bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary care practitioners’ diagnostic action when the patient may have cancer: an exploratory vignette study in 20 European countries
Authors: Harris Michael , Brekke Mette , Dinant Geert-Jan , Esteva Magdalena , Hoffman Robert , Marzo-Castillejo Mercè , Murchie Peter , Neves Ana Luísa , Smyrnakis Emmanouil , Vedsted Peter , Aubin-Auger Isabelle , Azuri Joseph , Buczkowski Krzysztof , Buono Nicola , Foreva Gergana , Babić Svjetlana Gašparović , Jacob Eva , Koskela Tuomas , Petek Davorina , Šter Marija Petek , Puia Aida , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Streit Sven , Thulesius Hans , Weltermann Birgitta , Taylor Gordon
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Cancer survival rates vary widely between European countries, with differences in timeliness of diagnosis thought to be one key reason. There is little evidence on the way in which different healthcare systems influence primary care practitioners’ (PCPs) referral decisions in patients who could have cancer.

This study aimed to explore PCPs’ diagnostic actions (whether or not they perform a key diagnostic test and/or refer to a specialist) in patients with symptoms that could be due to cancer and how they vary across European countries.

Design

A primary care survey. PCPs were given vignettes describing patients with symptoms that could indicate cancer and asked how they would manage these patients. The likelihood of taking immediate diagnostic action (a diagnostic test and/or referral) in the different participating countries was analysed. Comparisons between the likelihood of taking immediate diagnostic action and physician characteristics were calculated.

Setting

Centres in 20 European countries with widely varying cancer survival rates.

Participants

A total of 2086 PCPs answered the survey question, with a median of 72 PCPs per country.

Results

PCPs’ likelihood of immediate diagnostic action at the first consultation varied from 50% to 82% between countries. PCPs who were more experienced were more likely to take immediate diagnostic action than their peers.

Conclusion

When given vignettes of patients with a low but significant possibility of cancer, more than half of PCPs across Europe would take diagnostic action, most often by ordering diagnostic tests. However, there are substantial between-country variations.
Nurses’ experiences of patient safety incidents in Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Pyo Jeehee , Lee Won , Jang Seung Gyeong , Park Young-Kwon , Ock Minsu , Lee Sang-Il
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the scope and severity of the second victim problem among nurses by examining the experiences and effects of patient safety incidents (PSIs) on them.

Participants/setting

492 nurses who had experienced PSIs and provide direct care in South Korean medical institutions.

Design

A cross-sectional study with anonymous online self-report questionnaires was conducted to nurses in order to examine the experiences and effects of PSIs. Scales measuring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) were used for a more quantitative examination of the effects of PSIs. A χ2test was administered to find any difference in responses to difficulties due to PSIs between the direct and indirect experience of PSIs. Furthermore, linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors related to scores on the PTSD and PTED scales.

Results

A statistically significant difference was observed for participants who reported having experienced sleeping disorders, with those with direct experience showing 42.4% sleeping disorders and indirect experience at 21.0%. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the 34.3% with direct experience and the 22.1% with indirect experience regarding having considered duty or job changes (resignation). Regression analysis showed total PTSD scores for indirect experience at 11.97 points (95% CI: −17.31 to −6.63), lower than direct experience. Moreover, those who thought the medical error was not involved in PSI had a total PTED score 4.39 points (95% CI: −7.23 to −1.55) lower than those who thought it was involved.

Conclusions

A considerable number of nurses experienced psychological difficulties due to PSIs at levels that could interfere with their work. The effect of PSIs on nurses with direct experience of PSIs was greater compared with those with indirect experience. There need to be psychological support programmes for nurses to alleviate the negative effects of PSIs.
Metoprolol for prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Norhayati Mohd Noor , Shaiful Bahari Ismail , Zaharah Sulaiman , Nik Hazlina Nik Hussain , Mohammad Aimanazrul Zainuddin , Irfan Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a potentially lethal and morbid complication after open heart surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate metoprolol compared with other treatments for prophylaxis against POAF.

Methods

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial registries for randomised controlled trials that evaluated metoprolol for preventing the occurrence of POAF after surgery against other treatments or placebo. Random-effects model was used for estimating the risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CIs.

Results

Nine trials involving 1570 patients showed metoprolol reduced POAF compared with placebo (416 patients; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.66; I²=21%; risk difference (RD) –0.19, 95% CI –0.28 to –0.10). However, metoprolol increased the risk of POAF compared with carvedilol (159 patients; RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.12; I²=4%; RD 0.13, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.20). There was no difference when compared with sotalol or amiodarone. The occurrence of cardiovascular conditions after drugs administration or death between the groups was not different. The overall quality of evidence was moderate to high. Subgroup analysis and funnel plot were not performed.

