bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Modified NSGA-II to the Transit Network Design Problem
Authors: Yang Jie , Jiang Yangsheng
Published: August 2020

The transit network design problem involves determining a certain number of routes to operate in an urban area to balance the costs of the passengers and the operator. In this paper, we simultaneously determine the route structure of each route and the number of routes in the final solution. A novel initial route set generation algorithm and a route set size alternating heuristic are embedded into a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II- (NSGA-II-) based solution framework to produce the approximate Pareto front. The initial route set generation algorithm aims to generate high-quality initial solutions for succeeding optimization procedures. To explore the solution space and to have solutions with a different number of routes, a route set size alternating heuristic is developed to change the number of routes in a solution by adding or deleting one route. Experiments were performed on Mandl’s network and four larger Mumford’s networks. Compared with a fixed route set size approach, the proposed NSGA-II-based solution method can produce an approximate Pareto front with much higher solution quality as well as improved computation efficiency.
Functions of Circular RNAs in Regulating Adipogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Fanglin , Li Xiang , Li Zhiyuan , Wang Shoushuai , Fan Jun
Published: August 2020

The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known as highly plastic stem cells and can differentiate into specialized tissues such as adipose tissue, osseous tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue. The differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells is very important in regenerative medicine. Their differentiation process is regulated by signaling pathways of epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels. Circular RNA (circRNA), a class of noncoding RNAs generated from protein-coding genes, plays a pivotal regulatory role in many biological processes. Accumulated studies have demonstrated that several circRNAs participate in the cell differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo. In the current review, characteristics and functions of circRNAs in stem cell differentiation will be discussed. The mechanism and key role of circRNAs in regulating mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, especially adipogenesis, will be reviewed and discussed. Understanding the roles of these circRNAs will present us with a more comprehensive signal path network of modulating stem cell differentiation and help us discover potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in clinic.
Microchip Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 Lasers Pumped by VHG Wavelength-Stabilized Laser Diode
Authors: Saiki T. , Tatebayashi A.
Published: August 2020

We adopted a single-mode, single-wavelength volume holographic grating (VHG) wavelength-stabilized wavelength laser diode (LD) as a pumping LD for an end-pumped microchip Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 lasers we developed during CW and pulse operations. Higher optical-optical and slope efficiencies during CW operation have been obtained than when using a VHG LD experimentally. Output laser power is insensitive to the temperature of the LD when using a wavelength-stabilized LD and can remain stable and almost constant until the temperature of LD increases up to 40°C. The improved optical-optical conversion efficiency of 58% for the Nd:YVO4 laser has been obtained and calculated the output laser power during CW operation and compared it with the experimental results. We found that the output laser power of the Nd:YVO4 laser using the VHG wavelength-stabilized LD was more than twice as high as that using an LD without VHG. When the ambient temperature increases, the difference in output laser power should be large. In the future, a low-cost end-pumped microchip laser that does not require a temperature control should be developed.
Modified Maintenance Network Model for Urban Rail Transit Systems Based on the Variable Coverage Radius: Evidence from Changchun City in China
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Sun Baofeng , Zheng Lili , Cui Wankun , Mao Xinhua
Published: August 2020

Network-wide maintenance lacks strong theoretical support and practical cases. However, research on this topic has entered an extensive exploratory stage; for example, new network design methods are being sought, and successful practices from traditional maintenance by line and by profession are being incorporated. This paper proposes a novel set-covering model with the variable coverage radius for the maintenance network of urban rail transit systems in the context of network-wide maintenance. The concepts of network-wide maintenance follow principles that are similar to those of bio-geography-based optimization (BBO), i.e., patterns of migration, variation, and extinction of different populations in different habitats. Therefore, a BBO algorithm is implemented with combinatorial optimization programming. Experiments from Changchun city in China show that the proposed model and algorithm are effective in fulfilling network-wide requirements through a direct tradeoff between the coverage radius and maintenance response time. In addition, the maintenance capacity and variable coverage radius of each maintenance point influence both the maintenance timeliness and resource utilization of maintenance units.
Exact Solutions of Damped Improved Boussinesq Equations by Extended (G′/G)-Expansion Method
Authors: Fan Kai , Zhou Cunlong
Published: August 2020

With the help of the auxiliary function method, we solved the improved Boussinesq (IBq) equation with fluid dynamic damping and the modified IBq (IMBq) equation with Stokes damping, and we obtained their three types of travelling wave exact solutions, which is an extension service of the numerical simulation and the existence of a solution. From the waveform diagram of IBq equation with hydrodynamic damping, it can be seen that when the propagation velocity of kink wave changes, the amplitude also changes significantly, and it is also found that the kink isolated waveform is significantly asymmetric due to the increase of damping coefficient v, which may be of some value in explaining some physical phenomena. In addition, the symbolic computing software maple makes our computing work easier.
Novel Nano-Fe2O3-Co3O4 Modified Dolomite and Its Use as Highly Efficient Catalyst in the Ozonation of Ammonium Solution
Authors: Nguyen Manh B. , Le Giang H. , Pham Trang T. T. , Pham Giang T. T. , Quan Trang T. T. , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Vu Tuan A.
Published: August 2020

