bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silhouette vanished contour discovery of aerial view images by exploiting pixel divergence
Authors: Babu Devareddi Ravi , Srikrishna Atluri
Published: March 2023

An Image's Edge Detection is the process of finding and pinpointing sharp discontinuities in an image. Detecting the edges of an image significantly reduces the quantity of data and removes unnecessary information while keeping the fundamental structural aspects of an image. Edge detection is essential when it comes to image categorization in computer vision and object identification. The primary goal of this research is to investigate several strategies for edge detection and shadow of objects in Aerial view Images. Machine vision, face detection, medical imaging, and object detection are just a few examples of applications where image segmentation has been widely utilized. Image segmentation is categorizing or identifying sub-patterns in a given image. Many algorithms and strategies for picture segmentation have been presented to improve segmentation issues in a given application area. Techniques such as threshold-based and region-based picture segmentation were used in this study. An edge detection method such as Sobel, Prewitt and Roberts and the canny approach is applied to the benchmark image and compared with the proposed Octagonal Pixel Divergence Edge Detection (ODED) algorithm. MATLAB R2018b was used for this research, and findings show that the proposed approach is more effective than the other methods, with a quality image with edges. 
Facial recognition using multi edge detection and distance measure
Authors: Intan Indo , Nurdin Nurdin , Pangerang Fitriaty
Published: March 2023

Face recognition provides broad access to several public devices, so it is essential in the midst of today's technology boom. Human face recognizing has challenge in using uncomplicated and straightforward algorithms quickly, using memory specifications are not too high, otherwise the results are quality and accurate. Face recognition using combination edge detection and Canberra distance can be recommended for applications that require fast and precise access. The application of several edge detections singly has low performance, so it requires a combination technique to obtain better results. The proposed method combined several edge detections such are Robert, Prewitt, Sobel, and Canny to recognize a face image by identification and verification. As a feature extractor, the combination edge detection forms a more robust and more specific facial pattern on the contour lines. The results show that the combination accuracy outperforms other extractor features significantly. Canberra distance produces the best performance compared to Euclidean distance and Mahalanobis distance.
Energy-efficient deep learning model for fruit freshness detection
Authors: Valentino Febrian , Wawan Cenggoro Tjeng , Natanael Elwirehardja Gregorius , Pardamean Bens
Published: March 2023

Fruits are usually used as complementary foods because they contain good nutrients such as protein and vitamins. In addition to having good content, it turns out that there are potentially harmful microorganisms contained in fruits caused by decay. Currently, many artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been proposed in research related to fruit freshness. Deep learning is one of its most prominent types in similar studies. As deep learning typically requires a lot of computation power, it usually consumes a lot of electricity. This is an important concern, especially for agribusiness companies that require AI implementations. Based on these problems, we propose to build a convolutional neural network (CNN) model consisting of six layers to detect fruit freshness and save energy. The CNN model we built uses electrical power ranging from 55 to 73 Watts during the training process and 20 to 27 Watts during the testing process. For accuracy, the result is 98.64%. However, compared to previous studies with the MobileNetV2 model, our model only excels in several aspects, such as recall in fresh banana and fresh oranges, recall and F1-score in Rotten Banana.
Emotions and gesture recognition using affective computing assessment with deep learning
Authors: Artanto Herjuna , Arifin Fatchul
Published: March 2023

Emotions have an important role in education. Affective development, attitudes, and emotions in learning are measured using affective assessment. This method is the right way to determine the student’s affective development. However, the process did not run optimally because the teacher found it difficult to collect student’s affective data. This paper describes the development of a system that can assist teachers in carrying out affective assessment. The system was developed using a v-model that aligns the verification phase with the validation. The use of the system is carried out during learning activities. The emotion detection system detects through body gestures using PoseNet to generate emotional data for each student. The detection results are then processed and displayed on an information system in the form of a website for affective assessment. The accuracy of emotion detection got validation values of 84.4% and 80.95% after being tested at school. In addition, the acceptance test with the usability aspect of the system by the teacher got a score of 77.56% and a score of 79.85% by the students. Based on several tests carried out, this developed system can assist the process of implementing affective assessment.
Human activity recognition method using joint deep learning and acceleration signal
Authors: N. Meqdad Maytham , Hasan Hussein Abdullah , O. Husain Saif , Mohammed Jawad Alyaa , Kadry Seifedine
Published: March 2023

