bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Square transposition: an approach to the transposition process in block cipher
Authors: Ineke Pekereng Magdalena A. , Wowor Alz Danny
Published: December 2021

The transposition process is needed in cryptography to create a diffusion effect on data encryption standard (DES) and advanced encryption standard (AES) algorithms as standard information security algorithms by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The problem with DES and AES algorithms is that their transposition index values form patterns and do not form random values. This condition will certainly make it easier for a cryptanalyst to look for a relationship between ciphertexts because some processes are predictable. This research designs a transposition algorithm called square transposition. Each process uses square 8 × 8 as a place to insert and retrieve 64-bits. The determination of the pairing of the input scheme and the retrieval scheme that have unequal flow is an important factor in producing a good transposition. The square transposition can generate random and non-pattern indices so that transposition can be done better than DES and AES.
Implementation of high-voltage kicker system for “ROSTU” middle-size league robot soccer
Authors: Hasbialloh Dzikri , Siregar Simon , Sani Muhammad Ikhsan
Published: December 2021

Middle-size robot soccer is one of the divisions that competed in national events such as the National Indonesia Robotics Competition and international competitions such as the middle size league (MSL). One of the main components in soccer robots is the kicker system. The kicker system is expected to be high torque, robust, and safe. In this work, a high voltage kicker system is designed and evaluated to substitute ROSTU's previous kicker system. This high voltage solenoid-based kicker system works at 380V and uses the electromagnetic force principle to move a ball. The performance criteria of the kicker system are it can move a ball with a mass of around 1 kg for a minimum range of 3 m and control the charging and discharging process in high voltage conditions. The experiment results show that the kicker system can move a ball with a mass of 1.06 kg, a difference kick distance from 100cm to 350cm, and a monitoring system that can show information about the capacitor voltage and system status.
Hybrid islanding detection method based on the rate of change of frequency and load impedance
Authors: Mohamad Hasmaini , Yasin Zuhaila Mat , Salim Nur Ashida , Sheikh Rahimullah Bibi Norasiqin , Naidu Kanendra
Published: December 2021

Interconnection of distributed generation (DG) in distribution system will result in formation of islands in the event of loss of main supply. This scenario is harmful to the power system, hence quick detection is critical to halt the formation of islands. Among the common passive and active detection methods available, the hybrid detection method is identified as the most reliable method. This paper proposes a new hybrid method using the combination of passive and active technique which is the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) and load impedance, respectively. The passive method works when the value of ROCOF exceeds the threshold value which is set at 0.3Hz/s. The active method works when it detects low value of ROCOF and immediately inject a pre-specified load into the system to increase the ROCOF value up to its threshold value. Simulation study on different case studies is carried out on distribution test system to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Results show that this method is effective in detecting any events that could result in islanding.
An approach of re-organizing input dataset to enhance the quality of emotion recognition using the bio-signals dataset of MIT
Authors: Pham Van-Dung , Cung Thanh-Long
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach of re-organizing input data to recognize emotion based on short signal segments and increase the quality of emotional recognition using physiological signals. MIT's long physiological signal set was divided into two new datasets, with shorter and overlapped segments. Three different classification methods (support vector machine, random forest, and multilayer perceptron) were implemented to identify eight emotional states based on statistical features of each segment in these two datasets. By re-organizing the input dataset, the quality of recognition results was enhanced. The random forest shows the best classification result among three implemented classification methods, with an accuracy of 97.72% for eight emotional states, on the overlapped dataset. This approach shows that, by re-organizing the input dataset, the high accuracy of recognition results can be achieved without the use of EEG and ECG signals.
Investigate and analysis the efficiency of photovoltaic system with active cooling based on numerical method
Authors: Samad Nabeel Mohamed akram , Khudhur Khaleel Ali , Hasan Ghanim Thiab
Published: December 2021

The aim of this research is to establish a simulation model to examine the performance and working efficiency of a solar cell system by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The proposed model consists of a water feed tube and an absorber plate, as well as a convection heat transfer system, the ansys fluent system simulation program was used. The electrical output of the panel and its efficiency have been investigated and the effect of changes in the intensity of solar radiation on the temperature of the liquid and the absorption plate on the performance of the system have been studied. A dynamic analysis of the thermal hybrid system was performed with a circulation pump. Calculations were performed using a detailed mathematical model. The analysis was performed in three cases, the first case when the system has no cooling, in the second case with constant flow, and in the third case when the pump was optimized. Finally, numerical results were compared with the practical reference results. Both results are in good agreement. The results obtained showed that the system with optimization case give a good improvement in efficiency with low reduction of the thermal efficiency compared to a constant flow.
Artificial-neural-network based unified power flow controller for mitigation of power oscillations
Authors: Mathad Vireshkumar , Kulkarni Gururaj
Published: December 2021