Catalytic ozonation is a new method used for removal of NH4OH solution. Therefore, high catalytic performance (activity and selectivity) should be achieved. In this work, we report the synthesis and catalytic performance of Fe2O3-Co3O4 modified dolomite in the catalytic ozonation of NH4OH solution. Dolomite was successfully activated and modified with Fe2O3 and Co3O4. Firstly, dolomite was activated by heating at 800°C for 3 h and followed by KOH treatment. Activated dolomite was modified with Fe2O3 by the atomic implantation method using FeCl3 as Fe source. Fe2O3 modified dolomite was further modified with Co3O4 by precipitation method. The obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption–desorption (BET), and temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR). From SEM image, it was revealed that nano-Fe2O3 and Co3O4 particles with the size of 80–120 nm. Catalytic performance of activated dolomite, Fe2O3 modified dolomite, and Fe2O3-Co3O4 modified dolomite in catalytic ozonation of NH4+ solution was investigated and evaluated. Among 3 tested catalysts, Fe2O3-Co3O4 modified dolomite has the highest NH4+ conversion (96%) and N2 selectivity (77.82%). Selectivity toward N2 over the catalyst was explained on the basis of bond strength M-O in oxides through the standard enthalpy ΔH°f of oxide. Catalyst with lower ΔH°f value has higher N2 selectivity and the order is the following: Co3O4 (ΔH°f of 60 kcal (mole O)) > Fe2O3 (ΔH°f of 70 kcal (mole O)) > MgO (ΔH°f of 170 kcal (mole O)). Moreover, high reduction ability of Fe2O3-Co3O4 modified dolomite could improve the N2 selectivity by the reduction of NO3- to N2 gas.
Simulating Crowd Evacuation in a Social Force Model with Iterative Extended State Observer
Authors: Wei Juan , Fan Wenjie , Li Zhongyu , Guo Yangyong , Fang Yuanyuan , Wang Jierui
Published: August 2020

Due to the interaction and external interference, the crowds will constantly and dynamically adjust their evacuation path in the evacuation process to achieve the purpose of rapid evacuation. The information from previous process can be used to modify the current evacuation control information to achieve a better evacuation effect, and iterative learning control can achieve an effective prediction of the expected path within a limited running time. In order to depict this process, the social force model is improved based on an iterative extended state observer so that the crowds can move along the optimal evacuation path. First, the objective function of the optimal evacuation path is established in the improved model, and an iterative extended state observer is designed to get the estimated value. Second, the above model is verified through simulation experiments. The results show that, as the number of iterations increases, the evacuation time shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing.
Multiattribute Supply and Demand Matching Decision Model for Online-Listed Rental Housing: An Empirical Study Based on Shanghai
Authors: Li Lingyan , An Jiangying , Li Yan , Guo Xiaotong
Published: August 2020

The mismatch between the supply and demand of online-listed rental housing (ORH) is an important factor restricting the operational efficiency of online rental service platforms. However, extant literature pays little attention to this problem. This study proposes an ORH multiattribute supply and demand matching decision model based on the perceived utility of matching both sides of this market. The model considers the multiattribute information of ORH, such as area, transportation, rent, room, and interior decoration, and quantifies their perceived utility values based on the theory of disappointment. Thereafter, we construct the matching decision model and verify it for feasibility by applying it to Shanghai’s ORH supply and demand information—our empirical case. The results show that this method can be applied to online rental housing platforms and meet the supply and demand matching requirements to the greatest extent. The constructed model takes into account the perceptions of both supply and demand parties, may promote the effective matching of ORH supply and demand, and bears theoretical implications for the improvement of rental housing matching in ORH platforms.
Glaucoma among the Malaysian Community
Authors: Al-Naggar Redhwan Ahmed , Alshaikhli Hisham , Al-Rashidi R. R. , Saleh Bahaa
Published: August 2020