Many studies have been conducted on human activity recognition (HAR) in the last decade. Accordingly, deep learning (DL) algorithms have been given more attention in terms of classification of human daily activities. Deep neural networks (DNNs) compute and extract complex features on voluminous data through some hidden layers that require large memory and powerful graphics processing units (GPUs). So, this study proposes a new joint learning (JL) approach to classify human activities using inertial sensors. To this end, a large complex donor model based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to transfer knowledge to a smaller model based on CNN referred to as the acceptor model. The acceptor model can be deployed on mobile devices and low-power hardware due to decreased computing costs and memory consumption. The wireless sensor data mining (WISDM) dataset is used to test the proposed model. According to the experimental results, the HAR system based on the JL algorithm outperforms than other methods.
Blockchain and machine learning in the internet of things: a review of smart healthcare
Authors: Suliman Al-Blihed Nwadher , Fahad Al-Mufadi Nouf , Thyab Al-Harbi Nouf , Ahmed Al-Omari Ibrahim , Abdullah Al-Hagery Mohammed
Published: March 2023

The healthcare sector has benefited from digital transformation and modern technology. As well is expected to rely even more on the internet of things (IoT) technologies in the near future. Due to the availability of portable medical devices, applications, and mobile health services, all of which have contributed to the development of innovative features for the delivery of healthcare services. With the large number of data issued from the IoT and the importance of using data to benefit from contained in diagnosing diseases, medical records, or monitoring. Furthermore, the expansion of emerging technologies such as robots and machine learning (ML) is supported by the ease with exchanged and shared medical information. Moreover, Blockchain technology enables the creation of secure records for storing medical data in a safe and timely manner. The paper reviews various IoT, Blockchain, and ML applications and systems in the smart healthcare sector to discover many challenges, consequently, it will be easy for researchers who have an interest in these fields to find today and future solutions. This, in turn, will help to enhance the technical services depending on the IoT in ML and Blockchain in the smart healthcare field.
Investigation of bidirectional converter utilizing battery energy storage for an isolated load system
Authors: Karthikeyan Nagarajan , David Anbarasi Jebaselvi Gnanaiah
Published: March 2023

To explore the design of a bidirectional isolated converter for usage with battery energy storage systems, the study aims to analyses this investigation. The change resulted in a reduced workload, which is an obvious advantage. We instead think that there will be no effect on the load-carrying capacity due to the increase in production. This research provides an alternating-direct-current renewable energy supply system. Solar, wind, power storage, and a load are included. This is an in-depth discussion of a power conversion converter's control system. Using an energy storage device in addition to the controller is feasible (ESSs). This research resulted in adaptive PI control, which is known for lowering link voltage and faster responses. Using this control system, you can cut down on both transient and static issues and also have a better shot at minimizing defects. MATLAB/Simulink is an application which does simulations. To evaluate the efficacy of an envisioned system, one simulates the systems and compares the results. The results show that the hybrid power supply model proposed may have a substantial effect on the energy supply to the isolated load and can be utilized to build a unique plan for a green data center.
A new flying capacitor multilevel converter topology with reduction of power electronic components
Authors: Ahmed Rokan Ali , Hassan Enas Dawood , Saleh Adham Hadi
Published: March 2023

High power capacity and reliability are characteristics of multilevel inverters. The using a collection of DC sources can produce a terminal voltage that is very close to sinusoidal. The power quality can be improved by adding more levels, but this makes the control system more complicated and expensive. The number of power components in a multilevel inverter has been studied for decades. So, research needs to be done on multilevel inverter configurations to find ways to add levels with fewer power switches than with traditional topologies and those that have already been proposed. In this research, a new power-efficient arrangement of a flying-capacitor inverter is introduced. In order to illustrate the suggested topology, a seven-level multilevel inverter is constructed and demonstrated in a simplified form. Fewer power components, including power switches, capacitors, and gate driver circuits, are required in this topology than in other topologies described in the recent literature, which is one of its main advantages. The improvement mentioned above can be seen in the way this topology works, which is shown by the characteristics of the circuit. MATLAB/Simulink R2021a is used to simulate and verify the circuit to ensure the proposed topology is correct.
Neural network controller for five phases shunt active power filter applied for five phase embarked electrical network
Authors: Laala Zakaria , Benaissa Amar , Rabhi Boualaga , Fouad Benkhoris Mohamed
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses neural network ANN controller applied for five phase shunt active power filter. Three-phase shunt active power filters are widely studied, however in this paper we investigate to extend their application to five phase embarked electrical network. Two-level five phase inverter is used as a shunt active power filter to reduce harmonics and compensate reactive power injected by a five-phase diode rectifier. An artificial neural network controller has been used to regulate the DC side of the inverter, thereby contributing to the calculation of the reference harmonic currents on the one side and controlling the injected harmonic currents on the other. Self-tuning filter (STF) is used to calculate the reference current. By using STF allow to extract the voltage and current fundamental components in the α-β-axis directly without the use of a phase-locked loop (PLL). Simulation results shows that the ANN controller presents appreciable performances in references tracking and the proposed five-phase shunt active power filter provides a sinusoidal supply current in phase with the line voltage with low harmonic distortion.
Detection of power transmission lines faults based on voltages and currents values using K-nearest neighbors
Authors: Abed Nisreen Khalil , Abed Faisal Theyab , Al-Yasriy Hamdalla F. , ALRikabi Haider TH. Salim
Published: March 2023