The series and shunt control scheme of unified power flow controller (UPFC) impacts the performance and stability of the power system during power swing. UPFC is the most versatile and voltage source converter device as it can control the real and reactive power of the transmission system simultaneously or selectively. When any system is subjected to any disturbance or fault, there are many challenges in damping power oscillation using conventional methods. This paper presents the neural network-based controller that replaces the proportional-integral (PI) controller to minimize the power oscillations. The performance of the artificial neural network (ANN) controller is evaluated on IEEE 9 bus system and compared with a conventional PI controller.
Smart actuator for IM speed control with F28335 DSP application
Authors: Shallal Abidaoun H. , Nashee Assaad F. , Abbas Aws Ezzaldeen
Published: December 2021

In the industrial application, the induction motors (IMs) and the digital signal processing (ZQ28335) combination are very important in the scientific field. Two thirds of consumption of electricity is due to motor driven equipment. The direct torque control (DTC) is the standard of the industry and it has fast response control system applications. The drawback of DTC is the flux and torque ripples in the measurements. The scalar control can be considered as a solution to this drawback but with poor response. Torque and speed of IM are controlling individually, the variable speed drive (VSDs) is used. This occurs with variation of the voltage and frequency of IM supply. To decrease the levels of flux and torque ripples, 3-level inverters represent an attractive technique. The compromise of a huge flux and torque at the beginning level and low values at steady state of operation is crucial to ensure better stability with feedback linearization of the nonlinear behavior. In this paper, VSD with DTC IM with multilevel inverter with the newest version of ZQ28335 digital signal processor (DSP) is proposed. Emulation and the results of experiment through DSP ZQ28335 make certain correct dynamic response to the operations of torque and flux.
Design a control system for observing vibration and temperature of turbines
Authors: Al-Hardanee Omar Farhan , Çankaya İlyas , Muhsen Abdulmuttalib A. , Canbolat Huseyin
Published: December 2021

The core of a typical hydroelectric power plant is the turbine. Vibration and overheating in a turbine occur when water flows through it, and with increased vibration and high temperature, it will cause the turbine blade to break. In this study, the control and monitoring system is designed to predict and avoid any error before it occurs. This process is achieved by measuring vibration and temperature using sensors and sending signals through the Arduino to the graphical user interfaces (GUI), the system compares the signals taken from the sensors with the permissible limits, and when the permissible limits are exceeded, the processor takes appropriate measures to open and close the turbine gates, where the data is displayed in matrix laboratory graphical user interfaces (MATLAB’s GUI) screen. In this way, monitoring is done, and the appropriate action are taken to avoid mistakes.
Embedded acoustic long baseline localization system for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Es-sadaoui Redouane , Khallaayoune Jamal , Brizard Tamara
Published: December 2021

The attenuation of global positioning system (GPS) in water medium makes localization of autonomous uderwater vehicles (AUVs) particularly challenging. The long baseline (LBL) positioning system can extend GPS using beacons as references. This work aims at building an acoustic LBL-based system able to localize AUVs operating in swarms thanks to a small size acoustic transceiver embedded onboard AUVs and implementing range-based localization algorithms to estimate the swarm coordinates in real-time. The distances computation between navigating AUVs and fixed beacons were implemented in a digital signal processor (DSP) which computes the time-of-arrival (ToA) of incoming pure tone acoustic waves. The principle of design, hardware architecture, implementation, simulations and sea experiments are described in this paper. The experimental data showed an average deviation around 0.62 m when an AUV is placed at 45 m far away from a beacon. This deviation increases with distance: around 4.8 m measured at 500 m. This performance can be improved by taking into consideration the two main factors examined in this paper, which are sound velocity profile and propagation model.
Improved uplink throughput and energy efficiency of LoRaWAN using 2-hop LEACH protocol
Authors: Oukessou Yassine , Baslam Mohamed , Oukessou Mohamed
Published: December 2021

The low power wide area networks (LPWAN) is the new connectivity technology that is geared towards energy constrained internet of things (IoT) devices, is starting to become one of the drivers of the re-accelerating IoT market and has one goal: ensure the wide range distance while reducing the battery energy consumption. We focus in this paper on the evaluation of the uplink throughput of the long-range wide area networks (LoRaWAN) then we attempt optimize the throughput and power dissipation using low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol. Therefore, we exploit a novel module developed in NS-3 simulator for obtaining the first measurements scenario, then the LEACH algorithm for the second optimization case. As result, the simulation analysis will help us to add a new LoRaWAN routing protocol feature.
Enhancement of gain using a multilayer superstrate metasurface cell array with a microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Jassim ِAli Khalid , Farhan Malik Jasim , Al-Nuaimy Fadia Noori Hummadi
Published: December 2021

