bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Microstrip Lowpass Filter with Low Insertion Loss for UWB Medical Applications
Authors: Aseeri Mohammed A. , Alyahya Meshaal A. , Bukhari Hatim A. , Shaman Hussein N.
Published: June 2018

A microstrip lowpass filter based on transmission line elements for UWB medical applications is proposed in this paper. The filter is constructed of two symmetric shunt open‐circuited stubs and three series unit elements. The filter is designed to exhibit an elliptic function response with equal ripple in the passband and the rejection band. A prototype is successfully designed, fabricated, and measured, where a good agreement is attained. The filter shows a high filtering selectivity and an ultra‐wide stopband up to 20 GHz with an attenuation level of more than 20‐dB. The filter is compact and has a low insertion loss and an ultra‐wideband (UWB) rejection which makes it attractive for many technologies such as UWB medical applications.
Burden of Depression among Working-Age Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Deb Arijita , Dwibedi Nilanjana , LeMasters Traci , Hornsby Jo Ann , Wei Wenhui , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: June 2018

Objective. This study estimated the excess clinical, humanistic, and economic burden associated with depression among working-age adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among working-age (18 to 64 years) RA patients with depression (N=647) and without depression (N=2,015) using data from the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for the years 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015. Results. Overall, 25.8% had depression. In adjusted analyses, adults with RA and depression compared to those without depression were significantly more likely to have pain interference with normal work (severe pain: AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.55, 3.18), functional limitations (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.61, 2.94), and lower mental health HRQoL scores. Adults with RA and depression had significantly higher annual healthcare expenditures ($14,752 versus 10,541, p<.001) and out-of-pocket spending burden. Adults with RA and depression were more likely to be unemployed and among employed adults, those with depression had a significantly higher number of missed work days annually and higher lost annual wages due to missed work days. Conclusions. This study highlights the importance of effectively managing depression in routine clinical practice of RA patients to reduce pain and functional limitations, improve quality of life, and lower direct and indirect healthcare costs.
Functional Improvements in Parkinson’s Disease Following a Randomized Trial of Yoga
Authors: Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Walter Alysha , Hawkins Brent L. , Sharp Julia L. , Woschkolup Kathleen , Urrea-Mendoza Enrique , Revilla Fredy , Adams Emilie V. , Schmid Arlene A.
Published: June 2018

Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) experience significant limitations in motor function, functional gait, postural stability, and balance. These limitations often lead to higher incidences of falls, which have significant complications for individuals with PD. Yoga may improve these functional deficits in individuals with PD. The objective of this study was to determine changes in motor function, functional gait, postural stability, and balance control for community dwelling individuals with PD. This randomized, wait‐list controlled pilot study examined the influence of an 8‐week yoga intervention for people with PD who met the following inclusion criteria: endorsing a fear of falling, being able to speak English, scoring 4/6 on the minimental state exam, and being willing to attend the intervention twice weekly for 8‐weeks. Participants in the yoga group (n=15) experienced improvements in motor function, postural stability, functional gait, and freezing gait, as well as reductions in fall risk. Participants in the wait‐list control (n=12) also significantly improved in postural stability, although their fall risk was not reduced. Individuals in the yoga group significantly reduced their fall risk. An 8‐week yoga intervention may reduce fall risk and improve postural stability, and functional and freezing gait in individuals with PD. This clinical trial is registered as protocol record Pro00041068 in clinicaltrials.gov.
A Multiagent Alphavirus DNA Vaccine Delivered by Intramuscular Electroporation Elicits Robust and Durable Virus-Specific Immune Responses in Mice and Rabbits and Completely Protects Mice against Lethal Venezuelan, Western, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Aerosol Challenges
Authors: Dupuy Lesley C. , Richards Michelle J. , Livingston Brian D. , Hannaman Drew , Schmaljohn Connie S.
Published: June 2018

There remains a need for vaccines that can safely and effectively protect against the biological threat agents Venezuelan (VEEV), western (WEEV), and eastern (EEEV) equine encephalitis virus. Previously, we demonstrated that a VEEV DNA vaccine that was optimized for increased antigen expression and delivered by intramuscular (IM) electroporation (EP) elicited robust and durable virus-specific antibody responses in multiple animal species and provided complete protection against VEEV aerosol challenge in mice and nonhuman primates. Here, we performed a comparative evaluation of the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of individual optimized VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV DNA vaccines with that of a 1 : 1 : 1 mixture of these vaccines, which we have termed the 3-EEV DNA vaccine, when delivered by IM EP. The individual DNA vaccines and the 3-EEV DNA vaccine elicited robust and durable virus-specific antibody responses in mice and rabbits and completely protected mice from homologous VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV aerosol challenges. Taken together, the results from these studies demonstrate that the individual VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV DNA vaccines and the 3-EEV DNA vaccine delivered by IM EP provide an effective means of eliciting protection against lethal encephalitic alphavirus infections in a murine model and represent viable next-generation vaccine candidates that warrant further development.
The Common Clinical Presentation of Patients Selected for Septoplasty in Northern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah D. , Almutlaq Bassam Ahmed , Alshammari Fahad Nashmi , Gadelkarim Ahmed Hussain
Published: June 2018

