bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Ultrasound Features of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1-Related versus Sporadic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Tamagno Gianluca , Scherer Vanessa , Caimo Alberto , Bergmann Simona R. , Kann Peter H.
Published: April 2018

Aim: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) can occur in patients with a familial syndrome either as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) or as sporadic tumors. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become one of the first-line investigations for pNET characterization. The ultrasonographic features of pNETs may differ depending on the familial versus sporadic pathogenesis of the tumor. Therefore, the EUS findings could help and direct the definition of a pNET with an impact on the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic patient management. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed the EUS features of 94 pNETs from 37 MEN-1 patients and 15 pNETs from 11 sporadic disease patients at the time of their first EUS assessment. We analyzed the most relevant morphological and ultrasonographic characteristics of the tumors and compared the findings between the 2 patient groups. Results: Patients with MEN-1 more likely present with multiple pNETs than patients with sporadic disease. Sporadic pNETs are usually much bigger than those due to MEN-1. Moreover, pNETs are more heterogeneous in patients with sporadic disease than in those with MEN-1. No statistical difference with regard to definition of the margins, morphology, and vascularization of the pNETs appears between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Patients with sporadic disease usually present with bigger and more heterogeneous pNETs than patients with MEN-1, who tend to present with a higher number of lesions. EUS can facilitate the precise characterization of a pNET, and the ultrasonographic features of the lesion can help and distinguish MEN-1-related versus sporadic disease.
Corticosteroid Therapy Improves the Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Anastasiou Olympia E. , Dogan-Cavus Betül , Kucukoglu Ozlem , Baba Hideo , Kahraman Alisan , Gerken Guido , Schramm Christoph , Canbay Ali
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare cause of liver dysfunction and may lead in some cases to acute liver failure (ALF). The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical course and outcome of patients with AIH-induced ALF. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 32 patients with AIH-induced ALF and 93 age- and sex-matched patients with chronic AIH (cAIH) who were enrolled at the University Clinic Essen from 1988 to 2014. All ALF patients were treated with corticosteroids after diagnosis. Results: Overweight, higher γ-globulin levels, the absence of anti-smooth muscle antibodies and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B8 and the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies and HLA DR7 were risk factors for an ALF vs chronic hepatitis manifestation of AIH. Liver histology was significantly more often typical for AIH in an ALF setting than in cAIH. The spontaneous survival rate was 91% and 97% in ALF and cAIH patients, respectively, at 6 months after diagnosis and only 1 patient in the ALF group developed sepsis under therapy. Conclusion: Liver biopsy in an AIH-mediated ALF setting was both safe and effective in diagnosing AIH. Corticosteroid therapy was not associated with high mortality or sepsis. Our findings suggest that corticosteroid treatment of AIH-mediated ALF may improve the outcome.
Lack of Change in the Adaptation Ability of the Bladder for the Urine Production Rate in Aged Men with Nocturia
Authors: Kira Satoru , Mitsui Takahiko , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Ihara Tatsuya , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Sawada Norifumi , Takeda Masayuki
Published: April 2018

Introduction: To investigate the association between bladder capacity and the urine production rate in aged men with or without nocturia using a frequency volume chart (FVC). Materials and Methods: One-hundred and thirty-eight men aged 65–80 years were enrolled. After the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and 3 consecutive days FVC were evaluated, men were divided into 2 groups: Nocturia group, with any total IPSS, and ≥1.5 micturition on average at night; and Control group, with total IPSS < 8 and < 1.5 micturition on average at night. Each parameter was compared between the 2 groups using unpaired t tests. Linear and multiple regression analyses were performed between the urine production rate and volume/voids. Results: Men numbering 45 and 21 were assigned to the Nocturia and Control groups respectively. There were no differences in background factors between the 2 groups. Volume/voids positively correlated with the urine production rate in both groups for day and night. A multivariate regression model also showed the same results. In the Control group, the degree of slope at night was higher than that during the day. However, in the Nocturia group, there were no differences in the degree of slope between day and night. Conclusions: This novel finding has led to a possibility for resolving nocturia.
Methylphenidate and Guanfacine Ameliorate ADHD-Like Phenotypes in Fez1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Sumitomo Akiko , Saka Ayumi , Ueta Keisho , Horike Kouta , Hirai Kazuko , Gamo Nao J. , Hikida Takatoshi , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Sawa Akira , Sakurai Takeshi , Tomoda Toshifumi
Published: April 2018

