bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Validation of the Chinese/Mandarin Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS-C/M)
Authors: Liu Xia , Fowokan Adeleke , Grace Sherry L. , Ding Biao , Meng Shu , Chen Xiu , Xia Yinghua , Zhang Yaqing
Published: June 2021

Objective. Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity in China and around the world. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) effectively mitigates this burden; however, utilization is low. CR barriers in China have not been well characterized; this study sought to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate the CR Barriers Scale in Chinese/Mandarin (CRBS-C/M). Methods. Independent translations of the 21-item CRBS were conducted by two bilingual health professionals, followed by back-translation. A Delphi process was undertaken with five experts to consider the semantics and cross-cultural relevance of the items. Following finalization, 380 cardiac patients from 11 hospitals in Shanghai were administered a validation survey including the translated CRBS. Following exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency was assessed. Validity was tested through assessing the association of the CRBS-C/M with the CR Information Awareness Questionnaire. Results. Items were refined and finalized. Factor analysis of CRBS-C/M (

Kaiser
 
Meyer
 
Olkin
=
0.867

, Bartlett’s test

p
<
0.001

) revealed five factors: perceived CR need, external logistical factors, time conflicts, program and health system-level factors, and comorbidities/lack of vitality; Cronbach’s alpha (

α

) of the subscales ranged from 0.67 to 0.82. The mean total CRBS score was significantly lower in patients who participated in CR compared with those who did not, demonstrating criterion validity (

2.35
±
0.71

vs.

3.08
±
0.55

;

p
<
0.001

). Construct validity was supported by the significant associations between total CRBS scores and CR awareness, sex, living situation, city size, income, diagnosis/procedure, disease severity, and several risk factors (all

p
<
0.05

). Conclusions. CRBS-C/M is reliable and valid, so barriers can be identified and mitigated in Mandarin-speaking patients.
Effects of Universal Adhesive on Shear Bond Strength of Resin Cement to Zirconia Ceramic with Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Moradi Zohreh , Akbari Farnoosh , Valizadeh Sara
Published: June 2021

Aim. This study aimed to assess shear bond strength (SBS) of resin cement to zirconia ceramic with different surface treatments by using Single Bond Universal. Methods. In this in vitro study, 50 zirconia discs (2 × 6 mm) were divided into 5 groups of (I) sandblasting with silica-coated alumina (CoJet)  + silane + Single Bond 2, (II) sandblasting with CoJet + Single Bond Universal, (III) sandblasting with alumina + Single Bond Universal, (IV) sandblasting with alumina + Z-Prime Plus, and (V) Single Bond Universal with no surface treatment. Resin cement was applied in plastic tubes (3 × 5 mm2), and after 10,000 thermal cycles, the SBS was measured by a universal testing machine. The mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope at × 40 magnification. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results. The maximum (6.56 ± 4.29 MPa) and minimum (1.94 ± 1.96 MPa) SBS values were noted in groups III and I, respectively. Group III had the highest frequency of mixed failure (60%). Group V had the maximum frequency of adhesive failure (100%). Conclusion. Single Bond Universal + sandblasting with alumina or silica-coated alumina particles is an acceptable method to provide a strong SBS between resin cement and zirconia.
A Deep Transfer Learning Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Domain Separation and Adversarial Learning
Authors: Xiang Shoubing , Zhang Jiangquan , Gao Hongli , Shi Dalei , Chen Liang
Published: June 2021

Current studies on intelligent bearing fault diagnosis based on transfer learning have been fruitful. However, these methods mainly focus on transfer fault diagnosis of bearings under different working conditions. In engineering practice, it is often difficult or even impossible to obtain a large amount of labeled data from some machines, and an intelligent diagnostic method trained by labeled data from one machine may not be able to classify unlabeled data from other machines, strongly hindering the application of these intelligent diagnostic methods in certain industries. In this study, a deep transfer learning method for bearing fault diagnosis, domain separation reconstruction adversarial networks (DSRAN), was proposed for the transfer fault diagnosis between machines. In DSRAN, domain‐difference and domain‐invariant feature extractors are used to extract and separate domain‐difference and domain‐invariant features, respectively Moreover, the idea of generative adversarial networks (GAN) was used to improve the network in learning domain‐invariant features. By using domain‐invariant features, DSRAN can adopt the distribution of the data in the source and target domains. Six transfer fault diagnosis experiments were performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the average accuracy reached 89.68%. The results showed that the DSRAN method trained by labeled data obtained from one machine can be used to identify the health state of the unlabeled data obtained from other machines.
Exploring the Role of Social Support between Discharge Teaching and Readiness for Discharge in Ocular Fundus Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yao Shuyu , Huang Feifei , Zhang Yan , Huang Nanqi , Xiao Huiming , Zhang Jingping , Lian Yu
Published: June 2021