This research presents a new idea in the use of wireless communication antennas: it uses a multi-layered array of cells called a superstrate multi-layer metasurface (MTM) and is placed in front of a patch of microstrip antenna to absorb surface waves and prevent them from passing through the insulating material, which reduces the permeability of the insulator and thus improves the Antenna properties, The proposed hexagonal cell with resonators is placed on the flame resistant (FR4) substrate, with a relative permittivity of 4.3 and an area (14×14) mm2 . It was tested when the metasurface layer is 4 mm in front of the patch and the distance between the metasurface layers is 2 mm. The optimum distances were calculated by the sweep parameter, and the improved antenna gain and the input reflection coefficient were obtained together. (S11) has been improved from -31.217 to -38.338 dB and, the gain from 3.28 dB to 6.554 dB.
Community-based framework for influence maximization problem in social networks
Authors: Alasadi Mustafa K. , Arb Ghusoon Idan
Published: December 2021

Given a social graph, the influence maximization problem (IMP) is the act of selecting a group of nodes that cause maximum influence if they are considered as seed nodes of a diffusion process. IMP is an active research area in social network analysis due to its practical need in applications like viral marketing, target advertisement, and recommendation system. In this work, we propose an efficient solution for IMP based on the social network structure. The community structure is a property of real-world graphs. In fact, communities are often overlapping because of the involvement of users in many groups (family, workplace, and friends). These users are represented by overlapped nodes in the social graphs and they play a special role in the information diffusion process. This fact prompts us to propose a solution framework consisting of three phases: firstly, the community structure is discovered, secondly, the candidate seeds are generated, then lastly the set of final seed nodes are selected. The aim is to maximize the influence with the community diversity of influenced users. The study was validated using synthetic as well as real social network datasets. The experimental results show improvement over baseline methods and some important conclusions were reported.
Emotional responses in augmented reality based M-learning applications using Kansei engineering for secondary school students
Authors: Jasmy Farah Asyikin , Redzuan Fauziah , Majid Rogayah Abdul , Karim Norisan Abd
Published: December 2021

Design that evoked emotions are one of the main concerning issues in developing mobile applications for online learning in general and for augmented reality (AR) based mobile learning applications in specific. Emotional design could attract users by creating different feelings while using AR-based mobile learning applications. Suitable emotions related to design could motivate students towards fascinating learning experiences. The aim of this research is to evaluate the emotional responses of the students based on different designs in AR-based mobile learning applications using Kansei engineering technique. In this research, about thirty-two students from secondary school were involved in an experiment to identify the Kansei (emotion) words for AR-based mobile applications. The data gathered were analysed using factor analysis (FA), principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least square (PLS) analysis. The results revealed four important pillars of emotions or known as Kansei semantic space such as challenging-thinking, motivated, humorous, preoccupied and also touched as an additional pillar. Based on the PLS analysis of design elements of AR-based mobile learning applications suggested specific design and emotions based on the pillars. In conclusion, this research is motivated to give affective formulae that would guide the design of AR-based mobile learning materials in the future.
Performance analysis of brushless DC motor with optimum magnetic energy for bicycle application
Authors: Khalid Muhamad Ariff , Othman Raja Nor Firdaus Kashfi Raja , Zuki Nor Aishah Md , Shukor Fairul Azhar Abdul , Othman Md Nazri , Vaithilingam Chockalingam Aravind
Published: December 2021

Brushless DC (BLDC) motor is widely used for various applications such as transportation. BLDC motor has many advantages compared to brush motor such as more compact, high robustness and simplest construction. The maintenance of this motor also low compared to brush motor due to absent of the brush inside the motor. For electric bicycle application, the conventional motor has low electromagnetic torque because not properly designed. It faces low torque density as the motor in full load condition especially during climb uphill. In this research, an optimum magnetic energy is being determine by proper selection of permanent magnet size. In addition, this research also increases the input current in dynamic condition into the designed BLDC motor. Finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze other performance characteristic of improved motor such as back electromotive force (EMF), electromagnetic torque, flux linkage, and stator flux density. Parameter for improve the current motor are selected and varied based on the required specification. In conclusion, the research proposed the new motor specification that has highest electromagnetic torque of brushless DC motor. Finally, this research provides guidelines, suggestions and proposes a better improved structure in optimize the magnetic energy in BLDC motor.
A novel artificial neural network for power quality improvement in AC microgrid
Authors: Mishra Debani Prasad , Nayak Amba Subhadarshini , Tripathy Truptasha , Salkuti Surender Reddy , Mishra Sanhita
Published: December 2021