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that, while prevalent, has a stagnant track record for advances in treatment. The limited availability of animal models with appropriate face and predictive validities has hampered progress in developing novel neurobiological hypotheses and testing new therapeutic options for this condition. Here, we report that mice deficient in Fez1, a gene specifically expressed in the nervous system with documented functions in neurodevelopment, show hyperactivity and impulsivity phenotypes, which are ameliorated by administering methylphenidate (MPH) or guanfacine (GFC), two pharmacological agents used for ADHD treatment. Fez1-knockout (KO) mice show reduced expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the midbrain and the brain stem and have reduced levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, or their metabolites in both the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. These neurochemical changes in Fez1-KO mice were normalized by MPH or GFC. We propose that Fez1-KO mice can be used as a model to evaluate the role of altered neurodevelopment in the manifestation of ADHD-like behavioral phenotypes, as well as to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of existing and new pharmacotherapeutic agents for ADHD.
The Economic Impact of New Therapeutic Interventions on Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) Symptom Scores in Patients with Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Tafazzoli Ali , Kansal Anuraag , Lockwood Peter , Petrie Charles , Barsdorf Alexandra
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Few studies have modeled individual Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) symptom scores for Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and assessed the value of therapeutic interventions that can potentially impact them. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of new AD symptomatic treatments on relevant health economic outcomes via their potential effects on cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disorder. Methods: We enhanced the previously published AHEAD model (Assessment of Health Economics in Alzheimer’s Disease) by including new variables and functional relations to capture the NPI’s individual neuropsychiatric symptoms in addition to the total NPI score. This update allowed us to study the longitudinal effect of improvements in specific NPI subscale scores and the downstream impact on outcomes such as psychiatric medication use, survival, and institutional placement. Results: The model base-case results showed that a hypothetical treatment with symptomatic effects on anxiety, depression, and irritability NPI subscales was not cost-effective; however, the treatment’s cost-effectiveness was improved once a direct link between NPI subscales and mortality was explored or under relatively stronger treatment effects. Conclusion: Treatments that influence specific symptoms within the overall NPI have the potential to improve patient outcomes in a cost-effective way. This model is a useful tool for evaluating target product profiles of drugs with effect on NPI symptoms in early stages of development.
Differences in Race and Ethnicity in Muscular Dystrophy Mortality Rates for Males under 40 Years of Age, 2006–2015
Authors: Salzberg Deborah C. , Mann Joshua R. , McDermott Suzanne
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) has childhood onset, primarily affects males, and is usually fatal before the age of 40 years. Previous studies have indicated that this X-linked condition is more prevalent in whites than in blacks, but those were based on active surveillance, and limited to smaller populations and younger ages. Methods: US death data were used to calculate mortality rates by race and ethnicity, with MD as either the underlying or multiple cause of death (MCD). Poisson approximation was used for confidence intervals; chi-square was used to compare rates. Results: From 2006 to 2015, there were 3,256 deaths in males <40 years with MD as MCD, and 71% of these were aged 15–29 years. For whites, the average annual death rate was 0.43/100,000, which was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) that that of blacks (0.28), American Indian/Alaska Natives (0.20), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (0.21). The rate for non-Hispanic whites (0.46) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than the rates for Hispanic whites (0.31), Hispanic blacks (0.07), and non-Hispanic blacks (0.29). Conclusion: Since DMD is the primary cause of deaths in young males with MD, mortality rates are a reasonable proxy for the relative difference in racial prevalence. It appears that DMD is significantly more common in white males than in males of other races.
Smoking History as a Predictor of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutations
Authors: Nishinarita Noriko , Igawa Satoshi , Kasajima Masashi , Kusuhara Seiichiro , Harada Shinya , Okuma Yuriko , Sugita Keisuke , Ozawa Takahiro , Fukui Tomoya , Mitsufuji Hisashi , Yokoba Masanori , Katagiri Masato , Kubota Masaru , Sasaki Jiichiro , Naoki Katsuhiko
Published: April 2018

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKIs) therapy has been recognized as the standard treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. However, resistance to EGFR-TKIs has been observed in certain subpopulations of these patients. We aimed to evaluate the impact of smoking history on the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. Methods: The records of patients (n = 248) with NSCLC harboring activating EGFR mutations who were treated with gefitinib or erlotinib at our institution between March 2010 and June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed, and the treatment outcomes were evaluated. Results: The overall response rate and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 59.7% and 10.7 months, respectively. The overall response rate was significantly higher in the ex- and nonsmokers than in the current smokers (64.6 vs. 51.1%, p = 0.038). PFS also differed significantly between the current smokers and the ex- and nonsmokers (12.4 vs. 7.4 months, p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis identified smoking history as an independent predictor of PFS and overall survival. Conclusion: The clinical data obtained in this study provide a valuable rationale for considering smoking history as a predictor of the efficacy of EGFR-TKI in NSCLC patients harboring activating EGFR mutations.
Rectal Foreign Body of Eggplant Treated Successfully by Endoscopic Transanal Removal
Authors: Sei Hiroo , Tomita Toshihiko , Nakai Keisuke , Nakamura Kumiko , Tamura Akio , Ohda Yoshio , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Watari Jiro , Miwa Hiroto
Published: April 2018

