bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Game-Based Approaches for Physical Rehabilitation of Poststroke Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Saeedi Soheila , Ghazisaeedi Marjan , Rezayi Sorayya
Published: September 2021

Objective. A large number of patients need critical physical rehabilitation after the stroke. This study aimed to review and report the result of published studies, in which newly emerged games were employed for physical rehabilitating in poststroke patients. Materials and Methods. This systematic review study was performed based on the PRISMA method. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, and ISI Web of Science was conducted from January 1, 2014, to November 9, 2020, to identify related articles. Studies have been entered in this review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, in which new games have been used for physical rehabilitation. Results. Of the 1326 retrieved studies, 60 of them met our inclusion criteria. Virtual reality-oriented games were the most popular type of physical rehabilitation approach for poststroke patients. “The Nintendo Wii Fit” game was used more than other games. The reviewed games were mostly operated to balance training and limb mobilization. Based on the evaluation results of the utilized games, only in three studies, applied games were not effective. In other studies, games had effective outcomes for target body members. Conclusions. The results indicate that modern games are efficient in poststroke patients’ physical rehabilitation and can be used alongside conventional methods.
Experiment and Numerical Simulation of Wooden Door Frame
Authors: Zhu Eryu , Wang Bin , Wei Dongqi , Zhu Li
Published: September 2021

To prevent the wooden door frame of traditional rural houses from being stuck due to diamond deformation under earthquake and improve the seismic capacity of rural houses, an innovative method of reinforcing the angular displacement of the wooden door frame with channel steel and the diagonal brace is proposed. The rationality of the finite element simulation is demonstrated by comparing the results of finite element simulation and quasistatic test based on reinforced and unreinforced wooden door frame specimens. On the basis of the finite element model of wooden door frame, the seismic performance of channel type and diagonal brace thickness of reinforced wooden door frame and the seismic performance of friction coefficient of unreinforced wooden door frame are studied, respectively. The results show that the lateral stiffness and the lateral bearing capacity of the reinforced wooden door frame increase with the increase of channel steel type and the diagonal brace thickness. The height of the channel steel section of the seismic reinforcement structure should be half of the unreinforced structure. With the increase of the friction coefficient, the lateral bearing capacity of the unreinforced wooden frame increases, while the ductility of the unreinforced wooden frame decreases.
CFD Numerical Investigation of a New Solar Flat Air-Collector Having Different Obstacles with Various Configurations and Arrangements
Authors: Rouissi Walid , Naili Nabiha , Jarray Mohamed , Hazami Majdi
Published: September 2021

This work deals with a numerical parametric optimization study of a new Solar Flat Air Collector (SFAC) configuration. The CFD numerical parametric study investigates various SFAC structures inside the air cavity without obstacles and with spherical, cubic, cylindrical, and pyramidal obstacles. The study optimizes the most convenient configuration and arrangement that allow for the increase of the heat-transfer surface and to make the flow homogeneous in order to generate turbulence zones inside the SFAC air cavity. The result shows that the thermal performances of the cubic form are close to those of the spherical obstacles. Another set of simulations was performed to evaluate the performances of the cubic shape baffles for three orientation angles equal to 0°, 22.5°, and 45°, respectively. Each configuration has three forms of arrangement with a relative roughness pitch (b/a) varying between 2, 4, and 6. The results of the simulation study showed that the relative roughness pitch, the Reynolds number, as well as the angle of orientation influence the performance and the operation of the SFAC. The results of the simulations showed that the combination of an orientation of 45° with a roughness pitch of b/a = 2 increases the SFAC thermal performances, which can reach 85%.
Smoking Methylation Marks for Prediction of Urothelial Cancer Risk
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Jordahl Kristina M. , Bassett Julie K. , Joo Jihoon Eric , Wong Ee Ming , Brinkman Maree T. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Bolton Damien M. , Makalic Enes , Brasky Theodore M. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Tinker Lesley F. , Longano Anthony , Hopper John L. , English Dallas R. , Milne Roger L. , Bhatti Parveen , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Dugué Pierre-Antoine
Published: September 2021

Background:

Self-reported information may not accurately capture smoking exposure. We aimed to evaluate whether smoking-associated DNA methylation markers improve urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) risk prediction.

Methods:

Conditional logistic regression was used to assess associations between blood-based methylation and UCC risk using two matched case–control samples: 404 pairs from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) and 440 pairs from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) cohort. Results were pooled using fixed-effects meta-analysis. We developed methylation-based predictors of UCC and evaluated their prediction accuracy on two replication data sets using the area under the curve (AUC).

Results:

The meta-analysis identified associations (P < 4.7 × 10−5) for 29 of 1,061 smoking-associated methylation sites, but these were substantially attenuated after adjustment for self-reported smoking. Nominally significant associations (P < 0.05) were found for 387 (36%) and 86 (8%) of smoking-associated markers without/with adjustment for self-reported smoking, respectively, with same direction of association as with smoking for 387 (100%) and 79 (92%) markers. A Lasso-based predictor was associated with UCC risk in one replication data set in MCCS [N = 134; odds ratio per SD (OR) = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.00–1.90] after confounder adjustment; AUC = 0.66, compared with AUC = 0.64 without methylation information. Limited evidence of replication was found in the second testing data set in WHI (N = 440; OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91–1.30).

