bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Roasted Schisandra Chinensis (Turcz.) Baill and Lycium Chinense Mill. and Their Combinational Extracts on Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in RAW 264.7 Cells and in Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage Mice Model
Authors: Kim Ha-Rim , Kim Sol , Kim Seon-Young
Published: September 2021

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC) and Lycium chinense Mill. (LC) are widely distributed in Asia, where the fruit has traditionally been used for medicinal herbs. We previously reported that the roasting process improved the antioxidant and their hangover relieving effects. In this study, we assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of water extract of SC, LC, and a mass ratio 1 : 1 mixture (SL), after roasting in RAW264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Roasted SL (RSL) extracts showed greater enhancement potential than the others, based on the inhibition of NO (nitric oxide) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in RAW264.7 cells. RSL also significantly decreased the proinflammatory markers (e.g., iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) signaling proteins (i.e., NOX (−1, −2, and −4), p22phox, p47phox, and p67phox). The inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-1 beta levels, NF-kB, and mitogen-activated kinase activations were also significantly inhibited by RSL treatment. Based on the results of cellular levels, we compared the promotion effects of RSL extract on liver injury mediated by alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in mice. Mice were fed a Lieber–DeCarli regular liquid alcohol diet with or without SL and RSL extracts for six weeks. Alcohol intake caused liver injury, evidenced by an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Consistent with the results in cell levels, RSL treatment remarkably downregulated ROS and inflammatory factors, as well as their signaling molecules, in serum and tissues. These results suggest that the roasting of SC and LC could potentially elevate the inhibition effect on alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and consequently prevent alcoholic liver damage. Also, the combination of SC and LC may provide a more synergistic effect than either alone.
A Global Universality of Two-Layer Neural Networks with ReLU Activations
Authors: Hatano Naoya , Ikeda Masahiro , Ishikawa Isao , Sawano Yoshihiro
Published: September 2021

In the present study, we investigate a universality of neural networks, which concerns a density of the set of two-layer neural networks in function spaces. There are many works that handle the convergence over compact sets. In the present paper, we consider a global convergence by introducing a norm suitably, so that our results will be uniform over any compact set.
On the Recurrent

C

0

-Semigroups, Their Existence, and Some Criteria
Authors: Moosapoor Mansooreh
Published: September 2021

In this paper, recurrent

C

0

-semigroups are introduced and investigated. It is proved that, despite hypercyclic

C

0

-semigroups, recurrent

C

0

-semigroups can be found on finite-dimensional Banach spaces. Some criteria are stated for recurrence, which is based on open sets, neighborhoods of zero, and special eigenvectors. It is established that having a dense set of recurrent vectors is a sufficient and necessary condition for a

C

0

-semigroup to be recurrent. Moreover, the direct sum of recurrent

C

0

-semigroups is investigated.
Analysis of the Effect of Nursing Intervention on Children with Respiratory Tract Infection Based on Comprehensive Nursing
Authors: Chen Yujie , Li Qing
Published: September 2021