Background. Nasal septal deviation (NSD) plays a critical role in nasal obstruction symptoms, aesthetic look of the nose, increased nasal resistance, and occasionally snoring. Septoplasty is the most common method for correction of deviated nasal septum (DNS). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the association between initial clinical presentations of patients selected for septoplasty and demographical characteristics in Northern Saudi Arabia.Methodology. Archives related to all patients selected for septoplasty between 2012 and 2017 were retrieved from ENT Department at King Khalid Hospital in Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia. Only adults over 18 years of age were included in this study.Results. With regard to the clinical presentations, almost all patients presented with variable degrees of nasal congestions, nasal blockages, breathing troubles, sleeping troubles, and exercise problems.Conclusion. Nasal obstruction is prevalent in Northern Saudi Arabia with peaks being in the years 2016 and 2014 with the most etiological factor being DNS.
A Wireless Sensor Network Model considering Energy Consumption Balance
Authors: Zhou Chunliang , Wang Ming , Qu Weiqing , Lu Zhengqiu
Published: June 2018

In order to solve the contradiction between service quality and survival time of wireless sensor networks, a new energy consumption balance model is proposed by shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA). In this model, the mathematical expression of energy consumption in the physical layer is given with transmit power at first, received power, and signal bandwidth, and the objective optimization function of energy consumption balance is built by the total sending energy consumption and transmission power of WSN. Secondly, the long-range dependent characteristic of signal is reduced with wavelet neural network, and the objective optimization function above is solved by shuffled frog leaping algorithm. Finally, the performances between this algorithm and others are studied in simulation experiment, and the results show that this algorithm has greater advantages such as the error frame, the number of survival nodes, and the network lifetime.
Gaussian Qualitative Trigonometric Functions in a Fuzzy Circle
Authors: Anand M. Clement Joe , Bharatraj Janani
Published: June 2018

We build a bridge between qualitative representation and quantitative representation using fuzzy qualitative trigonometry. A unit circle obtained from fuzzy qualitative representation replaces the quantitative unit circle. Namely, we have developed the concept of a qualitative unit circle from the view of fuzzy theory using Gaussian membership functions, which play a key role in shaping the fuzzy circle and help in obtaining sharper boundaries. We have also developed the trigonometric identities based on qualitative representation by defining trigonometric functions qualitatively and applied the concept to fuzzy particle swarm optimization using α-cuts.
Generalized Distribution and Its Geometric Properties Associated with Univalent Functions
Authors: Porwal Saurabh
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the present paper is to introduce a generalized discrete probability distribution and obtain some results regarding moments, mean, variance, and moment generating function for this distribution. Further, we show that for specific values it reduces to various well-known distributions. Finally, we give a beautiful application of this distribution on certain analytic univalent functions.
Spectral Dependence of Optical Absorption of 4H-SiC Doped with Boron and Aluminum
Authors: Atabaev I. G. , Juraev Kh. N. , Hajiev M. U.
Published: June 2018

Optical absorption of p-n-4H-SiC structures doped with boron and aluminum by low-temperature diffusion was studied for the first time. Diffusion of impurities was performed from aluminum-silicate and boron-silicate films (sources) fabricated by various methods. In the spectral dependences of optical absorption at room temperature, bands associated with transitions from impurity levels, as well as absorption bands associated with defects of the vacancy nature, were observed. The level of absorption in the samples was used to estimate concentration of defects. It was shown that the use of sources of impurity atoms created by using boron and aluminum chlorides allows one to reduce the concentration of vacancy defects.
Multiobjective Optimization for Multimode Transportation Problems
Authors: Lemarchand Laurent , Massé Damien , Rebreyend Pascal , Håkansson Johan
Published: June 2018

We propose modelling for a facilities localization problem in the context of multimode transportation. The applicative goal is to locate service facilities such as schools or hospitals while optimizing the different transportation modes to these facilities. We formalize the School Problem and solve it first exactly using an adapted ϵ-constraint multiobjective method. Because of the size of the instances considered, we have also explored the use of heuristic methods based on evolutionary multiobjective frameworks, namely, NSGA2 and a modified version of PAES. Those methods are mixed with an original local search technique to provide better results. Numerical comparisons of solutions sets quality are made using the hypervolume metric. Based on the results for test-cases that can be solved exactly, efficient implementation for PAES and NSGA2 allows execution times comparison for large instances. Results show good performances for the heuristic approaches as compared to the exact algorithm for small test-cases. Approximate methods present a scalable behavior on largest problem instances. A master/slave parallelization scheme also helps to reduce execution times significantly for the modified PAES approach.
Antibody-Mediated Therapy against HIV/AIDS: Where Are We Standing Now?
Authors: Awi Noel Jacques , Teow Sin-Yeang
Published: June 2018