Conclusions:

Combination of smoking-associated methylation marks may provide some improvement to UCC risk prediction. Our findings need further evaluation using larger data sets.

Impact:

DNA methylation may be associated with UCC risk beyond traditional smoking assessment and could contribute to some improvements in stratification of UCC risk in the general population.
Exposure Definition in Case–Control Studies of Cervical Cancer Screening: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Castanon Alejandra , Kamineni Aruna , Elfström K. Miriam , Lim Anita W.W. , Sasieni Peter
Published: September 2021

The first step in evaluating the effectiveness of cervical screening is defining exposure to screening. Our aim was to describe the spectrum of screening exposure definitions used in studies of the effectiveness of cervical screening. This systematic review included case-control studies in a population-based screening setting. Outcome was incidence of cervical cancer. Three electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2012 to December 6, 2018. Articles prior to 2012 were identified from a previous review. The qualitative synthesis focused on describing screening exposure definitions reported in the literature and the methodologic differences that could have an impact on the association between screening and cervical cancer. Forty-one case–control studies were included. Six screening exposure definitions were identified. Cervical cancer risk on average decreased by 66% when screening exposure was defined as ever tested, by 77% by time since last negative test, and by 79% after two or more previous tests. Methodologic differences included composition of the reference group and whether diagnostic and/or symptomatic tests were excluded from the analysis. Consensus guidelines to standardize exposure definitions are needed to ensure evaluations of cervical cancer screening can accurately measure the impact of transitioning from cytology to human papillomavirus–based screening and to allow comparisons between programs.
The Safety of Bridging Radiation with Anti-BCMA CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Manjunath Shwetha H. , Cohen Adam D. , Lacey Simon F. , Davis Megan M. , Garfall Alfred L. , Melenhorst J. Joseph , Maxwell Russell , Arscott W. Tristram , Maity Amit , Jones Joshua A. , Plastaras John P. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Levine Bruce L. , June Carl H. , Milone Michael C. , Paydar Ima
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CART-BCMA) are a promising treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/rMM). We evaluated the safety and feasibility of bridging radiation (RT) in subjects treated on a phase I trial of CART-BCMA.

Experimental Design:

Twenty-five r/rMM subjects were treated in three cohorts with two doses of CART-BCMA cells ± cyclophosphamide. We retrospectively analyzed toxicity, response, and CART manufacturing data based on RT receipt.

Results:

Thirteen subjects received no RT <1 year before CART infusion (Group A). Eight subjects received RT <1 year before CART infusion (Group B) with median time from RT to apheresis of 114 days (range 40–301). Four subjects received bridging-RT (Group C) with a median dose of 22 Gy and time from RT to infusion of 25 days (range 18–35). Group C had qualitatively lower rates of grade 4 (G4) hematologic toxicities (25%) versus A (61.5%) and B (62.5%). G3–4 neurotoxicity occurred in 7.7%, 25%, and 25% in Group A, B, and C, respectively. G3–4 cytokine release syndrome was observed in 38.5%, 25%, and 25% in Group A, B, and C, respectively. Partial response or better was observed in 54%, 38%, and 50% of Group A, B, and C, respectively. RT administered <1 year (P = 0.002) and <100 days (P = 0.069) before apheresis was associated with lower in vitro proliferation during manufacturing; however, in vivo CART-BCMA expansion appeared similar across groups.

Conclusions:

Bridging-RT appeared safe and feasible with CART-BCMA therapy in our r/rMM patients, though larger future studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
PD-1/PD-L1–Associated Immunoarchitectural Patterns Stratify Pancreatic Cancer Patients into Prognostic/Predictive Subgroups
Authors: Karamitopoulou Eva , Andreou Andreas , Pahud de Mortanges Aurélie , Tinguely Marianne , Gloor Beat , Perren Aurel
Published: September 2021

Immunotherapy, including PD-1/PD-L1 agonists, has shown limited efficacy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We examined the PD-1/PD-L1 expression and immunoarchitectural features by automated morphometric analysis using multiplex immunofluorescence and 118 microsatellite-stable, treatment–naïve, surgically resected PDACs (study cohort). Five microsatellite-instable cases were stained in parallel (MSI cohort). Molecular analysis was additionally performed. An independent PDAC cohort (n = 226) was immunostained for PD-L1 and used as a validation cohort. PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TC) and/or immune cells (IC) was present in 32% and 30% of the study and validation cohorts, respectively, and assigned into one of four patterns: “adaptive-1” (TC: 0, IC > 1%), “adaptive-2” (TC > 1% to < 25%, IC > 1%), “constitutive” (TC ≥ 25%, IC: 0), and “combined” (TC ≥ 25%, IC > 1%). “Constitutive” tumors were characterized by reduced numbers of all ICs and poor outcome. In contrast, “adaptive-1” tumors exhibited abundant T cells, including high counts of cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ and PD-1+CD3+CD8+ cells, but low counts of PD-L1+CD3+CD8+ cells and associated with the best outcome. “Adaptive-2” tumors displayed higher proportions of PD-L1+CD3+CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated macrophages (CD68+ and CD68+CD206+) compared with “adaptive-1” tumors. In the “combined” pattern, extensive PD-L1 expression on TCs was accompanied by increased numbers of T cells and improved overall survival. ICs were closer to PD-L1− than to PD-L1+ PDAC cells. TP53 and PIK3CA alterations tended to be more frequent in PD-L1+ tumors. The 5 MSI cases were PD-L1−. The distinct PD-1/PD-L1–associated immunoarchitectural patterns underpin the heterogeneity of the immunologic responses and might be used to inform patient outcomes and therapeutic decisions in pancreatic cancer.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome in a Low-Risk Pancreatic Cancer Patient
Authors: Travers Paul , Goodman Alexandra , Poiesz Bernard
Published: September 2021