Transanal rectal foreign body implies that a foreign body has been inserted transanally due to sexual orientation or other reasons and cannot be removed. Such cases require emergency measures because foreign bodies often present difficulties in manual removal or endoscopic removal and may even require surgery when peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation occurs. We report a patient in our hospital who had a rectal foreign body inserted into the deep part of the proctosigmoid that could be removed endoscopically. A 66-year-old man visited our hospital because of an eggplant which had been inserted into his rectum by his friend and could not be removed. Since plain abdominal computed tomography showed a foreign body thought to be an eggplant in the proctosigmoid, the foreign body was captured and removed with a snare under lower gastrointestinal endoscope guidance.
Development of Guiding Cane with Voice Notification for Visually Impaired individuals
Authors: Guevarra Emeline C. , Camama Marck Ivan Reyes , Cruzado Geonel Villanueva
Published: April 2018

Navigation in the physical environment is a challenge for those people who have very limited sense of sight or no vision at all. Assistive technologies for blind mobilization is not new and always have a room for improvement. Moreover, these assistive devices are limited in terms of its sensing and feedback abilities. This paper presents a microcontroller-based guiding stick capable of detecting several conditions of the environment such as obstacles in front, left and right positions of the user and detects ascending and descending staircases. The feedback is delivered by an audio output which dictates the direction to go or what condition the sensor detects in front of the user. Technical evaluation proves that the device was functional in terms of its accuracy, responsiveness and correctness. On the other hand, in the actual evaluation of the device with the visually impaired individuals, the device did not perform efficiently. It was also found that the device has the potential to be used effectively by the visually impaired who acquired their blindness in later stage of their life provided that they will have a proper training in using the device while navigating in the physical environment.
Reversed-Trellis Tail-Biting Convolutional Code (RT-TBCC) Decoder Architecture Design for LTE
Authors: Adiono Trio , Ramdani Ahmad Zaky , Putra Rachmad Vidya Wicaksana
Published: April 2018

Tail-biting convolutional codes (TBCC) have been extensively applied in communication systems. This method is implemented by replacing the fixed-tail with tail-biting data. This concept is needed to achieve an effective decoding computation. Unfortunately, it makes the decoding computation becomes more complex. Hence, several algorithms have been developed to overcome this issue in which most of them are implemented iteratively with uncertain number of iteration. In this paper, we propose a VLSI architecture to implement our proposed reversed-trellis TBCC (RT-TBCC) algorithm. This algorithm is designed by modifying direct-terminating maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding process to achieve better correction rate. The purpose is to offer an alternative solution for tail-biting convolutional code decoding process with less number of computation compared to the existing solution. The proposed architecture has been evaluated for LTE standard and it significantly reduces the computational time and resources compared to the existing direct-terminating ML decoder. For evaluations on functionality and Bit Error Rate (BER) analysis, several simulations, System-on-Chip (SoC) implementation and synthesis in FPGA are performed.
Design and Implementation of Portable Outdoor Air Quality Measurement System using Arduino
Authors: Gunawan Teddy Surya , Saiful Munir Yasmin Mahira , Kartiwi Mira , Mansor Hasmah
Published: April 2018

Recently, there is increasing public awareness of the real time air quality due to air pollution can cause severe effects to human health and environments. The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Malaysia is measured by Department of Environment (DOE) using stationary and expensive monitoring station called Continuous Air Quality Monitoring stations (CAQMs) that are only placed in areas that have high population densities and high industrial activities. Moreover, Malaysia did not include particulate matter with the size of less than 2.5μm (PM2.5) in the API measurement system. In this paper, we present a cost effective and portable air quality measurement system using Arduino Uno microcontroller and four low cost sensors. This device allows people to measure API in any place they want. It is capable to measure the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), ground level ozone (O3) and particulate matters (PM10 & PM2.5) in the air and convert the readings to API value. This system has been tested by comparing the API measured from this device to the current API measured by DOE at several locations. Based on the results from the experiment, this air quality measurement system is proved to be reliable and efficient.
An Influence of Measurement Scale of Predictor Variable on Logistic Regression Modeling and Learning Vector Quntization Modeling for Object Classification
Authors: Nugroho Waego Hadi , Handoyo Samingun , Akri Yusnita Julyarni
Published: April 2018

Much real world decision making is based on binary categories of information that agree or disagree, accept or reject, succeed or fail and so on. Information of this category is the output of a classification method that is the domain of statistical field studies (eg Logistic Regression method) and machine learning (eg Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ)). The input argument of a classification method has a very crucial role to the resulting output condition. This paper investigated the influence of various types of input data measurement (interval, ratio, and nominal) to the performance of logistic regression method and LVQ in classifying an object. Logistic regression modeling is done in several stages until a model that meets the suitability model test is obtained. Modeling on LVQ was tested on several codebook sizes and selected the most optimal LVQ model. The best model of each method compared to its performance on object classification based on Hit Ratio indicator. In logistic regression model obtained 2 models that meet the model suitability test is a model with predictive variables scaled interval and nominal, while in LVQ modeling obtained 3 pieces of the most optimal model with a different codebook. In the data with interval-scale predictor variable, the performance of both methods is the same. The performance of both models is just as bad when the data have the predictor variables of the nominal scale. In the data with predictor variable has ratio scale, the LVQ method able to produce moderate enough performance, while on logistic regression modeling is not obtained the model that meet model suitability test. Thus if the input dataset has interval or ratio-scale predictor variables than it is preferable to use the LVQ method for modeling the object classification.
Virtual Machine Allocation Policy in Cloud Computing Environment using CloudSim
Authors: Zaidi Taskeen , Rampratap Rampratap
Published: April 2018