The microgrid concept provides a flexible power supply to the utility where the conventional grid is unable to supply. The microgrid structure is based on renewable energy sources known as distributed generators (DGs) and the power network. Nevertheless, the power quality (PQ) is a great challenge in the microgrid concept. Particularly the inclusion of renewable energy sources into the conventional grids increases the problems in the quality of power, like voltage sag/swell, oscillatory transient, voltage flickering, and voltage notching which reduces the quality and reliability of the power supply. In this paper, a microgrid is considered which consists of PV cells as DG, battery energy storage system (BESS), and a novel control strategy known as the nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model (NARX). The proposed controller is an improved artificial neural network (ANN). The various case studies like sag/swell, unbalanced condition, and voltage deviation have been simulated with the model. The comprehensive simulation results are compared with the proportional-integral (PI) controller. Hence in this paper, the robustness of the proposed controller has been studied through different situations.
Modified multistep model predictive control for three-phase induction motor drive system considering the common-mode voltage minimization
Authors: Pho Bao Binh , Cao Nguyen Van , Hoan Tran Minh , Vu Phuong
Published: December 2021

It is acknowledged that the common-mode voltage may have detrimental effects on an induction motor (IM) drive system if not properly addressed. Therefore, in this paper, a modified multistep model predictive control method for IM drive system considering the common-mode voltage minimization is proposed. This research uses a multi-objective cost function, before applying the Sphere Decoding Algorithm to find the optimal control input. The results show that the proposed control method not only reduces the common-mode voltage significantly but also mitigates the computational burden of the microprocessor without affecting the system performance. The proposed control method is simulated by MATLAB-Simulink for an IM drive system with an 11-level cascaded H-bridge inverter.
Fatigue mitigation of wind turbine system using multiple point model predictive control
Authors: Anburaj Mutharasan , Perumal Chandrasekar
Published: December 2021

A multi-point model predictive control (MPMPC) is widely used for many applications, including wind energy system (WES), notably enhanced power characteristics and oscillation regulation. In this work, MPMPC is adapted to condense the fatigue load of the WES and improve the lifetime of the turbine assembly. The lifetime examination is carried out by considering the three chief parameters: basic lifetime until failure, short-time damage equivalent loads (DELs), and lifetime DELs. The simulation study is performed for two cases: blade root bending moments and tower top bending. Further, fatigue load examination is demonstrated to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The observed results show that the lifetime analysis of the wind turbine system displayed more excellent characteristics, i.e., 49.50% greater than MPC. Also, the fatigue load mitigation showed greater magnitude due to the control action of the proposed controller, about 37.38% grander than MPC. Therefore, the attained outcomes exhibit outstanding performance compared with conventional controllers.
Design of new structure of multilevel inverter based on modified absolute sinusoidal PWM technique
Authors: Saleh Asef A. , Antar Rakan Khalil , Al-Badrani Harith Ahmed
Published: December 2021

The advantage of multilevel inverters is to produce high output voltage values with distortion as minimum as possible. To reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) and get an output voltage with different step levels using less power electronics switching devices, 15-level inverter is designed in this paper. Single-phase 11-switches with zero-level (ZL) and none-zero-level (NZL) inverter based on modified absolute sinusoidal pulse width modulation (MASPWM) technique is designed, modelled and built by MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results explained that, multilevel inverter with NZL gives distortion percent less than that with ZL voltage. The THD of the inverter output voltage and current of ZL are 4% and 1%, while with NZL is 3.6% and 0.84%, respectively. These results explain the effectiveness of the suggested power circuit and MASPWM controller to get the required voltage with low THD.
Low switching frequency modulation for generalized three-phase multilevel inverters geared toward Grid Codes compliance
Authors: Setti Mohammed , Cherkaoui Mohamed
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a generalized three-phase multilevel power inverter (MLI) structure is proposed under asymmetric configurations. The operating mode and the switching combinations are briefly exposed according to the parity of the number of direct current (DC) voltage sources in use. Subsequently, the proposed topology is evaluated in terms of commonly used factors and then benchmarked against some of the state-of the-art cascaded MLIs featuring multiple DC voltage sources (MDCS-CMLIs) while putting emphasis on the reduction of power switching devices. Moreover, a new nearest level control (NLC)-based modulation technique is designed for the purpose of better comply with some quality grid codes, namely the European EN 50160 and the International IEC 61000-2-12. The identification of the optimal control thresholds is realized by a constrained optimization algorithm (e.g., particle swarm optimization (PSO)) which is implemented in python script and validated through SIMULINK fast fourier transform (FFT) analysis tool. Lastly, the harmonic performance of the proposed technique is compared side-by-side with that of the conventional NLC scheme and exhibits significant reduction in harmonic distortion.
Combined RBFN based MPPT and d-axis stator current control for permanent magnet synchronous generators
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan Ngoc , Pham Duy Cong , Minh Luu Hoang , Chan Thanh Nguyen Huu
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a new radial basis function neural network maximum power point tracking controller based on a differential evolution algorithm for machine side converter of permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine under variable wind speed. Direct axis stator current control methods of permanent magnet synchronous machine are reviewed shortly. A combined radial basis function neural network-based network maximum power point tracking method and d axis stator current control techniques including zero d axis stator current, unity power factor, and constant stator flux-linkage have been implemented to control the machine side converter of permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine. The dynamic performance of the proposed approach is assessed under different operating conditions through a simulation model based on MATLAB. It has been seen that the radial basis function neural network controller can not only track well the maximum power point but also can be reduced costly.
An efficient hybrid reconfigurable wind gas turbine power management system using MPPT algorithm
Authors: T. N. Manjunath , S. Mallikarjunaswamy , M. Komala , N. Sharmila , K. S. Manu
Published: December 2021