Conclusions

Metoprolol is effective in preventing POAF compared with placebo and showed no difference with class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Death and thromboembolism are associated with open heart surgery, but not significant in relation to the use of metoprolol.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019131585.
Impact of frailty on 30-day and 1-year mortality in hospitalised elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective observational study
Authors: Luo Jia , Tang Wen , Sun Ying , Jiang Chunyan
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study evaluates the impact of frailty, which is a state of increased vulnerability to stressors, on 30-day and 1-year mortality among elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The main hypothesis is that frailty is an independent predictor of prognosis in elderly CAP patients.

Design

Prospective, observational, follow-up cohort study.

Setting

A 2000-bed tertiary care hospital in Beijing, China.

Participants

Consecutive CAP patients aged ≥65 years admitted to the geriatric department of our hospital between September 2017 and February 2019.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year after hospital admission. The impact of frailty (defined by frailty phenotype) on 30-day and 1-year mortality of elderly patients with CAP was assessed by Cox regression analysis.

Results

The cohort included 256 patients. The median (IQR) age was 86 (81–90) years, and 180 (70.3%) participants were men. A total of 171/256 (66.8%) patients were frail. The prevalence of frailty was significantly associated with older age, female gender, lower body mass index, comorbidities, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and poor nutritional status. Frail participants were significantly more likely to have severe CAP (SCAP) than non-frail counterparts (28.65% vs 9.41%, p<0.001). The 1-year mortality risk was approximately threefold higher in frail patients (adjusted HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.69 to 4.39) than non-frail patients. Subgroup analysis of patients with SCAP showed that the 1-year mortality risk was approximately threefold higher in the frail group (adjusted HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.58 to 4.96) than in the non-frail group. The association between frailty and 30-day mortality was not significant.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that frailty is strongly associated with SCAP and higher 1-year mortality in elderly patients with CAP, and frailty should be detected early to improve the management of these patients.
Utilisation and outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in Ontario, Canada, and New York State, USA: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hershenfeld Samantha Aliza , Matelski John , Ling Vicki , Paterson Michael , Cheung Matthew , Cram Peter
Published: October 2020

Objective

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for haematologic and oncologic diseases. There is a perception that the United States of America (USA) offers greater access to expensive therapies such as HCT. Alternatively, Canada is thought to suffer from protracted wait times, but lower spending. Our objective was to compare HCT utilisation and short-term outcomes in Ontario (ON), Canada, and New York State (NY), USA.

Design, setting and participants

We conducted a population-based cohort study using administrative health data to identify all residents of ON and NY who underwent allogeneic HCT between 2012 and 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were age and sex standardised HCT utilisation rates, in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates in ON and NY. Secondary outcomes included comparing ON and NY HCT recipients with respect to demographic characteristics and patient wealth (using neighbourhood income quintile).

Results

We identified 547 HCT procedures in ON and 1361 HCT procedures performed in NY. HCT recipients in ON were younger than NY (mean age 49.0 vs 51.6 years; p<0.001) and a lower percentage of ON recipients resided in affluent neighbourhoods compared with NY (47.2% vs 52.6%; p=0.026). Utilisation of HCT was 14.4 per 1 million population per year in ON and 26.7 per 1 million per year in NY (p<0.001). The magnitude of the ON–NY difference in utilisation was larger for older patients. In-hospital mortality, LOS and readmission rates were lower in ON than NY in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

We found significantly lower utilisation of HCT in ON compared with NY, particularly among older patients. Higher in-hospital mortality in NY relative to ON requires further study. These differences are thought provoking for patients, healthcare providers and policy-makers in both jurisdictions.
Study protocol of a pilot study evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a psychosexual intervention for couples postallogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Pillay Brindha , Ftanou Maria , Ritchie David , Panek-Hudson Yvonne , Jefford Michael , Garcia Teresa , Shields Cassandra , Gniel Jo , Phipps-Nelson Jo , Drosdowsky Allison , Blaschke Sarah , Ellen Steve
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common side effects of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for haematological cancers. Problems can persist between 5 and 10 years post-transplant and impact mood, couple intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Few intervention studies, however, target sexual dysfunction in patients post-HSCT. This pilot study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a psychosexual intervention for HSCT survivors and their partners post-transplantation.

