bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIK3CA Mutation in the ShortHER Randomized Adjuvant Trial for Patients with Early HER2+ Breast Cancer: Association with Prognosis and Integration with PAM50 Subtype
Authors: Guarneri Valentina , Dieci Maria Vittoria , Bisagni Giancarlo , Brandes Alba A. , Frassoldati Antonio , Cavanna Luigi , Musolino Antonino , Giotta Francesco , Rimanti Anita , Garrone Ornella , Bertone Elena , Cagossi Katia , Nanni Oriana , Piacentini Federico , Orvieto Enrico , Griguolo Gaia , Curtarello Matteo , Urso Loredana , Paré Laia , Chic Nuria , D'Amico Roberto , Prat Aleix , Conte Pierfranco
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

We explored the prognostic effect of PIK3CA mutation in HER2+ patients enrolled in the ShortHER trial.

Patients and Methods:

The ShortHER trial randomized 1,253 patients with HER2+ breast cancer to 9 weeks or 1 year of adjuvant trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy. PIK3CA hotspot mutations in exon 9 and 20 were analyzed by pyrosequencing. Expression of 60 genes, including PAM50 genes was measured using the nCounter platform.

Results:

A mutation of the PIK3CA gene was detected in 21.7% of the 803 genotyped tumors. At a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 90.6% for PIK3CA mutated and 86.2% for PIK3CA wild-type tumors [HR, 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56–1.27; P = 0.417]. PIK3CA mutation showed a favorable prognostic impact in the PAM50 HER2-enriched subtype (n = 232): 5-year DFS 91.8% versus 76.1% (log-rank P = 0.049; HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21–1.02). HER2-enriched/PIK3CA mutated versus wild-type tumors showed numerically higher tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and significant upregulation of immune-related genes (including CD8A, CD274, PDCD1, and MYBL2, a proliferation gene involved in immune processes). High TILs as well as the upregulation of PDCD1 and MYBL2 were associated with a significant DFS improvement within the HER2-enriched subtype (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68–0.99; P = 0.039 for 10% TILs increment; HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65–0.99; P = 0.049 for PDCD1 expression; HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53–0.99; P = 0.042 for MYBL2 expression).

Conclusions:

PIK3CA mutation showed no prognostic impact in the ShortHER trial. Within the HER2-enriched molecular subtype, patients with PIK3CA mutated tumors showed better DFS versus PIK3CA wild-type, which may be partly explained by upregulation of immune-related genes.
Intraperitoneal Pressure in Polycystic and Non-Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients, Treated by Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Giuliani Anna , Milan Manani Sabrina , Crepaldi Carlo , Domenici Alessandro , Gastaldon Fiorella , Corradi Valentina , Ronco Claudio
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Intraperitoneal volume (IPV) should be individualized and aimed to maintain an intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) lower than 17 cm H2O. IPP is very variable, given its relation with body size. However, it is not yet fully understood which anthropometric variable mostly affects IPP and the relation between IPP and organomegaly in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients is not known. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between antropometric variables and IPP in a large cohort of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and to identify if a relation between nephromegaly and IPP exists in PKD patients. Methods: IPP was measured in PD patients and data was retrospectively collected. In PKD patients, total kidney volumes were measured in CT scans, and normalized with height (hTKV). Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in the study, 18% affected by PKD. Mean IPP was 14.9 ± 2.9 cm H2O and it showed significant positive correlation with body mass index (BMI; ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between IPP and absolute IPV; conversely, IPP has a significant inverse correlation with IPV normalized with BMI and body surface area (ρ –0.38, p = 0.001 and ρ –0.25, p = 0.02, ­respectively). Patients with IPP >17 cm H2O have significant larger BMI and lower IPV/BMI compared to those with IPP <17 cm H2O (29 ± 3.6 vs. 26 ± 4 kg/m2, p < 0.05 and 97 ± 15.5 vs. 109 ± 22 mL/kg/m2, p < 0.05). PKD patients have a wide variability in hTKV (range 645–3,787 mL/m2) and it showed a significant correlation with IPP/IPV (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with larger BMI have greater IPP, irrespectively to IPV. In PKD patients, hTKV correlate with IPP/IPV ratio. However, given the wide range of distribution of hTKV, increased IPP cannot be presumed because of pre-existing polycystic kidney, but need to be quantified.
A Rare Misdirected Subclavian Venous Catheter to the Neck
Authors: Varela Miguel Nuno Lourenço , Flores Luís , Patraquim Rui , Nunez Daniel , Granja Cristina
Published: August 2020

Placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is not without complications, one of those being misplacement of the catheter tip. This event is dependent on the patient’s vascular anatomy, hence unexpected misplacements may occur. We describe a case where a right subclavian CVC was inserted uneventfully, but later found to have migrated into a vein coursing through the midline of the neck, for which only three other cases have been reported. The catheter remained functional and was later removed without further complications.
Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia Associated with Asymptomatic Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Refractory to Endoscopic Treatment: A Rare Case
Authors: Abdul Jalal Muhammed Jasim , Iqbal K.M. Mohammed , Mukkada Roy J. , Ratnakaran Rashmi , Basheer Shani
Published: August 2020

