bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presenting of the Magnetic Coupling-Based Transformer-Less High Step-Up DC-DC Converter for Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Shayeghi Hossein , Pourjafar Saeed , Hashemzadeh Seyed Majid , Sedaghati Farzad
Published: March 2022

This study presents a new high step-up converter based on the voltage multiplier cell and coupled inductor for renewable energy applications such as fuel cell and photovoltaic power systems. This converter achieves a high voltage conversion ratio using a coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cell (VMC). The voltage multiplier cell acts as a passive clamp circuit and reduces the maximum voltage across the power switch. The suggested topology has only one power switch in its structure, which leads to low cost and volume. The other benefits of the proposed structure are low components count, low input current ripple, low voltage stress throughout the semiconductors, high efficiency, zero-current switching (ZCS), and zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of diodes. Besides, due to the soft-switching condition of the diodes, the reverse recovery problem can be decreased. To show the effectiveness of the suggested topology, operation survey, steady-state analysis, and efficiency calculation are provided. Additionally, the comparison study with other similar converters illustrates the superiority of the proposed structure. Finally, an experimental prototype with 150 W rated power, 50 kHz switching frequency, and 24 V input voltage is implemented to prove the mathematical analysis and effectiveness of the proposed DC-DC converter.
Dynamic RCS Reduction Performances of Antenna Array with Coding Metasurface
Authors: Chen Yan , He Xiao-Xiang , Yang Yang , Hu Heng-Yan , Li Fu-Kang , Yang Lei
Published: March 2022

On the basis of combining the two concepts of digital coding metasurface and metasurface antenna, low radar cross-section (RCS) coding metasurface antenna array with dynamic scattering performances is presented in this paper. Extending scattering factor theory to coding metasurface antenna, by controlling the states of PIN diodes randomly, the scattering performances of coding metasurface antenna array can be tuned dynamically without degrading its radiation property. Based on phase cancellation principle, a 8 

×

 8 antenna array was finally simulated and fabricated. By comparing several different layouts, taking checkerboard layout, new chessboard layout, and “0101” square ring nested layout as examples, both monostatic and bistatic RCS of the antenna mentioned above can be reduced 10 dB or more in the frequency range of 9–10.5 GHz under the illumination of x-polarized incident wave. The measured data are consistent with the simulation data, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Innovative Research on Intelligent Enterprise Management Mode under the Background of Smart City
Authors: Yan Huihui , Fang Xiaohong
Published: March 2022

The widespread application of Internet of Things technology, new broadband mobile networks, cloudy computing, and other new information technologies on the Internet has promoted the development of “smart cities.” The essence of the “smart city” is to make full use of advanced information technology to realize the intelligent management and operation of the city, thereby creating a better life for the urban people and realizing the harmonious and sustainable development of the city. This article is aimed at studying the innovation of intelligent enterprise management models in the context of smart cities. This article first analyzes and briefly describes the theoretical knowledge of the “smart city” and the current domestic development, then proposes the technology of data warehouses, and finally uses the multiple linear regression formula for analysis. The experimental results of this paper show that in the context of smart cities, the intelligent management model of enterprises has played an important role in the development of enterprises, which is 51.7% faster than the traditional model, and the accuracy is as high as 92.3%.
Data Mining of Students’ Physical Exercise Based on Cloud Computing
Authors: Huang Can , Xu Chuanming
Published: March 2022

Physical exercise is very necessary for students, only good physical quality can better study. The mining of physical exercise data is the analysis and integration of physical exercise data. The purpose of this paper is to study the data mining technology of students’ physical exercise. This paper proposes a data mining algorithm for student physical exercise based on Cloud Computing (CdC). In the traditional data mining technology, data regression and clustering are added, and the data is processed through variance and covariance, which can make the data complete the processing steps such as cleaning faster and saves a lot of data processing time. The experiments in this paper show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can analyze the physical exercise data very well. For data samples with sample sizes of 1000 and 2000, the running time is about 20 seconds lower than the original algorithm, and the resource factor of the system is stable at about 82%, which proves that the algorithm has a good load balance.
Expression Level and Clinical Significance of AK021443 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiyong , Dai Yu , Zhang Hongming , Xia Honglin , Kan Qingsheng
Published: March 2022

To explore the prognostic potential of AK021443 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), AK021443 levels in NSCLC specimens were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between the AK021443 level and pathological factors in NSCLC patients was analyzed. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted for assessing the prognostic value of AK021443 in NSCLC patients. Potential factors influencing NSCLC prognosis were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression test. AK021443 was upregulated in NSCLC specimens than normal ones. Its level was correlated to histological type, tumor differentiation, TNM staging, and lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC patients. AK021443 was the independent risk factor for the overall survival of NSCLC. AK021443 is highly expressed in NSCLC specimens, which is correlated to histological type, tumor differentiation, TNM staging, and lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC patients. It is the independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.
Resilience-Based Restoration Sequence Optimization for Metro Networks: A Case Study in China
Authors: Zhang Jiefei , Ren Gang , Song Jianhua
Published: March 2022