To improve power management scheme in standalone mode using hybrid wind-gas turbine system. To reduce electrical fluctuations due to permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) in wind turbine system. For power generation, the wind turbine system is a main source. When there is reduction in wind turbine power generation, then gas turbine gets activated immediately and produces the required electricity in effective manner. This reconfigurable power generation system is controlled by perturb and observe maximum power point tracking (P&O_MPPT) algorithm. The proposed wind-gas power management system algorithm and device performance was analysed and simulated using MATLAB R2021a for various wind turbine experiment parameters. The simulation result shows that the proposed model and algorithm effectively meets the load demand when the wind turbine speed falls below the minimum required value.
Late-Humanism and Revolutionary Eloquence: James Lovell and His 1771 Boston Massacre Oration
Authors: Mcmanus Stuart M.
Published: December 2021

This article reconstructs the context of the first Boston Massacre Oration delivered by James Lovell. It argues that Lovell's rhetorical education and oratorical practice were primarily an offshoot of a classicizing renaissance tradition transmitted by the colonial colleges that faded, blurred and was repurposed in the eighteenth century.
“We Were Declared Enemies to the Country” Two Letters from Joshua Winslow, A Consignee of the East India Company
Authors: Wilson Robert J.
Published: December 2021

“We Were Declared Enemies to the Country” brings to light two previously unpublished letters that describe the experience of Joshua Winslow, one of the consignees of the East India Company tea, as he and his associates were confronted by a violent crown in Boston in November, 1773. The letters afford the perspective of a man recently arrived from years in Canada to the fierce opposition to landing EIC tea in Boston.
National Criminal Procedure Shoehorned into a Global Procedure Shoe When Trying Crimes Against Humanity
Authors: Nowak Karol
Published: December 2021

In this article the argument is made that a global court like the icc is not suitable for gaining the trust of those it rules over and that the procedure used when trying crimes against humanity is a poor fit as it is to a large extent based on national procedural codes. It is suggested that a split of the icc into several regional bodies with common procedural rules that are amended to suit the special needs when trying crimes against humanity would be beneficial for the court’s credibility. The point is also made that the goals of international trials and tribunals a poorly formulated and that they over promise and need to be amended to better reflect reality.
Incarvillea uniflora (Bignoniaceae), a new species from Hengduan Mountains, southwest China
Authors: XIA CHANGYING , LAN XIAOZHONG , ZUO YOUWEI , LIN LE , DENG HONGPING
Published: December 2021

The Hengduan Mountains, as one important biodiversity hotspots in the world, is notable for its high habitat heterogeneity and extreme plant diversity which including many endemics species. Incarvillea uniflora, a new species is described from Hengduan Mountains. The new species is similar to I. himalayensis in having red corolla, stemless, solitary flower, capsule 4-angled and winged seeds, but differs by the characters of stable simple leaves, long triangular calyx lobes and solitary or clustered flowers. It is considered to be Data Deficient (DD) due to the lack of further field investigation.
Taxonomic review of the genus Lista Walker, 1859 from China (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Epipaschiinae), with descriptions of five new species
Authors: RONG HUA , WANG YIPING , QI MUJIE , LI HOUHUN
Published: December 2021

The genus Lista Walker, 1859 from China is reviewed. Of the eighteen species treated, five species are described as new: L. furcellata Li & Rong, sp. nov., L. serrata Li & Rong, sp. nov., L. strumiformis Li & Rong, sp. nov., L. yunnanensis Li & Rong, sp. nov. and L. zhengi Li & Rong, sp. nov. Photographs of adults and genitalia of the new speices are provided. A key based on male genitalia to all Chinese species is provided.
The larva of Eubasilissa maclachlani White 1862 (Trichoptera: Phryganeidae) from Thailand, with notes on its biology
Authors: PANICH-PAT THANAWAN , PROMMI TAENG ON
Published: December 2021

