bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Intermittent or Continuous Very Low-Energy Diets in Overweight and Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Huang Yi Shan , Zheng Qiyan , Yang Huisheng , Fu Xinwen , Zhang Xueqin , Xia Chenhui , Zhu Zebing , Liu Yu Ning , Liu Wei Jing
Published: January 2020

Objective. This study is aimed at investigating the efficacy of a very low-energy diet (VLED) in overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We thoroughly searched eight electronic resource databases of controlled studies concerning the efficacy and acceptability of intermittent or continuous VLEDs in patients with T2DM compared with other energy restriction interventions. Results. Eighteen studies (11 randomized and seven nonrandomized controlled trials) with 911 participants were included. The meta-analyses showed that compared with a low-energy diet (LED) and mild energy restriction (MER), VLED is superior in the reduction of body weight (mean difference (MD) MDLED=−2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) CILED=−4.81 to−0.72, PLED=0.008; MDMER=−6.72, 95%CIMER=−10.05 to−3.39, PMER<0.0001), blood glucose (MDLED=−1.18, 95%CILED=−2.05 to−0.30, PLED=0.008; MDMER=−6.72, 95%CIMER=−10.05 to−3.39, PMER<0.0001), and triglyceride (TG) (MDLED=−0.35, 95%CILED=−0.58 to−0.12, PLED=0.002; MDMER=−0.55, 95%CIMER=−0.93 to−0.17, PMER=0.005) levels at the end of the intervention. After the follow-up (1–5 years), no obvious difference in weight loss (MD=−0.84, 95%CI=−3.01 to 1.32, P=0.45, I2=0%) and TG level (MD=−0.25, 95%CI=−0.55 to 0.06, P=0.12, I2=0%) between VLEDs and LEDs was evident, but VLED is more effective in glycemic control (MD=−1.43, 95%CI=−2.65 to−0.20, P=0.02). Compared to bariatric surgery, VLEDs offered comparable effects on weight loss (MD=2.51, 95%CI=−9.52 to 14.54, P=0.37), glycemic control (MD=0.37, 95%CI=−0.22 to 0.96, P=0.22), TG (MD=−0.3, 95%CI=−0.74 to 0.17, P=0.7), and insulin resistance improvement (MD=−1, 95%CI=−2.7 to 0.7, P=0.25). Conclusion. Dietary intervention through VLEDs is an effective therapy for rapid weight loss, glycemic control, and improved lipid metabolism in overweight and obese individuals with T2DM. Thus, VLEDs should be encouraged in overweight and obese individuals with T2DM who urgently need weight loss and are unsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery. As all outcome indicators have low or extremely low quality after GRADE evaluation, further clinical trials that focus on the remission effect of VLEDs on T2DM are needed.
Investigation on Seismic Performance of Bidirectional Self-Centering Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures by Shaking Table Tests
Authors: Wang Zhenying , Mao Chenxi , Xie Lili
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an experimental study on the seismic performance of a bidirectional self-centering reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. In the structure, the column-base joints, which were installed with external mild steel (MS) dampers, could uplift freely and the beam-column joints could open effectively under earthquake excitations. Angle steels and MS dampers were installed at the beam-column joints in the structural X and Y directions, respectively. During the gap opening of the joints, unbonded posttensioned (PT) steel wires, which passed through the plastic ducts inserted in the RC beams and columns, provided the structure with the ability to return to pre-earthquake positions, and the yielding MS dampers and angle steels dissipated the seismic energy. A 1/2-scale two-story model structure was designed and constructed. Shaking table tests were performed on the structure under four different types of earthquake excitations with increasing seismic hazard levels. The test results indicated that the self-centering RC frames installed in both the directions showed satisfactory seismic performance, with only slight damage to the main structure after extreme earthquakes. The natural frequencies of the self-centering frames installed in both the directions degraded progressively, mainly because of the prestress loss of the PT steel wires and the yielding of the MS dampers. The structure showed desirable self-centering ability with very small residual deformation under ground motions of all hazard levels. The structural deformation was mainly concentrated at the column-base and beam-column joints, and hence, damage to the concrete beams and columns was considerably alleviated. In addition, the residual gap opening of the joints was minimal.
Observer-Based Decentralized Tracking Control with Preview Action for a Class of Nonlinear Interconnected Systems
Authors: Yu Xiao
Published: January 2020