Metro station restoration sequence optimization is crucial during post-disaster recovery. Taking both budget limitations and repair time uncertainty into account, this paper proposes a resilience-based optimization model for choosing an optimal restoration sequence scheme, maximizing the global average efficiency, under the condition that the network accessibility meets given resilience requirements. Evolutionary algorithm NSGA-II is applied to solve the model. A Case study in Nanjing and Zhengzhou gives insights into restoration sequence strategies for decision-makers. Results show that a ring network is more robust than a radial network under the same scale attack. Under limited budget, the optimal restoration sequence is closely related to the damaged stations’ location and repair time. Specifically, if damaged stations’ distribution is relatively centralized and transfer stations need more repair time, giving repair priority to transfer stations is not always the best strategy. If damaged stations’ distribution is relatively scattered and all stations’ repair time is the same, the station with a bigger node degree should be repaired earlier. However, this conclusion may be invalid if transfer stations repair time is far longer than others. Sensitivity analysis show that the total budget is more sensitive than one day’s budget in the entire restoration phase. However, in the emergency phase, increasing one day’s budget is more significant for shortening recovery time. The proposed model can contribute to effective and flexible decision-making for metro network restorations.
Joint Analysis of Morphological Parameters and In Silico Haemodynamics of the Left Atrial Appendage for Thrombogenic Risk Assessment
Authors: Pons Maria Isabel , Mill Jordi , Fernandez-Quilez Alvaro , Olivares Andy L. , Silva Etelvino , de Potter Tom , Camara Oscar
Published: March 2022

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered the most common human arrhythmia. In nonvalvular AF, around 99% of thrombi are formed in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Nevertheless, there is not a consensus in the community about the relevant factors to stratify the AF population according to thrombogenic risk. Objective. To demonstrate the need for combining left atrial morphological and haemodynamics indices to improve the thrombogenic risk assessment in nonvalvular AF patients. Methods. A cohort of 71 nonvalvular AF patients was analysed. Statistical analysis, regression models, and random forests were used to analyse the differences between morphological and haemodynamics parameters, extracted from computational simulations built on 3D rotational angiography images, between patients with and without transient ischemic attack (TIA) or cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Results. The analysis showed that models composed of both morphological and haemodynamic factors were better predictors of TIA/CVA compared with models based on either morphological or haemodynamic factors separately. Maximum ostium diameter, length of the centreline, blood flow velocity within the LAA, oscillatory shear index, and time average wall shear stress parameters were found to be key risk factors for TIA/CVA prediction. In addition, TIA/CVA patients presented more flow stagnation within the LAA. Conclusion. Thrombus formation in the LAA is the result of multiple factors. Analyses based only on morphological or haemodynamic parameters are not precise enough to predict such a phenomenon, as demonstrated in our results; a better patient stratification can be obtained by jointly analysing morphological and haemodynamic features.
Identification and Characterization of the Roles of circCASP9 in Gastric Cancer Based on a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network
Authors: Qin Chuan , Zhang Han , Guo Xiong , Cheng Anqi , Liu Huawen , Wang Ziwei
Published: March 2022

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) have substantial effects on gastric cancer (GC) tumorigenesis and development. In this study, we performed a screen and identified two differentially expressed circRNAs (circCASP9 and circDLG5) from our circRNA microarray. We validated the expression of circCASP9 and circDLG5 in GC tissues and their normal counterparts by using qRT-PCR. Only circCASP9 was revealed to be downregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Functionally, circCASP9 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells both in vitro and in vivo. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed for the identification of candidate target genes of circCASP9. circCASP9, two miRNAs, and 55 mRNAs were selected for construction of the ceRNA network. We confirmed that circCASP9 can function as a sponge of miR-589-5p to regulate KANK1 expression, thereby controlling GC progression. Accordingly, we identified that the novel circRNA circCASP9 was differentially expressed between GC tissues and their normal counterparts. We also showed that circCASP9 can regulate the growth and metastasis of GC via the miR-589-5p/KANK1 axis. The circCASP9/miR-589-5p/KANK1 axis might provide crucial insights for investigating the occurrence and development of GC.
[Retracted] Measurement of Coordination Degree between Economy and Logistics in Hebei Province, China, Based on Fractional Grey Model (1, 1)
Authors: Zhou Na , Tan Juan , Ren Xiangyang , Jiang Xinxin
Published: March 2022