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) constitutes 4% of all nonvariceal upper GI bleedings. It is characterized by the presence of erythematous or hemorrhagic ectatic vessels within the antrum that are distributed either in a striped or diffuse punctate pattern. We report a 64-year-old female without any co-morbidities, who presented with multiple episodes of blood in stools. Laboratory studies revealed a hemoglobin level of 5 g/dL with a hematocrit of 18.3%. Iron studies revealed a serum iron level of 35 μg/dL. She underwent an upper GI endoscopy, and biopsy was consistent with gastric antral vascular ectasia. ANA (antinuclear antibody), RA (rheumatoid factor), and anti-centromere antibody were all strongly positive. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 56. She was asymptomatic as far as connective tissue disease was concerned. Her anemia improved, but argon plasma coagulation failed to sustain the suppression of GAVE, and she required a blood transfusion for severe anemia on two occasions. With regard to recurrent episodes of melena, she was started on oral methyl prednisolone in a tapering dosage. She improved with medications, and her hemoglobin is maintained at 11.3 g/dL. This is the first unique case of GAVE in a patient without any other systemic illness or portal hypertension refractory to endoscopic treatment responding to monotherapy with corticosteroids.
Use of Continuous Physiological Monitor Data to Evaluate Doxapram Therapy in Preterm Infants
Authors: Poppe Jarinda A. , van Weteringen Willem , Völler Swantje , Willemsen Sten P. , Goos Tom G. , Reiss Irwin K.M. , Simons Sinno H.P.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Evaluation of pharmacotherapy during intensive care treatment is commonly based on subjective, intermittent interpretations of physiological parameters. Real-time visualization and analysis may improve drug effect evaluation. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the respiratory stimulant doxapram objectively in preterm infants using continuous physiological parameters. Methods: In this longitudinal observational study, preterm infants who received doxapram therapy were eligible for inclusion. Physiological data (1 Hz) were used to assess respiration and to evaluate therapy effects. The oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio and the area under the 89% SpO2 curve (duration × saturation depth below target) were calculated as measures of hypoxemia. Regression analyses were performed in 1-h timeframes to discriminate therapy failure (intubation or death) from success (no intubation). Results: Monitor data of 61 patients with a median postmenstrual age (PMA) at doxapram initiation of 28.7 (IQR 27.6–30.0) weeks were available. The success rate of doxapram therapy was 56%. Doxapram pharmacodynamics were reflected in an increased SpO2 and SpO2/FiO2 ratio as well as a decrease in episodes with saturations below target (SpO2 <89%). The SpO2/FiO2 ratio, corrected for PMA and mechanical ventilation before therapy start, discriminated best between therapy failure and success (highest AUC ROC of 0.83). Conclusion: The use of continuous physiological monitor data enables objective and detailed interpretation of doxapram in preterm infants. The SpO2/FiO2 ratio is the best predictive parameter for therapy failure or success. Further implementation of real-time data analysis and treatment algorithms would provide new opportunities to treat newborns.
Executive Control, Alerting, Updating, and Falls in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Caiyun , Dong Xiaomei , Ding Ming , Chen Xiongfei , Shan Xinying , Ouyang Hui , Tao Qian
Published: August 2020

Background: Cognitive impairment represents a risk factor for falls in older adults. However, cognition is a complex construct comprising several functional domains. The relationship between specific cognitive domain and falls in cognitively healthy older adults is unclear. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between falls, attention, and executive function in older adults while considering the three components of attention (alerting, orienting, and executive control) and three components of executive function (updating, inhibition, and shifting). Methods: Cognitively healthy older adults were recruited (n = 60 for fallers and n = 100 for non-fallers). The participants were assessed on the Attention Network Test (alerting, orienting, and executive control), running memory test (updating), Stroop test (inhibition), and digit switching test (shifting). Confounder-adjusted logistic models were used to examine the associations between falls and specific cognitive functions in cognitively healthy older adults. Results: The results showed that falls were associated with alerting, executive control, and updating. These associations were not attenuated when adjusting for a series of covariates such as age, gender, education, balance, general health, and emotional status. Conclusions: The results suggest that among cognitively healthy older adults, falls are related to three specific cognitive functions: alerting, executive control, and updating. Disentangling the mechanism and contribution of cognitive deficits in fall risk may provide insights for the development of prevention and rehabilitation strategies for falls in older adults.
Fractal Analysis Method for the Complexity of Cell Cluster Staining on Breast FNAB
Authors: Yoshioka Haruhiko , Herai Anna , Oikawa Sota , Morohashi Satoko , Hasegawa Yoshie , Horie Kayo , Watanabe Jun
Published: August 2020