The final-instar larva of Eubasilissa maclachlani White 1862 is described with illustrations for the first time based on Thai specimens. The larva of E. maclachlani exhibits typical morphological characteristics of Phryganeidae. The morphological characteristics of the larva of E. maclachlani can be seen in the following features: First, the band on the frontoclypeus is anchor-like. Second, the ventral apotome is narrowly triangular. Third, the mesonotum is large and membranous, and the mesonotal sa1 sclerites are contiguous mesally. Fourth, comb-like spines, each consisting of tiny points, are distributed over much of the ventromesal surfaces of the fore- and midcoxae. Finally, the shape of tergite IX is heart-like with reddish brown dots. Larvae of E. maclachlani construct cylindrical cases made from many pieces of plant fragments, fastened together by silk in a ring-like pattern, with five successive rings. The larval habitat and phenology are also briefly discussed.
Investigation of wheelhouse shapes on the aerodynamic characteristics of a generic car model
Authors: Zhou Haichao , Chen Qingyun , Qin Runzhi , Zhang Lingxin , Li Huiyun
Published: December 2021

As vehicle speed increases, the aerodynamic drag reduction becomes increasingly significant. The aim of this paper is to find out the effects of the wheelhouse shapes on the aerodynamics of an Ahmed body with a 35 slant angle. In this paper, based on the detached-eddy simulation method, the effects of the three classic different wheelhouse on the aerodynamic performance and near wake of the Ahmed body are presented. The mesh resolution and methodology are validated against the published test results. The results show that the front wheelhouse has a significant impact on the aerodynamic performance of the Ahmed body, leading to different aerodynamic drag forces and flow fields. Enlarging the wheelhouse cavity volume could result in a gradual increase in aerodynamic drag coefficients, the ratio of the wheelhouse cavity volume increased by 2.9% and 9.8%, the drag coefficients increased by 2.5% and 4.5% respectively. The increase in aerodynamic drag was primarily caused by flow separation in the large cavity volume wheelhouse.
Percent change in apparent diffusion coefficient and plasma EBV DNA after induction chemotherapy identifies distinct prognostic response phenotypes in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Li-Ting , Guo Shan-Shan , Li Hui , Lin Chao , Sun Rui , Chen Qiu-Yan , Liang Yu-Jing , Tang Qing-Nan , Sun Xue-Song , Tang Lin-Quan , Xie Chuan-Miao , Mai Hai-Qiang
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate the prognostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and monitor the early treatment response to induction chemotherapy (IC) with plasma EBV DNA in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC).

Results

A total of 307 stage III-IVb NPC patients were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent MRI examinations to calculate ADC and plasma EBV DNA measurements pretreatment and post-IC. The participants’ ADC value of 92.5% (284/307) increased post-IC. A higher percent change in ADC value (ΔADC%high group) post-IC was associated with a higher 5-year OS rate (90.7% vs 74.9%, p < 0.001) than those in the ΔADC%low group. Interestingly, ΔADC% was closely related to the response measured by RECIST 1.1 (p < 0.001) and plasma EBV DNA level (p = 0.037). The AUC significantly increased when post-IC plasma EBV DNA was added to ΔADC% to predict treatment failure. Thus, based on ΔADC% and plasma EBV DNA, we further divided the participants into three new prognostic response phenotypes (early response, intermediate response, and no response) that correlated with disparate risks of death (p = 0.001), disease progression (p < 0.001), distant metastasis (p < 0.001), and locoregional relapse (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The percentage change in ADC post-IC is indicative of treatment response and clinical outcome. ΔADC% and plasma EBV DNA-based response phenotypes may provide potential utility for early termination of treatment and allow guiding risk-adapted therapeutic strategies for LA-NPC.
Anxiety severity and cognitive function in primary care patients with anxiety disorder: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nyberg Jenny , Henriksson Malin , Wall Alexander , Vestberg Torbjörn , Westerlund Maria , Walser Marion , Eggertsen Robert , Danielsson Louise , Kuhn H. Georg , Åberg N. David , Waern Margda , Åberg Maria
Published: December 2021

Background

Deficits in cognitive performance are reported in patients with anxiety disorders, but research is limited and inconsistent. We aimed to investigate cross-sectional associations between cognitive function, with focus on executive function, and anxiety severity in primary care patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

Methods

189 Swedish patients aged 18–65 years (31% men) with anxiety disorders diagnosed according to Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview were included. Severity of anxiety was assessed using Beck Anxiety Inventory self-assessment scale. Digit span, block design and matrix reasoning tests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV, and the design fluency test from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System were used. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to investigate the relationship of anxiety severity and cognitive functioning. Comparisons were also performed to a normed non-clinical population, using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

More severe anxiety was associated with lower digit span test scores (R2 = 0.109, B = -0.040, p = 0.018), but not with block design, matrix reasoning or design fluency tests scores, after adjustment for comorbid major depression in a multivariable model. When compared to a normed population, patients with anxiety performed significantly lower on the block design, digit span forward, digit span sequencing and matrix reasoning tests.