The critical factors to consider when implementing a maintenance plan for energy transmission lines are, accuracy, speed, and time, because of the increased global demand for electricity power caused by rapid development, and overuse of electric power transmission lines (both underground cables and overhead transmission lines), which in turn reduces the efficiency of the lines. Consequently, the efficiency of the lines may be reduced as a result of overuse or other activities like excavation that may have tampered with the cables. Thus, it becomes important to investigate the faults to which the lines are exposed. To this end, this article focuses on the detection of fault in transmission lines through the use of k-nearest neighbor algorithm. Using this algorithm, the characteristics were obtained (voltage, current), and these characteristics enable the identification of faults in the transmission lines, and in the specific location (the entire system, phase B, and phase A). The benefits that can be derived from the use of this algorithm include time, accuracy, speed, which are the requirements for the maintenance of transmission lines. Euclidean distance used in the application of the k-nearest neighbor technique for weights, and K = 3 for number of neighbors. The dataset was split into two parts, 70% training set and 30% testing set.
Study of electric power quality indicators by simulating a hybrid generation system
Authors: Merconchini Frank Grau , Seisdedos Luis Vázquez , Oliva Janette Cervantes , Alvarez José Ricardo Núñez , Checa-Cervantes David
Published: March 2023

Currently, as part of the distributed generation paradigm, photovoltaic energy has a growing development. The diversity of the loads, their nonlinearity, and the penetration of the renewable energy sources (RES) cause a worsening of the energy quality indicators. The main quality indicators that affect hybrid photovoltaic systems are voltage and current harmonic distortion, voltage deviation, and voltage and current asymmetry in the system. The construction of physical and mathematical models in software applications, such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Simscape, makes it possible to simulate the operating conditions of these systems and determine the values of the indicators that account for the quality of the electric power supplied. In this work, the modeling and simulation of a photovoltaic system connected to the network that feeds a mixed industrial area are carried out to determine the indicators of energy quality.
Increasing photovoltaic system power output with white paint albedo – a scenario in Al-Mausaib City using PVSyst. software
Authors: Duhis Ahmed Hussein , Aljanabi Mohanad , Alkafaji Muhammed Salah Sadiq
Published: March 2023

Sundry circumstances influence on the photovoltaic (PV) performance,
a ground albedo one of an important factor that effect on the PV panel work. This research study is to improving the output solar structures fixed on horizontal of the buildings of the even surface with adjustable roof albedo; this study incorporates integrating innovative PV and levelheaded surface techniques to boost the energy production of photovoltaic system. The modeling and simulation study were utilized as part of the system to examine the effectiveness of the solar structure installed on concrete horizontal even tiles structures with a roof albedo of 0.25, After that, white paint was applied to the concrete surface in front of the solar system to raise the albedo to 0.70. The important findings demonstrate that a rise in surface albedo from 0.25 to 0.7 will contribute to an increase in yearly solar PV power generation. The case study scenario in Al-Mussaib Technical College (L at 32° 46′ 59.99″ N, 44° 19′ 0.01 E), this paper will study the effects of two different materials top surface on the yield of PV module, for these studies, the PVSyst. program version 7.2 is utilized to analysis data from PV solar stand-alone systems.
Influence of reactive power compensation from PV systems on electrical grid
Authors: Othman Raghad Adeeb , Al-Yozbaky Omar Sharaf Al-Deen Yehya
Published: March 2023

The rising electricity consumption, rapid fossil fuel depletion, and a higher shift to the use of renewable or green energy resources have increased the need to integrate renewable and distributed energy resources (DERs), like solar photovoltaic (PV) energy to power the utility grids. In this study, the researchers have determined the effect of PV inverters to offer reactive power to an adapted IEEE 13-node distribution network. Power flow analyses were conducted on MATLAB/Simulink for various reactive power modes of PV inverters to show the effect of the reactive power on the regulation of grid voltage, reduced the total harmonic distortion (THD), and maintain the power factor so as to improve the ability of the system to handle power. The result shows that using a 400 KW PV system in a bus (675) led to a reduction in the power generated from the generator by 11%, and the use of the reactive power capability of PV inverters on-site improved the voltage profile significantly. as well, reduced the voltage THD by 27.09% when injected with reactive power, reduce the current THD by 77.39% When absorbing reactive power, and improved the power factor on-site.
Impact of large-scale renewable power plants on the tie-line loadings of a Vietnamese power network
Authors: Bao Doan Thanh , Ninh Nguyen Van , Lam Nguyen Van , Le Tuan-Ho
Published: March 2023

