knowledge and use of nutritional prevention among group of women and men aged 20 to 30 years, living in Wielkopolska in the aspect of CVD risk.Material and methods. In this study the method of 24-hour dietary recall to evaluate nutrition intake was used. To determine the nutritional status the anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist) were taken, and BMI values were calculated. Assessment of knowledge and use of nutritional prevention in cardiovascular disease was performed by a questionnaire. The atherogenicity of the diets was evaluated using Keys score.Results. The analysis of daily food rations showed differences between dietary guidelines and respondent diets, mainly in protein, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Tested prevention factors were well known in both groups. The exception involved the reduction of sodium intake in the diet. The use of preventive factors in daily routine differentiated treatment in groups. In the studied group men often exercised regularly, while women often limited intake of animal fats, cholesterol and simple sugars.Conclusion. Inadequate nutrition (mainly incorrect saturated fatty acids (SFA), cholesterol and dietary fiber intake) and insufficient prevention care in the studied group may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.
General adiposity and adipose tissue distribution in young women from Warsaw
Authors: Kopiczko Anna , Cieplińska Joanna
Published: March 2021

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the overall adiposity and adipose tissue distribution in young women from Warsaw.Material and methods. The study covered 550 women from Warsaw. The following research methods were applied: bioelectric impedance, measurement of body weight, body height, waist and hip circumference, body mass index (BMI), adipose tissue distribution Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR); waist circumference was also analyzed based on the criterion of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).Results. The average value of body mass index pointed to the correct values within 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 range, while the BMI distribution in the studied group covered a wide range, starting from values characteristic for the state of emaciation up to values indicating IIIo obesity. Analysis of adipose tissue distribution based on WHR indicator showed existence of central adiposity, or abdominal adiposity, in case of more than 60% of the surveyed women. However, based on WHtR indicator that takes into account waist circumference and body height, abdominal obesity was found in case of slightly more than 30% of women. Analysis of the waist circumference measurement showed that abdominal (visceral) adiposity was found in case of half of the surveyed women. Average overall adiposity was 18.5 kg. Adiposity on the left and right sides of the individual body segments did not differ significantly.Conclusion. Overweight and obesity connected to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease exist among young women from Warsaw. Among the surveyed women a significant percentage of people with abdominal (central) type of adiposity was found, which creates the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Prevention of cardiovascular disease should be based not only on the assessment of the overall adipose tissue and BMI but also on the assessment of its distribution in the body. Young women from Warsaw should be covered by preventive actions in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease through health education programs.
Contemporary rehabilitation at cancer centres
Authors: Hojan Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

Aim. Cancer rehabilitation is an important, but often underutilized treatment in the comprehensive care of the cancer patient. The lack of appropriate referral by physicians unfamiliar with the concept of rehabilitation was identified as primary barriers to optimal delivery of rehabilitation care. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe the current situation in the world of science of cancer rehabilitation and to describe availability of professional resources in the selected countries in the world. Material and methods. This paper is a review article to describe rehabilitation models in cancer services for patients in selected cases in the world.Results. Rehabilitation should be applied in various settings, depending on the level of disability, extent of disease, medical acuity level of the patient, and available services. However, the rehabilitation systems in the world differ depending on the various social security and health-care systems, but they are largely based on a similar, multidimensional and multidisciplinary understanding of cancer rehabilitation. Conclusions. On the basis of description of the bio-psycho-social models, it can be seen that rehabilitation must be an integral and continuous part of all cancer care. There is strong evidence that rehabilitation is a well-tolerated and safe adjunct therapy that can mitigate several common treatment-related side effects among cancer patients.
The impact of the glycemic index and glycemic load of food products on human health
Authors: Bator Ewa , Bronkowska Monika , Bienkiewicz Maciej , Biernat Jadwiga
Published: March 2021