Modern logistics is the supporting industry of the national economy. The synergy between logistics and economy has been highlighted in northern China’s Hebei Province. This study measures the coordination degree between economy and logistics in Hebei, drawing on the grey system theory. Specifically, the entropy weight‐grey correlation method was introduced to evaluate the interplay between economic and logistics factors in Hebei between 2011 and 2020. The evaluation suggests that private car ownership has the most significant correlation with the economy and that the total retail sales of social consumer goods are the leading impactor of logistics. Next, the fractional grey model (FGM) (1, 1) was employed to forecast the economic and logistics indices of Hebei in the next five years. The forecast results show that FGM (1, 1) achieved a higher prediction precision than the conventional GM (1, 1) and discrete grey model (DGM) (1, 1). Based on the original data and forecasted results, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model was adopted to compute the CCD between the economy and logistics in Hebei during 2011–2025. It was calculated that the coupling coordination exhibited a continuous upward trend. From 2011 to 2025, the CCD between economy and logistics in Hebei evolves from moderate incoordination, mild incoordination, weak incoordination, and weak coordination, all the way to moderate coordination. In the light of the analysis results, several suggestions were presented to promote the coordinated development between economy and logistics in Hebei.
Heterogeneity of CAFfeinated Tumors: Sweet Targeting Perspectives
Authors: De Wever Olivier
Published: March 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) shows heterogeneity within a tumor. An important element of the TME is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). In this issue of Cancer Research, Bouchard and colleagues investigate the heterogeneity of CAFs from spatially different zones of lung adenocarcinoma resection specimens. Multiomics analysis revealed changes in the O-glycoproteome, unique to CAFs from the tumor edge, an effect reinforced by contact with cancer cells. This O-glycoprotein signature offers unique targeting perspectives that reciprocally affect cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity, a key mechanism of cancer progression. Deeper understanding of the cancer-stimulating and cancer-inhibiting role of CAF subtypes will facilitate the development of CAF-directed therapeutic approaches.

See related article by Bouchard et al., p. 648
Simultaneous Presentation of Glioblastoma Multiforme in Divorced Spouses
Authors: Fehr Cassie M. , Auer Roland N.
Published: March 2022

High-grade gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. However, with an incidence of 4/100,000 per year, glioblastoma multiforme is uncommon enough to make simultaneous presentation of identical tumors in husband and wife exceedingly rare. We report the fourth couple in the literature presenting with malignant astrocytomas concurrently. Despite being divorced and living apart for two decades, they presented on the same day, overhearing and recognizing each other’s voice in the emergency room. We include here the molecular characteristics of the tumors in both husband and wife, favoring the independent development of concurrent primary glioblastomas. Despite the number of conjugal presentations reported, genotoxicity and gliomagenesis may remain a completely independent event in spouses, dependent on endogenous factors damaging DNA. The slowly increasing incidence of gliomas, with nearly 100% correct nosologic recognition of this tumor entity, may lead to further recognition of independent but concurrent brain tumors in spouses.
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis as a Complication of Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Flogelova Hana , Karaskova Eva , Bouchalova Katerina , Rohanova Marie , Latalova Vendula , Tichy Tomas , Tesar Vladimir
Published: March 2022