Cloud computing has been widely accepted by the researchers for the web applications. During the past years, distributed computing replaced the centralized computing and finally turned towards the cloud computing. One can see lots of applications of cloud computing like online sale and purchase, social networking web pages, country wide virtual classes, digital libraries, sharing of pathological research labs, supercomputing and many more. Creating and allocating VMs to applications use virtualization concept. Resource allocates policies and load balancing polices play an important role in managing and allocating resources as per application request in a cloud computing environment. Cloud analyst is a GUI tool that simulates the cloud-computing environment. In the present work, the cloud servers are arranged through step network and a UML model for a minimization of energy consumption by processor, dynamic random access memory, hard disk, electrical components and mother board is developed. A well Unified Modeling Language is used for design of a class diagram. Response time and internet characteristics have been demonstrated and computed results are depicted in the form of tables and graphs using the cloud analyst simulation tool.
Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation Assist in Designing Non-traditional Types of Precipitators and Separators
Authors: Bernat Milan , Džmura Jaroslav , Bernátová Renáta , Žáčok Ľubomr , Pavlovkin Jan
Published: April 2018

The article deals with the application of the method for mathematical modeling and simulation at solving some issues in the area of electrostatic technology. It focuses on the processes in electrostatic separation and precipitation. Computer simulation is highly required for equipment design and for their diagnostics in critical operating states using theoretical calculations and experimental data evaluation. The presented computer models may be applied both by project and design engineers using the most advanced computer-aided design of electrostatic technologies.
Moth Flame Optimization Method for Unified Power Quality Conditioner Allocation
Authors: Ramanaiah M. Laxmidevi , Reddy M. Damodar
Published: April 2018

This paper introduces a new optimization method to determine the optimal allocation of Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in the distribution systems. UPQC is a versatile Custom Power Device (CPD) to solve problems related to voltage and current by the series and shunt compensator in the distribution systems. The task of UPQC highlighted in this paper is the required load reactive power is provided by both the series and shunt compensators. The UPQC’s steady state compensation capability has given a solution for providing reactive power compensation in large distribution systems. The optimization method adopted is Moth Flame Optimization (MFO). The best location and series compensator voltage are determined using MFO. The voltage injected by the series compensator and reactive power injected by the shunt compensator is incorporated in the load flow method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated with standard distribution systems.
Development of Mobile Cloud Applications using UML
Authors: Kim Dong Kwan
Published: April 2018

With the proliferation of cloud computing technologies, smartphone users are able to use a variety of cloud computing-based mobile services such as games, education, entertainment, and social networking. Despite the popularity of such a mobile cloud computing, the complicated multi-tier system configuration of the mobile application must be one of the major impediments to develop mobile cloud applications. This paper presents development processes and procedures for developing mobile cloud applications by effectively applying Unified Modeling Language (UML), a representative object-oriented modeling language. The paper is intended to enhance the development productivity of the mobile cloud application and to improve the effectiveness of communication between software developers. In addition, we used the Android mobile platform and Amazon Web Service for cloud computing in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach to systematically apply the UML profiles and diagrams for cloud-based mobile applications.
Coordination of Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System-Power System Stabilizer (T2FLS-PSS) to Improve a Large-scale Power System Stability
Authors: Muljono Agung Budi , Ginarsa I. M. , Nrartha I. M. A. , Dharma A.
Published: April 2018

Intelligent control included ANFIS and type-2 fuzzy (T2FLS) controllers grown-up rapidly and these controllers are applied successfully in power system control. Meanwhile, small signal stability problem appear in a large-scale power system (LSPS) due to load fluctuation. If this problem persists, and can not be solved, it will develop blackout on the LSPS. How to improve the LSPS stability due to load fluctuation is done in this research by coordinating of PSS based on ANFIS and T2FLS. The ANFIS parameters are obtained automatically by training process. Meanwhile, the T2FLS parameters are determined based on the knowledge that obtained from the ANFIS parameters. Input membership function (MF) of the ANFIS is 5 Gaussian MFs. On the other hand, input MF of the T2FLS is 3 Gaussian MFs. Results show that the T2FLS-PSS is able to maintain the stability by decreasing peak overshoot for rotor speed and angle. The T2FLS-PSS makes the settling time is shorter for rotor speed and angle on local mode oscillation as well as on inter-area oscillation than conventional/ ANFIS-PSS. Also, the T2FLS-PSS gives better performance than the other PSS when tested on single disturbance and multiple disturbances.
The Indonesia Public Information Disclosure Act (UU-KIP): Its Challenges and Responses
Authors: Lubis Muharman , Kusumasari Tien Fabrianti , Hakim Lukmanul
Published: April 2018