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases are on the rise globally. To date, there is still no effective measure to eradicate the causative agent, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is being used in HIV/AIDS management, but it results in long-term medication and has major drawbacks such as multiple side effects, high cost, and increasing the generation rate of escape mutants. In addition, HAART does not control HIV-related complications, and hence more medications and further management are required. With this, other alternatives are urgently needed. In the past, small-molecule inhibitors have shown potent antiviral effects, and some of them are now being evaluated in clinical trials. The challenges in developing these small molecules for clinical use include the off-target effect, poor stability, and low bioavailability. On the other hand, antibody-mediated therapy has emerged as an important therapeutic modality for anti-HIV therapeutics development. Many antiviral antibodies, namely, broad neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against multiple strains of HIV, have shown promising effectsin vitroand in animal studies; further studies are ongoing in clinical trials to evaluate their uses in clinical applications. This short review aims to discuss the current development of therapeutic antibodies against HIV and the challenges in adopting them for clinical use.
Hydrodynamic Modeling of a Tropical Tidal River Using the Dynamic Estuary Model (DYNHYD5): A Case Study in Sibu Laut River, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Soo Chen-Lin , Ling Teck-Yee , Nyanti Lee
Published: June 2018

Application of the Dynamic Estuary Model (DYNHYD5) in a tropical tidal river is limited. The successfully calibrated and validated hydrodynamic model is valuable in subsequent water quality simulation for environmental management. Hence, a hydrodynamic modeling approach using the DYNHYD5 was conducted in a tropical tidal river in Malaysia. Samplings were conducted in the Sibu Laut River to collect the hydrology data for model simulation. The model was calibrated and validated by comparing the simulated flow and mean depth with the field data at different simulation periods of time. The results showed that the model DYNHYD5 was successfully calibrated with channel flows and mean depths and then reproduced with good agreement in validation. The observed and simulated data were linearly correlated (R2 > 0.8) with values of slope γ ranging from 0.891 to 1.204 in both calibration and validation. The Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSE) of more than 0.7 in both calibration and validation also indicated satisfactory comparison between the observed and simulated data. The result indicated that the application of the DYNHYD5 is feasible in a tropical tidal river in Malaysia.
Seemingly Harmless Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as Bone Metastasis
Authors: Magalhães D. , Costa C. , Furtado I. , Matos M. J. , Santos A. P. , Duarte H. , Afonso M. , Lobo J. , Torres I.
Published: June 2018

Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine neoplasia. Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) represent the majority of cases, which usually follow an indolent clinical course with low mortality rates. The authors describe two cases of well DTC without classic histological poor prognosis features, presenting as extensive and unresectable osteolytic bone metastases. DTCs are considered harmless tumours, due to their benign and silent behaviour. The authors want to underline the importance of clinical awareness during follow-up in cases of DTC, which can be aggressive in presentation and behaviour. Timely identification and diagnosis of these tumours are essential for prompt treatment initiation and improvement of overall survival.
The Existence and Structure of Rotational Systems in the Circle
Authors: Ramanathan Jayakumar
Published: June 2018

By a rotational system, we mean a closed subset X of the circle, T=R/Z, together with a continuous transformation f:X→X with the requirements that the dynamical system (X,f) be minimal and that f respect the standard orientation of T. We show that infinite rotational systems (X,f), with the property that map f has finite preimages, are extensions of irrational rotations of the circle. Such systems have been studied when they arise as invariant subsets of certain specific mappings, F:T→T. Because our main result makes no explicit mention of a global transformation on T, we show that such a structure theorem holds for rotational systems that arise as invariant sets of any continuous transformation F:T→T with finite preimages. In particular, there are no explicit conditions on the degree of F. We then give a development of known results in the case where Fθ=d·θmod⁡1 for an integer d>1. The paper concludes with a construction of infinite rotational sets for mappings of the unit circle of degree larger than one whose lift to the universal cover is monotonic.
Effects of Strength Training on Muscle Properties, Physical Function, and Physical Activity among Frail Older People: A Pilot Study
Authors: Saeterbakken Atle Hole , Bårdstu Hilde Bremseth , Brudeseth Anine , Andersen Vidar
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week strength training intervention on isometric strength, rate of force development (RFD), physical function (stair climbing, rising from a chair, and preferred and maximal walking speed), and physical activity among frail elderly people receiving home-care services. Thirty participants were randomly assigned (by sex) to a control group (CON) or a strength training group (ST) performing a supervised training programme using elastic bands, box-lifting, and body weight exercises twice per week. Twenty-three participants were selected to complete the study (age 84.9 ± 6.1 years). For the ST, only improvement in muscle properties was the peak RFD in leg extension (p=0.04). No significant differences were observed in muscle properties for the control group (CON) (p=0.16–1.00) or between groups (p=0.39–1.00). There were no changes within and between the groups in physical function (p=0.12–0.19) or physical activity levels (p=0.06–0.73). The results of this pilot study did not demonstrate greater improvements in muscle properties and physical function and improved physical activity after attending a home-based resistance program compared to physical activity advise; however, larger population studies should examine these findings. This trial is registered with ISRCTN10967873.
Inhalation Techniques Used in Patients with Respiratory Failure Treated with Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Rzepka-Wrona Patrycja , Skoczynski Szymon , Wrona Dawid , Barczyk Adam
Published: June 2018