Methods and analysis

Fifteen allogeneic HSCT survivors and their partners will be recruited. Patients who are more than 3 months post-transplantation will be sent invitation letters describing the couples’ psychosexual intervention that will be offered through this study. The intervention will comprise two components: (1) psychosexual education about medical and behavioural treatment options for sexual dysfunction delivered by a haematology nurse consultant; (2) emotionally focused therapy-based relationship education programme for couples delivered by a clinical psychologist (four sessions of 1.5 hours each). Couples who consent to participate will be administered a series of measures assessing mood, relationship satisfaction and sexual dysfunction preintervention and post-intervention, as well as satisfaction with the intervention postintervention. Feasibility of the intervention will be examined via recording enrolment rate, adherence, compliance with completing outcome measures and fidelity of intervention delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal so that in can be accessed by clinicians involved in the care of allogeneic HSCT patients. If this intervention is found to be feasible and acceptable, its impact will be examined in a future randomised controlled trial and subsequently implemented as part of routine care in the allogeneic HSCT population.
Effect of backward walking training on knee osteoarthritis: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yuxuan , Lei Cheng , Huangfu Zhimin , Sunzi Kejimu , Yang Changmei
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Backward walking (BW) is otherwise known as retrowalking. As opposed to forward walking, BW is a countersequential exercise and is a common method of rehabilitation training and disease-assisted treatment. Studies have shown that BW has a helpful effect on improving lower limb proprioception, gait synergy and improving limb balance. Many studies have concluded that BW can improve the symptoms of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and can be used for rehabilitation and adjunctive treatment of KOA, but there is a lack of evidence-based medical evidence.This research aims to provide an update to the most recent available evidence on the effect of BW on patients with KOA .

Methods and analyses

Electronic databases, such as Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, will be searched by us. We will include studies identified from citation until 12 May 2020 and will not be restricted by geographical setting. The search will not be limited to the language of the publication, but the study of human subjects. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the BW training of KOA will be included, with outcome measures including pain, knee function or balance function. The quality of included RCTs will be evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis or systematic review will be performed to summarise the effects of BW training. We will perform sensitivity analysis on the sample size of RCTs, meta-regression analysis of the follow-up periods, dosages and baselines of outcome measures, and publication bias analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this study will not involve confidential personal data. The results of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020185694.
Health service needs and perspectives of remote forest communities in Papua New Guinea: study protocol for combined clinical and rapid anthropological assessments with parallel treatment of urgent cases
Authors: Middleton Jo , Abdad Mohammad Yazid , Beauchamp Emilie , Colthart Gavin , Cooper Maxwell J F , Dem Francesca , Fairhead James , Grundy Caroline L , Head Michael G , Inacio Joao , Jimbudo Mavis , Jones Christopher Iain , Konecna Martina , Laman Moses , MacGregor Hayley , Novotny Vojtech , Peck Mika , Paliau Jason , Philip Jonah , Pomat Willie , Roberts Chrissy H , Sui Shen , Stewart Alan J , Walker Stephen L , Cassell Jackie A
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Our project follows community requests for health service incorporation into conservation collaborations in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea (PNG). This protocol is for health needs assessments, our first step in coplanning medical provision in communities with no existing health data.

Methods and analysis

The study includes clinical assessments and rapid anthropological assessment procedures (RAP) exploring the health needs and perspectives of partner communities in two areas, conducted over 6 weeks fieldwork. First, in Wanang village (population c.200), which is set in lowland rainforest. Second, in six communities (population c.3000) along an altitudinal transect up the highest mountain in PNG, Mount Wilhelm. Individual primary care assessments incorporate physical examinations and questioning (providing qualitative and quantitative data) while RAP includes focus groups, interviews and field observations (providing qualitative data). Given absence of in-community primary care, treatments are offered alongside research activity but will not form part of the study. Data are collected by a research fellow, primary care clinician and two PNG research technicians. After quantitative and qualitative analyses, we will report: ethnoclassifications of disease, causes, symptoms and perceived appropriate treatment; community rankings of disease importance and service needs; attitudes regarding health service provision; disease burdens and associations with altitudinal-related variables and cultural practices. To aid wider use study tools are in online supplemental file, and paper and ODK versions are available free from the corresponding author.

Ethics and dissemination

Challenges include supporting informed consent in communities with low literacy and diverse cultures, moral duties to provide treatment alongside research in medically underserved areas while minimising risks of therapeutic misconception and inappropriate inducement, and PNG research capacity building. Brighton and Sussex Medical School (UK), PNG Institute of Medical Research and PNG Medical Research Advisory Committee have approved the study. Dissemination will be via journals, village meetings and plain language summaries.
Cohort profile: healthy and active ageing in Myanmar (JAGES in Myanmar 2018): a prospective population-based cohort study of the long-term care risks and health status of older adults in Myanmar
Authors: Win Hla Hla , Nyunt Than Win , Lwin Kay Thi , Zin Poe Ei , Nozaki Ikuma , Bo Thae Zarchi , Sasaki Yuri , Takagi Daisuke , Nagamine Yuiko , Shobugawa Yugo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Myanmar is rapidly ageing. It is important to understand the current condition of older adults in the country. To obtain such information, we conducted home-visit surveys to collect data for evaluating social determinants of health on older adults in Yangon (representative of an urban) and Bago (representative of a rural) regions of Myanmar.