Patients on long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) occasionally develop glomerulonephritis due to chronic central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection. Most previously reported cases were membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). This is a case report of a 16-year-old girl receiving HPN for short bowel syndrome. After 11 years on HPN, she developed acute kidney injury with macroscopic hematuria, nephrotic-range proteinuria, and a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Initially, MPGN associated with chronic bacteremia was suspected with the assumption that the condition would be treated with antibiotics and CVC replacement. However, her kidney biopsy revealed antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (AAG). This was consistent with the fact that the patient tested positive for proteinase 3-ANCA. Immunosuppressive therapy with methylprednisolone pulses (followed by oral prednisone) and rituximab led to remission. Her GFR and protein excretion returned to normal. Chronic bacteremia as a complication of long-term HPN may cause various types of glomerulonephritis including, rarely, AAG requiring immunosuppressive therapy.
Palliative Care in Advanced Liver Disease: Similar or Different Palliative Care Needs in Patients with a Prospect of Transplantation? Prospective Study from a Portuguese University Hospital and Transplantation Center
Authors: Vieira da Silva Sara Neves , Baptista Patricia , Fonseca Silva Isabel , Freire Elga , Pessegueiro Miranda Helena
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, comparable to a large extent to other organ insufficiencies. The need for palliative care (PC) in patients with ESLD is high. In Portugal, in the only identified study, more than 80% of patients hospitalized with ESLD had criteria for PC. No results specified which needs they identified or their transplantation prospect status. Methods: Prospective observational study including 54 ESLD patients who presented to a university hospital and transplantation center, between November 2019 and September 2020. Assessment of their PC needs through the application of NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© and IPOS, considering their transplantation perspective status. Results: Of the 54 patients, 5 (9.3%) were on active waiting list for transplantation and 8 (14.8%) under evaluation. NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© identified 23 patients (n = 42.6%) that would benefit from PC. Assessment of PC needs by clinicians, functional markers and significant comorbidities were the most frequent criteria (47.8%, n = 11). IPOS also revealed a different sort of needs: on average, each patient identified about 9 needs (8.9 ±2.8). Among the symptoms identified, weakness (77.8%), reduced mobility (70.3%), and pain (48.1%) stood out, as well as the psychoemotional symptoms of depression (66.7%) and anxiety (77.8%). There were no significant differences between the subgroups of patients analyzed. Only 4 patients (7.4%) were followed by the PC team. Conclusion: All the ESLD patients included, independently of the group they belonged to, presented with PC needs. No significant differences between the subgroups of patients were identified, confirming that even patients with a transplantation prospect have important needs for PC.
Adaptation and Validation of the Person-Centred Assessment Tool for the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Cheong Chin Yee , Tay Felicia Hui En , Yap Philip Lin Kiat
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Person-centred care (PCC) is synonymous with best practice in the care of persons with dementia. Despite this, PCC is not routinely assessed, and there is no validated tool for in the acute care setting. We aimed to validate the Person-Centred Assessment Tool (P-CAT) in an acute setting. Methods: P-CAT was administered independently to a total of 161 nurses (n = 16, from a specialized dementia unit with PCC training; n = 116, geriatric wards; n = 30, medical/surgical wards). The word “residents” was replaced with “patients” in P-CAT. We employed confirmatory factor analysis with principal component extraction to verify the previously reported three- and two-factor solutions. A one-way between-groups ANOVA was then used to investigate group differences in the P-CAT score (total scale and subscale). Results: Factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution (explained variance 42.28%): (i) extent of personalizing care and (ii) amount of organizational and environmental support. Out of the 13 items, only 2 items did not load as expected. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = 0.77). Nurses’ P-CAT scores were significantly different across ward settings [Welch’s F(2,37.20) = 13.01, p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.09], with the highest among those PCC trained. Post hoc analyses revealed a significant difference in mean subscale scores between PCC-trained nurses and nurses from the other two ward settings. P-CAT scores were not significantly correlated with age, r(159) = 0.01, p = 0.861, or with nursing experience, r(159) = 0.04, p = 0.615. Discussion/Conclusion: P-CAT possesses adequate validity and reliability as a quantitative assessment tool of PCC in the acute care setting.
Plasma Cystatin C Correlates with Plasma NfL Levels and Predicts Disease Progression in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Imarisio Alberto , Pilotto Andrea , Garrafa Emirena , Conforti Francesca , Masciocchi Stefano , Turrone Rosanna , Gipponi Stefano , Cottini Elisabetta , Rizzetti Maria Cristina , Porrini Vanessa , Gussago Cristina , Pizzi Marina , Guadagni Fiorella , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas J. , Hye Abdul , Padovani Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Previous studies reported increased plasma levels of cystatin C (Cys-C) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and claimed for a possible association with disease severity and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma Cys-C in PD and healthy controls (HC) and test its association with markers of peripheral inflammation, neurodegeneration, and clinical progression in a longitudinal study. Methods: Plasma Cys-C, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were assessed at the baseline in 71 consecutive non-demented PD and 69 HC. PD patients underwent an extensive motor and cognitive assessment at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. The association of Cys-C with disease severity was evaluated in a multilinear model adjusted for the effect of age, sex, disease duration, and peripheral inflammation. Results: Cys-C levels appeared to be higher in PD compared to controls and correlated with the plasma neuronal marker NfL (r = 0.204, p = 0.046). In longitudinal analyses, PD patients with higher Cys-C levels exhibited faster motor progression at 2 years of follow-up independently from the peripheral inflammatory profile. Conclusions: Cys-C was associated with higher NfL levels and a remarkably faster motor progression in PD independently from peripheral inflammation. Further studies are needed in order to understand the mechanisms underpinning the association of Cys-C with higher neuronal damage markers in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dual tuned 1H/31P quadrature microstripline-based transmit/receive switch for 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Abuelhaija Ashraf , Saleh Gameel
Published: March 2022

A dual tuned transmit/receive (T/R) Switch for 7 tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is based on concentric microstripline (MSL) coupler is introduced. The proposed switch is designed using two concentric MSL quadrature couplers on the top and bottom faces of the switch. The switch can be used to handle two frequency signals to/from two radio frequency (RF) coils. In this article, a 1H/31P atomic nuclei are excited. The two MSLs on the upper face of the switch are designed to transmit 298 and 120.6 MHz signals into RF coils, whereas each of the identical upper and lower MSLs are used to receive these signals from the RF coils. This switch can be used to transmit/receive signals from two RF coils at the same time, one work with 1H and the second with 31P atomic nuclei, and without any tuning. The proposed switch has been designed and simulated using the electromagnetic microwave studio computer simulation technology (CST). It demonstrates good matching (≈17 dB), low insertion loss (≈0.3) and high isolation (>70) for the 1H and 31P magnetic resonance signals at transmit mode. During receive mode, It demonstrates good matching (>20 dB), low insertion loss (≈0.2) and high isolation (>70) for the 1H and 31P magnetic resonance signals.
Improvement of dielectric strength and properties of cross-linked polyethylene using nano filler
Authors: Essawi Sherif , Nasrat Loai , Ismail Hanafy , Asaad Jeannette
Published: March 2022