Background. This study aims to evaluate the quality of discharge teaching and readiness for discharge of fundus disease patients treated with day surgery and understand the role of social support between them. Methods. This was a cross-sectional descriptive correlational survey. Through convenient sampling, fundus disease patients treated with day surgery from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, China, were recruited. Data were collected using demographic and disease-related information, quality of discharge teaching scale, readiness for hospital discharge scale, and social support scale. Results. 255 fundus disease patients treated with day surgery were recruited at last. The mean total score of readiness for discharge, quality of discharge teaching, and social support in patients with fundus disease were 157.91 (SD = 26.68), 122.97 (SD = 21.55), and 36.32 (SD = 7.60), respectively. Participants with stronger social support had better discharge teaching and then had higher readiness for discharge. Social support played a partial mediator role in the relationship between discharge teaching and readiness for discharge. The mediation effect ratio was 5.5%. Conclusions. The quality of discharge teaching and social support among fundus disease patients who underwent day surgery was relatively high, and readiness for discharge was good. Social support is essential for the quality of discharge teaching and the improvement of discharge readiness. Clinical nurses need to provide appropriate guidelines to help patients seek effective support and improve quality of discharge teaching to enhance the readiness for discharge of fundus disease patients treated with day surgery.
Pharmic Activation of PKG2 Alleviates Diabetes‐Induced Osteoblast Dysfunction by Suppressing PLCβ1‐Ca2+‐Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Jia Tingting , Wang Ya-nan , Feng Yao , Wang Chenchen , Zhang Dongjiao , Xu Xin
Published: June 2021

As reported in our previous study, cinaciguat can improve implant osseointegration in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats by reactivating type 2 cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG2), but the downstream mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the favorable effect of cinaciguat on primary rat osteoblast, which was cultivated on titanium disc under vitro T2DM conditions (25 mM glucose and 200 μM palmitate), and clarified the therapeutic mechanism by proteomic analysis. The results demonstrated that T2DM medium caused significant downregulation of PKG2 and induced obvious osteoblast dysfunction. And overexpression of PKG2 by lentivirus and cinaciguat could promote cell proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation, leading to decreased osteoblasts injury. Besides, proteomic analysis revealed the interaction between PKG2 and phospholipase Cβ1 (PLCβ1) in the cinaciguat addition group, and we further verified that upregulated PKG2 by cinaciguat could inhibit the activation of PLCβ1, then relieve intracellular calcium overload, and suppress endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to ameliorate osteoblast functions under T2DM condition. Collectively, these findings provided the first detailed mechanisms responsible for cinaciguat provided a favorable effect on promoting osseointegration in T2DM and demonstrated a new insight that diabetes mellitus‐induced the aberrations in PKG2‐PLCβ1‐Ca2+‐ER stress pathway was one underlying mechanism for poor osseointegration.
Vertigo and Cytotoxic Lesions of the Corpus Callosum: Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Rolshoven John , Fellows Katelyn , Ania Rolando , Tabaac Burton J.
Published: June 2021

Background. The term cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) encompasses the entity reversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES). RESLES typically presents with altered levels of consciousness, seizures, and delirium and is distinguished radiographically by reversible focal lesions of the splenium of the corpus callosum. This disease pathology is associated with withdrawal of antiepileptic medications, infections, metabolic disturbance, or high-altitude cerebral edema. Methods. We presented an otherwise healthy 72-year-old female that was consulted for an episode of isolated vertigo lasting four hours. Initial workup included CT head without contrast, CT angiogram head and neck, and MRI brain with and without contrast. The patient experienced recurrent episodes of vertigo at one and four months after initial presentation. An extensive workup at one month included a wide spectrum of laboratory tests and repeat imaging. Results. Noncontrast CT of the head and CT angiogram of the head and neck were reassuring. MRI brain with and without contrast demonstrated hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum on FLAIR sequencing. A follow-up visit at one month revealed vitamin B12 deficiency and unchanged hyperintensity of the splenium of the corpus callosum. History and workup were negative for typical risk factors associated with RESLES. Conclusion. An otherwise healthy patient who presented with an isolated episode of vertigo was discovered to demonstrate radiographic features consistent with RESLES but lacked the common risk factors and typical presentation of RESLES. This case expands the possible clinical presentation of RESLES and highlights the possible relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and radiographic features of RESLES.
Erythema Multiforme Induced by a “Milker’s Nodule” Pseudocowpox Infection: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wu Kyle , de Menezes Sara , Robinson Aaron
Published: June 2021

Milker’s nodule is caused by the pseudocowpox virus following inoculation from infected cattle. We report the case of erythema multiforme induced by pseudocowpox infection in an 18-year-old female from regional Australia. While erythema multiforme has been described as a complication of orf, it is rare as a sequela of pseudocowpox infection. Greater clinical knowledge of this disease and potential complications aid in guiding appropriate management of this phenomenon.
Structure Design and Flow Field Analysis of a Model Test Box Used to Study Freezing Temperature Field of Seepage Stratum
Authors: Shan Renliang , Liu Weijun , Liu Zhe , Wang Zhien
Published: June 2021