The administration of aerosolized medication is a basic therapy for patients with numerous respiratory tract diseases, including obstructive airway diseases (OADs), cystic fibrosis (CF), and infectious airway diseases. The management and care for patients requiring mechanical ventilation remains one of the greatest challenges for medical practitioners, both in intensive care units (ICUs) and pulmonology wards. Aerosol therapy is often necessary for patients receiving noninvasive ventilation (NIV), which may be stopped for the time of drug delivery and administered through a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer in the traditional way. However, in most severe cases, this may result in rapid deterioration of the patient’s clinical condition. Unfortunately, only limited number of original well-planned studies addressed this problem. Due to inconsistent information coming from small studies, there is a need for more precise data coming from large prospective real life studies on inhalation techniques in patients receiving NIV.
Carboxyhaemoglobin Levels among Traders Exposed to Vehicular Emissions in Three Motor Parks in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunseye Olusola Olabisi , Ana Godson R. E. E. , Uhiara Daniel C. , Shendell Derek G.
Published: June 2018

Carbon monoxide (CO) remains a leading cause of work-related chemical poisoning. Vehicular emissions are the primary daily ambient source of CO in urban Nigerian motor parks, where there have been few human exposure studies. Using a cross-sectional comparative design, we assessed carboxyhaemoglobin levels (% COHb), a biomarker of CO exposure, among traders at three motor parks (AMP, IMP, and NMP) and other traders (nonmotor park workers) in Ibadan, Nigeria, using a noninvasive pulse CO-dosimeter (Rad 57). Ninety-three traders were proportionally allocated between motor parks; 93 other traders were selected based on specific study inclusion criteria. Mean ages of motor park traders and other traders were comparable, 37.8±11.1 and 38.7±9.6, respectively. Mean % COHb for traders (range 3–22) at AMP, IMP, and NMP was 11.2±3.8, 11.6±3.1, and 12.2±3.3, respectively, while mean % COHb for other traders was about three times lower, 4.1±1.7 (range 2–8). Overall, mean % COHb for motor park traders, 11.7±3.3, was also significantly higher than for other traders (p<0.05). Nevertheless, mean % COHb for both groups exceeded the current World Health Organization guideline, 2.5%. This study suggested that motor park traders have higher % COHb and thus are highly susceptible to exposure and more vulnerable to known risks of adverse health effects from exposure to CO.
The Association between Eating Traits and Weight Change after a Lifestyle Intervention in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Koopman Anitra D. M. , vd Ven Maya , Beulens Joline W. , Welschen Laura M. , Elders Petra J. , Nijpels Giel , Rutters Femke
Published: June 2018

Aims. To date, studies on the role of eating traits in weight loss success have only included obese people without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), thereby disregarding negative effects of T2DM-related metabolic changes. Our aim was to assess the association between eating traits and weight change after a lifestyle intervention in people with T2DM. Methods. For the current study, we reexamined data from a six-month intervention in 120 participants. We determined eating traits at baseline, using the DEBQ, which were used to produce three groups: unsuccessful dietary restrained (high restraint, high emotional/external eating scores), successful dietary restrained (high restraint, low emotional/external eating scores), and reference (low restraint, high or low emotional/external eating scores). Linear regression was used to study the association between the eating trait groups and weight changes after six months, while correcting for possible confounders. Results. On average, the weight loss success was limited, with a third of the participants being weight stable, a third losing weight > −1 kg (average loss −2.6 ± 1.9 kg), and a third gaining weight > +1 kg (average gain +3.3 ± 1.9 kg). When compared to the reference group, the unsuccessful dietary restrained gained weight during the intervention (beta = 1.2 kg, confidence interval (CI)% = 0.1; 2). No significant change was observed in the succesful dietary restrained group. Conclusions. The eating trait of being unsuccessfully dietary restrained is associated with weight-loss failure after a six-month lifestyle intervention in people with T2DM.
A Banach Algebra Similar to Cameron-Storvick’s One with Its Equivalent Spaces
Authors: Cho Dong Hyun
Published: June 2018

Let C[0,T] denote an analogue of a generalized Wiener space, that is, the space of continuous, real-valued functions on the interval [0,T]. In this paper, we introduce a Banach algebra on C[0,T] which generalizes Cameron-Storvick’s one, the space of generalized Fourier-Stieltjes transforms of the C-valued, and finite Borel measures on L2[0,T]. We also investigate properties of the Banach algebra on C[0,T] and equivalence between the Banach algebra and the Fresnel class which plays a significant role in Feynman integration theories and quantum mechanics.
Arithmetical Functions Associated with the k-ary Divisors of an Integer
Authors: Burnett Joseph Vade , Grayson Sam , Sullivan Zachary , Van Natta Richard , Bang Luke
Published: June 2018