The rapid integration of wind power and power solar plants into the electrical power system has caused several operation issues in recent decades. To investigate the impact of large-scale renewable power plants on the tie-line loadings of a practical power grid, the 110 kV power network of Binh Dinh province, Vietnam is utilized in this paper. This power network with and without three solar power plants (including Fujiwara plant with a peak capacity of 50 MWp, Cat Hiep plant with a peak capacity of
49.5 MWp, and Dam Tra O plant with a peak capacity of 50 MWp) and three wind power plants (including Nhon Hoi plant with a capacity of 60MW, Phuong Mai 1 plant with a capacity of 26.4 MW, and Phuong Mai
3 plant with a capacity of 20.7 MW) is modeled by using the PSS/E software to examine the tie-line loadings capacity. The simulation results showed that the tie-line loadings of the current power network increase when six renewable power plants are integrated into this network. Therefore, three different scenarios to upgrade the existing power network are proposed. The final results demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed scenarios in solving the tie-line loadings issue of the practical power network.
Modeling of IGBT junction temperature based on load torque variation in induction motor
Authors: Mayyahi Ahmed Shihab , Omar Riyadh Ghanem
Published: March 2023

In order to discuss the effectiveness of inverter performance, it is essential to concentrate on its losses. Thus, knowing the junction temperature (TJ) value of the inverter switches insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBTs) under different loading conditions allows determining their reliability and designing the right heat sink. The old methods to calculate the TJ are inaccurate, difficult to implement, and require mathematical analysis. So, in this work, a new approach was used to calculate the TJ in a simplified way, using the SIMSCAPE environment in the MATLAB simulation. The IGBT in the SIMSCAPE environment is of an improved design and has a direct thermal port. The TJ estimation is more accurate and it relies only on the thermal impedance model, so we do not need to compute the power losses as was done in previous studies. This functionality is only accessible in more recent versions of MATLAB (2019-2023). With different motor load torques, the IGBT junction temperature is evaluated, and the effect of the selected heat sink on the value of TJ is evaluated when it is under the effect of natural cooling and air-forced cooling.
Simulation model for pulse width modulation-voltage source inverter of three-phase induction motor
Authors: Shneen Salam Waley , Shuraiji Ahlam Luaibi
Published: March 2023

Induction motor has been widely applied in many sectors, as it has the advantages of simplicity, toughness and can withstand hard environment conditions. The working of such motor in constant voltage/frequency (V/F) speed control method has been popular since the introduction of the power electronic devices, which consequently make the implementation of this method simpler and effectives. The V/F speed control is dominated choice for many applications, especially open loop control and also for closed loop control when the accuracy is not a crucial issue. This study deals with two cases of controlling open and close of the electronic switches. The first with equal intervals by placing regular pulses at the opening and closing periods, and the second using three-phase pulse width generator, through which the control of different periods is carried out according to the required control. Four models have been simulated in this study including, three-phase induction motor at constant torque (constant load) as well as at variable torque (variable load), modeling of PWM-VSI for three-phase induction motor at constant torque (constant load) as well as at variable torque (variable load). The results have shown that speed profile of the IM can be improved by controlling the invertor using PWM technique.
Torque control of a 5 KW, 220 V separately excited DC motor using microcomputer
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Mostafa Ramadan , Elemary Atef A. , Alaas Zuhair Muhammed , Hamada Abdallah Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Fast torque control is crucial for various applications, including diesel-electric locomotives, electric automobiles, and steel plants. The purpose of this paper is to utilize a microcomputer to control the torque of a separately-excited DC motor fed from a single-phase semi-controlled converter. There are numerous strategies to determine torque using direct or indirect methods. The greatest issue of direct strategy using torque meters is that the measuring device must be installed between the motor and the load. In this paper, we avoid this challenge by employing the indirect approach, specifically by monitoring several DC machine-specific quantities such as voltage, current, and speed, which are easier to determine experimentally. This technology is unquestionably helpful in real-world applications since it eliminates any mechanical impact on the installation. This paper describes the system configuration and provides an explanation of the architecture and system features. The simulation of the proposed system using TUSTSIM dynamic simulation program which is capable of simulating the control system with a digital controller in the loop is presented. An implementation of microcomputer-assisted torque control of DC separately excited motor with proportional integral (PI) controllers is presented. A typical oscillography of the driving characteristics is provided along with the experimental results.
Open-circuit fault detection of inverter fed PMSM for electrical powertrain applications
Authors: Haidar Fatima , Douiri Takwa Sellami , Bartoli Thomas
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to enhance the reliability of power electronic converters fed
permanent magnet synchronous machine for electrical powertrain applications.
Many faults like open circuit may affect the power converter and quickly lead to
a decline in supplied power quality and all the power train components behavior.
In this framework, this paper proposes an open circuit fault detection scheme for
inverters. First, the dynamic models of the powertrain subsystems were developed.
In fact, all the mathematics models of the motor, inverter, power converter,
battery and charger are presented. Then, a detection scheme of open-circuit fault
in inverter/motor. The control schemes were elaborated based on current analysis
method. The diagnosis strategy under discontinuous switch-ing dynamics of
the DC/AC inverter is proposed.
Design of suspension control system for bearingless induction motor using fuzzy-I controller
Authors: Jasim Qasim Kadhim , Ali Mohammed Moanes E.
Published: March 2023