Background. According to the WHO, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. About 50% of the world’s glaucoma cases come from the Asian population, and in Malaysia itself, the prevalence of glaucoma is increasing. However, glaucoma is still a foreign word to our community despite the high prevalence. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the awareness of glaucoma among the community and its associated factors. Results. This study showed that only 25.2% of our respondents were aware of glaucoma and it is associated with ethnicity, religion, education, and household income. Besides, among those who were aware, they fall into the group of poor knowledge of glaucoma. On the other hand, the knowledge of glaucoma was associated with occupation and the awareness of glaucoma by definition. The validated questionnaire was distributed and the data were analyzed by SPSS software using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test. Conclusion. Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma in this population is low. These findings suggest that there is a need for an efficient information and education strategy to be designed and conducted to increase the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma so that early detection can be made and effective management of individuals with this condition can be delivered.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Prevents Cellular Aging via Activation of Mitophagy
Authors: Hou Xuwei , Li Zhaohui , Higashi Yusuke , Delafontaine Patrice , Sukhanov Sergiy
Published: August 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of cellular aging. Mitophagy is a critical mitochondrial quality control mechanism that removes dysfunctional mitochondria and contributes to cell survival. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promotes survival of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but its potential effect on cellular aging is unknown yet. We found that IGF-1 decreased cell senescence, prevented DNA telomere shortening, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, activated cytochrome C oxidase, and reduced mitochondrial DNA damage in long-term cultured (aged) aortic SMC, suggesting an antiaging effect. IGF-1 increased mitophagy in aged cells, and this was associated with decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16 and p21 and elevated levels of Nrf2 and Sirt3, regulators of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. SiRNA-induced inhibition of either Nrf2 or Sirt3 blocked IGF-1-induced upregulation of mitophagy, suggesting that the Nrf2/Sirt3 pathway was required for IGF-1’s effect on mitophagy. PINK1 is a master regulator of mitophagy. PINK1 silencing suppressed mitophagy and inhibited IGF-1-induced antiaging effects in aged SMC, consistent with an essential role of mitophagy in IGF-1’s effect on cellular aging. Thus, IGF-1 inhibited cellular aging via Nrf2/Sirt3-dependent activation of mitophagy. Our data suggest that activation of IGF-1 signaling is a novel potential strategy to activate mitophagy and slow cellular aging.
A Compact Dual-Band Metasurface-Based Antenna for Wearable Medical Body-Area Network Devices
Authors: Mu Guangchen , Ren Pengshan
Published: August 2020

A compact, low-profile wearable antenna capable of operation within the 5.1–5.46 GHz and 5.7–5.85 GHz medical body-area network band is suggested to make the antenna better for wearable devices. The integrated metasurface (MSs) antenna consists of as few as array of three wan-shaped components, directly below the planar waveguide-fed monopole antenna. The measurement of the integrated antenna is 0.56λ0×0.56λ0×0.08λ0, all while achieving an average gain of 8.2 dBi in working frequency and a front-to-back ratio (FB) in excess of 19 dB. As demonstrated by in-depth examination, the antenna performs exceptionally well in withstanding the distortion of structure, far superior to planar monopole antenna. Additionally, the metasurface enables the specific absorption rate (SAR) low to 0.84 W/kg, which makes this type of antenna suited to application in different wearable devices.
Mathematical Modeling, Analysis, and Optimal Control of Corruption Dynamics
Authors: Alemneh Haileyesus Tessema
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a nonlinear deterministic model for the dynamics of corruption is proposed and analysed qualitatively using the stability theory of differential equations. The basic reproduction number with respect to the corruption-free equilibrium is obtained using next-generation matrix method. The conditions for local and global asymptotic stability of corruption-free and endemic equilibria are established. From the analysis using center manifold theory, the model exhibits forward bifurcation. Then, the model was extended by reformulating it as an optimal control problem, with the use of two time-dependent controls to assess the impact of corruption on human population, namely, campaigning about corruption through media and advertisement and exposing corrupted individuals to jail and giving punishment. By using Pontryagin’s maximum principle, necessary conditions for the optimal control of the transmission of corruption were derived. From the numerical simulation, it was found that the integrated control strategy must be taken to fight against corruption.
Did Attitudes Interpret and Predict “Better” Choice Behaviour towards Innovative and Greener Automotive Technologies? A Hybrid Choice Modelling Approach
Authors: de Luca Stefano , Di Pace Roberta
Published: August 2020

It is common opinion that traditional approaches used to interpret and model users’ choice behaviour in innovative contexts may lead to neglecting numerous nonquantitative factors that may affect users’ perceptions and behaviours. Indeed, psychological factors, such as attitudes, concerns, and perceptions may play a significant role which should be explicitly modelled. By contrast, collecting psychological factors could be a time and cost consuming activity, and furthermore, real-world applications must rely on theoretical paradigms which are able to easily predict choice/market fractions. The present paper aims to investigate the above-mentioned issues with respect to an innovative automotive technology based on the after-market hybridization of internal combustion engine vehicles. In particular, three main research questions are addressed: (i) whether and how users’ characteristics and attitudes may affect users’ behaviour with respect to new technological (automotive) scenarios (e.g., after-market hybridization kit); (ii) how to better “grasp” users’ attitudes/concerns/perceptions and, in particular, which is the most effective surveying approach to observe users’ attitudes; (iii) to what extent the probability of choosing a new automotive technology is sensitive to attitudes/concerns changes. The choice to install/not install the innovative technology was modelled through a hybrid choice model with latent variables (HCMs), starting from a stated preferences survey in which attitudes were investigated using different types of questioning approaches: direct questioning, indirect questioning, or both approaches. Finally, a comparison with a traditional binomial logit model and a sensitivity analysis was carried out with respect to the instrumental attributes and the attitudes. Obtained results indicate that attitudes are significant in interpreting and predicting users’ behaviour towards the investigated technology and the HCM makes it possible to easily embed psychological factors into a random utility model/framework. Moreover, the explicit simulation of the attitudes allows for a better prediction of users’ choice with respect to the Logit formulation and points out that users’ behaviour may be significantly affected by acting on users’ attitudes.
Molecular Characterization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase: Do Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Affect Hematological Parameters in HIV-Positive Patients?
Authors: Danquah Kwabena Owusu , Mensah Kofi , Nkansah Charles , Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Noagbe Mark , Hardy Yasmine , Ntiamoah David O. , Boateng Lillian Antwi , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Debrah Alexander Yaw , Addai-Mensah Otchere
Published: August 2020