To meet the research needs of the freezing temperature field under seepage, we investigate and design a seepage‐freezing model test box, which can meet the requirements of strength, deformation, dispersed flow, simulated laminar flow, and water sealing performance. Using theoretical analysis and calculation, the pressure design index of the model box was obtained. Based on safety considerations, the model test box was designed with a pressure vessel bearing of 0.05 MPa. The structure of “sink + porous plate” was used inside the box. By flow field analysis, the porous plate can effectively reduce the influence of flow convergence to the orifice on the flow field and achieve the purpose of dispersed‐water flow and laminar flow simulation. The composite structure form of “panel + frame beam” was adopted to perform the load‐bearing test. Under the pressure of 0.05 MPa, the maximum deformation in the x, y, and z directions was <2.4 mm, and the maximum stress was approximately 248 MPa. The model box could meet the requirements of strength and deformation. Water sealing between the upper cover plate and lower box body was achieved by arranging bolts, iron sheets, and silica gel strips. After testing the processed box, we found that the designed box can fully meet the test requirements. These research results may be used as a reference for the development and design of other seepage‐freezing model test boxes.
Genetic Toxicology and Safety Pharmacological Evaluation of Forsythin
Authors: Han Zhong , Guo Jianmin , Meng Feibiao , Liao Haifeng , Deng Yinghua , Huang Yuankeng , Lei Xialing , Liang Chun , Han Richou , Yang Wei
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Forsythin is the main ingredient of Forsythia suspensa and is widely used in treatment of fever, viral cold, gonorrhea, and ulcers clinically. This study aimed to evaluate the potential genetic toxicity of forsythin and its safety for human use. Methods. Based on the Good Laboratory Practice regulations and test guidelines, the genetic toxicity of forsythin was assessed by the Ames test, chromosome aberration (CA) test, and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) test in vivo. In the Ames test, five strains of Salmonella typhimurium were exposed to different concentrations of forsythin in the presence or absence of the S9 mixture, and then, the number of His + revertant colonies was counted. In the CA test, Chinese hamster lung (CHL) fibroblast cells were treated with different concentrations of forsythin, mitomycin C, or cyclophosphamide in the presence or absence of the S9 mixture, and the chromosomal aberrations were determined. In the MN test, bone marrow was isolated from the mice with different treatments, and the ratios of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and erythrocytes (PCE/(PCE + NCE)) were measured. Finally, beagle dogs were divided into four groups (negative control, low dose, medium dose, and high dose groups), and then, a telemetry system was used to evaluate the safe use of forsythin. Results. Ames test results showed that the number of colonies in all test strains with different treatments showed no significantly dose-dependent increase in the presence or absence of the S9 mixture (

p
>
0.05

). In the CA test, the number of cells with aberrations in the CHL fibroblast cells treated with low, medium, and high doses of forsythin for 24/48 h in the absence of the S9 mixture was, respectively, 5.0/2.5, 4.5/1.5, and 5.0/5.0, and in the presence of the S9 mixture, the number was, respectively, 5.0, 5.0, and 4.5. These results showed that there was no significant difference compared to the negative control group either in the presence (2.0) or in the absence (4.0/2.5 for 24/48 h) of the S9 mixture (

p
>
0.05

). The MN test showed that the values of PCE/(PCE + NCE) in the negative, positive controls, and forsythin treatment groups were all more than 20%, which indicated that forsythin had no cytotoxicity. Additionally, no significant toxicological effects of forsythin on blood pressure, respiration, temperature, electrocardiogram, and other physiological indicators in the conscious beagle dogs of different groups were observed by the telemetry method. Conclusion. Our findings showed that forsythin has low probability of genetic toxicity and no significant toxicological effects, which implied that forsythin is suitable for further development and potential application.
Profit Seeking versus Survival Seeking: Green Investment of Capital-Constrained Suppliers with Incentive Contracts
Authors: Xia Bing , Zhang Junling
Published: June 2021

This study explores a supply chain with a capital-constrained startup supplier who invests in product greenness and a manufacturer who sells green products to consumers under demand uncertainty. Green investment of the supplier is supported by the manufacturer with two incentive contracts: (i) investment- and (ii) revenue-sharing contracts. Profit- and survival-seeking objectives are considered for the startup supplier. Results show that the profit-seeking supplier increases its product greenness if demand uncertainty rises, whereas the survival-seeking supplier increases its product greenness if its capital constraints increase. Compared with the commonly used wholesale price contract, investment- and revenue-sharing contracts can help facilitate the “win-win” supply chain cooperation for improving product greenness. If the profit-seeking supplier cooperates with the manufacturer, the investment-sharing contract is preferred as the demand uncertainty increases. If a survival-seeking supplier cooperates with the manufacturer, the revenue-sharing contract is preferred as the capital constraint increases. Overall, the revenue-sharing contract is preferred given the high attractiveness of the green investment. By extending the discussion into two periods, the revenue-sharing contract will be preferred in the survival-seeking case because the cooperation can continue in a large parameter space.
Cytokine Response Profiles of School-Aged Children Infected with Schistosomiasis before and after Praziquantel Treatment
Authors: Okonjo Edward , Yole Dorcas , Ogoyi Dorington
Published: June 2021