The supply of carbohydrates, contained in food products and meals, to the organism causes an increase of glucose in blood, which is referred as “glycemic effect”. The concentration of glucose in blood increases after eating each meal and usually reaches its maximum after 20–30 min after food consumption, and then is gradually reduced. It returns to the level of fasting within 1–2 hours. However this pattern shows some individual variation.The increase of interest of the glycemic index and glycemic load of food products came through the interconnection of these indicators of noncommunicable chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, overweight and obesity.
Osteopontin – a multifunctional protein and its impact on an insulin resistance development
Authors: Musialik Katarzyna , Skrypnik Damian , Bogdański Paweł , Szulińska Monika
Published: March 2021

Osteopontin (OPN) is one of the many physiological elements creating human musculoskeletal system. It is suspected that this protein is one of the most important mediators responsible for osseous tissue mass resorption, regulated by parthormon. The origin of its name comes from one of its physiological action – rebuilding of the bone mass structure (osteo – bone, pontin – bridge). Osteopontin fulfils many different actions being secreted by many different types of cells, including macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and osteoblasts. OPN plays an important part in inflammatory process. It provokes macrophages and dendritic cells to movement into the destination where inflammatory process takes place. It also stimulates macrophages to interleukin 12 (IL12) and interferon ? (IFN ?) secretion. Increased OPN concentration in blood stream might be regarded as a novel, independent indicator of coronary artery disease. Osteopontin plays an important role in macrophage infiltration of the adipose tissue and at the same time contributes to insulin resistance. Obesity induces chronic, low-grade tissue inflammation. Positive correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and number of macrophages accumulated in the fat tissue. Once aroused monocytes infiltrate the adipose tissue, which leads to persisting chronic inflammation. At the same time the excreted by them cytokines may be connected with the mechanisms of obesity-induced insulin resistance.
New Evidence of the Azimuthal Alignment of Quasars Spin Vector in the LQG U1.28, U1.27, U1.11, Cosmologically Explained
Authors: Slagter Reinoud Jan
Published: March 2021

There has been observational evidence about spin axes of quasars in large quasar groups correlated over hundreds of Mpc. This is seen in the radio spectrum as well as in the optical range. There is not yet a satisfactory explanation of this "spooky" alignment.

This alignment cannot be explained by mutual interaction at the time that quasars manifest themselves optically. A cosmological explanation could be possible in the formation of superconducting vortices (cosmic strings) in the early universe, just after the symmetry-breaking phase of the universe.

We gathered from the NASA/IPAC and SIMBAD extragalactic databases the right ascension, declination, inclination, position angle and eccentricity of the host galaxies of 3 large quasar groups to obtain the azimuthal and polar angle of the spin vectors.

The alignment of the azimuthal angle of the spin vectors of quasars in their host galaxy is confirmed in the large quasar group U1.27 and compared with two other groups in the vicinity, i.e., U1.11 and U1.28.

It is well possible that the azimuthal angle alignment fits the predicted azimuthal angle dependency in the theoretical model of the formation of general relativistic superconducting vortices, where the initial axially symmetry is broken just after the symmetry breaking of the scalar-gauge field.}

\keyword{quasar groups; alignment spin vectors; host galaxy; cosmic strings; symmetry breaking; scalar-gauge field.
Pola penyediaan dan rantai pasok pakan serat pada musim kemarau di peternakan rakyat sapi perah, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat
Authors: Hamidah Atikah Nur , Nuraina Norma , Despal Despal , Taufik Epi
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aimed to explore and understand the source of fiber feed that is commonly used, and analyze the activities of fiber feed provision in dairy farms during the dry season, and investigate the fiber feed supply chain.

Methods: This research was conducted on rural dairy farms in the Sub-district of Lembang located in West Bandung District. The data was collected by adopting an interview method with 50 farmers implements a purposive sampling technique to gather information regarding the provision pattern, supply chain of respective fibre feed. Samples of fiber feed in the dairy farms were taken using a simple random sampling technique. The data acquired is analyzed using descriptive analysis; these data consist of nutrient content of the fiber feed, provision pattern during the dry season, and the supply chain map of those fiber feed provisions.