The k-ary divisibility relations are a class of recursively defined relations beginning with standard divisibility and culminating in the so-called infinitary divisibility relation. We examine the summatory functions corresponding to the k-ary analogues of various popular functions in number theory, proving various results about the structure of the k-ary divisibility relations along the way.
An Ethnobotanical Study of the Medicinal Plants Used as Anti-Inflammatory Remedies in Gampaha District, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Napagoda Mayuri Tharanga , Sundarapperuma Thamudi , Fonseka Diroshi , Amarasiri Sachinthi , Gunaratna Prabath
Published: June 2018

The application of traditional medicinal plants as anti-inflammatory remedies has been practiced in Sri Lanka for thousands of years. Although there is a rich reserve of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants, the preservation and the scientific validation of these claims are still in its infancy. Thus, the study was carried out in one of the administrative areas of Sri Lanka known as Gampaha District to assess the significance and contribution of medicinal plants in inflammatory conditions. The data were collected through semistructured and open-ended interviews from 458 volunteers. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using the relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value (FIV), and use value (UV). Out of the total participants, 50.7% claimed the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as fever, cough, asthma, swellings, and pain in the joints. A total of 43 medicinal plants belonging to 28 plant families were mentioned, out of which Coriandrum sativum (RFC = 0.23) was the most cited species. The most cited plant family was Fabaceae, and the family importance value was highest in Apiaceae. The majority of the nonusers of the herbal remedies mentioned that they would shift to herbal products if scientific information is available on the efficacy of these products.
Denoising and Principal Component Analysis of Amplified Raman Spectra from Red Blood Cells with Added Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Ferrer-Galindo L. , Sañu-Ginarte A. D. , Fleitas-Salazar N. , Ferrer-Moreno L. A. , Rosas R. A. , Pedroza-Montero M. , Riera R.
Published: June 2018

Incubated erythrocytes with and without silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, resulting in two Raman spectra datasets. AgNP were added to red blood cells (RBC) in order to enhance the Raman signals. This technique is known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). A comparison was made between the Raman spectra with and without AgNP, to test if the SERS had taken place. Since Raman and SERS spectra are considered to be cumbersome due to the noises presented, we applied denoising criteria for detection and removal of noises like cosmic rays, shot, and fluorescence contribution. After this, the principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, in order to reduce the dimensions of the spectra being studied. Only the main key components necessary for a better interpretation of these spectra were considered. All of those noises had to be removed prior to the statistical analysis, to make sure the analysis was really based on the Raman measurements and not on other effects. As a result, RBC Raman spectra with and without AgNP got denoised, obtaining an improvement in its resolution for a better signal reading and data interpretation. Also, the first principal components (PC) were selected from each dataset under scrutiny, based on the weight of their information and their spectrum readability. In conclusion, we were able to represent the given reference system with a more affordable and smaller dimension in which information loss was minimal.
Optimizing Natural Light Distribution for Indoor Plant Growth Using PMMA Optical Fiber: Simulation and Empirical Study
Authors: Asiabanpour Bahram , Estrada Alejandra , Ramirez Ricardo , Downey Marisa S.
Published: June 2018

Daylighting methods have evolved along with the impetus to reduce the total nonrenewable utility energy consumed by lighting. In general, daylighting systems are an efficient method of delivering light for indoor applications. However, there is little research looking specifically at indoor agriculture applications. Today, optical fibers are commonly used in various applications including imaging, lighting, and sensing. Our study simulated and tested the efficiency of an optical fiber daylighting system in an indoor environment. We tested the illumination performance of optical fibers and specifically looked at light intensity, light uniformity, and the spectrum of 20 mm and 3 mm optical fibers at five distances by offsetting a spectrometer. The scenarios were first modeled and tested using lighting simulation software. Similar settings were then empirically implemented and measured. The results showed that a difference in diameter had an effect on light intensity and light uniformity; the larger the diameter the better the light uniformity and light intensity. Further, the distance at which the spectrometer was placed in reference to the light source showed a relationship between both light intensity and light uniformity; the smaller the distance the more the intensity and the less the uniformity. Additionally, the experiments showed that sunlight intensity was 30 times and 140 times greater than optical fiber output intensity in the absence of any UV filter and presence of UV light, respectively.
Efficient Solving of Boundary Value Problems Using Radial Basis Function Networks Learned by Trust Region Method
Authors: Alqezweeni Mohie Mortadha , Gorbachenko Vladimir Ivanovich , Zhukov Maxim Valerievich , Jaafar Mustafa Sadeq
Published: June 2018