This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and the 376A ⟶ G, 202G ⟶ A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among HIV patients attending care at a teaching hospital in Ghana and determine how the SNPs affect haematological profile in HIV. A total of 200 HIV-positive Ghanaians were recruited. Venous blood samples were obtained and complete blood count, and G6PD screening and genotyping for the 376A ⟶ G, 202G ⟶ A SNPs were performed. Out of the 200 participants, 13.0% (26/200) were G6PD-deficient based on the methemoglobin reductase technique, with 1.5% (3/200) and 11.5% (23/200) presenting with partial and full enzyme defect, respectively. Among the 13.0% participants with G6PD deficiency, 19.2% (5/26), 30.8% (8/26), and 19.2% (5/26) presented with 376A ⟶ G only (enzyme activity (EA): 1.19 U/g Hb), 202G ⟶A only (EA: 1.41 U/g Hb), and G202/A376 SNPs (EA: 1.14 U/g Hb), respectively. Having the 376A ⟶ G mutation was associated not only with lower red blood cell (RBC) count (3.38 × 106/µL (3.16–3.46) vs 3.95 × 106/µL (3.53–4.41),p = 0.010) but also with higher mean cell volume (MCV) (102.90 (99.40–113.0) vs 91.10 fL (84.65–98.98),p = 0.041) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) (33.70 pg (32.70–38.50) vs 30.75 pg (28.50–33.35),p = 0.038), whereas possessing the 202G ⟶ A mutation was associated with higher MCV only (98.90 fL (90.95–102.35) vs 91.10 fL (84.65–98.98),p = 0.041) compared to G6PD nondeficient participants. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among HIV patients in Kumasi, Ghana, is 13.0% prevalence, comprising 1.5% and 11.5% partial and full enzyme defect, respectively, based on the methemoglobin reductase technique among HIV patients in Ghana. Among G6PD-deficient HIV patients, the prevalence of G202/A376 SNPs is 19.2%. The 376A ⟶ G mutation is associated not only with lower RBC count but also with higher MCV and MCH, whereas the 202G ⟶ A mutation is associated with higher MCV compared to the normal G6PD population.
Central Configurations and Action Minimizing Orbits in Kite Four-Body Problem
Authors: Benhammouda B. , Mansur A. , Shoaib M. , Szücs-Csillik I. , Offin D.
Published: August 2020

In the current article, we study the kite four-body problems with the goal of identifying global regions in the mass parameter space which admits a corresponding central configuration of the four masses. We consider two different types of symmetrical configurations. In each of the two cases, the existence of a continuous family of central configurations for positive masses is shown. We address the dynamical aspect of periodic solutions in the settings considered and show that the minimizers of the classical action functional restricted to the homographic solutions are the Keplerian elliptical solutions. Finally, we provide numerical explorations via Poincaré cross-sections, to show the existence of periodic and quasiperiodic solutions within the broader dynamical context of the four-body problem.
Numerical Study on Shear Performance of a New Perfobond Connector with Controllable Stiffness
Authors: Liu Yangqing , Liu Yuqing , Xin Haohui , Tian Hao , Wei Jun
Published: August 2020