Results: The result reveals that the fiber feed that has been given to the dairy cows was cultivated grass, natural grass, legumes, and plant residue that entirely supplied from neighborhood area (≤ 30 km), which has different nutrient content. There are 16 provision patterns of fibre feed in the dry season, the vast majority of provision pattern was the combination of foraging from the farmer’s land and feed purchasing. By referring to the RFV calculations, legumes and vegetable waste have good quality. The fibre feed supply chain is relatively short, which is about (1-4 actors) due to its freshness and required no processing.

Conclusions: In conclusions, the fibre feed that has been given to the dairy cows was cultivated grass, natural grass, legumes, and plant residue. There are 16 provision patterns of fibre feed in the dry season. The fibre feed supply chain is relatively short.
Management of Civilian Low-Velocity Gunshot Injuries to an Extremity
Authors: Jabara Justin T. , Gannon Nicholas P. , Vallier Heather A. , Nguyen Mai P.
Published: March 2021

➤ Despite an increasing rate of civilian low-velocity gunshot injuries, there remains a lack of evidence-based treatment standards.

➤ Most low-velocity gunshot-induced fractures of the extremity can be managed similarly to non-gunshot-induced fractures, with the goals of restoring function and minimizing complications.

➤ There are a limited number of high-quality studies to support the use of prophylactic antibiotics for nonoperatively treated gunshot wounds.

➤ Intra-articular retained bullets should be removed, while prophylactic irrigation and debridement for a transarticular bullet is not routinely warranted for infection prevention.

➤ Much of the literature on low-velocity gunshot wounds is Level-III or IV evidence, warranting the need for higher-powered, randomized, prospective investigations.
Utilizing data from the NOAA National Data Buoy Center
Authors: Hall Candice , Jensen Robert
Published: March 2021

This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) guides users through the quality control (QC) and processing steps that are necessary when using archived U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) wave and meteorological data. This CHETN summarizes methodologies to geographically clean and QC NDBC measurement data for use by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) user community.
Infrared thermography of neurosurgical bone grinding: Determination of high-speed cutting range in order to obtain the minimum thermal damage
Authors: Shakouri Ehsan , Ghorbani Pezhman
Published: March 2021

One of the main challenges in skull base tumor removal is the thermal damages that occur in response to grinding the skull bone. During this process, temperature rise occurs at the site of bone grinding, and may cause irreversible thermal damage to the bone, nerves, and arteries. The aim of the present research is to study temperature changes during high-speed grinding of bone via infrared thermography to determine the threshold of high-speed cutting range (HSC-range) in order to achieve the minimum temperature rise and minimize the resulting thermal damages. Experimental tests have been performed in 75 states using the parameters of cutting speed (25 states) and feed rate (3 states) on bovine femur samples. The temperature changes of bone have been measured through infrared thermography. The results indicated that temperature rise had a direct relationship with the tool feed rate. Further, the cutting speed of 250 m.min− 1 at different feed rates was the HSC-range threshold, after which a descending trend of temperature rise emerged; each led to the minimum temperature rise and beyond HSC-range, the temperature rise found an ascending trend. Thus, in order to reduce the thermal damage in neurosurgical bone grinding, the following parameters are suggested as follows: cutting speed 350–425 m.min− 1 for the feed rate 20 mm.min− 1 (ΔT = 4.8–8.5°C ); cutting speed 500–550 m.min− 1 for the feed rate 30 mm.min− 1 (ΔT = 7.2–9.3°C), and cutting speed 650–675 m.min− 1 for the feed rate 40 mm.min− 1 (ΔT = 10-12.5°C).
Fatty acid ethyl ester from Manilkara zapota seed oil: A completely renewable biofuel for sustainable development
Authors: Rajamanickam Sathish Kumar , Kasinathan Sureshkumar
Published: March 2021