Participants

Overall, 1200 individuals aged 60 years or older and who were not bedridden or had severe dementia (defined as an Abbreviated Mental Test score ≤6) were recruited from Yangon and Bago in 2018. A population-proportionate random-sampling method was used for recruitment.

Findings to date

Overall, 600 individuals from Yangon (222 men; 378 women) and 600 from Bago (261 men; 339 women) were surveyed. The average age of Yangon-based men and women was 69.4±7.6 and 69.4±7.3 years; in Bago, this was 69.2±7.1 and 70.6±7.5 years, respectively. Compared to their Yangon-based counterparts, Bago-based respondents showed significantly lower socioeconomic status and more commonly reported poor self-rated health (Bago-based men: 32.2%, women: 42.5%; Yangon: 10.8% and 24.1%, respectively). Meanwhile, some Yangon-based respondents rarely met friends (men: 17.1%, women: 27.8%), and Yangon-based respondents scored higher for instrumental activities of daily living and body mass index when compared to their Bago-based counterparts. For both regions, women showed higher physical-function decline (Yangon-based women: 40.7%, men: 17.1%; Bago: 46.3% and 23.8%, respectively) and cognitive-function decline (Yangon: 34.1% and 10.4%, respectively; Bago: 53.4% and 22.2%, respectively). Being homebound was more common in urban areas (urban-based men: 11.3%, rural-based men: 2.3%; urban-based women: 13.0%, rural-based women: 4.7%, respectively).

Future plans

A follow-up survey is scheduled for 2021. This will afford longitudinal data collection concerning mortality, becoming bedridden, and developing dementia and long-term care-related diseases. This will allow us to calculate long-term care risks for older adults in Myanmar.
Exercise referral to promote cardiovascular health in stroke and TIA patients: a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Baig Sheharyar , Moyle Bethany , Redgrave Jessica , Majid Arshad , Ali Ali
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Exercise programmes studied after stroke often involve specialist supervision. Determine the feasibility and safety for people with stroke (PwS) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) participating in readily accessible, non-stroke specialised, community-based exercise programmes.

Methods

Participants were recruited into a structured, group-based, 12-week programme of aerobic and resistance exercise delivered two times per week at one of five local leisure centres. Completion rates, successful attainment of intended exercise intensity (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) and safety outcomes were recorded. Measures of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded at baseline and day 1 post intervention.

Results

79% of participants completed >75% of the intended sessions, with >90% attainment of intended RPE. Exercise was safe with no serious and very few minor adverse events related to exercise. Exercise led to significant increases in EQ-5D (Best of Health p<0.001), levels of weekly moderate physical activity (p<0.001) and decreases in systolic BP (mean change [95% CI]=−5.4 mmHg [−2.84 to −7.96]; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Generalised exercise programmes delivered through existing local services, appears feasible, safe and may improve quality of life, physical activity and systolic BP, for PwS and TIA.
Unmet need for mental health medication within the migrant population of Northern Ireland: a record linkage study
Authors: Patel Kishan , Bosqui Tania , Kouvonen Anne , Donnelly Michael , Väänänen Ari , Bell Justyna , O’Reilly Dermot
Published: October 2020

Background

Migrant populations are particularly at risk of not receiving the care for mental ill-health that they require for a range of reasons, including language and other barriers to health service access. This record linkage study compares, for migrant and settled communities, the likelihood that a person in Northern Ireland with poor mental health will receive psychotropic medication.

Methods

A cohort of 78 267 people aged 16–64 years (including 1736 migrants) who reported chronic poor mental health in the 2011 Census records was followed for 15 months by linkage to a centralised prescribing data set to determine the rates of pharmacological treatment. Logistic regression analyses quantified the relationship between psychotropic medication uptake and migrant status, while accounting for relevant demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Overall, 67% of the migrants with chronic poor mental health received at least one psychotropic medication during the study period, compared to 86% for the settled population; this equates to an OR of 0.32 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.36) in the fully adjusted models. Adjustment for English proficiency did not significantly alter these models. There was also considerable variation between individual migrant groups.

Conclusion

Although this study suggests substantial unmet need for treatment of poor mental health among the migrant population of Northern Ireland, further qualitative studies are required to better understand how different migrant groups respond to mental ill-health.
Elution of Cs and Sr from tea leaves (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) to green tea evaluated by PIXE analysis
Authors: Terakawa A. , Ushijima H. , Ishii K. , Sato M. , Sera K.
Published: October 2020