To improve the shear behavior and design applicability of rubber ring perfobond connectors (RPBLs), a new rubber ring that aims to make the shear stiffness of RPBLs controllable was proposed. Firstly, the conceptual design and configuration of the new rubber rings were presented and discussed. Subsequently, finite element (FE) models for modified push‐out tests of new RPBLs were established based on the validated modeling method. The initial shear stiffness is dominated by the horizontal projected contact area between hole walls and concrete dowels. γ is defined as the ratio of the horizontal projected length of hollows to the diameter of holes. The shear stiffness of new RPBLs is about 35%, 60%, and 82% of the shear stiffness of PBLs when γ equals 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75, respectively. Employing the new rubber rings with varying central angles on conventional PBLs is feasible to obtain the required stiffness for RPBLs. Further, the effects of the number of sectors, the size of side wings, the central angle of hollows, the offset angle, and the thickness of rubber rings were analysed. Based on the numerical results, the proper thickness of side wings is no larger than 2 mm. The thicker side wing could reduce the confinement effects provided by surrounding concrete on concrete dowels, resulting in a drop of the yield load of new RPBLs. The number of sectors is suggested to be no less than 6 so that the shear behavior of new RPBLs is irrelevant to the offset angle. Besides, the shear stiffness is not related to the thickness of rubber rings. To improve the yield load of RPBLs and obtain the moderate recovered stiffness, the thickness of rubber rings is recommended as 2 mm. Finally, the expression for the shear stiffness of new RPBLs was proposed.
Positive Solutions for a Weakly Singular Hadamard-Type Fractional Differential Equation with Changing-Sign Nonlinearity
Authors: Zhang Xinguang , Yu Lixin , Jiang Jiqiang , Wu Yonghong , Cui Yujun
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we focus on the existence of positive solutions for a class of weakly singular Hadamard-type fractional mixed periodic boundary value problems with a changing-sign singular perturbation. By using nonlinear analysis methods combining with some numerical techniques, we further discuss the effect of the perturbed term for the existence of solutions of the problem under the positive, negative, and changing-sign cases. The interesting points are that the nonlinearity can be singular at the second and third variables and be changing-sign.
θ‐ϕ‐Contraction on α,η‐Complete Rectangular b‐Metric Spaces
Authors: Kari Abdelkarim , Rossafi Mohamed , Marhrani El Miloudi , Aamri Mohamed
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present some fixed point results for generalized θ‐ϕ‐contraction in the framework of α,η−compete rectangular b‐metric spaces. Further, we establish some fixed point theorems for this type of mappings defined on such spaces. Our results generalize and improve many of the well-known results. Moreover, to support our main results, we give an illustrative example.
Summarizing Online Movie Reviews: A Machine Learning Approach to Big Data Analytics
Authors: Khan Atif , Gul Muhammad Adnan , Uddin M. Irfan , Ali Shah Syed Atif , Ahmad Shafiq , Al Firdausi Muhammad Dzulqarnain , Zaindin Mazen
Published: August 2020

Information is exploding on the web at exponential pace, and online movie review over the web is a substantial source of information for online users. However, users write millions of movie reviews on regular basis, and it is not possible for users to condense the reviews. Classification and summarization of reviews is a difficult task in computational linguistics. Hence, an automatic method is demanded to summarize the vast amount of movie reviews, and this method will permit the users to speedily distinguish between positive and negative features of a movie. This work has proposed a classification and summarization method for movie reviews. For movie review classification, bag-of-words feature extraction technique is used to extract unigrams, bigrams, and trigrams as a feature set from given review documents and represent the review documents as a vector. Next, the Na¨ıve Bayes algorithm is employed to categorize the movie reviews (signified as a feature vector) into negative and positive reviews. For the task of movie review summarization, word2vec model is used to extract features from classified movie review sentences, and then semantic clustering technique is used to cluster semantically related review sentences. Different text features are employed to compute the salience score of all review sentences in clusters. Finally, the best-ranked review sentences are picked based on top salience scores to form a summary of movie reviews. Empirical results indicate that the suggested machine learning approach performed better than benchmark summarization approaches.
Improvement on Conformable Fractional Derivative and Its Applications in Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Gao Feng , Chi Chunmei
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we made improvement on the conformable fractional derivative. Compared to the original one, the improved conformable fractional derivative can be a better replacement of the classical Riemann-Liouville and Caputo fractional derivative in terms of physical meaning. We also gave the definition of the corresponding fractional integral and illustrated the applications of the improved conformable derivative to fractional differential equations by some examples.
Wearable Active Electrode for sEMG Monitoring Using Two-Channel Brass Dry Electrodes with Reduced Electronics
Authors: Ruvalcaba J. Antonio , Gutiérrez M. I. , Vera A. , Leija L.
Published: August 2020

Gel-based electrodes are employed to record sEMG signals for prolonged periods. These signals are used for the control of myoelectric prostheses, clinical analysis, or sports medicine. However, when the gel dries, the electrode-skin impedance increases considerably. Using dry active electrodes (AEs) to compensate variations of impedance is an alternative for long-term recording. This work describes the optimization of the electronic design of a conventional AE by removing the impedance coupling stage and two filters. The proposed work consisted of 5 stages: electrodes, amplification (X250), 2.2 Vdc offset, low-pass filter, and ADC with USART communication. The device did not need the use of electrolytic gel. The measurements of CMRR (96 dB), amplitude of the output sEMG signal (∼1.6 Vp-p), and system bandwidth (15–450 Hz) were performed in order to confirm the reliability of the device as an sEMG signal acquisition system. The SNR values from seven movements performed by eleven volunteers were compared in order to measure the repeatability of the measurements (average 30.32 dB for a wrist flexion). The SNR for wrist flexion measured with the proposed and the commercial system was compared; the values were 49 dB and 60 dB, respectively.
On Face Index of Silicon Carbides
Authors: Zhang Xiujun , Raza Ali , Fahad Asfand , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Chaudhry Muhammad Anwar , Iqbal Zahid
Published: August 2020