This article reports the deliverables of the experimental study on the production of a completely renewable biofuel from Manilkara zapota fruit. It was attempted to produce fatty acid ethyl ester from Manilkara zapota seed oil using bioethanol synthesized from decayed Manilkara zapota fruit. Bioethanol was produced through fermentation of decayed Manilkara zapota fruit, waste skin, and pulp with Saccharomyces cerevisiae then extracted by distillation process at the temperature of 72°C. The bioethanol yield was noted as 10.45% (v/w). The purity of the bio-ethanol was identified as 95.09% using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mechanically extracted Manilkara zapota seed oil was used for ethyl ester production. The molar ratio of bioethanol to oil, the quantity of KOH, and process temperature were optimized for the maximum yield of Manilkara zapota ethyl ester. 9:1 molar ratio of bioethanol to oil, 1.5% (w/w) KOH, and 70°C process temperature were identified as optimized ethanolysis process parameters. The maximum yield of ethyl ester was identified as 93.1%. Physicochemical characteristics of Manilkara zapota oil, bioethanol, and ethyl ester were measured as per the corresponding ASTM standards. It was found that both Manilkara Zapota ethyl ester and bioethanol synthesized from decayed Manilkara zapota fruit could be promising substitutes for fossil diesel and gasoline.
Fundamental Limits of Full-Duplex Spectrum Sharing under Peak Interference Power Constraint
Authors: xie Xianbin , Bi Yan
Published: March 2021

In order to effectively solve the problem of spectrum shortage, cognitive radio (CR) and full-duplex (FD) have been proposed and widely studied in recent year. In this paper, we integrate CR and FD techniques, consider a FD spectrum sharing CR networks, where both secondary users (SU1 and SU2) are equipped with dual antennas, one of which is used to receive signals, and the other is used to transmit signals at the same time and frequency. Under peak interference power and peak transmit power constraints, we analysis the ergodic sum capacity and the outage probability based on the FD spectrum sharing CR networks and the conventional spectrum sharing CR networks. Furthermore, under no peak transmit power constrain and perfect self-interference cancellation (SIC), based on the FD spectrum sharing CR networks and the conventional spectrum sharing CR networks, the closed-form expressions of the theoretical upper bound of the ergodic sum capacity and the outage probability are derived by two lemmas and four propositions. Accurate mathematical analysis display, under the same bandwidth, the upper bound of the full-duplex spectrum sharing CR networks ergodic sum capacity is twice as much as the traditional spectrum sharing CR networks, and the FD spectrum sharing CR networks based on SU1, also has better upper bound performance on the outage probability than the traditional spectrum sharing CR networks. Simulations results validate that, the FD spectrum sharing CR networks obtains better communication performance than the conventional spectrum sharing CR networks, especially when the residual self-interference is small. Finally, we also can see that the simulation upper bound is completely consistent with the theoretical analysis upper bound, whether in the FD spectrum sharing CR networks or the conventional spectrum sharing CR networks. So also verifies the correctness of the theoretical upper bound derivation.
Home Automation using Augmented Reality (HAAR)
Authors: El-Moursy Ali Ali , Sibai Fadi N. , Rehman Jahanzeb , Gouda Omar M. , Gaber Abdelrahman T. , Khedr Ahmed M.
Published: March 2021

The development of Smart Home Controllers has seen rapid growth in recent years, especially for smart devices, that can utilize the Internet of Things (IoT). However, a large portion of the household devices and appliances already in use, are not IoT enabled, and therefore, requires their default control mechanisms for the devices to operate. This paper proposes a smart appliance controller that
uses Augmented Reality, MQTT, and other up-to-date platforms to control aftermarket home appliances in the most efficient manner. The proposed work integrates mobile AR with IoT, to control household appliances, with the help of infrared (IR) signals. The characteristics of the system are evaluated through a series of tests and performance measures. The results of the test highlight th quick response time of MQTT for the implementation of a Home Automation System, when compared to the request-reply protocol: CoAP (4 times as fast).
Low-Complexity Joint Weighted Neumann Series and Gauss-Seidel Soft-Output Detection for Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Dai Xiaoming , Yan Tiantian , Dong Yuanyuan , Luo Yuquan , Li Hua
Published: March 2021