We performed a particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of tea leaf samples (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) to evaluate the possibility of internal radiation exposure due to the intake of green tea contaminated with [Formula: see text]Cs and [Formula: see text]Sr. The tea leaf samples were obtained from tea trees (Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Yabukita’) cultivated with stable Cs and Sr added to the soil. We prepared the used leaf samples which were placed in distilled hot water (90[Formula: see text] for 1 min) as well as the unused leaf samples. The results of PIXE analysis combined with the internal standard method using Indium as a standard element showed little elution of Ca and Sr from the leaves to green tea, while the concentration of alkali elements, including Cs in the leaf, decreased by 30–40% after the tea was extracted.
A Novel Iterative Rigid Image Registration Algorithm Based on the Newton Method
Authors: Khosravi Javanshir , Abadi Mohammad Shams Esfand , Ebrahimpour Reza
Published: October 2020

In recent years, Image Registration has attracted lots of attention due to its capabilities and numerous applications. Various methods have been exploited to map two images with the same concept but different conditions. Considering the finding of the mentioned map as an optimization problem, mathematical-based optimization methods have been extensively employed due to their real-time performances. In this paper, we employed the Newton method to optimize two defined cost functions. These cost functions are Sum of Square Difference and Cross-Correlation. These presented algorithms have fast convergence and accurate features. Also, we propose an innovative treatment in order to attend to one of the free parameter-rotations or scale as a sole variable and the other one as the constant value. The assignment is replaced through the iterations for both parameters. The intuition is to turn a two-variable optimization problem into a single variable one in every step. Our simulation on benchmark images by the means of Root Mean Square Error and Mutual Information as the goodness criteria, that have been extensively used in similar studies, has shown the robustness and affectivity of the proposed method.
Chaos-based Video Steganography Method in Discrete Cosine Transform Domain
Authors: Siddiqui Tanveer J. , Khare Ashish
Published: October 2020

Due to the technological advancements in digital communication, the amount of multimedia content over the internet has increased manifold in past decade. This has renewed the internet of researchers in the area of privacy and secure communication. This paper presents a secure and robust video steganography method in discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain. In order to enhance the security of the proposed algorithm, the frame selection process is randomized and the secret data are pre-treated using Arnold’s cat map. The secret data are embedded in the middle band DCT coefficient using two pseudo random sequences. These sequences are generated using a chaotic map. We analyze the proposed algorithm in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), multi-scale structural similarity index (MSSIM) and video quality metric (VQM). The evaluation has been done on 107 video sequences. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm maintains acceptable video quality. The robustness of the proposed method is tested under Gaussian and salt and pepper noise attack using correlation between original and recovered images. The proposed algorithm is able to recover 90.60% data without error under salt and pepper noise ([Formula: see text]) attack and 87.23% data correctly under Gaussian noise attack with mean [Formula: see text] and variance [Formula: see text].
A Fast Encryption Scheme Suitable for Video Surveillance Applications Using SHA-256 Hash Function and 1D Sine–Sine Chaotic Map
Authors: Panwar Kirtee , Purwar Ravindra Kumar , Srivastava Garima
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes an image encryption technique which is fast and secure. The encryption scheme is designed for secure transmission of video surveillance data (keyframes) over insecure network. The image encryption technique employs 1D Sine–Sine system with better chaotic properties than its seed map and faster than higher-dimensional chaotic systems. Further, design of encryption scheme is based on two permutation rounds, which employs pixel swapping operation and diffusion operation which is simple and provides required security against plaintext, differential and various other attacks. Three separate chaotic sequences are generated using 1D Sine–Sine system which enhances the key space of the encryption scheme. Secret keys are updated dynamically with SHA-256 hash value obtained from plain image. Hash values of plain image are efficiently used without loss of any hash value information. This makes the encryption scheme plaintext sensitive and secure against plaintext attacks. Performance and security aspects of encryption scheme is analyzed both quantitatively using predefined security metrics and qualitatively by scrutinizing the internal working of encryption scheme. Computational complexity of encrypting a plain image of size [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] and is suitable for encrypting keyframes of video for secure surveillance applications.
An Enhanced Bidirectional Insertion Sort Over Classical Insertion Sort
Authors: Kalaivani A. , Swetha K.
Published: October 2020

Sorting is a technique which is used to arrange the data in specific order. A sorting technique is applied to rearrange the elements in numerical order as ascending order or descending order or for words in alphabetical order. In this paper, we propose an efficient sorting algorithm known as Enhanced Bidirectional Insertion Sorting algorithm which is developed from insertion sort concept. A comparative analysis is done for the proposed Enhanced Bidirectional Insertion Sort algorithm with the selection sort and insertion sort algorithms. When compared to insertion sort algorithm the proposed algorithm outperforms with less number of comparisons in worst case and average case computing time. The proposed algorithm works efficiently for duplicated elements which is the advanced improvement and the results are proved.
Significance of the Transition to Biometric Template Protection: Explore the Future
Authors: Shaikh Ayesha S. , Patel Vibha D.
Published: October 2020