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is the most common hematologic emergency encountered during the treatment of high-grade malignancies. While it can lead to death, the prognosis is typically excellent if caught early on in the course. Risk stratification prior to treatment initiation is paramount in deciding the utility of prophylaxis and ultimately in reducing morbidity and mortality. The following case describes the development of TLS in a patient categorized as low risk and highlights the need for further elucidation of a unified risk stratification system.
Excessive Body Weight and Diverticular Disease
Authors: Böhm Stephan K.
Published: September 2021

Background: The worldwide proportion of overweight adults almost doubled from 22% in 1975 to 39% in 2016. Comparably, for the USA and Germany in 2016, the proportion was 68 and 56.8%, respectively. In Olmsted County, Minnesota, the prevalence of diverticulitis also doubled between 1980 and 2007, from 19 to 40%. Obesity substantially increases the risk of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and non-GI diseases. In a narrative review, we examined the evidence on whether obesity also increases the risk for the development of diverticulosis or diverticular disease and its outcome. Summary: Evidence suggests that being overweight (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) or obese (≥30 kg/m2), especially viscerally obese, is a risk factor for diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis, diverticular bleeding, more severe or complicated disease, recurrent disease, and for worse outcomes after surgery. Key Messages: There is a well-founded association between overweight and diverticular disease as well as diverticulosis. It is not clear whether overweight per se or confounders linked with it are responsible for the association. However, means to fight the overweight and obesity epidemic might also help to reduce the prevalence of morbidity and mortality from diverticular disease.
Benefit of an Internet-Based Management System among Hemodialysis Patients at the Risk of Intradialytic Hypotension and Muscle Cramps: A Controlled before and after Study
Authors: Xu Jinsheng , Jin Jingjing , Cheng Meijuan , Zhou Wei , Zhang Shenglei , Bai Yaling
Published: September 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to observe the impact of an internet-based management system on the incidence of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and muscle cramps in hemodialysis patients. Methods: The patients, who underwent maintenance hemodialysis in the center from January 2018 to June 2020, were recruited and divided into the pre-intervention group (before operation of the internet-based hemodialysis management system, from January 2018 to December 2018) and intervention group (after operation of the system, from June 2019 to June 2020). The clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Results: The compound endpoint of >1 IDH or muscle cramps happened in 182 patients (61.7%) in the pre-intervention group and 99 participants (30.8%) in the intervention group (relative risk [RR] = 0.50 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42; 0.60]). IDH occurred in 122 patients (1–5 episodes in 47 patients, 6–10 episodes in 25 patients, and >10 episodes in 50 patients) and 33 patients (30 patients had 1–5 episodes and 3 patients had 6–10 episodes) before and after execution of the internet-based management system, respectively (RR = 0.25 [95% CI, 0.18; 0.35]). The incidence of muscle cramps was significantly decreased (RR = 0.57 [95% CI, 0.45; 0.73]) after the implementation of the system, and the number of patients with 6–10 episodes dropped from 10 to 1. Multivariate analyses also showed significantly lower RRs in the intervention group: 0.29 ([95% CI, 0.20; 0.41]) for IDH and 0.58 ([95% CI, 0.45; 0.74]) for muscle cramps. Compared with the pre-intervention, participants in the intervention group had a large improvement in self-management (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study found that the internet-based hemodialysis management system was effective in reducing the IDH and muscle cramp events and improving self-management. It provided a significant implication for the development and application of internet-based programs in hemodialysis management.
Autopsy-Based Pulmonary and Vascular Pathology: Pulmonary Endotheliitis and Multi-Organ Involvement in COVID-19 Associated Deaths
Authors: Haberecker Martina , Schwarz Esther Irene , Steiger Peter , Frontzek Karl , Scholkmann Felix , Zeng Xiankun , Höller Sylvia , Moch Holger , Varga Zsuzsanna
Published: September 2021