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects millions of people in 78 countries globally. Children under the age of 14, who have the chronic disease may suffer from anemia and malnutrition that contribute to lost days at school and pervasive learning disabilities. The infection is prevalent in Kenya, especially in endemic areas, contributing to significant morbidity. The cellular response pattern is associated with both the acute and chronic phases of the disease, in which cytokines play a critical role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profiles of IL-4, IL-2, IL-10, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF in serum samples of infected school-aged children by using flow cytometry before and after treatment. The analysis indicated a shift in the expression of the cytokines after treatment with all the cytokines being downregulated, except TNF. There was a general trend of decrease in the expression of the cytokines at six and twelve weeks after treatment as compared to the pretreatment levels. There were statistically significant differences in the expression in IL-2 (P=0.001∗∗), IL-4 (P=0.033∗), IL-10 (P=0.001∗∗∗), IFN-γ (P=0.023∗), and IL-5 (P=0.0001∗∗∗), except in TNF (P=0.095). The reduction in the cytokine levels can be directly related to the influence of the drug praziquantel, modulating the cytokine response by elimination of adult worms, decline in parasitic load, and reduction of morbidity. Therefore, cytokine response is directly related with the influence of treatment in the variation of the immune response.
Effect of 70% Ethanol Extract and its Solvent Fractions of Artemisia afra (Jacq. Ex Willd.) against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure in Mice
Authors: Kediso Teketel Eristu , Tolessa Tesfaye , Getachew Fikirte , Makonnen Eyasu , Seifu Daniel
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Artemisia afra (Jacq. ex Willd.), commonly called African wormwood, is a highly aromatic perennial herb and a well-known medicinal plant, claimed to be effective and safe in the treatment of epilepsy. The whole-plant extract is traditionally used as an antiepileptic agent in Ethiopia. Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of the hydroethanolic extract and solvent fractions of A. afra whole part in mice. Materials and Methods. The effects of A. afra hydroethanolic extract and its solvent fractions were evaluated against pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ-) induced convulsions in mice. The onset and duration of PTZ-induced convulsions were determined with hydroethanolic A. afra extract and its solvent fractions. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparisons test.

p
<
0.05

was considered statistically significant. Results. The hydroethanolic extract of A. afra, with all the three doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, showed a significant delay (504.833 ± 62.835

∗

 s;

p
<

0.05

∗

; 551.833 ± 47.69

∗
∗

 s;

p
<

0.01

∗
∗

; and 808.333 ± 64.8

∗
∗
∗

s;

p
<

0.001

∗
∗
∗

, respectively) in the mean onset of convulsion and a decrease (17.000 ± 1.88

∗
∗
∗

 s,

p
<

0.05

∗

; 13.000 ± 1.8

∗
∗

 s,

p
<

0.01

∗
∗

; and 7.833 ± 1.07

∗
∗
∗

 s,

p
<
0.001

, respectively) in the mean duration of convulsion against PTZ-induced convulsion in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control (92.833 ± 13.006 s; 34.167 ± 3.683 s), and its anticonvulsant activity was significantly less compared to that of diazepam (1001.167 ± 68.430 s; 4.500 ± 0.619 s). The solvent fractions, however, did not show anticonvulsant activity against PTZ-induced convulsion. Conclusion. Crude extract of A. afra has an anticonvulsant effect in mice. This might be attributed to the synergistic effects of two or more active ingredients present in the herb.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in a Patient with Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Tumenta Terence , Adeyemo Samuel , Oladeji Oluwatoyin , Jegede Oluwole , Laurent Bordes , Olupona Tolu
Published: June 2021