The IT security paradigm evolves from secret-based to biometric identity-based. Biometric identification has gradually become more popular in recent years for handheld devices. Privacy-preserving is a key concern when biometrics is used in authentication systems in the present world today. Nowadays, the declaration of biometric traits has been imposed not only by the government but also by many private entities. There are no proper mechanisms and assurance that biometric traits will be kept safe by such entities. The encryption of biometric traits to avoid privacy attacks is a giant problem. Hence, state-of-the-art safety and security technological solutions must be devised to prevent the loss and misuse of such biometric traits. In this paper, we have identified different cancelable biometrics methods with the possible attacks on the biometric traits and directions on possible countermeasures in order to design a secure and privacy-preserving biometric authentication system. We also proposed a highly secure method for cancelable biometrics using a non-invertible function based on Discrete Cosine Transformation and Index of max hashing. We tested and evaluated the proposed novel method on a standard dataset and achieved good results.
Challenges in Sparse Image Reconstruction
Authors: Shashi Kiran S. , Suresh K. V.
Published: October 2020

Handling huge amount of data from different sources more so in the images is the latest challenge. One of the solutions to this is sparse representation. The idea of sparsity has been receiving much attention recently from many researchers in the areas such as satellite image processing, signal processing, medical image processing, microscopy image processing, pattern recognition, neuroscience, seismic imaging, etc. Many algorithms have been developed for various areas of sparse representation. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive study and highlight the challenges in the area of sparse representation which will be helpful for researchers. Also, the current challenges and opportunities of applying sparsity to image reconstruction, namely, image super-resolution, image denoising and image restoration are discussed. This survey on sparse representation categorizes the existing methods into three groups: dictionary learning approach, greedy strategy approximation approach and deep learning approach.
Single Image De-Hazing via Multiscale Wavelet Decomposition and Estimation with Fractional Gradient-Anisotropic Diffusion Fusion
Authors: Nnolim Uche A.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents algorithms based on fractional multiscale gradient fusion and multilevel wavelet decomposition for underwater and hazy image enhancement. The algorithms utilize partial differential equation (PDE)-generated low- and high-frequency images fused via gradient domain and anisotropic diffusion. Furthermore, wavelet multi-level decomposition, estimation and adjustment of detail and approximation coefficients are employed in improving local and global enhancement. Solutions to halo effect are also developed using compressive bilateral filters or other nonlinear/nonlocal means filter. Ultimately, experimental comparisons indicate that the proposed methods surpass or are comparable to several algorithms from the literature.
Layered Double Hydroxides Applications in the High-Performance Magnetic Nanomaterials
Authors: Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed Ali
Published: October 2020

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), which is related to magnetic nanomaterials’ have promising applications due to their unique structural and chemical properties. The easy tunability of cationic metals without changing the LDH structure as well as anion exchange features of LDH interlayer make them potential applications in supercapacitors, batteries, catalysis, water splitting, etc. Moreover, due to the high dispersion of active compounds in the matrix of LDH layers, LDHs have been used to construct various nanostructures such as nanoparticles, 2D monolayer nanosheets and 3D hierarchical’ which are valued in wide nanotechnological applications. Magnetic nanomaterials are an important research area because they have been applied to a wide range of disciplines such as biotechnology, data storage, magnetic fluids, magnetic resonance imaging, environmental remediation and catalysis. LDHs as starting materials including Ni, Fe or/and Co, can be used as magnetic nanomaterials. The combination between LDHs and magnetic nanostructures has improved the magnetic properties of those materials, hence can be used in more applications.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of Wu–Cai–Wu–Zhang’s quantum private comparison protocol
Authors: He Guang Ping
Published: October 2020

In a recent paper [Int. J. Quantum Inf. 17 (2019) 1950026], the authors discussed the shortcomings in the security of a quantum private comparison protocol that we previously proposed [Int. J. Quantum Inf. 15 (2017) 1750014]. They also proposed a new protocol aimed to avoid these problems. Here, we analyze the information leaked in their protocol, and find that it is even less secure than our protocol in certain cases. We further propose an improved version which has the following advantages: (1) no entanglement needed, (2) quantum memory is no longer required, and (3) less information leaked. Therefore, better security and great feasibility are both achieved.
ACCURACY AND PATIENT ACCEPTANCE OF VULVAR STAMP SMEAR FOR ESTROUS CYCLE EVALUATION IN DOGS
Authors: Liu I-Li , Lee Chih-Ho , Shih Pei-Chi , Wang Shang-Lin
Published: October 2020