Background: Findings from autopsies have provided evidence on systemic microvascular damage as one of the underlying mechanisms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (CO­VID-19). The aim of this study was to correlate autopsy-based cause of death in SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive patients with chest imaging and severity grade of pulmonary and systemic morphological vascular pathology. Methods: Fifteen SARS-CoV-2 positive autopsies with clinically distinct presentations (age 22–89 years) were retrospectively analyzed with focus on vascular, thromboembolic, and ischemic changes in pulmonary and in extrapulmonary sites. Eight patients died due to COVID-19 associated respiratory failure with diffuse alveolar damage in various stages and/or multi-organ failure, whereas other reasons such as cardiac decompensation, complication of malignant tumors, or septic shock were the cause of death in 7 further patients. The severity of gross and histopathological changes was semi-quantitatively scored as 0 (absent), 1 (mild), and 3 (severe). Severity scores between the 2 groups were correlated with selected clinical parameters, initial chest imaging, autopsy-based cause of death, and compared using Pearson χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Severe pulmonary endotheliitis (p = 0.031, p = 0.029) and multi-organ involvement (p = 0.026, p = 0.006) correlated significantly with COVID-19 associated death. Pulmonary microthrombi showed limited statistical correlation, while tissue necrosis, gross pulmonary embolism, and bacterial superinfection did not differentiate the 2 study groups. Chest imaging at hospital admission did not differ either. Conclusions: Extensive pulmonary endotheliitis and multi-organ involvement are characteristic autopsy features in fatal CO­VID-19 associated deaths. Thromboembolic and ischemic events and bacterial superinfections occur frequently in SARS-CoV-2 infection independently of outcome.
Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis: A Retrospective Study of an Uncommon Skin Disease in the Largest Tertiary Care Center in Switzerland
Authors: Guillet Carole , Steinmann Simona , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Kolm Isabel
Published: September 2021

Background: Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is defined by the deposition of amyloid protein in the skin without systemic involvement. There are four subtypes of PLCA: lichen amyloidosis (LA), macular amyloidosis (MA), biphasic amyloidosis (BA), and nodular amyloidosis (NA). PLCA occurs most frequently in Latin Americans and Asians. Treatment is not standardized. Objectives: To identify subtypes, demographic and clinical features and treatment efficacy in patients with histopathologically confirmed PLCA. Materials and Methods: Data of PLCA patients were extracted from the electronic hospital database and included if diagnosis of PLCA was histopathologically confirmed and if sufficient information regarding treatment and follow-up was available. The evaluation of the treatment efficacy was based on a novel score to assess the reduction of itch and skin lesions. Results: In this retrospective, monocentric study, 37 cases of PLCA diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 were included (21 females) with a mean age of 52 years. LA was the most frequent subtype found in 21 patients (56.8%), followed by MA in 10 patients (28%) and BA in 6 patients (16.2%). No cases of NA were included. 22 patients (59.4%) had skin phototype II or III. Regarding treatment, a combination of UVA1 phototherapy with high-potency topical corticosteroids seemed to show the highest efficacy with complete clearance of symptoms in 4 patients (10.8%). A substantial improvement of symptoms was found in 5 patients (12.7%) treated with high-potency topical corticosteroids alone or in combination either with UVA1 or bath PUVA or monotherapy with UVA1 phototherapy or capsaicin (0.075%) cream. Low-/medium-potency topical corticosteroids alone or in combination with UVBnb (311 nm) phototherapy showed a lower efficacy. Conclusion: Our data show that PCLA is a rare disease in central Europe but can also be expected in a predominantly Caucasian population. The best treatment response was achieved with a combination of UVA1 phototherapy and high-potency topical corticosteroids.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon after COVID-19 Vaccination: Causative Association, Temporal Connection, or Mere Bystander?
Authors: Urban Nikolaus , Weber Benedikt , Deinsberger Julia , Gschwandtner Michael , Bauer Wolfgang , Handisurya Alessandra
Published: September 2021