Information Public Disclosure is one of the regulation that has purpose to encourage good governance for public service and citizen participation in national development. The enactment of Act No.14/2008 (UU KIP) has been strengthen the mandate to enforce the necessity of information disclosure in actualizing transparency and accountability in resource management and budget uses. It also become the primary instrument to prevent corruption, monopolistic competition and information disputes. However, there are certain provinces has not yet established information committee nor when it will be as entrusted by the regulation. Meanwhile, the remedies in term of jail duration and fines, arguably, it could not create deterrent effect to the perpetrator. Furthermore, the concern from ministry and public institution also in question in regard their roles of responsibility, lack of cooperation and continuous support. Thus, human resource, technology infrastructure, public participation, supervision and socialization become crucial factor to increase the awareness and satisfaction towards this regulatory compliance. This study is a qualitative research to evaluate the implementation of this Act by observing its consideration, background, principles and relevant article verses as primary sources through content analysis based on number of legal experts.
High –Performance using Neural Networks in Direct Torque Control for Asynchronous Machine
Authors: Mekrini Zineb , Bri Seddik
Published: April 2018

This article investigates solution for the biggest problem of the Direct Torque Control on the asynchronous machine to have the high dynamic performance with very simple hysteresis control scheme. The Conventional Direct Torque Control (CDTC) suffers from some drawbacks such as high current, flux and torque ripple, as well as flux control at very low speed. In this paper, we propose an intelligent approach to improve the direct torque control of induction machine which is an artificial neural networks control. The principle, the numerical procedure and the performances of this method are presented.  Simulations results show that the proposed ANN-DTC strategy effectively reduces the torque and flux ripples at low switching frequency, compared with Fuzzy Logic DTC and The Conventional DTC.
A Survey on Graph Database Management Techniques for Huge Unstructured Data
Authors: N. S. Patil , P Kiran , N. P. Kiran , Patel K. M. Naresh
Published: April 2018

Data analysis, data management, and big data play a major role in both social and business perspective, in the last decade. Nowadays, the graph database is the hottest and trending research topic. A graph database is preferred to deal with the dynamic and complex relationships in connected data and offer better results. Every data element is represented as a node. For example, in social media site, a person is represented as a node, and its properties name, age, likes, and dislikes, etc and the nodes are connected with the relationships via edges. Use of graph database is expected to be beneficial in business, and social networking sites that generate huge unstructured data as that Big Data requires proper and efficient computational techniques to handle with. This paper reviews the existing graph data computational techniques and the research work, to offer the future research line up in graph database management.
Information Hiding using LSB Technique based on Developed PSO Algorithm
Authors: Shukur Wisam Abed , Jabbar Khalid Kadhim
Published: April 2018

Generally, The sending process of secret information via the transmission channel or any carrier medium is not secured. For this reason, the techniques of information hiding are needed. Therefore, steganography must take place before transmission. To embed a secret message at optimal positions of the cover image under spatial domain, using the developed particle swarm optimization algorithm (Dev.-PSO) to do that purpose in this paper based on Least Significant Bits (LSB) using LSB substitution. The main aim of (Dev. -PSO) algorithm is determining an optimal paths to reach a required goals in the specified search space based on disposal of them, using (Dev.-PSO) algorithm produces the paths of a required goals with most efficient and speed. An agents population is used in determining process of a required goals at search space for solving of problem. The (Dev.-PSO) algorithm is applied to different images; the number of an image which used in the experiments in this paper is three. For all used images, the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) value is computed. Finally, the PSNR value of the stego-A that obtained from blue sub-band colo is equal (44.87) dB, while the stego-B is equal (44.45) dB, and the PSNR value for the stego-C is (43.97)dB, while the vlue of MSE that obtained from the same color sub-bans is (0.00989), stego-B equal to (0.01869), and stego-C is (0.02041). Furthermore, our proposed method has ability to survive the quality for the stego image befor and after hiding stage or under intended attack that used in the existing paper such as Gaussian noise, and salt & pepper noise.
Improve The Performance of K-means by using Genetic Algorithm for Classification Heart Attack
Authors: Hussein Asraa Abdullah
Published: April 2018