In this paper, for the first time, the observer-based decentralized output tracking control problem with preview action for a class of interconnected nonlinear systems is converted into a regulation problem for N augmented error subsystems composed of the tracking error dynamics, the difference equation of the state observer, and the available future reference trajectory dynamics associated with each individual subsystem. The developed innovative formulation of an observer-based decentralized preview tracking control scheme consists of the integral control action, the observer-based state feedback control action, and the preview action of the desired trajectory. The controller design feasibility conditions are formulated in terms of a linear matrix inequality (LMI) by using the Lyapunov function approach to ensure the existence of the suggested observer-based decentralized control strategy. Furthermore, both decentralized observer gain matrices and decentralized tracking controller gain matrices can be efficiently and simultaneously computed through a one-step LMI procedure. Stability analysis of the closed-loop augmented subsystem is carried out to illustrate that all tracking errors asymptotically converge toward zero. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested control approach.
Simultaneous Huge Splenic and Mesenteric Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Mostafa M. , Jamjoom Alaa , Hafez Mohamed T.
Published: January 2020

Hydatid disease (HD) is caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is endemic in many parts of the world. This parasitic tapeworm can produce cysts in almost every organ of the body, with the liver and lung being the most frequently targeted organs. The spleen and mesentery are unusual locations. We report a case of simultaneous huge splenic and mesenteric hydatid cyst in a 91-year-old male patient. The patient was presented with chronic abdominal pain, increased frequency of defecation, and typical history of animal contact (cattle, sheep, and dogs). After performing imaging studies, he was diagnosed with a simultaneous huge spleen and pelvic mesentery hydatid cyst that was managed surgically by splenectomy, pelvic mesenteric cyst deroofing, and partial cystectomy.
Subcutaneous EEG Monitoring Reveals AED Response and Breakthrough Seizures
Authors: Weisdorf Sigge , Zibrandtsen Ivan C. , Kjaer Troels W.
Published: January 2020

Unrecognized seizures are a common problem in temporal lobe epilepsy potentially leading to undertreatment. Objective seizure counting using EEG home monitoring for prolonged periods with a minimally invasive device has not been feasible until now. We present a case in which a novel, subcutaneous EEG device was utilized to provide an objective seizure count. This information revealed unrecognized breakthrough seizures and informed treatment response, prompting treatment adjustment. The case illustrates how objective seizure counting in epilepsy using new devices can completely change diagnosis and management.
Mechanical Occlusion Chemically Assisted Ablation (MOCA) for Saphenous Vein Insufficiency: A Meta-Analysis of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Nugroho Johanes , Wardhana Ardyan , Ghea Cornelia
Published: January 2020

Purpose. A previous meta-analysis has conducted nonrandomized trials for mechanochemical ablation (MOCA). Since medium-term follow-up data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are becoming available, we chose to perform a meta-analysis of RCTs to assess the efficacy and safety of MOCA for saphenous vein insufficiency. Methods. A systematic search of all RCTs comparing the anatomical success of MOCA for saphenous vein insufficiency to thermal ablation was performed using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. We employed the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects meta-analysis of outcomes using RevMan 5.3. Results. Four studies (615 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The MOCA group had 93.4% and 84.5%, whereas the thermal ablation group had 95.8% and 94.8% of anatomical success rate at 1 month (short-term) and a period of more than 6 months but less than 1-year follow-up (mid-term), respectively. According to intention-to-treat analysis, there were similar anatomical successes in MOCA and thermal ablation groups at the short-term follow-up (low-quality evidence; relative risk RR=0.98 (95% CI, 0.94–1.03); P=0.44; I2=53%). The estimated effect of MOCA on anatomical success showed a statistically significant reduction at the mid-term follow-up (moderate-quality evidence; RR=0.89 (95% CI, 0.84–0.95); P=0.0002; I2=0%). MOCA had fewer incidence of nerve injury, deep vein thrombosis, and skin burns compared to the thermal ablation procedure (low-quality evidence; RR=0.33 (95% CI, 0.09–1.28); P=0.11; I2=0%). Conclusion. MOCA offered fewer major complications but lesser anatomical success at the period of more than 6 months but less than 1-year follow-up than thermal ablation. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN ID 000036727).
Early Pregnancy Screening for Women at High-Risk of GDM Results in Reduced Neonatal Morbidity and Similar Maternal Outcomes to Routine Screening
Authors: Clarke Erin , Cade Thomas J. , Brennecke Shaun
Published: January 2020

The Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society recommends screening high-risk women for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) before 24 weeks gestation, under the assumption that an earlier diagnosis and opportunity to achieve normoglycemia will minimize adverse outcomes. However, little evidence exists for this recommendation. The study objective was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of high-risk women diagnosed with GDM before 24 weeks gestation and routinely diagnosed women after 24 weeks gestation. A retrospective audit was conducted of all pregnancies diagnosed with GDM using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria over 12 months at a tertiary Australian hospital. Adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between “Early GDM” diagnosed before 24 weeks (n=133) and “Late GDM” diagnosed from 24 weeks (n=636). Early GDM had a significantly lower newborn composite outcome frequency (hypoglycemia, birth trauma, NICU/SCN admission, stillbirth, neonatal death, respiratory distress, and phototherapy) compared to Late GDM (20.3% vs. 30.0%, p=0.02). Primary cesarean, hypertensive disorders, postpartum hemorrhage, birthweight >90th percentile, macrosomia, and preterm birth frequencies were not significantly different between groups. Therefore, high-risk women diagnosed with GDM in early pregnancy were not more likely to have an adverse outcome compared to routinely diagnosed women. As they are a high-risk group, this may indicate a possible benefit to the early diagnosis of GDM.
Epidermal Stem Cells in Wound Healing and Regeneration
Authors: Yang Ronghua , Wang Jingru , Chen Xiaodong , Shi Yan , Xie Julin
Published: January 2020