Vaginal cytology can facilitate determination of the estrous stage in dogs. Although some studies recommended the vaginal cotton swab smear (VCSS) method for sample collection, some veterinarians prefer the vulvar stamp smear (VSS) method for its convenience and to avoid causing trauma or introducing pathogens from the posterior vagina to the anterior vagina. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has compared the results obtained using VCSS and VSS. In this study, the two methods were used to collect samples from 81 dogs. All slides were blindly examined by three veterinarians. Cells were classified into parabasal cells, intermediate cells, superficial cells, and anuclear cells according to cell outline and nuclear appearance. The predominant cell type was identified and recorded. The agreement rate between the methods for the four types was 90.9%, 86.9%, 62.1%, and 23.3%, respectively. Overall, agreement rate was 65.0%. The agreement for the intermediate and anuclear cells was significantly higher and lower than the expected, respectively ([Formula: see text] for both). The VSS method was reported by the owner to be significantly more accepted than the VCSS method ([Formula: see text]). In conclusion, significant differences in anuclear cell identification between the methods were observed. Therefore, VSS results, particularly those for anuclear cells, should be cautiously interpreted.
IP Reputation Scoring with Geo-Contextual Feature Augmentation
Authors: Sainani Henanksha , Namayanja Josephine M. , Sharma Guneeti , Misal Vasundhara , Janeja Vandana P.
Published: October 2020

The focus of this article is to present an effective anomaly detection model for an encrypted network session by developing a novel IP reputation scoring model that labels the incoming session IP address based on the most similar IP addresses in terms of both network and geo-contextual knowledge. We provide empirical evidence that considering not only traditional network information but also geo-contextual information provides better threat assessment. The reputation scores provide a means to quantitatively capture good and bad IP behavior, making our model ideal for detecting malicious network behavior. With network encryption being the most practical solution to data security and privacy today, our approach expands the network administrator's ability to make decisions about IP addresses’ trustworthiness in an encrypted session with limited network information.
Hybrid Ensemble Pruning Using Coevolution Binary Glowworm Swarm Optimization and Reduce-Error
Authors: Zhu Xuhui , Ni Zhiwei , Xia Pingfan , Ni Liping
Published: October 2020

Ensemble pruning has been widely applied to improve the capacity of multiple learner system. Both diversity and classification accuracy of learners are considered as two key factors for achieving an ensemble with competitive classification ability. Considering that extreme learning machine (ELM) is characterized by excellent training rate and generalization capability, it is employed as the base classifier. For a multiple ELM system, when we increase its constituents’ diversity, the mean accuracy of the whole members must be decreased. Therefore, a compromise between them can ensure that the ELMs remain good diversity and high precision, but finding the compromise brings a heavy computational burden. It is hard to look for the exact result via the searching of intelligent algorithms or pruning of diversity measures. On the basis, we propose a hybrid ensemble pruning approach employing coevolution binary glowworm swarm optimization and reduce-error (HEPCBR). Considering the good performance of reduce-error (RE) in selecting ELMs with high diversity and precision, we try to employ RE to choose the satisfactory ELMs from the generated ELMs. In addition, the constituents are further selected via the proposed coevolution binary glowworm swarm optimization, which are utilized to construct the promising ensemble. Experimental results indicate that, compared to other frequently used methods, the proposed HEPCBR achieves significantly superior performance in classification.
Scientometric Evaluation of Research Productivity on Diabetes from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the Last Two Decades (2000-2019)
Authors: Gazzaz Zohair Jamil , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Zubairi Nadeem Alam , Malik Ahmad Azam
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality with additional threats from known prevalent risk factors. Despite huge investments and increased publications, it is challenging to assess research output. Importantly, the literature on publication trends and performance evaluation is scarce from regions including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study is aimed at analyzing diabetes-related research output from KSA over the last two decades (2000-2019). Materials and Methods. Data was extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) platform and later bibliometric analysis performed using the “R-Bibliometrix” package. A wide range of indicators was explored to measure the quantity and quality of the publications related to diabetes from KSA. Results. Saudi Arabia was 28th in rank with 2600 documents (0.83% of global share). Articles were the main document type (76%). The total number of authors was 9715 from 104 countries. Three authors showed >50 publications and >100 total citations while 2 authors showed an H-index of ≥20. The USA, UK, and Egypt were other leading contributive countries in terms of corresponding authors and total citations per country. King Saud University was the major contributing affiliation followed by King Abdulaziz University. Among 865 sources, Saudi Medical Journal was the leading and consistent source over the years. Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, and Type 2 Diabetes were the most frequently used keywords. Conclusion. This study provides a macroscopic overview of diabetes-related research output from KSA. Overall, similar identifications and trends of top authors were observed in terms of productivity, impact, international collaborations, and organizational affiliations. Generally, an increasing productivity trend was observed with the majority published in the last 5 to 10 years. Study findings can benefit relevant stakeholders to better understand the trends and performance of diabetes-related regional research.
Pseudofungi in an Immunocompromised Patient with Breast Cancer and COVID-19
Authors: Bilani Nadeem , Elson Leah , Carlson Diane , Elimimian Elizabeth Blessing , Nahleh Zeina
Published: October 2020