Objective: Because of the increased precision of ultrasound breast cancer screening, early cancer cases with no clear mass or extraction of microcysts on imaging have recently increased, and improvement of the accuracy of breast fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology is needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of cluster gray image-fractal analysis evaluating the darkness of clusters, cluster unevenness, and complexity of hyperchromicity (cluster density) of deep-stained cell clusters, known as hyperchromatic crowded cell groups (HCG), on FNAB as a cytology assistance system for breast FNAB. Study Design: One hundred clusters collected from 10 patients with fibroadenoma (FA), 90 clusters from 9 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 122 clusters from 11 patients with invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) were used. (1) Cluster size classification: clusters were classified into small, middle, and large clusters (small cluster: smaller than 40 × 102 μm2; large cluster: 100 × 102 μm2 or larger; middle cluster: intermediate), and their frequency was calculated. (2) Cluster gray image-fractal analysis: (a) the darkness of clusters (luminance), (b) cluster unevenness (complexity), and (c) complexity of cluster density (roundness-corrected fractal value) were assessed. For statistical analysis, the multiple comparison Steel-Dwass test was used, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: (1) Cluster size classification: in FA, small, middle, and large clusters appeared at a similar frequency, and the frequency (30%) of large clusters was significantly higher than that in other diseases. In IBC-NST, many small clusters (61%) appeared and their frequency was significantly higher than that in other diseases, whereas the frequency of large clusters was significantly lower. (2) Cluster gray image-fractal analysis: in IBC-NST, the luminance of small clusters was low (dark), the cluster unevenness was high, and the complexity of cluster density was high, whereas the luminance of large clusters was high (bright), the cluster unevenness was high, and complexity of cluster density was high compared with those in FA. Conclusion: Cluster gray image-fractal analysis evaluating the darkness of clusters, cluster unevenness, and complexity of cluster density in breast FNAB HCG is a useful cytology assistance system for breast FNA.
Amoxicillin Dosing Regimens for the Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis: Balancing Efficacy and Neurotoxicity
Authors: van Donge Tamara , Fuchs Aline , Leroux Stéphanie , Pfister Marc , Rodieux Frédérique , Atkinson Andrew , Giannoni Eric , van den Anker John , Bielicki Julia
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Large variability in neonatal amoxicillin dosing recommendations may reflect uncertainty about appropriate efficacy and toxicity targets. Objective: The aim of this study was to model efficacious and safe exposure for current neonatal amoxicillin dosing regimens, given a range of assumptions for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), targeted %fT > MIC, and potential for aminopenicillin-related neurotoxicity. Methods: Individual intravenous amoxicillin exposures based on 6 international and 9 Swiss neonatal dosing recommendations, reflecting the range of current dosing approaches, were assessed by a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model informed by neonatal data from an international cohort. Exposure was simulated by attributing each dosing regimen to each patient cohort. End points of interest were %fT > MIC and potential neurotoxicity using Cmax > 140 mg/L as threshold. Results: None of the dosing regimens achieved targets of ≥100%fT > MIC at any of the relevant MICs for a desired probability of target attainment (PTA) of ≥90%. All regimens achieved a PTA ≥90% for Streptococcus agalactiae (MIC 0.25 mg/L) and Listeria monocytogenes (MIC 1 mg/L) when targeting ≤70%fT > MIC. In contrast, none of the regimens resulted in a PTA ≥90% targeting ≥70%fT > MIC for enterococci (MIC 4 mg/L). The maximum amoxicillin concentration associated with potential neurotoxicity was exceeded using 4 dosing regimens (100 mg/kg q12, 60/30 mg/kg q12/8, 50 mg/kg q12/8/6, and 50 mg/kg q12/8/4) for ≥10% of neonates. Conclusions: The acceptability of regimens is highly influenced by efficacy and toxicity targets, the selection of which is challenging. Novel randomized trial designs combined with pharmacometric modeling and simulation could assist in selecting optimal dosing regimens in this understudied population.
Prognostic Significance of Red Cell Distribution Width in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis Emphysema
Authors: Gürün Kaya Aslıhan , Özyürek Berna Akıncı , Şahin Özdemirel Tuğçe , Öz Miraç , Erdoğan Yurdanur
Published: August 2020

Objective: The red cell distribution width (RDW) is an inexpensive, readily available prognostic indicator of several diseases. RDW has been assessed as a prognostic biomarker in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in only one study; furthermore, the relationship between the RDW and combined pulmonary fibrosis emphysema (CPFE) has yet to be reported. Subjects and Methods: This single-center study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 in the Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Education and Research Hospital. Baseline characteristics, laboratory results, and survival status of patients were recorded. Results: The RDW value was significantly higher in the CPFE group than in the IPF group (median [IQR 25–75]; 16.8 [15.5–19] vs. 15.3 [13.7–16.8], p = 0.028). High RDW values were correlated with carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) (r: −0.653 p = 0.001), 6-minute walking test (6MWT) distance (r: −0.361 p = 0.017), arterial partial oxygen pressure (PaO2) (r: −0.692 p < 0.001), and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) (r: 0.349 p = 0.022) in patients with fibrotic lung disease. The RDW value was significantly higher in the exitus group than in the survivors (median [IQR 25–75]; 18.4 [15.4–19] vs. 15.2 [13.5–17.2], p = 0.016). A univariate Cox regression analysis identified DLCO, SPAP, PaO2, and RDW as potential covariates of mortality. In a multivariate analysis, the DLCO (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.11–1.47, p = 0.012) and RDW level (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.09–2.47, p = 0.023) remained independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: High RDW values appear to be a simple prognostic factor in patients with IPF or CPFE.
Personalized Immuno-Oncology
Authors: Jain Kewal K.
Published: August 2020