Skin stem cells distributed in the basal layer of the epidermis and hair follicles are important cell sources for skin development, metabolism, and injury repair. At present, great progress has been made in the study of epidermal stem cells at the cellular and molecular levels. Stem cell transplantation is reported to promote skin healing, endothelial cell transformation, and vascular formation. Local stem cells can also be transformed into keratinocytes, sebaceous gland, and other skin-associated tissues. However, the mechanism of action of epidermal stem cells on wound healing and regeneration is not completely clear. This review is aimed at briefly summarizing the biological characteristics of epidermal stem cells and their clinical application in wound healing and tissue regeneration. It further discussed the mechanism of action and the development direction in the future.
Hepatic Failure following Metronidazole in Children with Cockayne Syndrome
Authors: Ataee Pedram , karimi Avat , Eftekhari Kambiz
Published: January 2020

Cockayne syndrome is an uncommon autosomal recessive disease characterized by microcephaly, abnormal growth, and pathologic premature aging. The purpose of this report is to evaluate liver failure in children with Cockayne syndrome following metronidazole administration. The first case was a 2-year-old boy with Cockayne syndrome. He had been treated with metronidazole for gastroenteritis. 48 hours after treatment initiation, he was hospitalized due to jaundice, intractable vomiting, and agitation. Unfortunately, he died of acute liver failure. The second case was a 5-year-old boy with Cockayne syndrome as well, who had been treated with amoxicillin and metronidazole for a dental infection. He developed jaundice, drowsiness, lethargy, and anorexia after treatment. At hospital, the child received supportive treatment, and his general condition gradually improved. The liver enzyme levels decreased. He was finally discharged in good general condition. The mortality after metronidazole consumption in patients with Cockayne syndrome due to liver failure is very high. The awareness of the dangers of using metronidazole in these patients is valuable.
The Influence of Cortisol, Flow, and Anxiety on Performance in E‐Sports: A Field Study
Authors: Schmidt Steffen C. E. , Gnam Jens-Peter , Kopf Maximilian , Rathgeber Tobias , Woll Alexander
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives. Most performance theories were tested under controlled laboratory settings and offer therefore only limited transferability to real‐life situations. E‐sport competitions offer a relatively controllable while at the same time competitive setting, and our aim was to examine different influencing factors on competitive performance. Design and Methods. Salivary cortisol was measured immediately before, after, and 30 minutes after a game of 23 computer players during e‐sport tournaments. The players answered the Flow Short Scale, which consists of the two subdimensions “flow experience” and “anxiety” subsequent to their game. The performance was assessed by the result of each player’s game (win or loss). Results. Mean cortisol levels increased significantly during the game but response patterns were inconsistent. Winners and losers differed significantly in anxiety with winners showing higher anxiety levels. After dividing the sample into three groups of different cortisol response patterns, significant differences in performance and anxiety were found, with low to moderate levels of cortisol being associated with the highest performance and anxiety. Conclusions. A low to moderate physiological arousal and a simultaneously high level of anxiety represent a favorable state for achieving optimal performance during e‐sports. Anxiety seems to exert a stronger influence on performance than physiological arousal.
Clinical and Immunological Profile of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and a Comparison of Four Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: John Kevin John , Sadiq Mohammad , George Tina , Gunasekaran Karthik , Francis Nirmal , Rajadurai Ebenezer , Sudarsanam Thambu David
Published: January 2020