A method using radial basis function networks (RBFNs) to solve boundary value problems of mathematical physics is presented in this paper. The main advantages of mesh-free methods based on RBFN are explained here. To learn RBFNs, the Trust Region Method (TRM) is proposed, which simplifies the process of network structure selection and reduces time expenses to adjust their parameters. Application of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by solving two-dimensional Poisson equation.
Performance Comparison of Saliency Detection
Authors: Li Ning , Bi Hongbo , Zhang Zheng , Kong Xiaoxue , Lu Di
Published: June 2018

Saliency detection has attracted significant attention in the field of computer vision technology over years. At present, more than 100 saliency detection models have been proposed. In this paper, a relatively more detailed classification is proposed. Furthermore, we selected 25 models and evaluated their performance using four public image datasets. We also discussed common problems, such as the influence to model performance by prior information and multiple objects. Finally, we offered future research directions.
A Novel Indoor Localization Algorithm for Efficient Mobility Management in Wireless Networks
Authors: Xiao Yalong , Zhang Shigeng , Wang Jianxin , Zhu Chengzhang
Published: June 2018

Along with the penetration of smart devices and mobile applications in our daily life, how to effectively manage the mobility issues in wireless networks becomes a challenging task. The ability to continuously and accurately track the target object’s position plays a vital role in mobility management. In this paper, we propose a novel indoor localization algorithm that fuses multiple signal features as the location fingerprints. The rationale that motivates our algorithm design stems from the following observation: although using one special signal feature (e.g., channel state information (CSI)) might achieve statistically higher accuracy than using another signal feature (e.g., received signal strength (RSS)), the accuracy for individual position estimations is usually diversified when only one signal feature is used in localization. For example, using RSS can obtain more accurate location estimation than using CSI for some individual positions. Thus, we propose a novel indoor localization algorithm that fuses multiple types of signal features as fingerprint of positions, which can effectively improve localization accuracy. We designed several fusion schemes and evaluated their performance. Experiments show that our algorithm achieves localization error below 0.5m and 1.1m in two typical indoor environments, about 30% lower than the accuracy of algorithms by fusing multiple signal features.
Fuzzy Dynamic Adaptation of Gap Generation and Mutation in Genetic Optimization of Type 2 Fuzzy Controllers
Authors: Cervantes Leticia , Castillo Oscar , Hidalgo Denisse , Martinez-Soto Ricardo
Published: June 2018

We propose to use an approach based on fuzzy logic for the adaptation of gap generation and mutation probability in a genetic algorithm. The performance of this method is presented with the benchmark problem of flight control and results show how it can decrease the error during the flight of an airplane using fuzzy logic for some parameters of the genetic algorithm. In this case of study, we use fuzzy systems for adapting two parameters of the genetic algorithm to improve the design of a type 2 fuzzy controller and enhance its performance to achieve flight control. Finally, a statistical test is presented to prove the performance enhancement in the application using fuzzy adaptation in the genetic algorithm. It is important to mention that not only is this idea for control problems but also it can be used in pattern recognition and many different problems.
Hemodynamic Response to Massive Bleeding in a Patient with Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis
Authors: Sugiyama Yuki , Gotoh Sayako , Urasawa Masatoshi , Kawamata Mikito , Nakajima Koichi
Published: June 2018

A patient with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) underwent revision of total hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia with only propofol. During surgery, neither elevation of stress hormones nor hemodynamic changes associated with pain occurred; however, when blood was rapidly lost, compensatory tachycardia was observed. Although patients with CIPA are complicated with autonomic disturbance due to dysfunction of postganglionic sympathetic fibers, this compensatory response indicated that the adrenal glands in patients with CIPA secrete catecholamine as part of a compensatory response during bleeding under general anesthesia.
Effects of Different Treatment Strategies and Tumor Stage on Survival of Patients with Advanced Laryngeal Carcinoma: A 15-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Daneshi Nima , Fararouei Mohammad , Mohammadianpanah Mohammad , Zare-Bandamiri Mohammad , Parvin Somayeh , Dianatinasab Mostafa
Published: June 2018

Background. Laryngeal cancer is the second most common cancer in the head and neck. Since laryngeal cancer management is a complex process, there is still no standard strategy to treat this disease in order to increase the survival rate of the patients especially among those with advanced form of the disease. Methods. A cohort study was undertaken to analyze factors predicting survival of the patients in advanced stage laryngeal cancer in the Southern Iran among all patients newly diagnosed with laryngeal cancer between 2000 and 2015. Results. Data of a total number of 415 patients who have had been diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer during this period was used for analysis. The patients’ 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 81%, 62%, 53%, and 38%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analyses indicated a significant relationship between patients’ survival and age at diagnosis (P<0.001), disease stage (P=0.002), tumor grade (P=0.008), positive L. node (P=0.008), and type of treatment (P<0.001). As expected, treatment strategy was identified as the most effective factor in survival of the patients. According to the results, patients who undergone surgical treatment experienced a longer survival than those who received other treatments. Conclusion. This study showed that the survival of patients depends on several factors, among which, treatment strategy is the most important. Combination of total laryngectomy plus chemoradiation provides superior local control and better survival compared to either radiotherapy or chemoradiation in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer.
High Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Periurban Ghana: A Hospital-Based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Simpong David Larbi , Awuku Yaw Asante , Kye-Amoah Kenneth Kwame , Morna Martin Tangnaa , Adoba Prince , Anin Stephen Kofi , Adu Patrick
Published: June 2018