In the bearingless induction motor (BIM), the rotor of BIM is supported by the magnetic force, the radial position control technique is studied in this paper, an approximation and simplification are used to create a linearized model of suspension system. The objective of this paper is to design a control system that overcomes the limitations of the traditional controller and to improve the control performance and achieve high stability, even if it is exposed to external disturbance and internal disturbance (changes in load or speed). In order to solve this problem, the proposed controller is based on the fuzzy-I controller that combines the positive features of both fuzzy logic and the integration. In comparison with the conventional PID, the results show that the fuzzy-I controller reduces the peak-to-peak rotor deviation by 23% under effect of external disturbance force and 31% under effect of speed variation and 9% under effect of load variation.
PSO based optimized PI controller design for hybrid active power filter
Authors: Sujith Mayakrishnan , Vijayakumar Govindaraj , Pardeshi Dipesh B. , Madhubalan Selvaraju , Kannan Kumar Gokul
Published: March 2023

This research study presents the design and simulation of a hybrid active power filter (HAPF) for reducing harmonics. The reference currents have been determined using the synchronous reference frame technique. To achieve its goals, the proposed HAPF employs AI algorithm known as particle swarm optimization (PSO) to fine-tune the proportional-integral PI controller's parameters. With the help of PI-PSO controller the DC link voltage is regulated in the HAPF-inverter. A non-linear current control strategy based on hysteresis employed here to construct the pulse gate by comparing the retrieved reference and real currents necessitated by the HAPF. Simulations were carried out in MATLAB and shown that the proposed method is extremely adaptable and efficient in reducing harmonic currents caused by non-linear loads.
Reduced switched seven level multilevel inverter by modified carrier for high voltage industrial applications
Authors: Sreelakshmi Sanka , Sujatha Machineni Sanjeevappa , Rahul Jammy Ramesh , Sutikno Tole
Published: March 2023

Multilevel inverters are widely used in high-power and high-voltage applications due to their lower total harmonic distortion (THD), decreased switching stress on their switches, and other benefits. However, increasing the number of steps results in a drop in THD, which results in a larger size. As a result, a new 7-level reduced switched cascaded multilevel inverter (CMLI) has been designed for the current project. This architecture employs seven switches and seven levels of MLI to achieve the same output as a conservative multilevel inverter (MLI). To generate gate pulses for the switches, conventional and modified carriers were employed, and a third harmonic component was added into the sine wave to increase the fundamental output voltage. Finally, MATLAB or simulation is utilized to test the results of this task's design. According to the analysis, the proposed design may reduce harmonic distortion and improve the fundamental voltage component with fewer switches.
A simplified model design of MMC-HVDC transmission system for steady state and transient stability analyses
Authors: Rosyadi Marwan , Umemura Atsushi , Takahashi Rion , Tamura Junji , Uchiumi Takamori , Mori Masanori , Miyata Hiroki
Published: March 2023

A simplified model of a modular multilevel converter (MMC) implemented on a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system is presented in this study for the analyses of steady-state and transient stabilities. The simplified model design’s goal is to reduce the complicated modeling of the MMC circuit as well as the simulation time of the analysis. The validity of the model design has been examined using the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation program, where the simulation outcomes of the detailed model and the simplified model are contrasted. It has been established that the simplified model is accurate enough and that simulation time can be substantially decreased. It is concluded that the suggested model design is very significant as a simplified model for analyzing the steady state and transient stabilities of MMC-HVDC transmission system.
Sobre el sexismo y los estereotipos de género: publicidades y espejos de representación social
Authors: Nacci Maria Jose
Published: March 2023