Power cables insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) have been utilized worldwide for distribution and transmission networks. There are several advantages for this type of insulation; it has better electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties compared to other types of insulation in medium and high voltage networks. Many studies aimed to improve the XLPE characteristics through introducing nano fillers to the XLPE matrix. Therefore, this paper investigates the AC (HV) breakdown voltage (dielectric strength) of XLPE after adding nano-sized zeolite (Z) fillers with various concentrations of 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt% and 7 wt%. The dielectric strength is tested in different temperatures of 30 ⁰C and 250 ⁰C. Additionally, it was tested in low and high salty wet conditions. The dielectric strength of the XLPE has been enhanced by inducing the Z nano filler. The results of the tests were used to train the artificial neural network (ANN) to calculate the dielectric strength of XLPE composites with different concentrations of nano Z filler under different weathering conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis, tensile strength, and elongation at break tests were applied to check the thermal and mechanical characteristics of the samples. Experimental findings show that the optimum concentration of nano Z is 3.64 wt% to enhance the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
Geological aspect analysis for micro hydro power plant site selection based on remote sensing data
Authors: Kumoro Yugo , Susilowati Yuliana , Irasari Pudji , Nur Wawan Hendriawan , Yunarto Yunarto
Published: March 2022

Geological characters analysis is essential for micro hydropower plant (MHP) development planning. This paper presents an analysis of the geological aspect to determine the layout of MHP components based on remote sensing data as part of a solution to addressing power shortages in Sungai Are District, South Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra Province. Remote sensing and topographic map were extracted to identify the potential site. The topographic map and geological analysis were used to calculate the potential of electrical energy and the geological hazard risk, particularly floods and landslides. The results of the study identified four potential sites. Site 1 (Luas River, Ulu Danau Village) and site 3 (Putih River, Gintung Village) are suitable for MHP with a low cost of construction. Site 2 (Pecah Pinggan Village) and site 4 (Simpang Luas Village) are prone to flooding and landslides that makes it suitable for MHP but with a high cost of construction. Based on the geological aspect analysis, it is possible to optimize the hydropower capacity, by adding the volume of water flow from several nearby tributaries channeled into the hydropower flow system through civil construction engineering or by making a cascade design on the tailrace water flow.
Design and implementation of a centralized approach for multi-node localization
Authors: Hasan Ola A. , T. Rashid Abdulmuttalib , S. Ali Ramzy , Qasim Hamza H. , A. Al Sibahee Mustafa , Audah Lukman
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a centralized approach for multi nodes localization is introduced. This approach is based on using a beacon fixed at the lower middle edge of the environment. This beacon is provided with a distance sensor and can scan the environment to measure the distance between the detecting node and the beacon. Also, remote control is fixed on the beacon to distinguish the identity of the detecting node. Two nodes are used in this approach, each node contains eight cells, and each cell has a 5 mm IR transmitter and TSOP4P38 IR receiver. If any one of the IR receivers has received the beacon ID, the transmitter which belongs to the same cell will respond by sending the node ID to the beacon. The beacon measurements and the information received from the detected nodes are then used to estimate the location and orientation of the visible nodes and the results will be saved in the main computer. Several experimental results have been tested with different distances from the nodes to the beacon. Also, different rotation angles at the beacon have been experienced to analyze the performance of the introduced approach.
Intelligent computer aided diagnosis system to enhance mass lesions in digitized mammogram images
Authors: AbuBaker Ayman , Yasin Ghadi Yazeed , Santarisi Nader
Published: March 2022

The paper presents an intelligent system to enhance mass lesions in digitized mammogram images. This system can assist radiologists in detecting mass lesions in mammogram images as an early diagnosis of breast cancer. In this paper, the early detection of mass lesion is visually detected by enhancing mass lesions in mammogram images using hybrid neuro-fuzzy technique. Fuzzified engine is proposed as a first step to convert all pixels in mammogram image to a fuzzy value using three linguistic labels. After that, artificial neural networks are used instead of the inference engine to accurately detect the mass lesions in the mammogram images in a short time. Finally, five linguistic labels are used as a defuzzifier engine to restore the mammogram image. Processed mammogram images are extensively evaluated using two different types of mammogram resources, mammographic image analysis society (MIAS) and University of South Florida (USF) databases. The results show that the proposed intelligent computer aided diagnosis system can successfully enhance the mass lesions in mammogram images with minimum number of false positive regions.
American standard code for information interchange mapping technique for text hiding in the RGB and gray images
Authors: Abbass Ahmed Abdulrudah , Al-augby Salam , Hussein Hussein Lafta , Kaabi Jasim Hussein , Tornai Robert
Published: March 2022