Herein, we report a case of a new-onset Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), which occurred in an otherwise healthy 31-year-old Caucasian woman, who lacked any known risk factors and associations with possible causes for secondary RP. However, 2 weeks prior to the development of RP, the patient had received her first injection of the COVID-19 vaccine containing ChAdOx1-SARS-COV-2. The patient presented with well-demarcated, white-pale, cold areas involving the middle fingers of both hands and the ring finger of the right hand, which were triggered by exposure to cold environment and accompanied by a sensation of numbness. Infrared thermography revealed notable temperature differences of up to 10.9°C between affected and nonaffected fingers. Coagulation and immunological parameters, including cryoglobulins and pathological autoantibodies, were within the normal range and antibodies to the heparin/platelet factor 4 complex not detectable. It remains unclear if the development of RP in our patient is causally related to antecedent COVID-19 vaccination; however, the temporal connection to the vaccination, the complete absence of RP in her past medical history, and the lack of any risk factors and triggers raise the suspicion of a yet unknown association with the vaccine. Whether a clear association between the development of RP and COVID-19 vaccination exists or whether RP represents a bystander effect needs to be awaited in case observational reports on RP accumulate. Given the steadily rising numbers of people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, physicians may remain alert to still unrecognized side effects.
Expression and Clinical Significance of lncRNA OSER1-AS1 in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Peirui , Qin Zheng , Sun Xiaokang , Yang Junrong , Lv Jing , Diao Mingqiang
Published: September 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignant cancer worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key players in the development and progression of NSCLC, and may be potential biomarkers of NSCLC. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of lncRNA oxidative stress responsive serine rich 1 antisense RNA 1 (OSER1-AS1) in peripheral blood of patients with NSCLC. OSER1-AS1 in peripheral blood of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and healthy subjects was detected, and the clinical diagnostic efficacy was analyzed. The correlation between OSER1-AS1 expression and clinicopathological features in patients with LUSC and LUAD was analyzed. The downstream mechanism of OSER1-AS1 was explored. The area under the ROC curve of lncRNA OSER1-AS1 and miR-1298-5p/CHSY3 in LUSC and LUAD was compared using the MedCalc analysis. OSER1-AS1 was low in peripheral blood of patients with LUSC and LUAD. The area under the ROC curve for predicting LUSC was 0.800. The area under the ROC curve for predicting LUAD was 0.728. In LUSC and LUAD, OSER1-AS1 deficiency was associated with tumor node metastasis stage, lymph node metastasis, distal metastasis, and poor prognosis. miR-1298-5p was highly expressed, while chondroitin sulfate synthase 3 (CHSY3) was lowly expressed in patients with LUSC and LUAD. miR-1298-5p had target relations with OSER1-AS1 and CHSY3. lncRNA OSER1-AS1 had a higher diagnostic value in patients with NSCLC than miR-1298-5p and CHSY3. Overall, low expression of OSER1-AS1 in peripheral blood of NSCLC patients has high clinical significance, which provides a certain reference value for NSCLC early diagnosis.
M(ai)cro: Centering the Macrosystem in Human Development
Authors: Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Niwa Erika Y. , Chung Kara , Yip Tiffany , Chae David
Published: September 2021

Both society and psychological science are deeply grounded in (and often perpetuate) white supremacy and anti-Blackness. While human development is inextricable from macro-level structural racism and hierarchies of oppression, developmental research often locates processes in the micro-level of individuals and relationships, ultimately obscuring how intimately macro-level forces shape developmental processes. The current paper aims to shift the starting point of the story of human development by centering the macrosystem, and specifically racism (and its partnering ideologies of sexism, heteronormativity, classism, and capitalism) in ecological systems theory and developmental psychology broadly. Through the lens of racial socialization research, we present an empirical example to illustrate how the sociopolitical context of racism is itself a source of socialization. Finally, we propose new language, m(ai)cro, to conceptualize the simultaneous and transactional macro-as-micro processes in development. We conclude with guiding principles for how to work toward equity and justice in human development.
Industry 4.0 with intelligent manufacturing 5G mobile robot based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Kasim Hawari Mohd Zarifitri , Anwar Apandi Nur Ilyana
Published: September 2021

A manufacturing fifth-generation (5G) mobile robot is a new development of industry 4.0 application, deploying an unmanned system. This study aims to implement a robot system for industrial applications in real-time with remote sensors to enable humans. Moreover, there is still some obstacle to cope with the better optimization solution for manufacturing 5G robot. This paper proposed a latency network algorithm for the manufacturing 5G mobile robot. An improved genetic algorithm (GA) by restructuring the genes is applied to plan a mobile robot path. The process of the robot path in a complex workspace is proposed, considering the node's collision-free constraint in the moving phase of a robot. The proposed scheme improves the robot path and delivery efficiency of the robot on average at 68% by moving on the industrial environment's shortest path and time average of the mobile robot reach its destination.
Design of fractional order PID controller for AVR system using whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Abood Layla H. , Kadhim Oleiwi Bashra
Published: September 2021

In this paper a robust fractional order PID (FOPID) controller is proposed to control the automatic voltage regulator (AVR) system, the tuning of the controller gains are done using whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and integral time absolute error (ITAE) cost function is adopted to achieve an efficient performance. The transient analysis was done and compared with conventional PID in terms of overshoot, settling time, rise time, and peak time to explain the superiority of the proposed controller. Finally, a robustness analysis is done by adding external disturbances to the system and changing the system parameters by ±20% from its original value, the controller overcomes the disturbances signals with less than 0.25 s and faces the changes of the system values and returning the response within (0.7-1) sec and led the system to the desired response efficiently. The numerical simulations showed that the smart WOA offers satisfying results and faster response reflected clearly on the robust and stable performance of the proposed controller in improving the transient analysis of AVR system response.
Evaluation of different quantization resolution levels on the BER performance of massive MIMO systems under different operating scenarios
Authors: AL-Qaysi Hayder Khaleel , Mahmood Tahreer , Humood Khalid Awaad
Published: September 2021