Background. Iodine deficiency causes maternal hypothyroidism which can lead to growth, cognitive, and psychomotor deficit in neonates, infants, and children. This study examined the iodine status of pregnant women in a periurban setting in Ghana. Methods. This longitudinal study recruited 125 pregnant women by purposeful convenience sampling from the antenatal clinic of the Sefwi Wiawso municipal hospital in Ghana. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was estimated by the ammonium persulfate method at an estimated gestational age (EGA) of 11, 20, and 32 weeks. Demographic information, iodized salt usage, and other clinical information were collected using a questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of iodine deficiency among the pregnant women was 47.2% at EGA 11 and 60.8% at both EGA of 20 and 32, whereas only 0.8% of participants not using iodized salt had iodine sufficiency at EGA 32. 18.4%, 20%, and 24% of participants using iodized salt had iodine sufficiency at EGA 11, 20, and 32, respectively. Conclusion. A high prevalence of iodine deficiency was observed among our study cohort.
User Satisfaction for an Augmented Reality Application to Support Productive Vocabulary Using Speech Recognition
Authors: Che Hashim Nurhazarifah , Abd Majid Nazatul Aini , Arshad Haslina , Khalid Obeidy Waqas
Published: June 2018

The aim of this paper is to evaluate user satisfaction based on System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire on Augmented Reality (AR) application for productive vocabulary using speech recognition. There is still lack of research focus on user satisfaction towards the use of AR-based app using speech recognition for vocabulary learning in early education. The first objective of this paper is to develop an AR application for children using speech recognition to enhance productive vocabulary learning that integrates visual script (orthography) and audio (phonology). The second objective is to evaluate and identify the user satisfaction in enhancing productive vocabulary methods by combining AR technology and speech recognition to the parents and teachers by doing a mixed method testing such as questionnaire and interview. To achieve this, an interview session was conducted with the experts and SUS questionnaire was given to the teachers and parents of the student to evaluate user satisfaction. The results show that the research hypotheses of this study were successfully achieved. It revealed that the teachers and students were satisfied with the application based on SUS score (SUS score > 68). Since the total SUS score is 80.3, which is above average, it shows that they were satisfied with the overall application. Apart from that, the mean of the usability study based on questionnaire also shows that the users have found that this application is usable in terms of learnability study and that this application is easy to use.
The State of the Art: Application of Green Technology in Sustainable Pavement
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Lu Guoyang , Ye Cheng , Chen Shiwu , Hou Yue , Wang Dawei , Wang Linbing , Oeser Markus
Published: June 2018

A wide range of literature on predominant green technologies for sustainable pavements is summarized in this paper. It covers two major aspects: energy harvesting technologies and permeable pavement systems. Fundamental mechanics of energy harvesting techniques and possible designs of energy harvesters are described, with the evaluation of energy conversion efficiency, and advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the designs of permeable pavement systems are discussed, along with their advantages and disadvantages. The latest technical innovations are highlighted. It is found that green technologies are promising for developing more sustainable pavements. Application issues are also pointed out, including construction challenges, durability, and life‐cycle cost‐benefit assessment. Future research directions are suggested to address practical challenges, such as efficient design, construction challenge, timely maintenance, and life‐cycle performance assessment.
Constructions of the Soluble Potentials for the Nonrelativistic Quantum System by Means of the Heun Functions
Authors: Dong Shishan , Yáñez-Navarro G. , Mercado Sanchez M. A. , Mejía-García C. , Sun Guo-Hua , Dong Shi-Hai
Published: June 2018

The Schrödinger equation ψ′′(x)+κ2ψ(x)=0 where κ2=k2-V(x) is rewritten as a more popular form of a second order differential equation by taking a similarity transformation ψ(z)=ϕ(z)u(z) with z=z(x). The Schrödinger invariant IS(x) can be calculated directly by the Schwarzian derivative z,x and the invariant I(z) of the differential equation uzz+f(z)uz+g(z)u=0. We find an important relation for a moving particle as ∇2=-IS(x) and thus explain the reason why the Schrödinger invariant IS(x) keeps constant. As an illustration, we take the typical Heun’s differential equation as an object to construct a class of soluble potentials and generalize the previous results by taking different transformation ρ=z′(x) as before. We get a more general solution z(x) through integrating (z′)2=α1z2+β1z+γ1 directly and it includes all possibilities for those parameters. Some particular cases are discussed in detail. The results are also compared with those obtained by Bose, Lemieux, Batic, Ishkhanyan, and their coworkers. It should be recognized that a subtle and different choice of the transformation z(x) also related to ρ will lead to difficult connections to the results obtained from other different approaches.
Purity Analysis of Gases Used in the Preparation of Reference Gas Standards Using a Versatile OPO-Based CRDS Spectrometer
Authors: Persijn Stefan
Published: June 2018