Cancer immunotherapy, which aims to control the immune system to eradicate cancer cells and prevent their spread, needs to be personalized because anticancer immune responses can be inhibited in several ways that vary from patient to patient. Cancer immunotherapy includes pharmaceuticals such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as well as cell therapy, immunogene therapy, and vaccines. Combination of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) drugs with other immunotherapy drugs, for example, antibody-drug conjugates, as well as combination of PD-1/PD-L1 drugs with other therapies, for example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are being explored. Biomarkers are important for predicting the response to immunotherapy. Molecular diagnostics and sequencing are important technologies for guiding treatment in immuno-oncology. Genomic profiling of tumor mutational burden may enhance the predictive utility of PD-L1 expression and facilitate personalized combination immunotherapy. Optimization of personalized immuno-oncology requires integration of several technologies and selection of those best suited for an individual patient. Advances in immuno-oncology are also attributed to technologies for targeted delivery of anticancer therapeutics such as antigen-capturing nanoparticles for precision targeting and selective delivery. A breakthrough in cell therapy of cancer is a chimeric antigen receptors-T cell, which combines the antigen-binding site of a MAb with the signal activating machinery of a T cell, freeing antigen recognition from major histocompatibility complex restriction. Gene-editing tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats have a promising application for removing alloreactivity and decreasing immunogenicity of third-party T cells. In conclusion, personalized immuno-oncology is one of the most promising approaches to management of cancer.
The tooth factor effect on the harmonics of large electrical machines
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Ayman Y. , Dalabeeh Ali , Al-Zeyod Abdallah , Samarah Ashraf , Qaryouti Ghazi , Albarbarawi Omar
Published: August 2020

In the current study, the general mathematical model for the calculation and analysis of asynchronous systems and transient cases in asynchronous synchronous large electrical machines was developed. The theory of magnetic fields in the teeth's circuits with a smooth surface of the rotor was used and at the same time, high harmonics of magnetic fields and its effect on the transient cases was also calculated. Performance curves were investigated using Matlab codes and evaluated under different values of  factor. The results confirmed the possibility of improving the noise harmonics on the sinusoidal wave form, which is reflected on the machines starting.
Measurement of material volumes in a cylindrical silo using acoustic wave and resonance frequency analysis
Authors: Sodsri Chukiet
Published: August 2020

This work presents an approach for measuring material volumes in a closed cylindrical silo by using acoustic waves and resonance frequency analysis of silo’s acoustic systems. With an assumption that the acoustical systems were linear and time-invariant, frequency responses of the systems were identified via measurement. A sine sweep was generated, amplified and fed to a loudspeaker inside the silo. Acoustic waves were picked up by a microphone and processed to yield the silo's frequency response. Resonance frequencies and wave mode numbers of standing waves in the frequency range below 900 Hz were analyzed and used for calculation of air-cavity lengths. With known silo's dimension, the material volume estimations were achieved. Sets of experiments for estimating volumes of sand, cement, water, rice grain, and stone flakes in a closed silo, were done. It was found that the approach could successfully estimate the volumes of sand, cement, and water with a satisfactory accuracy. Percent errors of the estimations were less than 3% from the actual volumes. However, the approach could not estimate the volume of rice grain and stone flakes, since their sound refractions were neither resulted in standing waves nor acoustical modes in the silo.
Higher order mode dielectric resonator antenna excited using microstrip line
Authors: Ali Irfan , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Gaya Abinash
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the square-shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) operating on higher order (𝑇𝐸𝛿13) mode for the fifth generation (5G) communication applications is presented. The proposed DR antenna is excited by using a microstrip feed line and designed at the operating frequency of 28 GHz. The Rogers RT/Duroid 5880 material having a thickness of 0.254mm and a dielectric constant of 2.2 is used for the substrate. The commercial CST microwave studio (CST MWS) is used for the optimization and simulation of the antenna design. The reflection coefficient, antenna gain, radiation efficiency, VSWR and radiation pattern are studied. A -10dB bandwidth of 4.6% (1.3 GHz) for VSWR2 with a gain of 5 dBi and radiation efficiency of 89%. The proposed antenna design is suitable for future 5G wireless communication applications.
Design of constant output voltage DC-AC inverter for batteryless solar PV system
Authors: Risdiyanto Agus , Susanto Bambang , Rachman Noviadi Arief , Muqorobin Anwar , Atmaja Tinton Dwi , Santosa Harjono P.
Published: August 2020