Herein, we present a case of a male patient with breast cancer and a recent history of COVID-19 pneumonia, diagnosed with pseudofungi on pathological examination of lymph nodes after mastectomy. Pseudofungi are septate hyphae-like structures that morphologically mimic fungal elements despite the absence of true mycosis and thus predispose to overtreatment if not properly identified. We report a review of similar cases involving this diagnostic mimicker in the literature.
Antiproliferative Effects of Alkaloids from the Bulbs of Crinum abyscinicum Hochst. ExA. Rich
Authors: Abebe Besufekad , Tadesse Solomon , Hymete Ariaya , Bisrat Daniel
Published: October 2020

Crinum abyscinicum Hochst. ExA. Rich bulb is traditionally used in Ethiopia for the treatment of various ailments including internal parasites, mastitis, rabies, colic diseases of animals, and cancer. Despite its importance in traditional cancer treatment, no research work has been reported on the antiproliferative activity of the bulb extract and its major constituents. Phytochemical investigation of the bulb extract of C. abyscinicum by PTLC over silica gel resulted in the isolation of two alkaloids, which were unequivocally identified as 6‐hydroxycrinamine and lycorine on the basis of 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR and MS analysis. The bulb extract, 6‐hydroxycrinamine, and lycorine possessed significant antiproliferative activity, lycorine being the most active exhibiting GI50 values of 2.8 μg/ml and 3.4 μg/ml against A2780 and MV4‐11 cells, respectively. Cell cycle analysis and annexin V/propidium iodide double staining in A2780 cells revealed that both compounds increased the percentage of cells in the S‐phase at 30 μg/ml without inducing apoptosis. Our results suggest that the antiproliferative activities of the bulb extract of C. abyscinicum, 6‐hydroxycrinamine, and lycorine could support the traditional claim of the plant against cancer.
In Silico Prediction of the Mode of Action of Viola odorata in Diabetes
Authors: Buabeid Manal Ali , Arafa El-Shaimaa A. , Hassan Waseem , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: October 2020

Background. The metabolic syndrome increases the risk of different diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has rapidly grown and affected more than 230 million people worldwide. Viola odorata is a traditionally used plant for the treatment of diabetes; however, its mechanism to manage diabetes is still unknown. Purpose. This study was designed to systematically assess the mechanism of action of Viola odorata in diabetes. Methods. An extensive literature search was made to establish an ingredient‐target database of Viola odorata. Of these, targets related to diabetes were identified and used to develop a protein‐protein interaction network (PPIN) by utilizing the STITCH database. The obtained PPIN was assessed through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis based on ClueGO plugin. Results. According to the acquired data, there were about 143 chemical constituents present in Viola odorata having 119 protein targets. Of these, 31 targets were established to give the pharmacological effect against diabetes. The UniProt database was used for screening of 31 targets, out of which Homo sapiens contained 22 targets. Ultimately, 207 GO terms, grouped into 41 clusters, were found by gene analysis, and most of them were found to be linked with diabetes. According to findings, several proteins including TP53, BCL2, CDKN1A, 1L6, CCND1, CDKN2A, and RB1 have a significant role in the treatment of diabetes by Viola odorata. Conclusion. The possible activity of Viola odorata in the management of diabetes may be mediated by several molecular mechanisms, including the glutamine metabolic process, IRE1‐mediated unfolded protein response, and pentose metabolic process.
Late Metastatic Melanoma after 25 Years: A Case Report and a Brief Literature Review
Authors: Pescarini Elena , Spanikova Gabriela , Mbaidjol Zacharia , De Antoni Eleonora , Vindigni Vincenzo , Bassetto Franco
Published: October 2020

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma has shown a drastic increase over recent decades, and approximately 70% of newly diagnosed melanoma are tumors with a Breslow thickness less or equal to 1 mm. In the literature, there are well-documented rare cases of late metastasis of thin melanoma, and given their growing incidence, it is expected in the future to see more cases of late recurrence. We present a case report of a metastatic cutaneous melanoma 25 years from diagnosis and a review of the literature. A 61-year-old female patient presented with a newly discovered asymptomatic nodule on her thigh. Her relevant past medical history included a completely excided lesion with Breslow 1.4 mm thickness in 1989 for which she was followed up according to the guidelines and subsequently declared cured after 10 years of surveillance. Fine-needle aspiration and cytological analysis of the lesion proved to be a subcutaneous localization of malignant melanoma. The lesion was completely excised, and the patient has remained disease free since her surgery. The aim of this case report is to emphasize that late metastasis remains uncommon but a definitive cure from melanoma cannot always be considered a disease-free interval of 10 years. Physicians should always be aware of previous melanoma diagnosis with newly discovered suspicious lesions. Better patient education could improve the detection of recurrence and secondary melanomas without any need for more frequent follow-up visits and a prolonged follow-up time.