Preparation of accurate reference gas standards at low amount fractions such as for greenhouse gases requires highly sensitive instrumentation to determine the purity of the gases used in the preparation. For this purpose, a versatile CRDS spectrometer has been constructed at VSL based on high-power, continuous wave OPOs covering a very wide wavelength range of 2.3–5.1 µm. Due to the use of passivated materials, the spectrometer is also suitable for the measurement of reactive impurities. Details of the spectrometer are presented together with several examples of purity analysis.
A Behavioural Case Study of Early Social Isolation of a Subadult White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar)
Authors: Giorgi Andrea , Montebovi Giulia , Vitale Augusto , Alleva Enrico
Published: June 2018

Our aim in this study was to analyse the effects of early social isolation on the behaviour of a white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) and at the same time to improve his level of welfare. The subject was a 6-year-old male, isolated from conspecific as well as other non-human primates since he was 3 months old. We presented the gibbon with a series of species-specific vocalisations, and we then introduced a 23-year-old conspecific female into his cage. Our subject did not respond to playbacks, whereas he immediately interacted positively with the conspecific female. After 2 days of presentation, the pair started to spend time in proximity to each other and initiated grooming through the wire-mesh dividing the cages. Four days later we recorded vocal duets. No obvious ste­reotypic behaviours were observed, and the prolonged isolation did not seem to compromise the ability of the young gibbon to socialise with the female conspecific. It appears that prolonged isolation does not always compromise the possibility of recovering socially in a satisfactory manner.
Characterization of Siglec-8 Expression on Lavage Cells after Segmental Lung Allergen Challenge
Authors: Johansson Mats W. , Kelly Elizabeth A. , Nguyen Christopher L. , Jarjour Nizar N. , Bochner Bruce S.
Published: June 2018

Background: Siglec-8 is present at a high level on human blood eosinophils and low level on blood basophils. Engagement of Siglec-8 on blood eosinophils causes its internalization and results in death. Siglec-8 is a potential therapeutic target in eosinophilic asthma. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine Siglec-8 levels on eosinophils and basophils recruited during lung inflammation. Method: We analyzed surface Siglec-8 by flow cytometry on cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 48 h after segmental lung allergen challenge of human subjects with mild allergic asthma and used confocal microscopy to compare Siglec-8 distribution on BAL and blood eosinophils. Results: Like their blood counterparts, BAL eosinophils had high unimodal surface Siglec-8, while BAL basophils had lower but detectable surface Siglec-8. BAL macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells did not express surface Siglec-8. Microscopy of freshly isolated blood eosinophils demonstrated homogeneous Siglec-8 distribution over the cell surface. Upon incubation with IL-5, Siglec-8 on the surface of eosinophils became localized in patches both at the nucleopod tip and at the opposite cell pole. BAL eosinophils also had a patchy Siglec-8 distribution. Conclusions: We conclude that 48 h after segmental allergen challenge, overall levels of Siglec-8 expression on airway eosinophils resemble those on blood eosinophils, but with a patchier distribution, a pattern consistent with activation. Thus, therapeutic targeting of Siglec-8 has the potential to impact blood as well as lung eosinophils, which may be associated with an improved outcome in eosinophilic lung diseases.
Suicidal and Aggressive Ideation Associated with Feelings of Embitterment
Authors: Linden Michael , Noack Isabel
Published: June 2018

Background: Mental disorders can be associated with suicidal or aggressive ideation and behavior, especially in the context of embitterment. The aim of this study is to investigate the types, prevalence, and dangerousness of aggressive and suicidal ideations associated with embitterment. Methods: When therapists from the department of behavioral medicine detected signs of embitterment, aggression, or suicidal thoughts in their patients, they routinely filled out a questionnaire on aggressive ideation, assessed the embitterment, and contacted a senior psychiatrist. Additionally, patients answered an embitterment scale. Results: There were 127 patients (3.84% of all patients) with suicidal and/or aggressive ideation. They had an increased score of 2.93 (SD 0.74) on the embitterment scale, associated with personal vilification (62.7%), breach of trust (30.2%), public humiliation (25.4%), death/loss (5.6%), or attacks by another person (14.3%). We found that 83.5% of the patients harbored aggressive ideations; in 94.1% of this group, these were directed against the person who had caused the problem, 88.3% wanted to inflict severe damage, 38.8% to harm another person, 31.5% showed suicidal ideation, and 3.2% had fantasies of murder-suicide. Only 34.3% of the patients reported spontaneously about their current aggressive ideation. The limitations of the study are that the data come from an inpatient sample and patients were identified according to clinical judgement. Conclusion: Aggressive ideation is regularly associated with embitterment. This deserves the attention of therapists for the prevention of aggressive acts.