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a characteristic clinical radiographic syndrome with diffuse structural alteration of cerebral white matter secondary to myelin damage with diverse and multifactorial etiologies. It can present with acutely altered mentation, somnolence or occasionally stupor, vision impairment, seizures, and sudden or chronic headaches that are not focal. The pathophysiology remains unclear, but mechanisms involving endothelial injury and dysregulation of cerebral autoregulation have been purported. We report the case of a 36-year-old male with a history of heroin use disorder, who was admitted to our hospital for opioid withdrawal. CT head without contrast and MRI with and without gadolinium showed significant white matter disease in both cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum. He was diagnosed with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome secondary to heroin use and managed on the medical floor in collaboration with the neurology team. His clinical symptoms improved and he was discharged after six weeks. To our knowledge, this case did not present with the risk factors for PRES reported in the literature. For patients with heroin use disorder who present with an altered mental status, PRES should be highly suspected. The diagnosis and management require collaboration between psychiatry and neurology.
Undetectable High-Sensitivity Troponin T as a Gatekeeper for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Patients Suspected of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Arslan Murat , Schaap Jeroen , Rood Pleunie P.M. , Nieman Koen , Budde Ricardo P.J. , van Dalen Bas M. , Attrach Mohamed , Dubois Eric A. , Dedic Admir
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the safety and efficiency of a strategy employing the limit of detection (LoD) of high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) as a gatekeeper for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in the emergency department (ED). Methods: We included suspected ACS patients who underwent CCTA and were evaluated with hs-TnT. Patients were categorized as below the LoD and at or above the LoD. The primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as all-cause mortality, ACS, or coronary revascularization. Results: The study population consisted of 177 patients (mean age 55 ± 10 years, 50.3% women), and 16 (9.0%) patients reached the primary outcome. None of the patients died, while 13 had an adjudicated diagnosis of ACS, and 3 underwent elective coronary revascularization. There were 77 patients (44%) with an hs-TnT value below the LoD (MACEs; n = 1 [1.3%]) and 100 (56%) with at or above the LoD levels (MACEs; n = 15 [15%]). None of 67 patients with an hs-TnT value below the LoD and <50% stenosis on CCTA experienced MACEs. Out of the 10 patients with an hs-TnT value below the LoD and ≥50% stenosis on CCTA, 1 patient underwent elective percutaneous coronary revascularization. In patients with an hs-TnT value at or above the LoD, 74 patients had <50% stenosis on CCTA, and 2 patients (3%) were diagnosed with myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease confirmed on invasive angiography. Thirteen (50%) patients with an hs-TnT value at or above the LoD and ≥50% stenosis on CCTA experienced MACEs (11 ACS and 2 elective percutaneous coronary revascularizations). Conclusion: Our findings support that implementing the LoD of hs-TnT as a gatekeeper may reduce the need for CCTA in suspected ACS patients in the ED.
Association between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Risk of Osteoporosis in Korean Premenopausal Women
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeoup , Hwang Hye-Rim , Yi Yu-Hyeon , Kim Jin-Mi , Kim Yun-Jin , Lee Jeong-Gyu , Cho Young-Hye , Tak Young-Jin , Lee Seung Hun , Park Eun Ju , Lee Youngin
Published: June 2021

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a risk factor for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture in Korean women after controlling for basic confounding factors and considering detailed demographic and clinical information. Subjects and Methods: We performed a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort analysis and matched every IBS case with a non-IBS case at a 1:4 frequency ratio based on age. The population consisted of female patients with data in the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database from 2002 to 2010. To determine the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture in IBS and non-IBS patients, hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusting for confounding variables, such as the area of residence, health insurance type, and economic status. Results: We identified 1,017,468 patients in the HIRA database with data from 2002 to 2010 who could potentially be included in the cohort. Among these, we identified 1,545 (11.4%) women (age >19 years) with newly diagnosed IBS (IBS group). Additionally, 6,180 patients without IBS and age-matched to the IBS group were selected. Cox modeling revealed that the crude HRs for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in patients with IBS were 1.476 (95% CI, 1.241–1.754) and 1.427 (95% CI, 1.086–1.876), respectively. Conclusion: Our data showed an increased incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in women with IBS compared with age-matched controls.
Confirmatory factor analysis: Model testing of financial ratio's with decision support systems approach
Authors: Husain T. , Ardhiansyah Maulana , Fathudin Dedin
Published: June 2021

The decision support systems approach can be developed into both computer-based and quantitative analysis tools. This research uses a model test with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) technique on matrix covariance against SEM methods to measure financial ratios. DSS analysis using numerical calculations aided by mathematical models through six phases. The first three phases of a structured approach to building multivariate models and the next three phases, namely estimation, interpretation, and validation, are developing from data input that has been selected using LISREL Version 8.72. The Financial Ratio's testing model with a CFA approach derived into a mathematical (quantitative) model can explain the complexity of the relationship between the goodness-of-fit models (GOF) with a different approach from prior research. The goodness-of-fit test results in this study produced scores on each of the financial ratio measurement models at an accuracy level of CR of 78.49, TATO of 1.26, DER of 41.41, ROA of minus 0.033, and PBV of 540.92. This means that PBV has the highest standardized loading factors to determine the measurement of Financial Ratio's. The CFA measurement based on SEM can be used to make appropriate decisions and combine a model comparison and redevelopment of the CFA technique and model testing with other software such as SPSS, PLS, AMOS, and others
Simulation model of 3-phase PWM rectifier by using MATLAB/Simulink
Authors: Shneen Salam Waley , Aziz Ghada Adel
Published: June 2021