The massive MIMO system is one of the main technologies in the fifth generation (5G) of telecommunication systems, also recognized as a highly large-scale system. Constantly in massive MIMO systems, the base station (BS) is provided with a large number of antennas, and this large number of antennas need high-quantization resolution levels analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). In this situation, there will be more power consumption and hardware costs. This paper presents the simulation performance of a suggested method to investigate and analyze the effects of different quantization resolution levels of ADCs on the bit error rate (BER) performance of massive MIMO system under different operating scenarios using MATLAB software. The results show that the SNR exceeds 12 dB accounts for only 0.001% of BER signals when the number of antennas 60 with low quantization a 2 bits’ levels ADCs, approximately. But when the antenna number rises to 300, the SNR exceeds 12 dB accounts for almost 0.01% of BER transmitted signals. Comparably with the BER performance of high quantization, 4 bits-quantization resolution levels ADCs with the same different antennas have a slight degradation. Therefore, the number of antennas is a very important influence factor.
Analyzing the BER and optical fiber length performances in OFDM RoF links
Authors: Kareem Marwa M. , S. Lafta Sameer A. , Hashim Hadi Fakhir , Al-Azzawi Raed Khalid , Ali Adnan Hussein
Published: September 2021

Radio over fiber (RoF) can be assessed as a system of most convenient combination of optical fiber and radio signals. The technique of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) considers as a data distribution over a huge number of carriers having spaced from each other with specific frequencies at overlap bands. Hence incorporates OFDM with the optical fiber, OFDM-RoF system can be increased the modulation RF access capacity besides high-speed data transmission, it considers a broadband communication trend of the current and future applications specifically for 5G mobile. The optical network scenarios of various RF can be model with optisystem software, and OFDM in addition to use a section of the orthogonal multiplex frequency of 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) RF modulating signal. In the optical domain, Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) optical modulators are used to carry out different results with different fiber lengths. An OFDM-RoF wireless communication system considers as advanced data rate transmission achievement by minimum delays. The essential goal of this paper is for identifying the minimum bit error rate (BER) for the 16-QAM modulation with varying fiber length. The OFDM-RoF system can be able for realizing a fiber length 100 km with a restricted decreasing in the received power so that the constellation noise is became greater despite of applying electrical amplification and optical amplification.
Dual-band doherty power amplifier with improved reactance compensation
Authors: Yu Li M. , Aridas Narendra K. , Latef Tarik A.
Published: September 2021

In brief, a dual-band doherty power amplifier employing reactance compensation with gallium nitride high-electron-mobility transistor technology is discussed. This design is developed for long-term evolution (LTE) frequency operation, particularly for the application of two-way radio to improve the efficiency at the back-off point from saturation output power for selected dual frequencies in the LTE bandwidth. Measurements show that the prototype board has enhanced performance at the desired frequencies, namely a saturation output power of 40.5 dBm, and 6 dB back-off efficiencies of 43% and 47%, which exhibit a gain of approximately 10 dB at 0.8 GHz and 2.1 GHz, respectively.
The effects of the cross-entropy stopping criterion and quadrature amplitude modulation on iterative turbo decoding performance
Authors: Mohamad Roslina , Nasir Mohamad Yusuf Mat , Anas Nuzli Mohamad
Published: September 2021

One of the most often-used stopping criteria is the cross-entropy stopping criterion (CESC). The CESC can stop turbo decoder iterations early by calculating mutual information improvements while maintaining bit error rate (BER) performance. Most research on iterative turbo decoding stopping criteria has utilised low-modulation methods, such as binary phase-shift keying. However, a high-speed network requires high modulation to transfer data at high speeds. Hence, a high modulation technique needs to be integrated into the CESC to match its speed. Therefore, the present paper investigated and analysed the effects of the CESC and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) on iterative turbo decoding. Three thresholds were simulated and tested under four situations: different code rates, different QAM formats, different code generators, and different frame sizes. The results revealed that in most situations, the use of CESC is suitable only when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is high. This is because the CESC significantly reduces the average iteration number (AIN) while maintaining the BER. The CESC can terminate early at a high SNR and save more than 40% AIN compared with the fixed stopping criterion. Meanwhile, at a low SNR, the CESC fails to terminate early, which results in maximum AIN.
Some results on χ-single valued neutrosophic subgroups
Authors: Hameed M. Shazib , Ahmad Zaheer , Mukhtar Salman , Ullah Asad
Published: September 2021

In this study, we develop a novel structure χ-single valued neutrosophic set, which is a generalization of the intuitionistic set, inconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy set, Pythagorean fuzzy set, spherical fuzzy set, paraconsistent set, etc. Fuzzy subgroups play a vital role in vagueness structure, it differ from regular subgroups in that it is impossible to determine which group elements belong and which do not. In this paper, we investigate the concept of a χ-single valued neutrosophic set and χ-single valued neutrosophic subgroups. We explore the idea of χ-single valued neutrosophic set on fuzzy subgroups and several characterizations related to χ-single valued neutrosophic subgroups are suggested.
Develop a dynamic DBSCAN algorithm for solving initial parameter selection problem of the DBSCAN algorithm
Authors: Hossain Md. Zakir , Islam Md. Jakirul , Miah Md. Waliur Rahman , Rony Jahid Hasan , Begum Momotaz
Published: September 2021