In this research the k-means method was used for classification purposes after it was improved using genetic algorithms. An automated classification system for heart attack was implemented based on the intelligent recruitment of computer capabilities at the same time characterized by high performance based on (270) real cases stored within a globally database known (Statlog). The proposed system aims to support the efforts of staff in medical felid to reduce the diagnostic errors committed by doctors who do not have sufficient experience or because of the fatigue that the doctor suffers as a result of work pressure. The proposed system goes through two stages: in the first-stage genetic algorithm is used to select important features that have a strong influence in the classification process. These features forms the inputs to the K-means method in the second-stage which uses the selected features to divide the database into two groups one of them contain cases infected with the disease while the other group contains the correct cases depending on the distance Euclidean. The comparison of performance for the method (K-means) before and after addition genetic algorithm shows that the accuracy of the classification improves remarkably where the accuracy of classification was raised from (68..1481) in the case of use (k- means only) to (84.741) when improved the method by using genetic algorithm.
Body Information Analysis based Personal Exercise Management System
Authors: Lee Jongwon , Lee Hyunju , Yu Donggyun , Jung Hoekyung
Published: April 2018

Recently, people's interest in health is deepening. So health-related systems are being developed. Existing exercise management systems provided users with exercise related information using PC or smart phone. However, there is a problem that the accuracy of the algorithm for analyzing the user's body information and providing information is low.In this paper, we analyze users' body mass index (BMI) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) and we propose a system that provides the user with necessary information through recommendation algorithm. It informs the user of exercise intensity and momentum, and graphs the exercise history of the user. It also allows the user to refer to the fitness history of other users in the same BMI group. This allows the user to receive more personalized services than the existing exercise management system, thereby enabling efficient exercise.
O adolescente em conflito com a lei em relatórios institucionais: pastas e prontuários do “Complexo do Tatuapé” (Febem, São Paulo/SP, 1990-2006)
Authors: Lima Juliana Vinuto , Alvarez Marcos César
Published: April 2018

Este trabalho analisa os rótulos mobilizados por funcionários que atuam em medida socioeducativa de internação para atribuir sentido ao comportamento do adolescente em conflito com a lei. Para tanto, será desenvolvida uma análise documental de relatórios institucionais, a fim de compreender tais classificações e o contexto nas quais emergem. Tais rótulos revelam ressignificações de normativas por parte dos referidos profissionais, que não consideram todos os adolescentes igualmente, levando em conta sua fase de desenvolvimento, mas apenas aqueles que atendem às expectativas construídas. Assim, é possível perceber uma vinculação de novos valores às identidades dos jovens internados, rotulando-os e construindo uma gramática moral compartilhada.
Trabalho em call centers em Portugal e no Brasil: a precarização vista pelos operadores
Authors: Costa Hermes Augusto , Costa Elizardo Scarpati
Published: April 2018

Um retrato contemporâneo do mercado de trabalho em países como Portugal e Brasil permite identificar várias modalidades de precarização. Depois de uma breve reflexão teórica sobre a precariedade, as modalidades de precarização e os mecanismos regulatórios adotados nos dois países, o texto sintetiza alguns resultados de uma pesquisa empírica realizada em dois call centers no setor das telecomunicações situados em cidades (portuguesa e brasileira) de média dimensão. Analisam-se as percepções dos operadores de atendimento telefônico sobre o processo de trabalho e argumenta-se que, apesar das diferenças de performance econômica dos dois países nos últimos anos, as relações de trabalho instáveis e precárias têm-se tornado a norma nos call centers estudados.
Apresentação
Authors: Rodrigues Iram Jácome , Lima Jacob Carlos , Ramalho José Ricardo
Published: April 2018