This paper introduces a DC-AC inverter design that operates stand alone to deliver power from solar photovoltaic (PV) to the load directly without going through the battery. In batteryless solar PV, the output voltage of solar PV always varies according to solar irradiation, temperature, so that it becomes a challenge in modelling DC-AC inverter with constant output voltage. The design consists of a boost converter, h-bridge switching and driver, and LC filter to generate sinusoidal ac voltage as output to load.  To ensure a constant inverter output voltage, the design equipped by a close loop PI controller based on voltage control mode. The design modelled and  simulated by PSIM. PV dc input was set variation according to the irradiation value (W/m2) and the output connected to a load that has rated voltage of 220 Vac and 3.4 A of nominal current. The results show that in the irradiation variation 600-1500 W/m2, the inverter was able to maintain the output voltage of 220 Vac ± 0.91%, 50 Hz which is still in the voltage range based on standard. The efficiency produced by DC-AC inverter 97.7 % at 600 W/m2 and 83.6 % at 1500 W/m2.
Application of a new constraint handling method for economic dispatch considering electric market
Authors: Duong Thanh Long , Pham Ly Huu , Nguyen Thuan Thanh , Nguyen Thang Trung
Published: August 2020

In this paper, optimal load dispatch problem under competitive electric market (OLDCEM) is solved by the combination of cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) and a new constraint handling approach, called modified cuckoo search algorithm (MCSA). In addition, we also employ the constraint handling method for salp swarm algorithm (SSA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to form modified SSA (MSSA) and modified PSO (MPSO). The three methods have been tested on 3-unit system and 10-unit system under the consideration of payment model for power reserve allocated, and constraints of system and generators. Result comparisons among MCSA and CSA indicate that the proposed constraint handling method is very useful for metaheuristic algorithms when solving OLDCEM problem. As compared to MSSA, MPSO as well as other previous methods, MCSA is more effective by finding higher total benefit for the two systems with faster manner and lower oscillations. Consequently, MCSA method is a very effective technique for OLDCEM problem in power systems.
Predicting the misconception of dengue disease based on the awareness survey
Authors: Noor Akramin Kamarudin Abrar , Zainol Zurinahni , Faeza Abu Kassim Nur
Published: August 2020

Mosquito-borne disease such as dengue fever is a pervasive public health problem around the world and further investigation is needed to rectify the misunderstanding of the disease among communities. This requires a personalized information delivery, which will effectively fix the problem. The process of personalizing information requires several major steps: (i) determine the attributes which will be used to interpret a person, (ii) selects an algorithm which will accurately and efficiently classify the person according to the retrieved background information, and (iii) recommends the correct information to rectify the particular misunderstanding. This research paper considers the first two steps. First, data regarding the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices are determined from the established literature where some variables give a significant impact on the predictive model. In the second step, five performed machine learning algorithms were tested for the classification task. The result indicates that the use of Support Vector Machine and Decision Tree algorithms provide the best performance in classifying the person’s understanding regarding the dengue fever.
Technique smart control soil moisture system to watering plant based on IoT with arduino uno
Authors: Al-Obaidi Mohanad Ali Meteab , Radhi Muna Abdul Hussain , Ibrahim Rasha Shaker , Sutikno Tole
Published: August 2020

Water scarcity has become the most important challenge facing the world and a source of fear to the global community from the spread of famines due to the lack of agricultural production. For this reason, researchers seek to optimize the use of food resources, including water wealth. This project contributes to the legalization of the use of water resources. One of these methods is to solve the problem of a decrease in water resources, is drip irrigation systems. An affordable system was developed using soil moisture FC-28 hygrometer sensor compatible with arduino uno R3 and sending electrical signals based on voltage difference due to increased or decreased water in the soil to the monitor through the arduino for decision to operate irrigation pumps. The system is controlled by a software that allows the user to know the current state of the soil to choose the type of plant to determine the amount of water and the possibility of adding new types of plants to the program library and other features.
SSA-based hybrid forecasting models and applications
Authors: Sulandari Winita , Subanar Subanar , Suhartono Suhartono , Utami Herni , Hisyam Lee Muhammad , Rodrigues Paulo Canas
Published: August 2020

This study attempted to combine SSA (Singular Spectrum Analysis) with other methods to improve the performance of forecasting model for time series with a complex pattern. This work discussed two modifications of TLSAR (Two-Level Seasonal Autoregressive) modeling by considering the SSA decomposition results, namely TLSNN (Two-Level Seasonal Neural Network) and TLCSNN (Two-Level Complex Seasonal Neural Network). TLSAR consisted of a linear trend, harmonic, and autoregressive component. In contrast, the two proposed hybrid approaches consisted of flexible trend function, harmonic, and neural networks. Trend and harmonic function were considered as the deterministic part identified based on SSA decomposition. Meanwhile, NN was intended to handle the nonlinearity relationship in the stochastic part. These two SSA-based hybrid models were contemplated to be more flexible than TLSAR and more applicable to the series with an intricate pattern. The experimental studies to the monthly accidental deaths in USA and daily electricity load Jawa-Bali showed that the proposed SSA-based hybrid model reduced RMSE for the testing data from that obtained by TLSAR model up to 95%.
Performance analysis of multi services on container Docker, LXC, and LXD
Authors: Putri Adinda Riztia , Munadi Rendy , Negara Ridha Muldina
Published: August 2020