Many industrial applications require the use of power electronic devices, which in turn help in overcoming the problems of variable load and fluctuations that occur at the end of feeding. The current study emphasizes that the use of different electric power generation systems with industrial applications needs control devices to work on improving the power quality and performance of systems in which there is an imbalance in the voltage or current due to the change of loads or feeding from the source. The present study also presents a model of a transformer widely used in industrial applications and this work includes simulating a three-phase rectifier by MATLAB. There are four cases in this work HWR (uncontrolled and controlled) and FWR (uncontrolled and uncontrolled) with different loads (R, RL & RC) including full wave type AC/DC using six electronic transformer silicon control rectifier (SCRs) once as well as unified half wave using three electronic transformer silicon control rectifier (SCRs). Simulation results include input, output voltage, and current with the waveform.
Fuzzy super twisting algorithm dual direct torque control of doubly fed induction machine
Authors: Farid Boumaraf , Tarek Boutabba , Sebti Belkacem
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes the fundamental aspects of hybrid nonlinear control which is composed of the super twisting algorithm (STA) based second order sliding mode control applying fuzzy logic method (FSOSMC), with pertinent simulation results for a doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) drive. To minimize chattering effect phenomenon due to Signum function employed in sliding mode algorithm, a new method is proposed. This technique consists in replacing the signum function by fuzzy switching function in the SOSMC to minimize flux and torque ripples. This FSOSMC is associated to the double direct torque control DDTC of the doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) by combining the advantages of fuzzy logic (FL) and the advantages of super-twisting sliding mode. The FSOSMC-DDTC strategy is compared with a PI-DDTC and SOSMC-DDTC. Simulation results demonstrate good efficiency and excellent robustness of the hybrid nonlinear controller.
Design of microstrip patch antenna to deploy unmanned aerial vehicle as UE in 5G wireless network
Authors: Md. Imran Abu Zafar , Hakim Mohammad Lutful , Ahmed Md. Razu , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Hossain Elias
Published: June 2021

The use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been increasing rapidly in the civilian and military applications, because of UAV's high-performance communication with ground clients, especially for its intrinsic properties such as adaptive altitude, mobility, and flexibility. UAV deployment can be monitored and controlled through 5G wireless network as user equipment (UE) along with other devices. A highly directive microstrip patch antenna (MPA) could establish long-distance communication by overcoming air attenuation and reduce co-channel interference in the limited region if UAV uses a specifically dedicated band, which might enhance spatially reuse of the spectrum. Also, MPA is highly recommended for UAV because of its low weight, low cost, compact size, and flat shape. In this paper, we have designed a highly directive single-band 2×2 and 4×4 antenna array for 5.8 GHz and 28 GHz frequency respectively for UAV application in a focus to deploy UAV through 5G wireless network. Here, The Roger RT5880 (lossy) material utilize as a substrate due to its lower dielectric constant which achieves higher directivity and good mechanical stability. Inset feed technique used to feed antenna for lowering input impedance which provides higher antenna efficiency. The results show a wider bandwidth of 702 MHz and 1.596 GHz for 5.8 GHz and 28 GHz antenna array correspondingly with a compact size.
High-performance AES-128 algorithm implementation by FPGA-based SoC for 5G communications
Authors: Visconti Paolo , Velazquez Ramiro , Capoccia Stefano , De Fazio Roberto
Published: June 2021

In this research work, a fast and lightweight AES-128 cypher based on the Xilinx ZCU102 FPGA board is presented, suitable for 5G communications. In particular, both encryption and decryption algorithms have been developed using a pipelined approach, so enabling the simultaneous processing of the rounds on multiple data packets at each clock cycle. Both the encryption and decryption systems support an operative frequency up to 220 MHz, reaching 28.16 Gbit/s maximum data throughput; besides, the encryption and decryption phases last both only ten clock periods. To guarantee the interoperability of the developed encryption/decryption system with the other sections of the 5G communication apparatus, synchronization and control signals have been integrated. The encryption system uses only 1631 CLBs, whereas the decryption one only 3464 CLBs, ascribable, mainly, to the Inverse Mix Columns step. The developed cypher shows higher efficiency (8.63 Mbps/slice) than similar solutions present in literature.
Mixed Hill Cipher methods with triple pass protocol methods
Authors: Mezher Liqaa Saadi , Abbass Ayam Mohsen
Published: June 2021

Hill Cipher is a reimbursement coding system that converts specific textual content codes into numbers and does no longer exchange the location of fixed symbols. The symbol modifications simplest in step with the English letter table inclusive of (26) characters handiest. An encoded Hill Cipher algorithm was used that multiplication the square matrix of the apparent text with a non-public key and then combined it with the Triple Pass Protocol method used to repeat the encryption three times without relying on a personal key. Also, you could decode the code and go back it to the express textual content. The cause of mixing algorithms is to cozy the message without any key change among the sender and the recipient.
Prediction of addiction to drugs and alcohol using machine learning: A case study on Bangladeshi population
Authors: Islam Arif Md. Ariful , Sany Saiful Islam , Sharmin Farah , Rahman Md. Sadekur , Habib Md. Tarek
Published: June 2021