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) was initially described as a chronic immune-mediated disease with overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. We conducted a cross-sectional study to describe the clinical and immunological profile of patients with MCTD and to compare the four diagnostic criteria, namely, Sharp, Kasukawa, Alarcón-Segovia, and Khan criteria. A total of 291 patients who were admitted from June 2007 to June 2017 and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A clinical diagnosis of MCTD was made in 111 patients, of whom 103 (92.8%) were women. The mean age at presentation was 39.3 years (SD±11.6). The most common organ systems that were involved were musculoskeletal system (95.5%), skin and mucosa (78.4%), and the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems (56%). The maximum sensitivity was for the Kasukawa criteria with a sensitivity of 77.5% (95% CI 68.4-84.6) and specificity of 92.2% (95% CI 87-95.5). The Kahn criteria and Alarcón-Segovia criteria had the maximum specificity; the Alarcón-Segovia criteria had a sensitivity of 69.4% (95% CI 59.8-77.6) and a specificity of 99.4% (95% CI 96.5-99.9), while the Kahn criteria had a sensitivity of 52.3% (95% CI 42.6-61.7) and a specificity of 99.4% (95% CI 96.5-99.9). The sensitivity and specificity of Sharp criteria were 57.7% (95% CI 47.9-66.87) and 90% (95% CI 84.4-93.8), respectively.
The Th9 Axis Reduces the Oxidative Stress and Promotes the Survival of Malignant T Cells in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Dhamija Bhavuk , Marathe Soumitra , Ghosh Sarbari , Dwivedi Alka , Karulkar Atharva , Sharma Neha , Sengar Manju , Sridhar Epari , Bonda Avinash , Thorat Jayashree , Tembhare Prashant , Shet Tanuja , Gujral Sumeet , Bagal Bhausaheb , Laskar Siddhartha , Jain Hasmukh , Purwar Rahul
Published: January 2020

Immune dysfunction is critical in pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Few studies have reported abnormal cytokine profile and dysregulated T-cell functions during the onset and progression of certain types of lymphoma. However, the presence of IL9-producing Th9 cells and their role in tumor cell metabolism and survival remain unexplored. With this clinical study, we performed multidimensional blood endotyping of CTCL patients before and after standard photo/chemotherapy and revealed distinct immune hallmarks of the disease. Importantly, there was a higher frequency of “skin homing” Th9 cells in CTCL patients with early (T1 and T2) and advanced-stage disease (T3 and T4). However, advanced-stage CTCL patients had severely impaired frequency of skin-homing Th1 and Th17 cells, indicating attenuated immunity. Treatment of CTCL patients with standard photo/chemotherapy decreased the skin-homing Th9 cells and increased the Th1 and Th17 cells. Interestingly, T cells of CTCL patients express IL9 receptor (IL9R), and there was negligible IL9R expression on T cells of healthy donors. Mechanistically, IL9/IL9R interaction on CD3+ T cells of CTCL patients and Jurkat cells reduced oxidative stress, lactic acidosis, and apoptosis and ultimately increased their survival. In conclusion, coexpression of IL9 and IL9R on T cells in CTCL patients indicates the autocrine-positive feedback loop of Th9 axis in promoting the survival of malignant T cells by reducing the oxidative stress.

Implications:

The critical role of Th9 axis in CTCL pathogenesis indicates that strategies targeting Th9 cells might harbor significant potential in developing robust CTCL therapy.
Clinical Symptom Presentation of Hypercontractile Peristalsis in the Era of High-Resolution Manometry: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Csucska Máté , Masuda Takahiro , Bremner Ross M. , Mittal Sumeet K.
Published: January 2020

Background: Hypercontractile motility of the esophagus is occasionally noted on high-resolution manometry (HRM), but its clinical correlations are unclear. We compared symptom severity and clinical presentation of patients with hypercontractile motility of the esophagus. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We queried a prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent esophageal function testing from October 1, 2016, to October 30, 2018. We included patients with jackhammer esophagus (JE; ≥2 swallows with distal contractile integral [DCI] ≥8,000 mm Hg∙cm∙s), nutcracker esophagus (NE; mean DCI 5,000–8,000 mm Hg∙cm∙s without meeting JE criteria), or esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction ([EGJOO]: abnormal median integrated relaxation pressure (>15 mm Hg) without meeting achalasia criteria, with JE [EGJOO-h], or normal motility [EGJOO-n]). HRM, endoscopy, barium esophagram, ambulatory pH studies, and symptom questionnaires were reevaluated for further analysis. Clinical parameters were analyzed using Spearman Rho correlation. Categorical variables were assessed with Fisher exact or chi-square test. Results: Altogether, 85 patients met inclusion criteria. They were divided into 4 subgroups: 28 with JE, 18 with NE, 15 with EGJOO-h, and 24 with EGJOO-n. Patients with EGJOO-h were the most symptomatic overall. No correlation was seen between symptoms and mean DCI (p ≥ 0.05 all groups) or number of hypercontractile swallows (≥8,000 mm Hg∙cm∙s, p ≥ 0.05). A significant correlation was noted between dysphagia and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and LESP integral (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The number of hypercontractile swallows and mean DCI were not associated with patient-reported symptoms. Elevated LESP may be a more relevant contributor to dysphagia.
Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharide, an Extract from Ganoderma Lucidum, Exerts Suppressive Effect on Cervical Cancer Cell Malignancy through Mitigating Epithelial-Mesenchymal and JAK/STAT5 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jin Hui , Song Chunye , Zhao Zonggang , Zhou Guodong
Published: January 2020