The amount of data has been increasing exponentially in every sector such as banking securities, healthcare, education, manufacturing, consumer-trade, transportation, and energy. Most of these data are noise, different in shapes, and outliers. In such cases, it is challenging to find the desired data clusters using conventional clustering algorithms. DBSCAN is a popular clustering algorithm which is widely used for noisy, arbitrary shape, and outlier data. However, its performance highly depends on the proper selection of cluster radius (Eps) and the minimum number of points (MinPts) that are required for forming clusters for the given dataset. In the case of real-world clustering problems, it is a difficult task to select the exact value of Eps and (MinPts) to perform the clustering on unknown datasets. To address these, this paper proposes a dynamic DBSCAN algorithm that calculates the suitable value for (Eps) and (MinPts) dynamically by which the clustering quality of the given problem will be increased. This paper evaluates the performance of the dynamic DBSCAN algorithm over seven challenging datasets. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the dynamic DBSCAN algorithm over the well-known clustering algorithms.
Channel estimation of OFDM in C-band communication systems under different distribution conditions
Authors: Al-Asady Heba Abdul-Jaleel , Fakhruldeen Hassan Falah , Alsudani Mustafa Qahtan
Published: September 2021

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a transmission system that uses multiple orthogonal carriers that are sent out at the same time. OFDM is a technique for mobile and wireless communication that has high-efficient frequency utilization, high data-rate transmission, simple and efficient implementation using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), and reduces inter symbol interference (ISI) by inserting cyclic prefix (CP). One of the most important approaches in an OFDM system is channel estimation. In this paper, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system with the Rayleigh channel module is analyzed for different areas. The proposed approach used large numbers of subcarriers to transmit the signals over 64-QAM modulation with pilot add channel estimation. The accuracy of the OFDM system is shown in the measuring of the relationships of peak power to the noise ratio and bit error rate.
Design and implementation of an adaptive multilevel wireless security system using IoT
Authors: Sultan Mohammed M. , Saeed Amer T. , Sana Ahmed M.
Published: September 2021

Securing property plays a crucial role in human life. Therefore, an adaptive multilevel wireless security system (ML-WSS) based on the internet of things (IoT) has been proposed to observe and secure a certain place. ML-WSS consists of hardware and software components, such as a set of sensors, Wi-Fi module, and operation and monitoring mobile application (OMM). The OMM application is designed to remotely monitor and control the proposed system through the Internet and by using ThingSpeak cloud as a data store. The proposed scheme is based on dividing the required zone of the place into three regions (levels), low-risk region (LRR) as level-1, moderate-risk region (MRR) level-2, and high-risk region (HRR) as level-3. Each level may contain one or set of sensors, so the number of sensors, their placement, and under which level is labelled is specified according to the security requirements. Several processes are done based on these levels when a breach occurs in the system. Mathematical model and pseudocode were created to illustrate the mechanism of the proposed system. The results show that the proposed system has been implemented successfully and the number of breaches that occurs in level-3 area was reduced by 50% as compared to level-1.
Educação como poiesis
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Educação, Cabrera Theda , Ferreira-Santos Marcos ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Educação
Published: September 2021

O livro tem como base a investigação em nível pós-doutoral em educação, o caráter transdisciplinar e situa-se na interface entre os campos da Educação, Arte-Educação e Antropologia do Imaginário. Desse modo se faz necessário mostrar qual a concepção dos autores sobre cada um desses campos de saber. Na obra a Educação é abordada como um modo de proporcionar ao Ser o exercício de realizar seu potencial humano, como ato que nunca termina e que nunca se ordena, como poiésis, um tempo de criatividade e de criação. Em relação à Arte-educação, interessa aos autores a confluência entre uma concepção específica de educação, como poiésis e a fusão com algumas categorias elementares da arte “(expressão, criação, estesia, fruição e reflexão)”. Na Antropologia do Imaginário não se considera que as narrativas simbólicas como os mitos ou os contos filosóficos estejam circunscritas "aos povos primitivos", "irracionais" e "atrasados’", pois, segundo os autores, no universo simbólico “não há efetivamente progresso, não há superação dos dados antropológicos, mas seu eterno retorno”.
Arquitetar para ensinar: design instrucional no ensino remoto
Authors: Oliveira Anamaria Siriani de , Jayme Lúcia de Rezende , Almeida Fausto , Carmona Fábio
Published: September 2021

A pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) impôs um cenário mundial de isolamento social e suspensão de atividades didáticas presenciais em todos os níveis de ensino. Isto levou à adoção emergencial de estratégias de ensino remoto para dar continuidade, ainda que de forma limitada, às atividades didáticas. Por outro lado, boa parte dos professores, em todos os níveis de ensino, possuía pouco ou nenhum conhecimento e experiência com o ensino remoto. Embora as instituições de ensino tenham oferecido suporte, em maior ou menor grau, coube individualmente ao docente a maior parte da tarefa de se capacitar, preparar e oferecer suas unidades de ensino. Além disso, muitos cursos foram transferidos para o ambiente virtual sem as devidas adaptações, o que pode resultar em piores resultados de aprendizagem. Embora existam diferentes metodologias para planejar e implantar o ensino à distância, usando plataformas baseadas na rede mundial de computadores, o modelo ADDIE é bastante popular e relativamente simples de ser implantado e, por isso, foi escolhido para o desenvolvimento deste artigo. Dessa forma, apresentamos as etapas de análise, desenho, desenvolvimento, implementação e avaliação de curso oferecido de forma online. Além disso, incluímos elementos práticos como indicação de equipamentos, softwares, links e sugestões para completar estas etapas.
Moral Psychology, Neuroscience, and Non-Combatant Immunity
Authors: Price Richard
Published: September 2021