Several graph invariants have been defined and studied, which present applications in nanochemistry, computer networks, and other areas of science. One vastly studied class of the graph invariants is the class of the topological indices, which helps in the studies of chemical, biological, and physical properties of a chemical structure. One recently introduced graph invariant is the face index, which can assist in predicting the energy and the boiling points of the certain chemical structures. In this paper, we drive the analytical closed formulas of face index of silicon carbides Si2C3−Ia,b, Si2C3−IIa,b, Si2C3−IIIa,b, and SiC3−IIIa,b.
Control Based on Linear Algebra for Trajectory Tracking and Positioning of Second-Order Chained Form System
Authors: Rodriguez Leandro , Serrano Emanuel , Sánchez Mabel Cristina , Scaglia Gustavo
Published: August 2020

The development of controllers for underactuated systems with nonholonomic constraints has been a topic of significant interest for many researchers in recent years. These systems are hard to control because their linearization transform them into uncontrollable systems. The proposed approaches involve the use of a permanent excitation in the reference trajectory; coordinate transformation; discontinuities; or complex calculations. This paper proposes the design of the controller of the second-order chained form system for trajectory tracking by using a simpler approach based on linear algebra. Up to the present time, no controllers based on this approach have been designed for that system. The control problem is solved by setting two of the three systems variables as a reference, while the remaining variable is calculated imposing the condition that the equations system has an exact solution to ensure that tracking errors go to zero. The stability of the proposed controller is theoretically demonstrated, and simulations results show a suitable control system performance. Also, no coordinate transformation is necessary.
A Further Study on Multiperiod Health Diagnostics Methodology under a Single-Valued Neutrosophic Set
Authors: Chou Jason Chih-sheng , Lin Yi-Fong , Lin Scott Shu-Cheng
Published: August 2020

Employing the concept and function of tangency with similarity measures and counterpart distances for reliable medical consultations has been extensively studied in the past decades and results in lots of isomorphic measures for application. We compared the majority of such isomorphic measures proposed by various researchers and classified them into (a) maximum norm and (b) one-norm categories. Moreover, we found that previous researchers used monotonic functions to transform an identity function and resulted in complicated expressions. In this study, we provide a theoretical foundation to explain the isomorphic nature of a newer measure proposed by the following research paper against its studied existing one in deriving the same pattern recognition results. Specifically, this study initially proposes two similarity measures using maximum norm, arithmetic mean, and aggregation operators and followed by a detailed discussion on their mathematical characteristics. Subsequently, a simplified version of such measures is presented for easy application. This study completely covers two previous methods to point out that the complex approaches used were unnecessary. The findings will help physicians, patients, and their family members to obtain a proper medical diagnosis during multiple examinations.
Stability of Fuzzy Dynamical Systems via Lyapunov Functions
Authors: El Allaoui Abdelati , Melliani Said , Chadli Lalla Saadia
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of fuzzy Lyapunov functions to study the notion of stability of equilibrium points for fuzzy dynamical systems associated with fuzzy initial value problems, through the principle of Zadeh. Our contribution consists in a qualitative characterization of stability by a study of the trajectories of fuzzy dynamical systems, using auxiliary functions, and they will be called fuzzy Lyapunov functions. And, among the main results that have been proven is that the existence of fuzzy Lyapunov functions is a necessary and sufficient condition for stability. Some examples are given to illustrate the obtained results.
Measles and Pregnancy: Immunity and Immunization—What Can Be Learned from Observing Complications during an Epidemic Year
Authors: Ragusa Rosalia , Platania Armando , Cuccia Mario , Zappalà Gaetano , Giorgianni Gabriele , D’Agati Placido , Bellia Maria Alessandra , Marranzano Marina
Published: August 2020

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Unvaccinated pregnant women are not only at risk of infection but also at risk of severe pregnancy complications. As measles causes a dysregulation of the entire immune system, we describe immunological variations and how immune response mechanisms can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. We evaluated data during the measles outbreak reported in the province of Catania, Italy, from May 2017 to June 2018. We controlled hospital discharge records for patients admitted to hospital obstetric wards searching the measles diagnostic code. We have indicated the case as “confirmed” when the IgM was found to be positive with the ELISA method. We registered 843 cases of measles and 51% were females (430 cases). 24 patients between the ages of 17 and 40 had measles while they were pregnant. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included 2 spontaneous abortions, 1 therapeutic abortion, 1 foetal death, and 6 preterm deliveries. Respiratory complications were more prevalent in pregnant women (21%) than in nonpregnant women with measles (9%). 14 health care workers (1.7%) were infected with measles, and none of these had been previously vaccinated. Immune response mechanisms were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with measles. To reduce the rate of measles complications, gynaecologists should investigate vaccination history and antibody test results in all women of childbearing age. During a measles outbreak, gynaecologists and midwives should be active proponents of vaccination administration and counteract any vaccine hesitancy not only in patients but also among health care workers.
Comparison between Conventional Decalcification and a Microwave-Assisted Method in Bone Tissue Affected with Mycetoma
Authors: Salih Magdi Mansour
Published: August 2020