Background/Aims: We aimed to explore whether ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) exhibits antitumor effect on cervical cancer cells. Methods and Results: Different concentration of GLP was used to treat cervical cell. The data from cell counting kit-8 assay proved that the optimal working concentration and time of GLP were 200 µg/mL and treated for 48 h. The transwell assay demonstrated that GLP could attenuate the invasion and migration abilities of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, flow cytometry illustrated that GLP could promote the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells and limit the cycle of cervical cancer cells. Western blot assay discovered that the expression of proapoptosis proteins including Bax, Cleaved Caspases 3 and 9 increased and the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 decreased after treated with GLP. Moreover, we found that the expression of E-cadherin was increased, and N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Slug were decreased. Meanwhile, the expression of phosphorylated-JAK and phosphorylated-STAT5 was also decreased in cervical cancer cells treated by GLP, suggesting the inhibitory effect on JAK/STAT5 pathways. Conclusions: All of these data illustrated that GLP could alleviate the activity and aggressiveness, block the cell cycle, and promote the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, which were possible via inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal and JAK/STAT5 pathways.
Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: Difficult Differential Diagnosis from Angiosarcoma
Authors: Taniai Tomohiko , Onda Shinji , Sato Shun , Shiba Hiroaki , Sakamoto Taro , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2020

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is extremely rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult because hepatic EHE has clinicopathological features that are similar to those of angiosarcoma. However, it is important to differentiate hepatic EHE from angiosarcoma because the latter is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. We herein report a case of hepatic EHE that was difficult to distinguish from angiosarcoma by tumor biopsy. A 30-year-old man with Crohn’s disease presented with multiple liver tumors. The tumors were preoperatively diagnosed as angiosarcoma by tumor biopsy. The patient underwent extended left hemihepatectomy with biliary reconstruction and partial resection of segments 6 and 8. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD34, factor VIII, and calmodulin binding transcription activator 1 (CAMTA1), and the pathological diagnosis was EHE. Two years after surgery, a recurrent tumor was found in liver segment 6, for which laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed recurrence of EHE. The patient remained well with no evidence of tumor recurrence as of 9 months after the second resection. In conclusion, we described a case of hepatic EHE that was initially diagnosed as angiosarcoma on biopsy. Immunohistochemical staining with CAMTA1 may help distinguish EHE from angiosarcoma.
Clinical Characteristics of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Importance of Early Detection
Authors: Esteves Leandro João , Beato João , Pedrosa Ana Catarina , Pinheiro-Costa João , Falcão Manuel , Falcão-Reis Fernando , Carneiro Ângela M.
Published: January 2020

Purpose: We investigated the characteristics, prognosis, and clinical outcome of the Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Five hundred psychiatrically healthy patients with neovascular AMD were screened for CBS. The individuals that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were systematically interviewed using a structured questionnaire that covered the impact, prognosis, risk factors, phenomenology, symptoms, and knowledge about the syndrome. A control group of 45 patients was used for comparison. Demographic data, current medication, and ocular risk factors were collected in all patients. Results: Forty-five patients with CBS were identified. The majority of patients reported images that consisted of colored (62%) animals (44%) or faces (42%) that lasted for seconds (53%). Most patients reported a self-limited disease with a median duration of symptoms between 9 and 11.5 months, with only 7% knowing about CBS at symptom onset. The degree of visual deficit did not predict the characteristics, complexity, frequency, duration, or impact of visual hallucinations. One-third of patients reported negative outcome, which was associated with shorter duration of CBS (p = 0.023), fear-inducing images (p < 0.001), and impact on daily activities (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The prevalence of CBS in neovascular AMD patients is high and clinically relevant. Patients with recent onset of visual hallucinations and describing fear-inducing images are at greater risk for negative outcome. Periodic screening may minimize the negative consequences of this disease.
A hybrid algorithm to size the hospital resources in the case of a massive influx of victims
Authors: Ben Kacem Abderrahmane , Kamach Oualid , Chafik Samir , Ait Hammou Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Disaster situations either natural or made-man caused a large number of deaths and injured people. Morocco has experienced several disasters recently, the last one was the railway accident on 16 October 2018, which caused 127 serious injuries and 7 deaths. This large number was a big problem for the hospital to manage the received victims in right direction, which caused lives lost and disability. In this article, in collaboration with Mohammed (V) hospital in Casablanca city in Morocco, we suggested a solution that saves lives and eliminates number of disability by using a hybrid algorithm to size the hospital resources in the case of a massive influx of victims. We also suggested a support decision tool that is called Emergency Support Decision Tool. This helpful tool gives an idea about the needed resources that support these emergencies according to the victim’s number. The proposed solution consisted in making a hybrid algorithm that mixed the theoretical simulation process and the experience feedback by developing hybrid genetic and hybrid heuristic algorithms. These algorithms using as an input the matrix solutions that generated under ARENA software and the solution generated by neural networks that based on experiences feedback. The objective was to provide a solution based on available resources. In fact, the results showed that the hybrid heuristic algorithm is more performant than the hybrid genetic algorithm.
ResSeg: Residual encoder-decoder convolutional neural network for food segmentation
Authors: Pinzón-Arenas Javier O. , Jiménez-Moreno Robinson , Pachón-Suescún César G.
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the implementation and evaluation of different convolutional neural network architectures focused on food segmentation. To perform this task, it is proposed the recognition of 6 categories, among which are the main food groups (protein, grains, fruit, vegetables) and two additional groups, rice and drink or juice. In addition, to make the recognition more complex, it is decided to test the networks with food dishes already started, i.e. during different moments, from its serving to its finishing, in order to verify the capability to see when there is no more food on the plate. Finally, a comparison is made between the two best resulting networks, a SegNet with architecture VGG-16 and a network proposed in this work, called Residual Segmentation Convolutional Neural Network or ResSeg, with which accuracies greater than 90% and interception-over-union greater than 75% were obtained. This demonstrates the ability, not only of SegNet architectures for food segmentation, but the use of residual layers to improve the contour of the segmentation and segmentation of complex distribution or initiated of food dishes, opening the field of application of this type of networks to be implemented in feeding assistants or in automated restaurants, including also for dietary control for the amount of food consumed.
DNA computing based stream cipher for internet of things using MQTT protocol
Authors: Hussein Noor A. , Shujaa Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: January 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly developing technology that enables “devices” to communicate and share information amongst them without human control. The devices have the features of internet connectivity and networking. Due to the increasing demands of a secure environment in IoT application, security has become a crucial aspect on which researchers have been increasingly focused. Connecting devices to the internet can facilitate intruders to attack devices as they can access the data from anywhere in the globe. In this work, an encryption–decryption process-based stream cipher has been used. The messages between IoT nodes were encrypted using One Time Pad (OTP) and DNA computing. Furthermore, the required key sequence was generated using a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) as a pseudo number key generator. This key sequence was combined to generate a unique key for each message. The algorithm was implemented using source python and tested on a Raspberry pi under Linux open operation system.
Assistant robot through deep learning
Authors: Jiménez-Moreno Robinson , Pinzón-Arenas Javier Orlando , Pachón-Suescún César Giovany
Published: January 2020