Some have argued for the relevance for normative ethics of empirical research in international relations on the origins and role of moral norms. Building on such arguments, the paper considers the relevance of contemporary research in moral psychology and neuroscience for the ethics of war. Research in those fields has implications for our understanding of the sources and nature of moral beliefs and judgement, and thus may shed light on efforts to morally bound violence. In this chapter I consider how such research helps us understand the norm of non-combatant immunity, and explore the implications for understanding the effectiveness of such norms and for normative practice.
Why the Ethics of War needs the Social Sciences
Authors: Colonomos Ariel
Published: September 2021

This paper argues that, for both sociological and epistemic reasons, the ethics of war needs the social sciences and, accordingly, sets an alternative to the two prevailing approaches in the literature in the ethics of war field, i.e. the just war tradition model and the ethics of war theory. Given what we learn from the factual description of war and its interpretation in the social sciences, and given what their epistemic premises are, both models - and more particularly the second one – fail to address important normative issues that arise in the course of warfare. Based on the discussion of two case studies – states’ policy in the face of hostage-taking and the rule of proportionality – I argue it is important to move beyond the divide between a state-centric approach (the just war tradition) and an individualistic one (the ethics of war theory): it is indispensable to take into consideration other social spheres where norms emerge and find, between those spheres, some ‘overlapping normative ground’. I argue, both sociologically and normatively, that norms rely upon interlocking sets of expectations. I also argue that these social expectations need to be thoroughly examined in order to ascertain the plausibility of norms in warfare. As a conclusion, for reasons that are both sociological and normative, I stress the political importance, within a liberal and knowledge-oriented society, of the access to facts that always need to be interpreted when making normative claims.
Two new species of Aristolochia series Thyrsicae (Aristolochiaceae) from southern Central America, with comments on morphologically similar species
Authors: JIMÉNEZ JOSÉ ESTEBAN , AGUILAR FERNÁNDEZ REINALDO , BLANCO MARIO A.
Published: September 2021

Aristolochia longissima and Aristolochia ornithorhyncha, two new species from the lowland moist forest from the Pacific watershed of southern Costa Rica and western Panama, are described and illustrated. Both species can be distinguished from most other species of Aristolochia series Thyrsicae, because of their leaves with pellucid gland dots, which are here documented in Aristolochiaceae for the first time. Comments about their distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and distinction from related species are provided. The circumscription of Aristolochia belizensis, A. chapmaniana, A. fragrantissima, A. ovalifolia, A. schmidtiana and A. tonduzii is discussed.
A taxonomic review of the family Trachipteridae (Acanthomorpha: Lampridiformes), with an emphasis on taxa distributed in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: MARTIN JENNIFER M. , HILTON ERIC J.
Published: September 2021

The family Trachipteridae—the Ribbonfishes, Dealfishes, and their relatives—has a circumglobal distribution, with at least 10 species in three genera (Zu Walters & Fitch 1960, Desmodema Walters & Fitch 1960, and Trachipterus Goüan 1770) that are characterized by elongate, extremely laterally compressed bodies, large eyes, absence of ribs, spines on lateral-line scales, greatly protrusible mouths, and a lack of pelvic fins in adults. They are also known for the drastic morphological changes that occur during ontogeny. Trachipterids are poorly represented in collections due to the fragile nature of their bodies. Most studies of the Trachipteridae have been limited by the numbers, developmental stages, and the completeness of the specimens that were examined. Along with the lack of available material, incomplete and conflicting character information compounds the taxonomic confusion of Trachipteridae. Despite the body of regional revisions that have examined trachipterid taxonomy, none have synthesized a suite of morphological characters across ontogeny. The goals of this paper are to (1) revise the family Trachipteridae, (2) revise the genera Trachipterus, Zu, and Desmodema, including information regarding ontogeny and biogeography, and 3) address the alpha taxonomy of Zu, Desmodema, and Trachipterus from the western Pacific Ocean. We recognize possibly five species of Trachipterus as being present in the western Pacific, as well as two species of both Zu and Desmodema. Despite additions to the specimen base that allows refinement of taxonomy and diagnoses, there are still large knowledge gaps associated with the taxonomic review of Trachipteridae. These reflect incomplete understanding of geographic distribution of taxa which may mask unrecognized taxonomic variability. The genus Trachipterus specifically remains problematic and will require greater detailed global study. Early life history stages remain unknown for several taxa which hinders full interpretation of ontogenetic transitions. Protracted transitions, some of which are clarified here, further confuse stage-based diagnoses and must be considered in future analyses of this family.