Apresentação ao dossiê "Sociedade, trabalho e sindicalismo na contemporaneidade"
Espaços verdes e mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares no município do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silveira Ismael Henrique da , Junger Washington Leite
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Investigar a associação entre a exposição aos espaços verdes e a mortalidade por doenças isquêmicas do coração e cerebrovasculares, e o papel do nível socioeconômico nessa relação, no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico, tendo os setores censitários como unidade de análise. Foram utilizados os dados de óbitos por doenças isquêmicas do coração e cerebrovasculares, entre residentes com idade acima de 30 anos, ocorridos de 2010 a 2012. A exposição ao verde foi estimada por meio do Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada, baseado em imagens de satélite. As associações entre a exposição aos espaços verdes e a taxas de mortalidade por doenças isquêmicas do coração e cerebrovasculares, padronizadas por sexo e idade, foram analisadas por meio de modelos condicionais autorregressivos, ajustados pelas densidades de vias de tráfego leve e pesado, proxy de poluição, e pela situação socioeconômica, mensurada pelo Índice de Desenvolvimento Social. Também foram realizadas análises estratificadas por níveis socioeconômicos, dados pelos tercis do Índice de Desenvolvimento Social. RESULTADOS: Entre os setores mais verdes, com Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada acima do terceiro quartil, a redução da mortalidade por doenças isquêmicas do coração foi de 6,7% (IC95% 3,5–9,8) e por cerebrovascular foi de 4,7% (IC95% 1,2–8,0). Na análise estratificada, o efeito protetor dos espaços verdes na mortalidade por doenças isquêmicas do coração foi observado entre os setores mais verdes de todos os estratos, sendo maior para os de menor nível socioeconômico (8,6%; IC95% 1,8–15,0). No caso da mortalidade por doenças cerebrovasculares, o efeito protetor foi verificado apenas para os setores mais verdes do nível socioeconômico mais baixo (9,6%; IC95% 2,3–16,5). CONCLUSÕES: As taxas de mortalidade por doenças isquêmicas do coração e cerebrovasculares são inversamente associadas à exposição aos espaços verdes, controlando o nível socioeconômico e a poluição do ar. O efeito protetor dos espaços verdes é maior entre os setores de nível socioeconômico mais baixo.
Fatores associados à diarreia em menores de cinco anos, no estado de Pernambuco, segundo inquéritos realizados em 1997 e 2006
Authors: Vasconcelos Maria Josemere de Oliveira Borba , Rissin Anete , Figueiroa José Natal , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar variações dos fatores associados à prevalência de diarreia em menores de cinco anos no estado de Pernambuco. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados os bancos de dados de dois inquéritos de base populacional nos anos de 1997 e 2006, com 2.078 e 1.650 crianças, respectivamente, avaliadas em 18 municípios de Pernambuco (Região Metropolitana do Recife, interior urbano e rural). As variáveis, alocadas em níveis hierárquicos, foram analisadas por meio de razões de prevalência e regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Apenas quatro variáveis se mostraram independentemente associadas e constaram no modelo final hierarquizado: área geográfica, número de pessoas por cômodo, idade materna e idade da criança. Em 1997: interior urbano = 1,33 (IC95% 1,06–1,66), interior rural = 1,22 (IC95% 0,97–1,53) e em 2006: interior urbano = 1,87 (IC95% 1,31–2,66), interior rural = 2.07 (IC95% 1.50–2.85); número de pessoas por cômodo (1997): 1 a menos de 2 = 1,29 (IC95% 0,98-1,68), dois ou mais = 1,47 (IC95% 1,11–1,95) e em 2006: 1 a menos de 2 = 0.86 (IC95% 0,68–1,09), dois ou mais = 1,29 (IC95% 0,94–1,75); idade materna (1997): 10 a 19 anos = 1,48 (IC95% 1,05–2,08), 20 a 24 anos = 1,23 (IC95% 0,94–1,60), 25 a 34 anos = 1,01 (IC95% 0,78–1,30) e em 2006: 10 a 19 anos = 1,70 (IC95% 1,08–2,66), 20 a 24 anos = 1,64 (IC95% 1,16–2,32), 25 a 34 anos = 1,20 (IC95% 0,89–1,62); e idade da criança (1997): 0–11 meses = 1,57 (IC95% 1,27–1,94), 12–23 meses = 1,73 (IC95% 1,41–2,12) e em 2006: 0–11 meses = 1,04 (IC95% 0,76–1,41), 12–23 meses = 1,77 (IC95% 1,41–2,23). CONCLUSÕES: Houve uma grande variabilidade dos condicionantes das diarreias em crianças entre os dois períodos analisados. Em nível de políticas públicas, apesar de mudanças em termos de pessoas, sequências temporais e espaços geográficos, as diarreias continuam em uma escala importante no elenco de prioridades do poder governamental.
On the occurrence of the rare Long-nosed Stargazer Ichthyscopus lebeck (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Uranoscopidae) in the coastal waters off Visakhapatnam, India
Authors: Velamala Govinda Rao , Naranji Muddula Krishna
Published: April 2018

Ichthyscopus lebeck (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is recorded for the first time from Visakhapatnam coastal waters, Andhra Pradesh, India.  The specimens were collected from Visakhapatnam fisheries harbour.   The morphometric and meristic characters, and description of the collected specimens are presented in this study.
Sighting trend of the Indian Skimmer (Charidiformes: Laridae: Rynchops albicollis Swainson, 1838) in National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary (1984–2016) reflecting on the feasibility of long-term ecological monitoring
Authors: Singh L. A.K. , Sharma R. K.
Published: April 2018

River Chambal, in northwestern India, is a tributary of the Gangetic River system.  It flows through the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP), and the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary (NCGS) encompasses a 572km stretch of the river from Keshoraipatan in Rajasthan to Pachhnada in UP.  The sanctuary includes about 15km of river Yamuna after confluence with Chambal.  During annual monitoring of Gharial in Chambal the Indian Skimmer, Rhynchops albicollis numbers were also counted in 12 study zones for 17 observation years spread between 1984–85 and 2015–16.  The number of skimmers was below 355 for 15 of the 17 observation years.  Skimmer counts were higher in 1995 at 555 individuals.  The count for different study zones is not uniform, but with reference to Rajghat at the crossing of National Highway number-3, the count upstream is lower than downstream with an exception in the year 2011.  The river downstream appears to be a better skimmer habitat with better availability of fish, and long stretches of flowing water along low-lying sandy banks.  The study calls for continued, coordinated and strengthened attention to NCGS for added conservation of locally migrating birds.  The research and management connect in NCGS is a model where long term ecological monitoring has been possible because of simple and implementable protocols that were used unchanged over such a long period by a set of identified field personnel.
Water striders, the genus Cylindrostethus Mayr (Insecta: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from India with a new record
Authors: Jehamalar E. Eyarin , Chandra Kailash , Srinivasan G.
Published: April 2018