This article presents a work oriented to assistive robotics, where a scenario is established for a robot to reach a tool in the hand of a user, when they have verbally requested it by his name. For this, three convolutional neural networks are trained, one for recognition of a group of tools, which obtained an accuracy of 98% identifying the tools established for the application, that are scalpel, screwdriver and scissors; one for speech recognition, trained with the names of the tools in Spanish language, where its validation accuracy reach a 97.5% in the recognition of the words; and another for recognition of the user's hand, taking in consideration the classification of 2 gestures: Open and Closed hand, where a 96.25% accuracy was achieved. With those networks, tests in real time are performed, presenting results in the delivery of each tool with a 100% of accuracy, i.e. the robot was able to identify correctly what the user requested, recognize correctly each tool and deliver the one need when the user opened their hand, taking an average time of 45 seconds in the execution of the application.
A new model for iris data set classification based on linear support vector machine parameter's optimization
Authors: Hussain Zahraa Faiz , Ibraheem Hind Raad , Alsajri Mohammad , Ali Ahmed Hussein , Ismail Mohd Arfian , Kasim Shahreen , Sutikno Tole
Published: January 2020

Data mining is known as the process of detection concerning patterns from essential amounts of data. As a process of knowledge discovery. Classification is a data analysis that extracts a model which describes an important data classes. One of the outstanding classifications methods in data mining is support vector machine classification (SVM). It is capable of envisaging results and mostly effective than other classification methods. The SVM is a one technique of machine learning techniques that is well known technique, learning with supervised and have been applied perfectly to a vary problems of: regression, classification, and clustering in diverse domains such as gene expression, web text mining. In this study, we proposed a newly mode for classifying iris data set using SVM classifier and genetic algorithm to optimize c and gamma parameters of linear SVM, in addition principle components analysis (PCA) algorithm was use for features reduction.
Development and implementation of two-stage boost converter for single-phase inverter without transformer for PV systems
Authors: Elnaghi Basem E. , Dessouki Mohamed E. , Abd-Alwahab M. N. , Elkholy Elwy E.
Published: January 2020