En este trabajo analizamos antiguos y nuevos estereotipos de género en publicidades de cosméticos de dos épocas: los años 1950 y la actualidad. Entre ambos cortes temporales transcurrieron setenta vertiginosos años de cambios culturales, sin embargo, muchos estereotipos parecen intactos. Apoyándonos en autores como R. Barthes y analizando el corpus publicitario seleccionado, rastreamos las condiciones de posibilidad de emergencia de discursividades emergentes a partir de la inflexión sociopolítica del #NiUnaMenos en América Latina, el #MeToo y el #BlackLivesMatter a escala global. Inspiradas en representaciones artísticas, buscamos aportar al desarrollo de una comunicación publicitaria no sexista y diversa.
Equidade de gênero no mundo corporativo: como avançar e garantir equidade de oportunidades
Authors: Goldenberg Margareth
Published: March 2023

Equidade de gênero no mercado de trabalho é um imperativo moral, legal e econômico. A igualdade de tratamento entre mulheres e homens e a equidade de oportunidades para ambos é um direito que vem sendo conquistado em todo mundo. No entanto, essa inclusão não tem ocorrido nas melhores condições, com agilidade necessária e ainda existem muitos desafios na conquista de direitos dentro e fora das empresas. As principais dimensões que devem ser trabalhadas para avançarmos nesta jornada são abordadas neste artigo.
Stroke Recurrence and Antiplatelets in Posterior Versus Anterior Circulation Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Liu Huihui , Jing Jing , Wang Anxin , Xu Qin , Meng Xia , Li Hao , Li Zixiao , Wang Yongjun
Published: March 2023

Background:

It is unclear whether infarct location affects stroke recurrence after index ischemic stroke. We aimed to compare the risk of stroke recurrence and the responses to dual antiplatelets with ticagrelor-aspirin versus clopidogrel-aspirin between patients with posterior circulation infarct (PCI) and those with anterior circulation infarct (ACI) after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the double-blind CHANCE-2 trial (Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel With Aspirin in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events II), which was conducted across 202 centers in China from September 2019 to March 2021. Patients with positive diffusion-weighted imaging were included and classified into PCI and ACI groups according to the hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were a new stroke and severe or moderate bleeding within 90 days, respectively.

Results:

A total of 4168 patients were included in this substudy, with 1427 PCI and 2741 ACI. During the 90-day follow-up, the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with PCI was similar to that with ACI (7.4% versus 8.3%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.79–1.29];
P
=0.94). In comparison with clopidogrel-aspirin, ticagrelor-aspirin significantly reduced the risk of stroke recurrence in both the PCI (hazard ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.40–0.89];
P
=0.01) and ACI groups (hazard ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.50–0.85];
P
=0.002). There was no treatment-by-infarct location interaction (
P
value for interaction, 0.92). The risk of severe or moderate bleeding was similar between PCI and ACI patients (
P
=0.19). However, the risk of any bleeding increased on ticagrelor-aspirin than clopidogrel-aspirin treatment in PCI and ACI patients (
P
=0.02 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that stroke recurrence was similar between PCI and ACI in patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack. Additionally, ticagrelor-aspirin was superior to clopidogrel-aspirin in reducing the risk of stroke within 90 days in both PCI and ACI patients.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04078737.
The role of cyanoalanine synthase and alternative oxidase in promoting salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Xu Fei , Peng Ye , He Zheng-Quan , Yu Lu-Lu
Published: March 2023

Background

Cyanide is a toxic chemical that inhibits cellular respiration. In plants, cyanide can be produced by themselves, especially under stressful conditions. Cyanoalanine synthase (CAS) is a key enzyme involved in plant cyanide detoxification. There are three genes encoding CAS in Arabidopsis thaliana, but the roles of these genes in the plant’s response to stress are less studied. In addition, it is known that alternative oxidase (AOX) mediates cyanide-resistant respiration, but the relationship between CAS and AOX in regulating the plant stress response remains largely unknown.

Results

Here, the effects of the overexpression or mutation of these three CAS genes on salt stress tolerance were investigated. The results showed that under normal conditions, the overexpression or mutation of the CAS genes had no significant effect on the seed germination and growth of Arabidopsis thaliana compared with wild type (WT). However, under 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl conditions, the seeds overexpressing CAS genes showed stronger salt stress resistance, i.e., higher germination speed than WT seeds, especially those that overexpressed the CYS-C1 and CYS-D1 genes. In contrast, the seeds with CAS gene mutations exhibited salt sensitivity, and their germination ability and growth were significantly damaged by 100 and 200 mM NaCl. Importantly, this difference in salt stress resistance became more pronounced in CAS-OE, WT, and mutant seeds with increasing salt concentration. The CAS-OE seeds maintained higher respiration rates than the WT and CAS mutant seeds under salt stress conditions. The cyanide contents in CAS mutant seeds were approximately 3 times higher than those in WT seeds and more than 5 times higher than those in CAS-OE seeds. In comparison, plants overexpressing CYS-C1 had the fastest detoxification of cyanide and the best salt tolerance, followed by those overexpressing CYS-D1 and CYS-D2. Furthermore, less hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was observed in CAS-OE seedlings than in WT seedlings under long-term salt stress conditions. Nonetheless, the lack of AOX impaired CAS-OE-mediated plant salt stress resistance, suggesting that CAS and AOX interact to improve salt tolerance is essential. The results also showed that CAS and AOX contributed to the reduction in oxidative damage by helping maintain relatively high levels of antioxidant enzyme activity.