Conclusions

Severity of anxiety among patients with anxiety disorder was associated with executive functions related to working memory, independently of comorbid major depression, but not with lower fluid intelligence. A further understanding of the executive behavioral control in patients with anxiety could allow for more tailored treatment strategies including medication, therapy and interventions targeted to improve specific cognitive domains.
The effect of restored medial knee anatomy in total knee arthroplasty with the flexion first balancer technique on mid-flexion laxity and functional outcome
Authors: van Lieshout W. A. M. , van Oost I. , Koenraadt K. L. M. , Elmans L. H. G. J. , van Geenen R. C. I.
Published: December 2021

Background

The Flexion First Balancer (FFB) technique for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was developed to maintain the isometry of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) by restoring the medial anatomy of the knee. Inability to correct MCL isometry could hypothetically result in an increased mid-flexion laxity. The aim of the current study was to evaluate if the FFB technique results in improved functional outcome and less mid-flexion laxity compared to Measured Resection (MR).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed comparing 27 FFB patients with 28 MR patients. Groups were matched for age, gender, BMI and ASA classification. All patient received the cruciate retained type, Vanguard Complete Knee System (Biomet Orthopedics, Warsaw, IN, USA). Stress X-rays of the knee with 30 degrees of flexion were made to assess varus-valgus laxity. Furthermore, three tests were conducted to asses functional outcome: a 6 min walk test, a stair climb test and quadriceps peak force measurements. Mean follow-up was respectively 2.6 (SD 0.4) and 3.9 years (SD 0.2).

Results

The MR group showed a postoperative elevation in joint line in contrast to the FFB group, the mean difference between the two groups was 3 mm (p < 0.001). No differences in total laxity between the two groups was found. The FFB group showed a higher quadriceps peak force (1.67 (SD 0.55) N/BMI) in comparison with the MR group (1.38 (SD 0.48) N/BMI) (p < 0.05). All other outcome parameters were comparable between the two groups (p: n.s.). Correlation analysis showed a moderate negative correlation between joint line elevation and quadriceps peak force (r = − 0.29, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The FFB technique did not lead to less coronal laxity in the mid-flexion range compared to MR. Although peak quadriceps force was significantly higher for the FFB group no clinically relevant benefits could be identified for the patients with regards to functional outcome. Therefore, minor deviations in joint line seems to have no effect on functional outcome after TKA.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN85351296. Registered 23 april 2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN85351296
The glycoproteomics of hawk and caiman tears
Authors: Raposo Ana Cláudia , Lebrilla Carlito , Portela Ricardo Wagner , Xu Gege , Oriá Arianne Pontes
Published: December 2021

Background

Glycoproteins are important tear components that participate in the stability of the ocular surface. However, the glycopeptides that are present in the tears of wild animals have not yet been described. This work aimed to describe the glycoproteomic profile of roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) and caiman (Caiman latirostris) tears.

Methods

Tears collected from 10 hawks and 70 caimans using Schirmer tear test strips were used in this study. The samples were submitted to trypsin digestion and separated using a reverse-phase column coupled to a mass spectrometer associated to a nanospray ionization source. The glycoproteins were categorized as: cellular components, biological processes and molecular function, according to the UniProt Knowledgebase.

Results

As shown by the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, all glycopeptides found were classified as N-type. Of the 51 glycoproteins that were identified in the hawk tear film, the most abundant were ovotransferrin, globulins and complement system proteins. In the caiman tear film, 29 glycoproteins were identified. The most abundant caiman glycoproteins were uncharacterized proteins, ATPases, globulins and proteasome components. Ontological characterization revealed that the glycoproteins were extracellular, and the most identified molecular function was endopeptidase activity for both species.

Conclusion

Glycoproteins are abundant in the tear film of the bird and reptile species studied herein, and all these molecules were shown to have N-type modifications. Location at the extracellular space and an endopeptidase inhibitor activity were the main cell component and molecular function for both species, respectively. These profiles showed differences when compared to human tears, are possibly linked to adaptive processes and can be the basis for further studies on the search of disease biomarkers.
30 years of CIK cell therapy: recapitulating the key breakthroughs and future perspective
Authors: Sharma Amit , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G. H.
Published: December 2021

Emerging evidence from the numerous clinical trials involving cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy suggests that its optimization in combination with other contemporary cancer therapies in a complementary manner (rather than as competition) will be a key to combat cancer.
Activity of terpenes derived from essential oils against Sarcoptes scabiei eggs
Authors: Li Meilin , Liu Shunlong , Yin Zhijuan , Bernigaud Charlotte , Guillot Jacques , Fang Fang
Published: December 2021

Background

The limited ovicidal activity of currently available acaricides is a significant obstacle to efficacious scabies treatment. Several essential oils or their respective components have proved to be active against the eggs of arthropods, mainly lice and ticks. Information on the activity of these oils and/or components against the eggs of mites remains very limited. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of six terpenes (carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, citral, terpinen-4-ol and linalool) commonly found in essential oils against the eggs of Sarcoptes scabiei.