The emergence of the container in various cloud platforms from Open Stack to Google Cloud Platform has marked the industry interest in opting for container as their cloud service solution. However, the cloud users should aware of performance overheads of different virtualization solutions in order to avoid quality of service degradation because different container platforms delivered different performances. This research evaluated how different container platforms (Docker, LXC, and LXD) impacted in running different TCP services and also measured system performance of each container compared to the native system without any container solution based on overall performance metrics. This research focuses on the three most used PaaS: FTP Server, Web Server, and Mail Server. Related to previous works, our evaluation results show that performance could vary between containers. In terms of system performance, LXD shows better performance while server performance result varies depending on what service is being evaluated.
Adaptive notch filter under indirect and direct current controls for active power filter
Authors: Mohamad Syahrul Hisham , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Mailah Nashiren Farzilah , Abd. Wahab Noor Izzri , Jidin Auzani , Lada Musa Yusup
Published: August 2020

This study presents the implementation of adaptive notch filter (ANF) as reference signal extraction for shunt active power filter (APF) in indirect current control (ICC) and direct current control (DCC) modes for three phase system. The ANF functions to filter the signal that inputted to it by producing a fundamental signal and harmonics signal. The advantage of applying the ANF algorithm is based on its simple design that giving the ANF advantages to be utilize in microcontroller. The performance of the ANF is validated though MATLAB simulation in ICC dan DCC configurations. Based on the simulation results, the ANF is capable to work efficiently for both ICC and DCC modes, but in term of efficiency, the ICC mode is clearly showing a better harmonics mitigation result. Base on the result also it shown that the ANF is capable of mitigate the harmonics below the standard required by the IEEE 519-92. The application of ANF is useful to be applied due to its simple design and filtering method.
Electrochemical performance of supercapacitor with glass wool separator under TEABF4 electrolyte
Authors: Mohammad Yaacob Mohd Ferdaus , Ahmad Noorden Zulkarnain , Abdul Razak Muhammad Nizam , Adzis Zuraimy , Jamian Jasrul Jamani
Published: August 2020

The paper presents the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor with glass wool separator under organic electrolyte of tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4). The performance was evaluated using symmetrical two-electrode system and compared to an identical supercapacitor with commercially available cellulose paper separator under 1 M TEABF4. The application of glass wool separator reduces the bulk resistance of supercapacitor by 19.6%, promotes more efficient ions transfer across active surface of electrode and significantly improves specific capacitance by 19.1% compared to cellulose paper. The application of higher concentration TEABF4 (1.5 M) even improves the overall performance of glass wool-based supercapacitor by 32.2% reduction of bulk resistance and 61.9% increment in specific capacitance compared to 1 M TEABF4. In addition, the energy and power densities are significantly improved by 64% and 165%, respectively for the one with 1.5 M TEABF4. In general, the low-cost material glass wool material has great potential to replace commercially available cellulose paper as separator in developing much better supercapacitor.
Triboelectric generator using mesoporous polydimethylsiloxane and gold layer
Authors: Ahmad Fuaad Mariatul Rawdhah , Yang Lee Chang , Mohd Ghazali Farah Afiqa , Mohamed Ali Mohamed Sultan
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a triboelectric generator using mesoporous (PDMS) polydimethylsiloxane and gold layer which was demonstrated in energy harvesting applications. The performance of power generation by the means of triboelectric principle at a small dimension, namely triboelectric generator is characterized. In this paper, triboelectric generator device adapted vertical contact-separation operation mode, whereby the device derives power generation based on contact electrification caused by cyclic tapping motion. Being primarily a two-layer structure, this device comprises a top layer of aluminum (Al) electrode coated with mesoporous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film and another bottom layer of Al electrode coated with gold (Au) deposit. The characterization of this device is done by varying frequencies and cyclic compression force applied to triboelectric generator. The optimal performance of the 2 cm x 2 cm triboelectric generator contact surface area generated an open-circuit voltage of 4.4 V and a current of 0.1 µA at 5 Hz frequency. This research and device can be improved by magnifying the effective surface area of triboelectric generator to generate significant power for small base area.
Digitizing food experience: Food taste perception on digital image and true form using hashtags
Authors: Harun Afdallyna Fathiyah , Ruslan Norhafiza , Wan Adnan Wan Adilah , Suliman Saiful Izwan , Ismail Juhaida , Baharin Hanif
Published: August 2020