Mycetoma is a lifelong granulomatous disease of subcutaneous tissues and bones. Histopathology is a substantiated indicative method based on the assumption of a definitive diagnosis of mycetoma. It requires efficient processing of tissues including bone decalcification. The decalcification process must ensure complete removal of calcium and also a proper preservation of tissue and microorganisms’ staining ability. Objectives. To compare the conventional method used in decalcification with the microwave method using different decalcification solutions. Different characteristics were tested, including the speed of decalcification and morphological and fungal preservation in bone tissue affected with mycetoma. Materials and Methods. Three decalcification solutions were employed to remove calcium from 50 bone tissue samples affected with mycetoma, including 10% neutral buffered EDTA (pH 7.4), 5% nitric acid, and 5% hydrochloric acid. Conventional and microwave methods were used. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain, Gridley’s stain, and Grocott hexamine-silver stain were employed to evaluate the bone and fungi morphologies. Results. The decalcification time of the conventional method compared with the microwave method with 10% EDTA (pH 7.4) took 120 hours and 29 hours, while 5% hydrochloric acid and 5% nitric acid took 8 hours and 3 hours, separately. Also, 10% EDTA is the best decalcifying agent for HE staining and fungal stains. 5% hydrochloric acid and 5% nitric acid can be used for fungal staining. Conclusion. The current study investigated the effects of different decalcifying agents as well as two decalcification procedures on the preservation of the bone structure and fungal staining, which will help to develop suitable protocols for the analyses of the bone tissue affected with mycetoma infection.
Design of Robust Adaptive Observer against Measurement Noise for Sensorless Vector Control of Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Boulmane Asma , Zidani Youssef , Chennani Mohammed , Belkhayat Driss
Published: August 2020

Position control in electrical drives is a challenging problem which is complicated by sensor noise and unknown disturbances. This paper proposes a new cascade sensorless speed control technique for induction motor drives suitable for electric vehicle applications using the full-order adaptive Luenberger observer that is insensitive to measurement noise and parametric variation. The adaptive speed law is obtained by the Lyapunov method using the estimated currents and fluxes. This technique ensures the stability of the induction motor considered as nonlinear dynamic system. Since the Luenberger observer works on deterministic environment, and it is most effective when sensor noise is limited, the present study aims to design a robust observer insensitive to measurement noise and parametric variation integrated in a cascade structure. The observer allows the filtering of the measured currents. To highlight the advantages of the new scheme, a comparative study and spectrum analysis will be presented. The proposed structure is verified using MATLAB/Simulink.
Mathematical Model for Optimal Control of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection
Authors: Lambura Aristide G. , Mwanga Gasper G. , Luboobi Livingstone , Kuznetsov Dmitry
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we study the dynamics of soil-transmitted helminth infection. We formulate and analyse a deterministic compartmental model using nonlinear differential equations. The basic reproduction number is obtained and both disease-free and endemic equilibrium points are shown to be asymptotically stable under given threshold conditions. The model may exhibit backward bifurcation for some parameter values, and the sensitivity indices of the basic reproduction number with respect to the parameters are determined. We extend the model to include control measures for eradication of the infection from the community. Pontryagian’s maximum principle is used to formulate the optimal control problem using three control strategies, namely, health education through provision of educational materials, educational messages to improve the awareness of the susceptible population, and treatment by mass drug administration that target the entire population(preschool- and school-aged children) and sanitation through provision of clean water and personal hygiene. Numerical simulations were done using MATLAB and graphical results are displayed. The cost effectiveness of the control measures were done using incremental cost-effective ratio, and results reveal that the combination of health education and sanitation is the best strategy to combat the helminth infection. Therefore, in order to completely eradicate soil-transmitted helminths, we advise investment efforts on health education and sanitation controls.
Association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Pancreatitis: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review
Authors: Li Pengfan , Chen Kanjun , Mao Zheng , Luo Yue , Xue Yan , Zhang Yuli , Wang Xueying , Zhang Lihang , Gu Sizhen , Dou Danbo
Published: August 2020

Background/Objectives. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the association between pancreatitis and IBD.Methods. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were systematically searched for correlative studies till 2 November 2019. RevMan5.3 was used to estimate relevance.Results. Three studies with 166008 participants were included. The risk of pancreatitis significantly increased in the patients with CD (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 2.70-4.28;P<0.00001) and UC (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.91-3.26;P<0.00001). Increased risks of CD (OR, 12.90; 95% CI, 5.15-32.50;P<0.00001) and UC (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.00-7.86;P=0.05) were found in patients with chronic pancreatitis. As for patients with acute pancreatitis, there were significant association of CD (OR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.90-7.60;P=0.0002), but were not UC.Conclusions. The evidence confirmed an association between pancreatitis and IBD. When pancreatitis patients have chronic diarrhea and mucus blood stool or IBD patients have repeated abdominal pain and weight loss, they should consult pancreatic and gastrointestinal specialists.
Optimization of Liquid Culture Condition of a Novel Fungus Hygrophoropsis sp. and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts
Authors: Huang Liang , Li Chunxia , Sun Ning , Wang Yu , Yang Hongpeng , Li Yiting , Ban Litong
Published: August 2020