Nowadays addiction to drugs and alcohol has become a significant threat to the youth of the society as Bangladesh’s population. So, being a conscientious member of society, we must go ahead to prevent these young minds from life-threatening addiction. In this paper, we approach a machinelearning-based way to forecast the risk of becoming addicted to drugs using machine-learning algorithms. First, we find some significant factors for addiction by talking to doctors, drug-addicted people, and read relevant articles and write-ups. Then we collect data from both addicted and nonaddicted people. After preprocessing the data set, we apply nine conspicuous machine learning algorithms, namely k-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, SVM, naïve bayes, classification, and regression trees, random forest, multilayer perception, adaptive boosting, and gradient boosting machine on our processed data set and measure the performances of each of these classifiers in terms of some prominent performance metrics. Logistic regression is found outperforming all other classifiers in terms of all metrics used by attaining an accuracy approaching 97.91%. On the contrary, CART shows poor results of an accuracy approaching 59.37% after applying principal component analysis.
Analyzing the instructions vulnerability of dense convolutional network on GPUS
Authors: Adam Khalid , Mohd Izzeldin I. , Ibrahim Younis
Published: June 2021

Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) have been increasingly deployed in various healthcare applications, which are considered safety-critical applications. Thus, the reliability of these DNN models should be remarkably high, because even a small error in healthcare applications can lead to injury or death. Due to the high computations of the DNN models, DNNs are often executed on the graphics processing units (GPUs). However, the GPUs have been reportedly impacted by soft errors, which are extremely serious issues in the healthcare applications. In this paper, we show how the fault injection can provide a deeper understanding of DenseNet201 model instructions vulnerability on the GPU. Then, we analyze vulnerable instructions of the DenseNet201 on the GPU. Our results show that the most significant vulnerable instructions against soft errors PR, STORE, FADD, FFMA, SETP and LD can be reduced from 4.42% to 0.14% of injected faults, after we applied our mitigation strategy.
Automation conditions of mobile base station shelter via cloud and IoT computing applications
Authors: Shatti Ahmed Hussein , Hasson Haider Ali , Abdul-Rahaim Laith Ali
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a monitoring and controlling process of the mobile base station shelter has been implemented. We have proposed a model that is based on a firebase cloud service and the principle of the internet of things (IoT) to carry out the process of automation. In this model, we have used Raspberry Pi 4 as the main microcontroller of our system that has interacted with a DHT11 Humidity-Temperature sensor and a PIR motion sensor. It's found that the Pi4 module provides efficient analysis, low consumption of power, and effective control of the operation. It turns ON/OFF the electrical appliances automatically inside the shelter. The main advantage of our proposed model is to maintain the temperature and humidity degrees inside the shelter within the required range of operation. Another important advantage is to diminish the tall human exertion level behind the monitoring process throughout the day. The model has been tested through a localhost server via an HTML page. The last one was created with the assistance of HTML and CSS languages to be used as a local user interface. Moreover, the Raspberry Pi 4 was programmed by Python Language to catch up on the reading of the sensors, processes the data, and sends it to the cloud service. Finally, those data will be shown in real-time to the authenticated user on the database of the firebase cloud service.
Demand response program for smart grid through real time pricing and home energy management system
Authors: Joseph Shibily , Jasmin E. A.
Published: June 2021

Aim of demand response (DR) programs are to change the usage pattern of electricity in such a way that, beneficial to the consumers as well as to the distributors by applying some methods or technology. This way additional cost to erect new energy sources can be postponed in power grid. Best method to implement demand response (DR) program is by influencing consumer through the implementation of real time pricing scheme. To harness the benefit of DR, automated home energy management system is essential. This paper presents a comprehensive demand response system with real time pricing. The real time price is determined after considering price elasticity of various classes of consumers and their load profiles. A real time clustering algorithm suitable for big data of smart grid is devised for the segmentation of consumers. This paper is novel in its design for real time pricing and modelling and automatic scheduling of appliances for home energy management. Simulation results showed that this new real time pricing method is suitable for DR programs to reduce the peak load of the system as well as reducing the energy expenditure of houses, while ensuring profit for the retailer.
Identification of important features and data mining classification techniques in predicting employee absenteeism at work
Authors: Al-Rasheed Amal
Published: June 2021