One of the significant techniques for hiding important information (such as text, image, and audio) is steganography. Steganography is used to keep this information as secret as possible, especially the sensitive ones after the massive expansion of data transmission through the Internet inside a conventional, non-secret, file, or message. This paper uses the American standard code for information interchange (ASCII) mapping technique (AMT) to hide the data in the color and grey image by converting it in a binary form, also convert the three levels of the red, green, and blue (RGB) image and grey image in the binary form, and then hide the data through hiding every two bits of the text in the two bits of one of the levels from the RGB image and grey image that means the text will be distributed throughout the images and allows hiding large amounts of data. That will send the information in a good securing way.
Performance and statistical analysis of ant colony route in mobile ad-hoc networks
Authors: Alameri Ibrahim Ahmed , Komarkova Jitka
Published: March 2022

Research on mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) is increasing in popularity due to its rapid, budget-friendly, and easily altered implementation, and relevance to emergencies such as forest firefighting and health care provisioning. The main concerns that ad-hoc networks face is dynamic topology, energy usage, packet drop rate, and throughput. Routing protocol selection is a critical point to surmount alterations in topology and maintain quality in MANET networks. The effectiveness of any network can be vastly enhanced with a well-designed routing protocol. In recent decades, standard MANET protocols have not been able to keep pace with growing demands for MANET applications. The current study investigates and contrasts ant colony optimization (ACO) with various routing protocols. This paper compares ad-hoc on-demand multi-path distance vector (AOMDV), dynamic source routing protocol (DSR), ad-hoc on-demand distance vector routing (AODV), and AntHocNet protocols regarding the quality of service (QoS) and statistical analysis. The current research aims to study the behavior of the state-of-the-art MANET protocols with the ACO technique. The ACO technique is a hybrid technique, integrating a reactive route maintaining technique with a proactive method. The reason and motivation for including the ACO algorithm in the current study is to improve by using optimization algorithms proved in other domains. The ACO algorithm appears to have substantial use in large-scale MANET simulation.
Analysis of earthquake hazards prediction with multivariate adaptive regression splines
Authors: Priyanto Dadang , Zarlis Muhammad , Mawengkang Herman , Efendi Syahril
Published: March 2022

Earthquake research has not yielded promising results, either in the form of causes or revealing the timing of their future events. Many methods have been developed, one of which is related to data mining, such as the use of hybrid neural networks, support vector regressor, fuzzy modeling, clustering, and others. Earthquake research has uncertain parameters and to obtain optimal results an appropriate method is needed. In general, several predictive data mining methods are grouped into two categories, namely parametric and non-parametric. This study uses a non-parametric method with multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) and conic multivariate adaptive regression spline (CMARS) as the backward stage of the MARS algorithm. The results of this study after parameter testing and analysis obtained a mathematical model with 16 basis functions (BF) and 12 basis functions contributing to the model and 4 basis functions not contributing to the model. Based on the level of variable contribution, it can be written that the epicenter distance is 100 percent, the magnitude is 31.1 percent, the location temperature is 5.5 percent, and the depth is 3.5 percent. It can be concluded that the results of the prediction analysis of areas in Lombok with the highest earthquake hazard level are Malaka, Genggelang, Pemenang, Tanjung, Tegal Maja, Senggigi, Mangsit. Meninting, and Malimbu.
Impact of financial inclusion on sustainability of enterprises in Saudi
Authors: Mohamed Soliman Karima Hassan , Hamed Mohamed Hassnaa Attia , AbdulKareem Amal Essam , Albadaly Nagwa Ibrahim , Al Sabti Nada Abdrabalredha , Khalaf Aldossary Lamia Yousif
Published: March 2022

This research measures the relationship between financial inclusion and the sustainability of financing small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the methodology of the research is based on the use of data at the level of companies, where there are 267 thousand small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom, 68% of which are managed by expatriates. The number of micro-enterprises reached 1.5 million, in addition to 230 thousand small enterprises and 37 thousand medium enterprises, all representing 99% of the number of enterprises in the Kingdom in mid-2015, and about 996 thousand small enterprises with a localization rate of less than 13.37%. From 2009 to 2019. Through the adoption of statistical analyzes, the effect of financial inclusion on the availability of financing for small and medium enterprises was analyzed and studied. This research showed that there are positive results for the financial inclusion of credit available to listed small and medium companies, and that promoting financial inclusion helps in the survival and sustainability of small and medium companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Denial of service attack: an analysis to IPv6 extension headers security nightmares
Authors: A. Naagas Marlon , P. Gamilla Anazel
Published: March 2022