Methods

Sarcoptes eggs were exposed to paraffin oil containing 1, 2.5, or 5% of each terpene tested. After a 12-h exposure period, the eggs were washed and placed in paraffin oil for hatching. Embryonic development following treatment was assessed every day to determine the stage of developmental arrest.

Results

The median effective concentration to obtain 50% egg mortality (EC50) was 0.5, 0.9, 2.0, 4.8, 5.1 and 9.8% for carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, citral, terpinen-4-ol and linalool, respectively. The microscopic images of eggs after each treatment indicated that these six terpenes may act by penetrating through the aeropyles on the egg surface.

Conclusions

In conclusion, carvacrol, eugenol and geraniol possess significant ovicidal activities, which should be considered as promising ovicidal agents for the treatment of scabies.

Graphical Abstract
Contrasting habitat use and conservation status of Chinese-wintering and other Eurasian Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) populations
Authors: Deng Xueqin , Zhao Qingshan , Zhang Junjian , Kölzsch Andrea , Solovyeva Diana , Bysykatova-Harmey Inga , Xu Zhenggang , Kruckenberg Helmut , Cao Lei , Fox Anthony David
Published: December 2021

Background

GPS/GSM tracking data were used to contrast use of (i) habitats and (ii) protected areas between three Arctic-nesting Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons, GWFG) populations throughout the annual cycle. We wished to demonstrate that the East Asian Continental Population (which winters on natural wetlands in the Chinese Yangtze River floodplain and is currently declining) avoids using farmland at multiple wintering sites. We also gathered tracking evidence to support general observations from two increasing population of GWFG, the North Sea-Baltic (which winters in Europe) and the West Pacific (which winter in Korea and Japan) winter mostly within farmland landscapes, using wetlands only for safe night roosts.

Methods

We tracked 156 GWFG throughout their annual cycle using GPS/GSM transmitters from these three populations to determine migration routes and stopover staging patterns. We used Brownian Bridge Movement Models to generate summer, winter and migration stopover home ranges which we then overlaid in GIS with land cover and protected area boundary at national level to determine habitat use and degree of protection from nature conservation designated areas.

Results

Data confirmed that 73% of European wintering GWFG homes ranges were from within farmland, compared to 59% in Japan and Korea, but just 5% in China, confirming the heavy winter use of agricultural landscapes by GWFG away from China, and avoidance of farmland at multiple sites within the Yangtze River floodplain. The same GWFG used farmland in northeast China in spring and autumn, confirming their experience of exploiting such habitats at other stages of their annual cycle. Chinese wintering birds showed the greatest overlap with protected areas of all three populations, showing current levels of site safeguard are failing to protect this population.

Conclusions

Results confirm the need for strategic planning to protect the East Asian Continental GWFG population. While the site protection network in place to protect the species seems adequate, it has failed to stop the declines. Buffalo grazing could serve as one simple strategy to improve the condition of feeding habitats at Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake in the Yangtze, where vast Carex meadows exist. In addition, while we warn against pushing GWFG to winter farmland feeding in China because of the long-term potential to conflict with agricultural interests, we recommend experimental sacrificial, disturbance-free farmland within designated refuge areas adjacent to the Yangtze River floodplain wetland reserves as a manipulative experiment to improve the conservation status of this population in years when natural food sources are limited.
Imaging to intervention: a review of what the Interventionalist needs to Know about Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Sobrepera Stephanie , Monroe Eric , Gemmete Joseph J. , Hallam Danial , Pinchot Jason W. , Kaufman Claire
Published: December 2021

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disorder that affects 1 in 5000–10,000 people worldwide and can result in devastating complications such as cerebral abscess, stroke, massive hemorrhage, and even death. HHT is an autosomal dominant disorder that leads to the formation of abnormal communication between the arteries and veins with a resultant spectrum of vascular anomalies. The disorder affects many organ systems and thus requires a dedicated multidisciplinary approach. Interventional radiologists are vital members of this team providing expertise not only in disease management, but in complex embolotherapy, helping to maintain the health of these patients. This article reviews clinical manifestations, screening guidelines, diagnostic criteria, and endovascular management of HHT.