To evaluate pharmacological activities of a novel fungus Hygrophoropsis sp., the influence of aeration rate on the production of mycelial biomass, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and intrapolysaccharides (IPS) in the fungus Hygrophoropsis sp. was investigated. And the water extracts of cultured Hygrophoropsis sp. mycelia and the fermentation broth were analyzed for their antioxidation activity by using four different assay methods such as hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and reducing power. The Hygrophoropsis sp. was cultivated under various aeration rates in a 7 l bioreactor. The highest mycelial biomass (3.98 mg/mL) and IPS production (19.63 mg/g) were obtained at aeration rate 4.5 v.v.m. The results showed that Hygrophoropsis sp., in general, possesses a strong antioxidation activity in all assays tested. The deproteinized extracts had stronger antioxidation activity as compared to the un-deproteinized extracts by using superoxide radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and reducing power. Besides, the un-deproteinized extracts had stronger antioxidation activity as compared to the deproteinized extracts by using hydroxyl radical scavenging. Thus, the polysaccharide extractions from the Hygrophoropsis sp. studied have antioxidant activities in vitro, which may be a good source of natural antioxidants or further investigation as potential natural antioxidants.
On Best Proximity Point Theorems in Locally Convex Spaces Endowed with a Graph
Authors: Saadaoui B. , Lazaiz S. , Aamri M.
Published: August 2020

We consider the problem of best proximity point in locally convex spaces endowed with a weakly convex digraph. For that, we introduce the notions of nonself G-contraction and G-nonexpansive mappings, and we show that for each seminorm, we have a best proximity point. In addition, we conclude our work with a result showing the existence of best proximity point for every seminorm.
Perona-Malik Model with Diffusion Coefficient Depending on Fractional Gradient via Caputo-Fabrizio Derivative
Authors: Nchama Gustavo Asumu Mboro , Mecias Angela Leon , Ricard Mariano Rodriguez
Published: August 2020

The Perona-Malik (PM) model is used successfully in image processing to eliminate noise while preserving edges; however, this model has a major drawback: it tends to make the image look blocky. This work proposes to modify the PM model by introducing the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional gradient inside the diffusivity function. Experiments with natural images show that our model can suppress efficiently the blocky effect. Also, our model has good performance in visual quality, high peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and lower value of mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE).
Does Determination of Initial Cluster Centroids Improve the Performance of K-Means Clustering Algorithm? Comparison of Three Hybrid Methods by Genetic Algorithm, Minimum Spanning Tree, and Hierarchical Clustering in an Applied Study
Authors: Pourahmad Saeedeh , Basirat Atefeh , Rahimi Amir , Doostfatemeh Marziyeh
Published: August 2020

Random selection of initial centroids (centers) for clusters is a fundamental defect in K-means clustering algorithm as the algorithm’s performance depends on initial centroids and may end up in local optimizations. Various hybrid methods have been introduced to resolve this defect in K-means clustering algorithm. As regards, there are no comparative studies comparing these methods in various aspects, the present paper compared three hybrid methods with K-means clustering algorithm using concepts of genetic algorithm, minimum spanning tree, and hierarchical clustering method. Although these three hybrid methods have received more attention in previous researches, fewer studies have compared their results. Hence, seven quantitative datasets with different characteristics in terms of sample size, number of features, and number of different classes are utilized in present study. Eleven indices of external and internal evaluating index were also considered for comparing the methods. Data indicated that the hybrid methods resulted in higher convergence rate in obtaining the final solution than the ordinary K-means method. Furthermore, the hybrid method with hierarchical clustering algorithm converges to the optimal solution with less iteration than the other two hybrid methods. However, hybrid methods with minimal spanning trees and genetic algorithms may not always or often be more effective than the ordinary K-means method. Therefore, despite the computational complexity, these three hybrid methods have not led to much improvement in the K-means method. However, a simulation study is required to compare the methods and complete the conclusion.
FaceFilter: Face Identification with Deep Learning and Filter Algorithm
Authors: Alghaili Mohammed , Li Zhiyong , Ali Hamdi A. R.
Published: August 2020

Although significant advances have been made recently in the field of face recognition, these have some limitations, especially when faces are in different poses or have different levels of illumination, or when the face is blurred. In this study, we present a system that can directly identify an individual under all conditions by extracting the most important features and using them to identify a person. Our method uses a deep convolutional network that is trained to extract the most important features. A filter is then used to select the most significant of these features by finding features greater than zero, storing their indices, and comparing the features of other identities with the same indices as the original image. Finally, the selected features of each identity in the dataset are subtracted from features of the original image to find the minimum number that refers to that identity. This method gives good results, as we only extract the most important features using the filter to recognize the face in different poses. We achieve state-of-the-art face recognition performance using only half of the 128 bytes per face. The system has an accuracy of 99.7% on the Labeled Faces in the Wild dataset and 94.02% on YouTube Faces DB.