Food experience is now omnipresent with the increased use of social media such as Instagram. Users often share food images or video which is often accompanied with #hashtags. Readers of the post are required to tap into their visual cognition and perception of what it represents. Little exploration has been done to understand if image can simulate food taste and how similar is the perception after user tasted the food. We were motivated to understand the difference of food taste perception on digital image and its true form by studying user hashtags. We applied the case study approach where we focused on a Malaysian dessert to compare user perception of the cakes’ dimension which are appearance, flavour, texture and hedonic. Using Instagram, users were requested to create hashtags that depict their taste perception of the cakes before and after tasting the cake. The hashtags were then analysed using content analysis where we found that the perception on digital image and true form had a degree of difference where many of the initial perception were inaccurate. This implies that visual images may not be able to facilitate accurate food taste perception and would need further technology interactivity to achieve the objective.
Review on anomalous gait behavior detection using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Razak Hana’ Abd , Saleh M. Ahmed M. , Tahir Nooritawati Md
Published: August 2020

A review on anomalous behavior in crime by other researchers is discussed in this study that focused specifically on the linkage between anomalous behaviors. Next, comprehensive reviews related to gait recognition in utilizing machine learning algorithms for detection and recognition of anomalous behavior is elaborated too. The review begins with the conventional approach of gait recognition that includes feature extraction and classification using PCA, OLS, ANN, and SVM. Further, the review focused on utilization of deep learning namely CNN for anomalous gait behavior detection and transfer learning using pre-trained CNNs such as AlexNet, VGG, and a few more. To the extent of our knowledge, very few studies investigated and explored crime related anomalous behavior based on their gaits, hence this will be the next study that we will explore.
A study of voltage regulation in microgrid using a DSTATCOM
Authors: Saleh Ziyaad H. , Ali Zaid H. , Daoud Raid W. , Ahmed Ahmed H.
Published: August 2020

A well-prepared abstract enables the reader to identify the basic content. This paper presents the solution of voltage fluctuations in urgent situations by providing voltage and reactive support from a distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM) in the grid. Also, it analyses the influences of DSTATCOM as a voltage controller and compares the system performance with and without DSTATCOM. The DSTATCOM is used in the study to maintain voltage in the microgrid (MG) to be around the rated value after Microgrid disturbance. A successful simulink model of the photovoltaic (PV) system and the proposed DSTATCOM are illustrated to work together as the Microgrid. Microgrids could provide unique resilience and reliability when the environment encountered with less water, higher temperatures, more frequent and harsh wildfires, and severe weather events. The proposed DSTATCOM was installed in different locations in the MG and the best location was chosen to achieve the goal of improved power quality and efficiency. In this paper, two scenarios are discussed with and without DSTATCOM. The simulation results show the difference between the MG with and without DSTATCOM and how the DSTATCOM can amplify power quality in the Microgrid. The proposed DSTATCOM has the capability to improve dampen power oscillations during transit events.
The effectiveness of test-driven development approach on software projects: A multi-case study
Authors: Bakhtiary Vahid , Gandomani Taghi Javdani , Salajegheh Afshin
Published: August 2020

Over recent years, software teams and companies have made attempts to achieve higher productivity and efficiency and get more success in the competitive market by employing proper software methods and practices. Test-driven development (TDD) is one of these practices. The literature review shows that this practice can lead to the improvement of the software development process. Existing empirical studies on TDD report different conclusions about its effects on quality and productivity. The present study tried to briefly report the results from a comparative multiple-case study of two software development projects where the effect of TDD within an industrial environment. Method: We conducted an experiment in an industrial case with 18 professionals. We measured TDD effectiveness in terms of team productivity and code quality. We also measured mood metric and cyclomatic complexity to compare our results with the literature. We have found that the test cases written for a TDD task have higher defect detection ability than test cases written for an incremental NON-TDD development task. Additionally, discovering bugs and fixing them became easier. The results obtained showed the TDD developers develop software code with a higher quality rate, and it results in increasing team productivity than NON_TDD developers.
Architecture neural network deep optimizing based on self organizing feature map algorithm
Authors: Fadhil Muthna Jasim , Hawas Majli Nema , Naji Maitham Ali
Published: August 2020

Forward neural network (FNN) execution relying on the algorithm of training and architecture selection. Different parameters using for nip out the architecture of FNN such as the connections number among strata, neurons hidden number in each strata hidden and hidden strata number. Feature architectural combinations exponential could be uncontrollable manually so specific architecture can be design automatically by using special algorithm which build system with ability generalization better. Determination of architecture FNN can be done by using the algorithm of optimization numerous. In this paper methodology new proposes achievement where FNN neurons respective with hidden layers estimation work where in this work collect algorithm training self organizing feature map (SOFM) with advantages to explain how the best architectural selected automatically by SOFM from criteria error testing based on architecture populated. Different size of dataset benchmark of 4 classifications tested for approach proposed.
Comparative analysis of observer-based LQR and LMI controllers of an inverted pendulum
Authors: Tahir Nura Musa , Muhammad Mustapha , Idi Musa , Buyamin Salinda , Maijama’a Ladan , Yarima Sa’id Musa
Published: August 2020