Conclusion

In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that overexpression of Arabidopsis CAS family genes plays a positive role in salt stress tolerance and highlights the contribution of AOX to CAS-mediated plant salt resistance, mainly by reducing cyanide and H2S toxicity.
Evaluation of frontal QRS-T angle values in electrocardiography in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Abus Sabri , koparal Mehtap , Kaya Hakan , Kapıcı Olga Bayar , Tasolar Mehmet Hakan , Tibilli Hakan
Published: March 2023

Background

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) refers to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and nasal mucosa. Electrocardiographic indicators of ventricular repolarization have been shown to correlate with systemic inflammation parameters. Recently, the frontal QRS-T (fQRS-T) angle has been accepted as a new indicator of ventricular depolarization and repolarization heterogeneity. The (fQRS-T) angle is recommended in predicting the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ventricular arrhythmia potential in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis by examining the relationship between fQRS-T angle on ECG and inflammation markers.

Methods

Inflammatory markers as well as electrocardiographc (ECG) f(QRS-T) angle, QRS duration, QT interval and corrected QT interval were examined in 54 patients with CRS versus 56 healthy control subjects.

Results

The f(QRS-T) angle was significantly higher in CRS patients than in healthy controls (p < .001). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were significantly higher in CRS patients compared to healthy controls (p < .001, for all). Based on correlation analysis, NLR and f(QRS-T) angles were highly correlated (r = .845, p < .001), and according to the results of linear regression analysis, NLR was independently associated with the f(QRS-T) angle (t = 5.149, Beta = 0.595, p = < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both f(QRS-T) angle and NLR are significantly increased in CRS patients compared to healthy controls, with increases in NLR also independently associating with increases in f(QRS-T) angle. While the increases in f(QRS-T) angle did not result in clinically alarming absolute values for f(QRS-T), CRS patients might nonetheless be at relatively higher risk for malignant cardiac arrhythmias.
Correlation between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in non-obese adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cong Fangyuan , Zhu Luying , Deng Lihua , Xue Qian , Wang Jingtong
Published: March 2023

Background and aims

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and have adverse impacts on the cardiac structure and function. Little is known about the effect of non-obese NAFLD upon cardiac function. We aimed to compare the echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle (LV) between non-obese NAFLD group and control group, and explore the correlation of non-obese NAFLD with LV diastolic dysfunction.

Methods and results

In this cross-sectional study, 316 non-obese inpatients were enrolled, including 72 participants with NAFLD (non-obese NAFLD group) and 244 participants without NAFLD (control group). LV structural and functional indices of two groups were comparatively analyzed. LV diastolic disfunction was diagnosed and graded using the ratio of the peak velocity of the early filling (E) wave to the atrial contraction (A) wave and E value. Compared with control group, the non-obese NAFLD group had the lower E/A〔(0.80 ± 0.22) vs (0.88 ± 0.35), t = 2.528, p = 0.012〕and the smaller LV end-diastolic diameter〔(4.51 ± 0.42)cm vs (4.64 ± 0.43)cm, t = 2.182, p = 0.030〕. And the non-obese NAFLD group had a higher prevalence of E/A < 1 than control group (83.3% vs 68.9%, X2 = 5.802, p = 0.016) while two groups had similar proportions of LV diastolic dysfunction (58.3% vs 53.7%, X2 = 0.484, p = 0.487). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-obese NAFLD was associated with an increase in E/A < 1 (OR = 6.562, 95%CI 2.014, 21.373, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Non-obese NAFLD was associated with decrease of E/A, while more research will be necessary to evaluate risk of non-obese NAFLD for LV diastolic dysfunction in future.
Clinicopathological features of corneal invasion by filtering bleb
Authors: Shi Minghua , Zhou Hezheng , Chen Simin , Wu Zuohong , Sun Zhong , Zhang Ying , Yang Wanju , Xing Yiqiao
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To describe the clinicopathological characteristics and explore the possible etiology of cornea invasion by filtering bleb (CIFB) after filtering surgery.