We introduce a joint weighted Neumann series (WNS) and Gauss-Seidel (GS) approach to implement an approximated linear minimum mean-squared error (LMMSE) detector for uplink massive multiple-input multiple-output (M-MIMO) systems. We first propose to initialize the GS iteration by a WNS method, which produces a closer-to-LMMSE initial solution than the conventional zero vector and diagonal-matrix based scheme. Then the GS algorithm is applied to implement an approximated LMMSE detection iteratively. Furthermore, based on the WNS, we devise a low-complexity approximate log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) computation method whose performance loss is negligible compared with the exact method. Numerical results illustrate that the proposed joint WNS-GS approach outperforms the conventional method and achieves near-LMMSE performance with significantly lower computational complexity.
Design of Optimal Localization Model for Wireless Sensor Network Nodes Using Improved Krill Herd Algorithm
Authors: Kamfar Jafarsadegh , Zandhessami Hessam , Alborzi Mahmood
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are significantly applied in engineering and scientific research. WSNs consist of a group of distributed space sensors that track the environment's physical conditions and control the collected data at one central location. Examples of these sensors' applications are smart cities, transport, volcano surveillance and environmental activity, earthquake monitoring, medicine, post-disaster response, and military control. Wireless sensor networks have a lot of research issues like access to the media, implementation, time synchronization, network security and localization of the nodes. One of the most critical problems in this network research is the optimum position of the sensors to have access to maximum coverage and increase network life span to decrease maintenance costs, develop and manage the network. One of the main causes of the failure in these networks is running out of sensor battery and replacing them which impose high costs to maintenance and managing of the network. In order to solve the issues related to optimization and localization, researchers have focused on the algorithms like Swarm Intelligence (SI), because they enable us to solve complicated issues of optimization and NP-Hard issues to solve optimization. However, most of these algorithms are specialized for a purpose or a special program, and the majority of the solutions are not compatible with most of the wireless network sensors. The DV-Hop is one of the most popular node algorithms. But the main problem of the DV-Hop is the possibility of error in calculating the assessed distance between the unknown node and the nodes of anchor. Therefore, minimizing this error is the key to improve this algorithm. To reduce the problem of high localization error, two meta-heuristic algorithms have been proposed based on a combination. In this paper, a new optimization method based on a combination of Krill Herd Algorithm (KHA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) called KHAPSO is suggested to improve DV-Hop. Simulation results in MATLAB 2016 show that the KHAPSO model has a lower mean error compared to the DV-Hop, DV-Hop-KHA and DV-Hop-PSO models. Also, energy consumption in the KHAPSO model is less in comparison to the other models. The KHAPSO model with 400 unknown nodes and 30 anchor nodes was able to reduce energy consumption by about 35% and at the same time 27% reduction in Average Localization Error (ALE) compared to DV-Hop.
Ergodic Capacity and Symbol Error Rate Analysis of a Wireless System with α-μ Composite Fading Channel
Authors: rizi Fereshteh salimian , Falahati Abolfazl
Published: March 2021

A composite α-µ/Lognormal fading channel is proposed with several channel performance criteria. This model considers the most effective occurrences in a fading channel, mainly non-linearity, multi-cluster nature of propagation medium, and shadowing effects. The new generation of communication systems is moving towards the use of millimetre waves (mmW). In this type of propagation, large-scale effects of fading channel on the received signal are significant, so in the proposed composite model, the lognormal distribution is considered to model large-scale effects of fading, which is the most accurate distribution to model shadowing. The Gaussian-Hermite quadrature sum is used to approximate the probability distribution function (PDF) of the proposed model. After calculating the statistics, the symbol error rate (SER) and ergodic capacity are computed. The Mellin transform technique is used to calculate the SER expression of different modulation schemes; then, ergodic capacity is computed for a diverse frequency spectrum. Finally, the Monte Carlo method is used to evaluate the analyses.
Performance analysis of NR Polar Codes at short information blocks for control channels
Authors: Sinha Tirthadip , Bhaumik Jaydeb
Published: March 2021