This paper offers a two-stage boost converter for a single-phase inverter without transformer for PV systems. Each stage of the converter is separately controlled by a pulse width modulated signal. A Simulink model of the converter using efficient voltage control topology is developed. The proposed circuit performance characteristics are explained and the obtained simulation results are confirmed through the applied experiments. Moreover, this paper has examined the control circuit of a single-phase inverter that delivers a pure sine wave with an output voltage that has the identical value and frequency as a grid voltage. A microcontroller supported an innovative technology is utilized to come up with a sine wave with fewer harmonics, much less price and an easier outline. A sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) technique is used by a microcontroller. The developed inverter integrated with the two-stage boost converter has improved the output waveform quality and controlled the dead time as it decreased to 63 µs compared to 180 µs in conventional methods. The system design is reproduced in Proteus and PSIM Software to analyze its operation principle that is confirmed practically.
Analytical study of flexible stimulation waveforms in muscle fatigue reduction
Authors: Noorsal E. , Yahaya S. Z. , Hussain Z. , Boudville R. , Ibrahim M. N. , Mohd Ali Y.
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the analytical study of flexible stimulation waveforms in muscle fatigue reduction for functional electrical stimulator (FES)-assisted hemiplegic muscle activities. The major challenge of muscle contraction induced by FES is early muscle fatigue which greatly limits activities such as FES-assisted standing and walking. The fixed stimulation pattern applied on a same motor unit has resulted the motor unit to be overworked and fatigue easily. Therefore, in this work, the stimulus parameters, which include the pulse width duration and the frequency were varied to create a few flexible stimulation waveforms using MATLAB/Simulink. The pulse width duration was modulated from 100µs – 500µs to generate five types of flexible stimulation waveforms such as Rectangular, Trapezoidal, Ramp Up, Ramp Down and Triangular. Concurrently, a few ranges of stimulus frequency were also used, which include 20Hz, 30Hz and 50Hz. The generated flexible stimulation waveforms were applied onto a humanoid muscle model to investigate and analyse the muscle output response and early muscle fatigue reduction. From the conducted simulation results and analyses, it was observed that flexible stimulation waveforms such as Triangular, Ramp Up and Ramp Down could reduce early muscle fatigue phenomenon by having lower average of negative slope, in the range of 0.012 to 0.013 for the muscle fitness. In contrast, the Rectangular and Trapezoidal shapes were found to have higher negative slope of muscle fitness in the range of 0.028 to 0.031. The Ramp Down shape was found to have the lowest average of negative slope (0.012) while Rectangular was found to have the highest average of negative slope (0.031). Therefore, it can be concluded that flexible stimulation waveforms such Ramp Down, Ramp Up and Triangular shapes could reduce early muscle fatigue phenomenon with Ramp Down shape having the highest muscle fatigue reduction.
A test architecture design for SoCs using ATAM method
Authors: Sharath Kumar D. R. V. A. , Srinivas Kumar Ch. , S. Ragamayi , Sampath Kumar P. , Saikumar K. , Hasane Ahammad Sk.
Published: January 2020

Test arranging is a basic issue in structure on-a-chip (S.O.C) experiment mechanization. Capable investigation designs constrain the general organization check request time, keep away from analysis reserve conflicts, in addition to purpose of restriction control disseminating in the midst of examination manner. In this broadsheet, we absent a fused method to manage a couple of test arranging issues. We first present a system to choose perfect timetables for sensibly evaluated SOC’s among need associations, i.e., plans that spare alluring orderings among tests. This furthermore acquaints a capable heuristic estimation with plan examinations designed for enormous S.O.Cs through need necessities in polynomial occasion. We portray a narrative figuring with the purpose of uses pre-emption of tests to secure capable date-books in favour of SOCs. Exploratory marks on behalf of an educational S-O-C plus a cutting edge SOC exhibit with the aim of capable investigation timetables be able to subsist gained in sensible CPU occasion.
Hide text depending on the three channels of pixels in color images using the modified LSB algorithm
Authors: Neamah Rusul Mohammed , Abed Jinan Ali , Abbood Elaf Ali
Published: January 2020

At the moment, with the great development of information and communications technology, the transfer of confidential and sensitive data through public communications such as the Internet is very difficult to keep them from hackers and attackers. Therefore, it is necessary to work on the development of new and innovative ways to transfer such information and protect it to ensure that it reaches the desired goal. The goal of a new technique to hide information design not only hides the secret message behind the center cover, but it also provides increased security. The most common way to transfer important and confidential data is through embedding it into cover medium files in a way that does not affect the accuracy of the carrier file, which is known as hiding. In this paper, encryption and concealment techniques were used to protect data transferred from attackers. The proposed method relied on encryption of confidential information using the encryption key and the Xnor gate, after which the encrypted information was hidden in a color image using the LSB algorithm. The method of concealment depends on the extraction of chromatic channels of three RGB for each pixel and specifying the channel in which the bit of the encryption message will be hidden. Some metrics have been adopted to measure the quality of the resulting picture after hiding as PSNR and MSE, and achieve good results.
Automated fundus image quality assessment and segmentation of optic disc using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Bhatkalkar Bhargav , Joshi Abhishek , Prabhu Srikanth , Bhandary Sulatha
Published: January 2020