Methods

We reviewed 22 patients treated for CIFB between March 2005 and March 2022. The patients were followed up for more than 1 year. Slit-lamp examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound biomicroscopy, and histopathological examination were performed to observe the morphology of the bleb and depth of corneal invasion. Depending on the severity of the lesion, treatments consisting of local massage, acupuncture separation, or surgical resection were administered.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.3 ± 8.8 years. All patients underwent filtering surgery in the moderate or advanced stage of glaucoma. The filtering bleb was closely connected with the cornea, and its posterior boundary was locally adhered. Forward displacement of the internal opening of the filtering bleb was found in 4 of 7 surgically treated patients. OCT and pathological examination showed that the filtering blebs invaded the corneal stroma. Removal of the adhesion of the posterior boundary of the filtering bleb by different treatment methods successfully improved the patients’ conditions.

Conclusion

Filtering blebs can invade the corneal stroma. Adhesion of the posterior boundary and forward displacement of the internal opening of the filtering bleb are the possible causes of CIFB. Removal of the adhesion of the posterior boundary of the filtering bleb can halt the progression of CIFB.
A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers
Authors: Hayman Melanie , Keppel Marian , Stanton Robert , Thwaite Tanya L. , Alfrey Kristie-Lee , Alley Stephanie , Harrison Cheryce , Keating Shelley E. , Schoeppe Stephanie , Cannon Summer S. , Haakstad Lene A. H. , Gjestvang Christina , Williams Susan L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Exercise during pregnancy is associated with various health benefits for both mother and child. Despite these benefits, most pregnant women do not meet physical activity recommendations. A known barrier to engaging in exercise during pregnancy is a lack of knowledge about appropriate and safe exercise. In our current era of social media, many pregnant women are turning to online information sources for guidance, including social media influencers. Little is known about attitudes towards pregnancy exercise information provided by influencers on social media platforms. This study aimed to explore attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy depicted by social media influencers on Facebook, and user engagement with posted content.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used to analyse data from 10 Facebook video posts of social media influencers exercising during pregnancy. Quantitative descriptive analyses were used to report the number of views, shares, comments and emotive reactions. Qualitative analysis of user comments was achieved using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

The 10 video posts analysed were viewed a total of 12,117,200 times, shared on 11,181 occasions, included 13,455 user comments and 128,804 emotive icon reactions, with the most frequently used icon being ‘like’ (81.48%). The thematic analysis identified three themes associated with attitudes including [1] exercise during pregnancy [2] influencers and [3] type of exercise. A fourth theme of community was also identified. Most user comments were associated with positive attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy and the influencer. However, attitudes towards the types of exercise the influencer performed were mixed (aerobic and body weight exercises were positive; resistance-based exercise with weights were negative). Finally, the online community perceived by users was mostly positive and recognised for offering social support and guidance.

Conclusions

User comments imply resistance-based exercise with weights as unsafe and unnecessary when pregnant, a perception that does not align with current best practice guidelines. Collectively, the findings from this study highlight the need for continued education regarding exercise during pregnancy and the potential for social media influencers to disseminate evidence-based material to pregnant women who are highly receptive to, and in need of reliable health information.
The epidemiological characteristics of neurogenic limb deformity disorder in China: a national-based study from Qin Sihe orthopedic center
Authors: Liu Kai-bing , Guan Jack , Zang Jian-cheng , Hua Qi-kai , Qin Si-he
Published: March 2023

Background

Neurogenic limb deformity disorder (NLDD) refers to limb deformity disorders caused by various neurogenic disorders. However, there are no studies to systematically summarize and analyze these diseases in China, and we first proposed the concept of NLDD. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of NLDD in China based on the largest case database of limb orthopedics in China.

Methods

This study analyzed parameters from the Qin Sihe Orthopedic Surgery Case Data (QSHOSCD). The database is based on the Rehabilitation Hospital affiliated to National Research Center for Rehabilitation, which has collected nearly 37,000 patients to date and includes a wide variety of limb deformities. The types of diseases are summarized and classified for all patients studied. Statistical analysis was based on the type of etiology, age, regional distribution, and historical surgical volume. Partial outcomes were statistically analyzed separately by common diseases (polio and cerebral palsy) and rare diseases (37 other diseases).

Results

From 1979 to 2019, 30,194 patients with NLDD were treated surgically for 39 neurogenic disorders. The male to female ratio was 1.48:1, the mean age was 19.65 years, and most patients (82.38%) were aged between 6 and 30 years. Patients included from 32 provinces and cities across China, mainly concentrated in populous central provinces and Heilongjiang Province. The peak of annual surgical procedures was from 1988 to 1994, and the number of annual surgical procedures for common diseases gradually decreased from 1994 onwards, but the trending is opposite for rare diseases.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate the disease types, population characteristics and incidence trends of NLDD in China. It suggests that the prevention and treatment of NLDD should focus on the adolescent population and enhance the treatment of neurogenic diseases that cause limb deformities. The growth and adaption of the Ilizarov technique and its practice in Chinese orthopedic benefits the treatment of neurogenic limb deformity disorders.