One important innovation in information and coding theory is polar code, which delivers capacity attaining error correction performance varying code rates and block lengths. In recent times, polar codes are preferred to offer channel coding in the physical control channels of the 5G (5 th Generation) wireless standard by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) New Radio (NR) group. Being a part of the physical layer, Channel coding plays key role in deciding latency and reliability of a communication system. However, the error correction performance degrades with decreased message lengths. 5G NR requires channel codes with low rates, very low error floors with short message lengths and low latency in coding process. In this work, Distributed Cyclic Redundancy Check Aided polar (DCA-polar) code along with Cyclic Redundancy Check Aided polar (CA-polar) code, the two variant of polar codes have been proposed which provide significant error-correction performance in the regime of short block lengths and enable early termination of decoding processes. While CRC bits improve the performance of SCL (successive cancellation list) decoding by increasing distance properties, distributed CRC bits permit path trimming and early-termination of the decoding process. The design can reduce the decoding latency and energy consumption of hardware, which is crucial for mobile applications like 5G. The work also considers the performance analysis of NR polar codes over AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) for short information block lengths at low code rates in the uplink and downlink control channels using SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) and FAR (False Alarm Rate) as the performance measures. Simulation results illustrate different trade-offs between error-correction and detection performances comparing proposed NR polar coding schemes.
Smartphones and Integrated Control System for Hazardous Materials Transportation
Authors: REIS LUIZ ANTONIO , Pereira Sergio Luiz , Dias Eduardo Mario , Scoton Maria Lídia Rebello Pinho Dias
Published: March 2021

Drivers’ behaviors are directly influenced by human beings and have different reactions. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool to learn and predict the traffic effects according to drivers’ behavior and make predictions more effective to support hazardous material traffic management. This paper presents a proposal using deep learning, simulation, and performance analysis of road systems with improvement in hazardous materials transportation control. The analysis compares the reduction of accident detection time with their consequences such as damages caused by traffic jams, damages to human health, and environmental damages. The reduction in detection time is provided by the use of smartphones and an integrated control system for tracking, management, monitoring, and control of hazardous materials transportation.
Plant chemicals affect trade-offs between adult preference and larval performance of the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus
Authors: Wang Qiyun , Huang Wei , Zhang Jialiang , Wang Dingli , Yin Wandong , Ding Jianqing
Published: March 2021

Herbivores use plant chemicals for host-plant selection to maximize their own and/or offspring performance. Since host plants that are optimal for mother and offspring are often different and spatially/temporally separated, how plant chemicals affect trade-offs between adult preference and larval performance remains unclear. We found that adults of the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus), one of the most important pests on rice in the world, preferred volatiles from barnyard grass over rice, tended to feed and oviposit on barnyard grass compared with rice. In contrast, larvae performed better on rice roots than on barnyard grass roots. Chemical analysis further show that rice roots had higher nitrogen and soluble sugar but lower lignin and cellhouse contents than barnyard grass. Together, these results suggest that violate, nutritive and defensive chemicals could jointly determine trade-offs of the adult preference and larval performance on these two hosts. As developing chemical-based technology is one of the main approaches for control of pest insects, our findings may also contribute to the future efforts for management of the rice water weevil.
The use of Mono- and Combination Pharmacotherapy in Men and Women with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in the UK: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Ali Mahmood , Landeira Margarita , Covernton Patrick J O , Choudhury Nurul , Jaggi Ashley , Fatoye Francis , Maanen Rob van
Published: March 2021