Employees absenteeism at the work costs organizations billions a year. Prediction of employees’ absenteeism and the reasons behind their absence help organizations in reducing expenses and increasing productivity. Data mining turns the vast volume of human resources data into information that can help in decision-making and prediction. Although the selection of features is a critical step in data mining to enhance the efficiency of the final prediction, it is not yet known which method of feature selection is better. Therefore, this paper aims to compare the performance of three well-known feature selection methods in absenteeism prediction, which are relief-based feature selection, correlation-based feature selection and information-gain feature selection. In addition, this paper aims to find the best combination of feature selection method and data mining technique in enhancing the absenteeism prediction accuracy. Seven classification techniques were used as the prediction model. Additionally, cross-validation approach was utilized to assess the applied prediction models to have more realistic and reliable results. The used dataset was built at a courier company in Brazil with records of absenteeism at work. Regarding experimental results, correlationbased feature selection surpasses the other methods through the performance measurements. Furthermore, bagging classifier was the best-performing data mining technique when features were selected using correlation-based feature selection with an accuracy rate of (92%).
Realistic mathematics education: Mathematical reasoning and communication skills in rural contexts
Authors: Palinussa Anderson Leonardo , Molle Juliana Selvina , Gaspersz Magy
Published: June 2021

Mathematics learning has always been a problem in the world of education in Indonesia especially in the Province of Maluku, which is a thousand island area. The geographical position of Maluku, which is an area of the archipelago, is quite extensive, affecting the quality of students in mathematics. One approach that is recommended to overcome mathematical problems of rural island-based students is realistic mathematics education (RME). The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of RME on mathematical reasoning and communication skills in a rural context. The research design used was quasi experiment. The sample size was 130 students from several junior high schools in Central Maluku Regency. The instrument developed was in the form of problem descriptions to measure students' mathematical reasoning and communication skills. The findings prove that RME has a significant influence on students' mathematical reasoning and communication skills. Thus, RME can be recommended in improving students' mathematical reasoning and communication skills in the island-based rural context.
Development of higher order thinking skill assessment instruments in learning Indonesian history
Authors: Setiawan Johan , Ajat Sudrajat Ajat , Aman Aman , Kumalasari Dyah
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to: 1) Produce higher order thinking skill (HOTS) assessment instruments in learning Indonesian history; 2) Know the validity of HOTS assessment instruments in learning Indonesian history; 3) Find out the characteristics of HOTS questions in learning Indonesian history. This study employed the research and development method of the Borg and Gall model. The HOTS test item was conducted on 36 students in class XI of 2 Ngaglik State Senior High School. Data analysis includes tests of validity, reliability, level of difficulty, distinguishing features and deception index. The study found: 1) The HOTS assessment instrument of multiple-choice questions consisted of 25 items; 2) The results of the HOTS question validation by two Indonesian history learning assessment experts on the material, construction and language aspects were valid and appropriate. The results of the validation by three Indonesian history teachers also stated that the assessment instruments were valid and appropriate; 3) The characteristics of HOTS questions had fulfilled the validity criteria of 23 questions, reliability with a coefficient of 0.97 (very strong), the average difficulty level is 0.33 (moderate), the average differentiation test is 0.42 (good), and the average deception index is 0.56 (good).
Quality of mentoring of mentor teachers: Perspective of the trainee teachers
Authors: Jafar Mohd Fairuz , Yaakob Mohd Faiz Mohd , Mustapha Ramlan , Aziz Muhammad Noor Abdul , Yusof Mat Rahimi , Awang Hapini
Published: June 2021

Mentoring by the mentor teachers to the trainee teacher is an important element in the component of professional practice, namely practicum. Mentoring of mentor teachers in this study refers to the quality of guidance given by mentor teachers to trainee teachers. This aspect is seen to have an impact on the success of trainee teachers during the practicum session. However, there are past studies that state that mentor teachers do not provide guidance as required by the trainee teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the quality of mentoring of mentor teachers from the perspective of trainee teachers. This study used a mixed-method approach. Quantitative study was using a questionnaire namely mentor teacher’s guidance while utilizing random sampling method was used on a sample of 217 trainee teachers from the Institute of Teacher Education in the northern zone of Malaysia who have undergone the practicum session. The qualitative approach, on the hand involve semi-structured interview with two trainee teachers as the participants. This study found that the quality of guidance of mentor teachers is at a very good level. Quantitative findings are supported by qualitative findings. Four themes were identified from the interview analysis namely; excellent guidance, informative, cooperation and the needs of mentor teachers.
Investigating communicative barriers on construction industry productivity in Malaysia: An overview
Authors: Ne'Matullah Khairul Firdaus , Pek Lim Seong , Roslan Siti Aisyah
Published: June 2021

The evolution of technology has changed the way how human communicate in the current time. With the advancement of technology, instructions and messages could be delivered in a split second. Even though life is made easy with technology, some information and details should be delivered face-to-face in order to avoid communication breakdown. This study was carried out to determine the language needs by foreign workers working at construction sectors in Malaysia. The study created an overview on how communication affects productivity in completing tasks on time. The results from this study lead to a development of language modules for foreign workers training. An online survey was carried out through social media on construction site supervisors around Malaysia in getting their feedback related to the origin of their co-workers and the importance of English language as medium of instruction for task fulfilment. Results indicated that language barriers had affected productivity in the sector of construction in Malaysia. Besides, results also noted that cross-cultural differences had put foreign workers at risk and caused wastage to time and manpower.