An automated fundus image analysis is used as a tool for the diagnosis of common retinal diseases. A good quality fundus image results in better diagnosis and hence discarding the degraded fundus images at the time of screening itself provides an opportunity to retake the adequate fundus photographs, which save both time and resources. In this paper, we propose a novel fundus image quality assessment (IQA) model using the convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the quality of optic disc (OD) visibility. We localize the OD by transfer learning with Inception v-3 model. Precise segmentation of OD is done using the GrabCut algorithm. Contour operations are applied to the segmented OD to approximate it to the nearest circle for finding its center and diameter. For training the model, we are using the publicly available fundus databases and a private hospital database. We have attained excellent classification accuracy for fundus IQA on DRIVE, CHASE-DB, and HRF databases. For the OD segmentation, we have experimented our method on DRINS-DB, DRISHTI-GS, and RIM-ONE v.3 databases and compared the results with existing state-of-the-art methods. Our proposed method outperforms existing methods for OD segmentation on Jaccard index and F-score metrics.
Hybrid IWOPSO optimization based marine engine rotational speed control automatic system
Authors: Ghthwan Ahmed Samawi , Al-hayder Abdulrasul A. , Hassooni Ali Shaban
Published: January 2020

Transporting industry is having an important influence on the nations’ progress. The states that having long shoreline are taking advantage of their locations in using sea transportations which is more economical than other types of transportations. One of the most economical marine transport is the diesel fueling engines. This paper is to optimize the PID controller to control the speed of the engine overcoming the navigation environmental changes such as waves, winds and other effective external factors as well as the vessel internal changes such as the shipment load, equipment’s conditions …etc. PID is optimized through the optimum selection of its parameters (KP, KI and KD). A Simulink/MatLab model of the system is designed for this purpose. The Hybrid IWOPSO (HIWOPSO) algorithm is used for finding the optimum values of the PID parameters. The engine step response with these parameters is compared to the responses with those obtained by the IWO and PSO besides the Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC).
A mitigation of channel crosstalk effect in dispersion shifted fiber based on durability of modulation technique
Authors: Shaban Ali , Abed Murad Obaid , Hussein Ehab Abdul Razzaq , Abd H. J.
Published: January 2020

In fiber optics the Four Wave Mixing (FWM) has the harmful effect of an optical transmission system that can severely limit Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) and reduce the transmission aptness. This work preset the durability of the different modulation format was tested to FWM by using Dispersion Shifted Fiber (DSF). Moreover, the performance of the proposed system is surveyed by changing the fiber length and applying an information rate of 200 Gb/s. The experimental results show that the FWM capacity has decreased significantly by more than 14 dB when applying Return to Zero (RZ) modulation form. In addition, in terms of the propsed system performance in the first channel and with 700 km distance, it was observed that the lower Bit Error Rate (BER) in the normal RZ modulation is equal to 1.3×10-13. As well as it is noticeable when applied the Non Return to Zero (NRZ), the Modified Duobinary Return to Zero (MDRZ) and Gaussian modulation, the system performance will be quickly changed and getting worse, where the BERs increased to 1.3×10-4, 1.3×10-6 and 1.3×10-2 consecutively at same channel and for the same parameters.
Powerplan : The alternative software for presentations at local area network using virtualtreeview and omnithread
Authors: Bataona Daniel Silli , Munir Rinaldi , Juhana Tutun , Christiana Manulangga Gloria , Sine Jemsrado
Published: January 2020

The need for LCD projectors is very urgent, so even though they often experience shortcomings, it is impossible to continue to make purchases when needed to repair LCD projectors that require high costs such as buying a new device. Software development from the results of this study is not only beneficial for educational institutions but also for personal or specific institutions and institutions who want to conduct seminars, presentations, or other activities that involve many audiences. The advantage is that the audience will not experience problems such as when using an LCD projector, such as limited visibility, location or space, and the viewpoint of the audience on the Projector LCD / Screen. Another contribution that can be given from this research is a model of the teaching and learning process in real-time without using an LCD and only using a PC/ Laptop connected to the same LAN. It is a development of research that supports the concept of green computing because it also reduces the use of equipment LCD projector, but the usage function remains the same even more effective and interactive even without the device. Presentation model like this is the development of new models in the learning process using LAN networks but without using the internet connection and is the cross-platform model. This research can be the answer to the need for using LCD projectors that often occur in the process of education, meetings, or seminars that continue to increase every time. Also, the lack of LCD compared to the number of teaching needs in each class and the unstable electricity conditions and the low electricity ratio in East Nusa Tenggara, have resulted in frequent blackouts suddenly, so that makes the device LCD vulnerable to damage. The test results showed an increase in RTT along with the increasing number of servers conducting presentation activities. Testing on LAN networks with the same number of clients on each test shows that there was an increase of 18% and 75% in each addition to the number of servers. The best performance of Powerplan is still shown when the number of servers that present several five, with the response time of each client connected under two seconds.