An inverted pendulum is a multivariable, unstable, nonlinear system that is used as a yardstick in control engineering laboratories to study, verify and confirm innovative control techniques. To implement a simple control algorithm, achieve upright stabilization and precise tracking control under external disturbances constitutes a serious challenge. Observer-based linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller and linear matrix inequality (LMI) are proposed for the upright stabilization of the system. Simulation studies are performed using step input magnitude, and the results are analyzed. Time response specifications, integral square error (ISE), integral absolute error (IAE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were employed to investigate the performances of the proposed controllers. Based on the comparative analysis, the upright stabilization of the pendulum was achieved within the shortest possible time with both controllers however, the LMI controller exhibits better performances in both stabilization and robustness. Moreover, the LMI control scheme is effective and simple.
Performance analysis and evaluation of IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function using OPNET
Authors: Abdel-Ameer Zaynab Mahir , Najem Alaloosy Abdul Kareem A. , Alheeti Khattab M. Ali
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the distributed coordination function (DCF) access mechanism which is a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) scheme. Simulation projects for different DCF performance parameters have been built using the OPNET network simulator. The projects are mainly basic service set (BSS) topology simulated under different parameter values (data rate, fragmentation, RTS/CTS, number of nodes, and load condition). Simulation results show when the DCF access mechanism is better under what load condition, and how to choose the best fragmentation threshold and other access-mechanism specific parameters according to the network conditions. Simulation results were validated against a theoretically calculated maximum throughput (the simulation maximum throughput was about 70% of the theoretically calculated maximum throughput).
Evaluations of internet of things-based personal smart farming system for residential apartments
Authors: Shuhaimi Fatin Natasya , Jamil Nursuriati , Hamzah Raseeda
Published: August 2020

Urban farming is popularly accepted by communities living in cities as they are more health-conscious and to help support the high cost of living. Unfortunately, farming takes a considerable amount of time specially to monitor the plant’s growth. Therefore, smart farming using Internet of Things (IoT) should be adopted to realize urban farming. In this study, two IoT-based smart farming system designs for personal usages in a residential apartment were proposed and evaluated. As the design was meant for beginners, two utmost parameters for maintaining plant growth was evaluated, that are humidity and temperature. The humidity and temperature readings of design A using DHT 11 sensor and design B using DHT 22 sensor were recorded for 3 days and were compared against the actual humidity and temperature of the environment. After comparing the sum of absolute difference (SAD) of both designs, the implementation costs, and the consumption power, there is an inconclusive finding in terms of accuracy and costs. However, the basic design and cost of implementing a personal IoT-based smart farming system were proposed. The factors to be considered in constructing a personal smart farming system were also described.
Implementation of environmental monitoring based on KAA IoT platform
Authors: Al Rasyid M. Udin Harun , Mubarrok M. Husni , Nur Hasim Jauari Akhmad
Published: August 2020

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is a key to access the internet of things (IoT). The popularity of IoT and the prediction that there will be more devices connected to the Internet cause difficulties in integrating and making connected devices. The problem of IoT implementation are the lack of real-time data collection, processing, and the inability to provide continuous monitoring. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes an IoT device for monitoring environmental conditions through the IoT KAA platform that can be monitored anywhere and anytime in real time. The end device node consists of several sensors such as as temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. The collected data from the end device node will be transmitted via a communication based on IEEE 802.15.4 to Raspberry Pi gateway, then sent to the KAA cloud server and saved into the database. The environmental data can be accessed via a web-based sensor application. We Analize the performance evaluation in terms of transaction, availability, data transfer, response time, transaction rate, throughput, and concurrency. The experimental result shows that the use of KAA IoT platform is better than that without platform.
Optimized multimodal biometric system based fusion technique for human identification
Authors: Hamd Muthana H. , Rasool Rabab A.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents three novelty aspects in developing biometric system-based face recognition software for human identification applications. First, the computations cost is greatly reduced by eliminating the feature extraction phase and considering only the detected face features from the phase congruency. Secondly, a motivation towards applying a new technique, named mean-based training (MBT) is applied urgently to overcome the matching delay caused by the long feature vector. The last novelty aspect is utilizing the one-to-one mapping relationship for fusing the edge-to-angle unimodal classification results into a multimodal system using the logical-OR rule. Despite some dataset difficulties like Unconstrained Facial Images(UFI) which includes varying illuminations, expressions, occlusions, and poses, the multimodal system has highly improved the accuracy rate and achieved a promising recognition result, where the decision fusion is classified correctly (84, 92, and 72%) with only one training vector per MBT in contrast to (80, 62, and 68%) with five training vectors for Normal matching. These results are measured by Eucledian, Manhattan, and Cosine distance measure respectively.