Dealing with scarcity issues of Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4), internet engineering task force (IETF) developed Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) to support the needs of IP addresses for future use of the internet, however, one challenge that must be faced while transitioning to IPv6 is in the area of security. IPv6 is a new protocol that has many new probabilities for attackers to exploit the protocol stack and one of them is through IPv6 extension headers. Mishandling of extension headers are the security nightmares for network administrators, allowing for new security threats that will cause denial of service (DoS). As a result, the mishandling of IPv6 extension Headers creates new attack vectors that could lead to DoS–which can be exploited for different purposes, such as creating covert channels, fragmentation attacks, and routing header 0 attacks. Furthermore, this paper becomes proof of concepts that even to this day our well-known network devices are still exploitable by these attack vectors.
Evolutionary algorithm solution for economic dispatch problems
Authors: Hussein Balasim Mohammed
Published: March 2022

A modified firefly algorithm (FA) was presented in this paper for finding a solution to the economic dispatch (ED) problem. ED is considered a difficult topic in the field of power systems due to the complexity of calculating the optimal generation schedule that will satisfy the demand for electric power at the lowest fuel costs while satisfying all the other constraints. Furthermore, the ED problems are associated with objective functions that have both quality and inequality constraints; these include the practical operation constraints of the generators (such as the forbidden working areas, nonlinear limits, and generation limits) that makes the calculation of the global optimal solutions of ED a difficult task. The proposed approach in this study was evaluated in the IEEE 30-Bus test-bed; the evaluation showed that the proposed FA-based approach performed optimally in comparison with the performance of the other existing optimizers, such as the traditional FA and particle swarm optimization. The results show the high performance of the modified firefly algorithm compared to the other methods.
k-nearest neighbor modelling of agarwood oil samples available in capital of Malaysia market
Authors: Abd Latib Erny Haslina , Ismail Nurlaila , Nizam Tajuddin Saiful , Jamil Jasmin , Mohd Yusoff Zakiah
Published: March 2022

Agarwood oil is consumed during traditional ceremonies and even in medicinal purposes due to its effective therapeutic characteristic. As a part of ongoing research on agarwood oil, this paper presented a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) modelling of agarwood oil samples available in the capital of Malaysia market. The work involved agarwood oil samples from three sources which are lab, local manufacturer and market. The inputs are the chemical compounds and the output is the oil’s resources. The input-output was divided into training and testing dataset with the ratio of 80% to 20%, respectively, before they were fed to the k-NN for model development as well as model validation. During the model development, the k-value was varied from 1 to 5, and their accuracy was observed. The result showed that the k=1 and k=2 shared the similar accuracy for training and testing datasets, which are 98.63% and 100.00%, respectively. This study revealed the capabilities of the k-NN model in classifying the agarwood oil samples to the three sources: lab, local manufacturer and market. It was a significant study and contributed to further work especially those related to agarwood oil research area.
Internet of things based fall detection and heart rate monitoring system for senior citizens
Authors: Sarowar Md. Hasib , Khondakar Md. Fazlul karim , Roy Himaddri Shakhar , Ullah Habib , Ahmed Riaj , Hossain Quazi Delwar
Published: March 2022

Falls cause the maximum number of injuries, deaths, and hospitalizations due to injury for senior citizens worldwide. So, fall detection is essential in the health care of senior citizens. Present methods lack either accuracy or comfortability. The design of fall detection and heart rate monitoring system for senior citizens has been presented in this paper. The hardware interface includes wearable monitoring devices based on a tri-axial accelerometer and Bluetooth module that makes a wireless connection by software interface (mobile application) to the caregiver. Global positioning system (GPS) can also track the location of the elder. For detecting falls accurately, an effective fall detection algorithm is developed and used. The performance parameters of the fall detection system are accuracy (97.6%), sensitivity (92.8%), and specificity (100%). A pulse sensor is used for monitoring the heart rate of the elder. The device is put on the hips to increase comfortability. Whenever the elder's fall is detected, the device can send information on fall data and heart rate with location to the respective caregiver successfully. So, this device can minimize the injury and health cost of a fallen person as a victim can get help within a short time.
A load balancing strategy for reducing data loss risk on cloud using remodified throttled algorithm
Authors: Johora Fatema Tuj , Ahmed Iftakher , Islam Shajal Md. Ashiqul , Chowdhory Rony
Published: March 2022