Background: Combination pharmacotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is beneficial to selected patients and recommended by guidelines. Patterns of real-world LUTS drug use, especially combination pharmacotherapy, have not been studied extensively. Moreover, further understanding of the recent landscape is required following the introduction of the beta-3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron in the UK in 2013 for overactive bladder (OAB). The objective was to describe mono- and combination pharmacotherapy use for LUTS in patients in UK clinical practice. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, observational database study using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and linked databases. Men and women ≥ 18 years with a first prescription for any LUTS drug from 2014–2016 with ≥ 12 months continuous enrolment pre- and post-index date were included. Primary endpoints were mono- or combination pharmacotherapy use for LUTS in male and female cohorts. Secondary endpoints were description of treatment prescribed, treatment persistence and patient demographics. Data were analyzed descriptively. Sub-cohorts were defined by drugs prescribed at index date.Results: 79,472 patients (61.3% male) were included, based on index treatments. Of all men, 82.5% received any benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) drug, 25.4% any OAB drug, and 7.9% any BPO drug plus any OAB drug. As either mono- or combination pharmacotherapy, 77.1% received an alpha-blocker, 18.9% a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, 23.9% an antimuscarinic agent, and 2.1% mirabegron. Of all women, 94.5% received any OAB drug, 6.0% duloxetine, and 0.5% any OAB drug plus duloxetine. As either mono- or combination pharmacotherapy, 87.7% received an antimuscarinic, and 9.7% mirabegron. In men or women receiving OAB treatment, approximately 2.5% received combination pharmacotherapy with an antimuscarinic agent and mirabegron. For OAB drug monopharmacotherapies, mirabegron had the highest persistence in both male and female cohorts. Conclusions: This study provides a better understanding of the recent landscape of LUTS drug use in UK clinical practice. It highlights potential undertreatment of storage symptoms in men and the low use of combination OAB treatments.
Urban Flood Event and Associated Damage in the Benue Valley, Nigeria
Authors: Ologunorisa Temi , Ogbuokiri Obioma , Eludoyin Adebayo Oluwole
Published: March 2021

Flooding events in the Lower Benue valley of Nigeria are often associated with huge damage to properties and loss of life in the adjoining communities. Specific objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of 2017 flood event as typical of the study area. Method used was an integrated environmental approach that combines analysis of rainfall and discharge data with social surveys, remote sensing and geographical information system. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) as well as flood damage curves were analysed with landuse/cover change and soil data to establish the nature of the flood and its impacts. Result showed that the flood in the study area is essentially saturation overland flow, which is more associated with saturation-excess than infiltration excess flow, and that the flood events are recurrent and predictable. 85% of the affected residents are however poor, earning an equivalent of US $4.3 daily, and live in non-reinforced concrete masonry (64%) and wooden buildings (24%). Many of the affected communities lived within flood plain and most buildings were structurally deficient. Victims received no compensation, and the properties were generally uninsured. The study recommends extensive flood control policy for the area and similar flood-prone communities.
Genomic Heterogeneity of Multiple synchronous lung cancers (MSLCs) in Chinese population
Authors: Gu Chundong , Zhou Fachen , Zhao Lei , Wang Jin , Zhang Yixiang , Wang Peng , Lv Changsheng , Zhao Shilei , Guo Tao , Li Fengzhou , Zhu Yuntao
Published: March 2021

IntroductionIt is clinically challenging to infer the phylogenetic relationship between different tumor lesions of patient with multiple synchronous lung cancers (MSLC), whether these lesions are the result of independently evolved tumor or intrapulmonary metastases.MethodsUsing Illumina X10 platform, we sequenced a total number of 128 stage I lung cancer samples collected from 64 patients with MSLC. All samples were analyzed for mutation spectra and phylogenetic inference.ResultsWe detected genetic aberrations within genes previously reported to be recurrently altered in lung adenocarcinoma including EGFR, ERBB2, TP53, BRAF and KRAS. Other identified putative driver mutations are enriched in RTK-RAS signaling, TP53 signaling and cell cycle. Also we found some interesting cases, two cases which carried EGFR L858R and T790M co-mutation in one tumor and another tumor with only EGFR 19del, and 1 case with two KRAS hotspots in the same tumor. Due to the short follow-up time and early stage, whether the special mutation profile will affect the PFS and OS of these patients need further investigation. For the genetic evolution, among 64 tumor samples, 50 of them display distinct mutational profile, suggesting these are independently evolved tumors, which is consistent with histopathological assessment. On the other hand, 7 patients were identified to be intrapulmonary metastasis as the mutations harbored in different lesions are clonally related. ConclusionIn summary, unlike intrapulmonary metastases, patients with MSLC harbor distinct genomic profile in different tumor lesions and we may distinguish MSLC from intrapulmonary metastases via clonality estimation.