The genus Cylindrostethus Mayr, 1865 from India is studied.  Prior to this study C. productus (Spinola, 1837) and C. scrutator (Kirkaldy, 1899) of Cylindrostethus were known from India.  The record of C. scrutator (Kirkaldy, 1899) from India is doubtful.  Study of gerrid specimens from Andaman Islands revealed one more additional species, C. costalis costalis Schmidt, 1915 new to Indian fauna.  So, presently two species of this genus are known from India namely C. costalis costalis and C. productus, both belonging to the C. costalis species group (Polhemus 1994).  A detailed study has been made of the male and female genitalia of Cylindrostethus known from India.
Conservation assessment of two rare gingers (Zingiberaceae) from Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Singh Priya
Published: April 2018

This work reports the distribution of two rare Zingiberaceae, Globba spathulata and Hemiorchis pantlingii, in Dampa Tiger Reserve, a protected area, located in Mizoram, northeastern India.  Both these species have a distribution restricted to the northeastern part of India and the adjoining countries of Bangladesh, Myanmar and northern Thailand.  In this study, we enumerate the species, present their current global distribution and conduct a conservation assessment for them. The study indicates presence of rare floral species in the protected landscape, and a lack of ecological and conservation attention to the region. A conservation assessment conducted for both species, based on their existing global distribution and potential threats, identifies the species as ‘Vulnerable’.
Additional reports of solitary potter wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) in Bhutan
Authors: Nidup Tshering , Klein Wim , Kumar P. Girish , Dorji Phurpa
Published: April 2018

The knowledge on subfamily Eumeninae is still in its infancy in Bhutan.  Eumenid species of Bhutan is increased to 22 with the report of 11 more species and an additional subspecies in this paper.  The species Antepipona bhutanensis, endemic to Bhutan, is reported here after 42 years of its original description, through two male specimens from Paro and Chhukha districts.  Its distribution range is expanded to Chhukha District.  Parasitic mite association is reported in two males of Antodynerus limbatus collected at 222m and 720m altitude.
Anemone trullifolia and Berberis angulosa as new records to the flora of the western Himalaya, India
Authors: Rai Ishwari Datt , Singh Gajendra , Rawat Gopal Singh
Published: April 2018

The western Himalaya represent an important and distinct botanical sub-region and biogeographic zone in the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.  There is a long history of floral exploration in this region as compared to the eastern Himalaya; however, recent additions of several species to western Himalayan flora reveal remote areas yet to be explored intensively.  The present reports on Anemone trullifolia and Berberis angulosa from the subalpine-alpine areas of western Himalaya also emphasize the need for further exploration.  In this article, a brief description of these species is presented along with distribution, ecology, phytogeographical notes and photographs are provided for easy identification.
The first report of two thread-legged assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India
Authors: Sarode Balasaheb V. , Boyane Swapnil S. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: April 2018

Two Emesinae bugs, namely Stenolemus crassirostris Stål, 1871, and Gardena brevicollis Stål, 1871, are being reported for the first time from India.  Both are widespread species but have never been recorded from India.
Association of Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the UK Biobank
Authors: Welsh Claire , Welsh Paul , Mark Patrick B. , Celis-Morales Carlos A. , Lewsey James , Gray Stuart R. , Lyall Donald M. , Iliodromiti Stamatina , Gill Jason M.R. , Pell Jill , Jhund Pardeep S. , Sattar Naveed
Published: April 2018

Objective—

Elevated white blood cell count is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate whether specific leukocyte subpopulations, which may more closely indicate a specific inflammatory pathway, are specifically associated with CVD.

Approach and Results—

Participants (478 259) from UK Biobank with data for white blood cell count were included. Death because of CVD (n=1377) and non-CVD causes (n=8987) occurred during median follow-up time of 7.0 years (interquartile range, 6.3–7.6). In Cox models, deciles of leukocyte counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) were examined using the fifth decile as the referent group. Models were stratified by sex and adjusted for a range of classical risk factors. A sensitivity analysis excluded participants with baseline comorbidites and the first 2 years of follow-up. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.08) and women (HR, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–3.35) in the highest decile of neutrophil count were at higher risk of CVD mortality and nonfatal CVD (men HR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.42 and women HR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.38). In the sensitivity analysis, the power to investigate CVD mortality was limited, but for both sexes combined, the linear HRs for a 1×10
9
/L cell count increase in white blood cell count and neutrophils, respectively, was 1.05 (1.03–1.07) and 1.07 (1.04–1.11).

Conclusions—

Among circulating leukocyte subpopulations, neutrophil count in men was most consistently associated with fatal and nonfatal CVD. Further studies of interventions that lower circulating neutrophils, such as canakinumab, are required to investigate causality.