Cloud computing always deals with new problems to fulfill the demand of the challenging organizations around the whole world. Reducing response time without the risk of data loss is a very critical issue for the user requests on cloud computing. Load balancing ensures quick response of virtual machine (VM), proper usage of VMs, throughput, and minimal cost of VMs. This paper introduces a re-modified throttled algorithm (RTMA) that reduces the risk of data hampering and data loss considering the availability of VM which increases system’s performance. Response time of virtual machines have been considered in our work, so that when migration process is running, data will not be overflowed in the VMs. Thus, the data migration process becomes high and reliable. We have completed the overall simulation of our proposed algorithm on the cloud analyst tool and successfully reduced the risk of data loss as well as maintains the response time.
Protection for 330 kV transmission line and recommendation for Nigerian transmission system: a review
Authors: Ogar Vincent Nsed , Gamage Kelum A. A. , Hussain Sadjjad
Published: March 2022

The transmission line is an integral part of the electrical power system; however, a fault has a negative impact on the system, like blackout, power loss, financial losses, and socio-economic impact. This fault occurs due to ageing conductors, lightning stroke, switching surge and human interference. We reviewed the protection scheme implemented in the Nigerian transmission network, which has challenges relating to the environment's terrain and a long-distance transmission line of about 20,000 km. The different approach of fault classification, detection and location was analysed and critically summarised. This review paper proposes a hybrid Artificial Neural Network and distance protection scheme that can automatically identify, locate, isolate, predict, correct faults, and real-time monitor and control the entire network. It can also detect the shortest possible trip time of 0.02 s and 0.03 s of line current and fault losses, respectively, during fault to avert damage on the line. However, this method has its challenges, such as the volume of data generated from load flow analysis, training time, and the total distance covered by the network. However, these can be averted by segmenting the entire network for easy evaluation and monitoring to achieve set goals.
Lithobox: Exploring Hybrid Crafting Practices through a Collaboration across Digital Fabrication and Fine Arts
Authors: Weiler Jennifer , Ingalls Todd , Kuznetsov Stacey
Published: March 2022

New digital and physical fabrication tools are increasingly being integrated with traditional craft techniques to enable hybrid crafting practices. Inspired by the traditional lithophane technique whereby designs are molded in porcelain and visible only when backlit, the authors developed Lithobox: a software system, physical kit and workflow for creating illuminated 3D-printed lithophanes. They explored Lithobox as a creative tool in workshops with nine artists and presented the finished 3D-printed lithophanes and software tool as part of an international art exhibition. Through these collaborations and creative interactions, the authors’ work reveals how the amalgamation of material, technology and productive constraints can influence current art practices.
Descriptions of all the female developmental stages of Endernia despoliata Danzig, a gall-inducing pit scale (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Asterolecaniidae)
Authors: XU HAN , NING MENGWEI , WU SAN-AN
Published: March 2022

An updated description of the adult female of a gall-inducing pit scale, Endernia despoliata Danzig (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Asterolecaniidae), is provided, and the immature female stages are described and illustrated for the first time, based on specimens collected from Haicheng city, Liaoning Province, China on Quercus mongolica (Fagaceae). A key to separate the female instars and a brief biology are provided and a key to separate the eight asterolecaniid species known to induce galls is also given.
The Voice of the Century
Authors: Zicari Massimo
Published: March 2022

The fields of performance studies, empirical musicology, and the musicology of recordings have seen a tremendous development in recent years, shedding new light on the recent history of our performing tradition and conveying essential information to music practitioners, critics and audiences.

This innovative work considers the notion of bel canto and the manner in which this vibrant tradition lives in the records of Luisa Tetrazzini (1871-1940), one of the most celebrated sopranos ever. Tetrazzini, whose discographic career includes about 120 recordings, belongs to that generation of inspirational performers who heralded the dawn of a new era of music appreciation, alongside such iconic figures as Enrico Caruso, Adelina Patti and Nellie Melba.

Drawing on a vast body of scholarship and a number of contemporary reviews, Massimo Zicari establishes Tetrazzini’s role in the Italian operatic tradition and its much disputed set of performing conventions. His transcriptions of her recorded interpretations from Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini and Verdi will prove invaluable to singers and conductors interested in a tradition that goes back to legendary figures such as Jenny Lind and Maria Malibran. The author also discusses her voice quality and technique, tempo flexibility, her use of vibrato and portamento—features of musical performance that question several widely-held, normative views about aesthetics and interpretative tradition.

The volume includes eighty-eight musical examples and its closing section consists of the vocal scores of thirteen operatic arias. The musical material (both examples and transcriptions) is entirely original. This unique approach seeks to combine an academic perspective with the making of the music, in the hope that the plea for originality may be enhanced by models from the past.
4. Bellini and the New Declamatory Style
Authors: Zicari Massimo
Published: March 2022

In this chapter I deal with Tetrazzini’s interpretations of Bellini’s works which, according to contemporary commentators, saw the decline of bel canto. But Tetrazzini’s interpretations present some new, distinctive features; her recordings of Amina’s arias from La sonnambula feature a cello cadenza in addition to the traditional flute cadenza we find in the mad scene. These discs transformed the recording studio into a creative workshop where new and apparently unprecedented cadenzas with obligato instruments originated.