Recurrent respiratory tract infections in children are common. It means that children are repeatedly exposed to external pathogens within a certain time, and the clinical symptoms are reciprocating. This article carries out nursing intervention on children’s respiratory tract infection through comprehensive nursing methods and analyzes the intervention effect. Moreover, this paper uses a controlled trial to study the nursing methods of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. In addition, this paper determines and screens test samples according to relevant standards, conducts different nursing methods on samples of different groups, and compares them with the same indicators. Finally, this paper combines mathematical statistics to make statistics of experimental results and draws tables and statistical graphs. By comparing multiple parameters, it can be seen that the comprehensive nursing intervention has a good effect on the nursing of children with respiratory tract infection compared with the traditional nursing intervention, so this nursing method can be expanded in the future.
Analysis of the Mental Health of Urban Migrant Children Based on Cloud Computing and Data Mining Algorithm Models
Authors: Li Juan
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of internet technology, the amount of data generated is also increasing day by day. As a kind of distributed computing, cloud computing has been widely used in the analysis of massive data. With the development of China’s economic construction, the integration of urban and rural areas is constantly improving, and the migrant children in the city are also focused on. After moving into the city, migrant children not only face the pressure from the society but also face the pressure from life, which inevitably affects the physical and mental health of urban migrant children. The education of urban migrant children is also a focus that needs attention. How to integrate into the education environment of urbanization and adjust the learning pressure in the process of education is also worthy of our attention. Therefore, this article analyzes the current status of urban migrant children’s mental health based on cloud computing and data mining algorithm models. Based on the current research status of urban migrant children and the standards of mental health, this paper conducts a survey of middle and high school students in a certain city through questionnaires, then builds a data mining algorithm model to analyze the survey data, and explores the differences in the grades of students’ social identity and the differences in mental health between migrant children and urban children. According to the survey, most of the psychological performances of urban migrant children are very vague. At the same time, there are also some phenomena such as poor adaptability, bad mood, and inferiority complex. During the study period, there are situations such as unwilling to communicate with others, weariness, sensitivity, anxiety, and hostility. The overall incidence of the situation is relatively high in big cities, while the situation of urban children is relatively small.
Dual Circularly Polarized Patch Antenna with Improved Interport Isolation for S-Band Satellite Communication
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Niazi Ahmad Umar , Ahmad Mansoor
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a bi-port, single-layered (planar), dual circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna with improved interport isolation for S-band satellite telemetry and telecommand applications. The dual-port, planar antenna is based on a square-shaped radiator with trimmed corner to achieve CP characteristics (RHCP and LHCP) for excitations from respective ports. However, the RF isolation between the two ports is very low due to strong power leakage from transmit (Tx) to transmit (Rx) port. The externally employed tunable self-interference cancellation (SIC) circuit achieves high isolation between orthogonal ports while axial ratio (AR) is ≤3 dB for both right and left handed circular polarization modes. The employed single-tap SIC circuit/loop attains the high interport isolation through signal inversion mechanism. The proposed antenna design achieves ≥72 dB peak interport isolation in addition to ≥30 dB and 15 dB port to port isolation over the isolation or SIC bandwidths of 15 MHz and 90 MHz (−10 dB bandwidth for both ports), respectively. The port to port isolation performance is improved without significant degradation in antenna radiation characteristics. The validation model of the presented planar antenna based on single element characterizes much better measured interport isolation performance compared to those dual CP printed antennas reported earlier as endorsed through detailed comparison
Research Progress and Engineering Applications of Stainless Steel‐Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Yuan Jian , Ou Zhinan
Published: September 2021

The durability of concrete structures can effectively be enhanced by using stainless steel rather than ordinary steel reinforcements under harsh service conditions. Because the basic mechanical properties and stress‐strain relationship of stainless steel reinforcements obviously differ from those of ordinary steel reinforcements, the current design codes for reinforced concrete structures are not appropriate for stainless steel‐reinforced concrete. On the basis of the research works reported in the past decades, this paper systematically summarizes and analyzes the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of stainless steel reinforcements, the properties of the bond between stainless steel reinforcements and concrete, the mechanical properties of stainless steel‐reinforced concrete members, and the application of stainless steel reinforcements in practical engineering and proposes relevant problems which should be examined further. It is suggested that the design theory of stainless steel‐reinforced concrete structures should be further improved to take full advantage of these structures.
Patient Preferences and Values in Decision Making for Migraines: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Xu Xianpeng , Ji Qingjie , Shen Min
Published: September 2021

Objective. To comprehensively summarize the evidence on the preferences and values of migraine patients. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Sino-Med, Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang Data for studies on the preferences and values of migraine patients. A qualitative review was performed, but no quantitative synthesis. Results. Twenty‐one studies were finally included, involving a total of 8701 participants. Patients expected a cure, to be symptom-free, a reduction in frequency of headaches, a reduction in severity of headaches, and an improved quality of life from their preventive treatment. Patients expected rapid pain relief, complete pain relief, return to normal activities, no recurrence, and no adverse events from their acute symptomatic treatment. Conclusion. Efficacy is the primary consideration in the treatment of migraine. Specifically, the most important embodiment of patient preferences and values is the reduced frequency of attacks with preventive treatment as well as prompt analgesia with acute symptomatic treatment.
Study on Syndrome Intervention of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease from the Perspective of Deficiency and Excess
Authors: Wang Sanhang , Jiu lüe Hu , Zhao Jiao
Published: September 2021

During the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the original deficiency is the root cause of its occurrence, and the actual condition is the basic condition for its occurrence. Therefore, the correlation between the deficiency and the actual condition is the basic law of NAFL syndrome formation, pathogenesis, development, and change. Based on this, the purpose of this article is to study and analyze the syndrome intervention of NAFLD from the perspective of the original deficiency and the true standard. In this article, the TCM physical fitness determination and related risk factors investigation were conducted on qualified NAFLD patients collected from outpatient clinics and physical examination centers of a certain local hospital. Analyze the correlation between the physique bias, physique type, and risk factors of NAFLD patients, in order to effectively carry out Chinese medicine “preventive treatment” in the future. Predicting the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease from the perspective of physique, more targeted health education for NAFLD patients with risk factors, reducing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and providing evidence for prevention and treatment of fatty liver. The research in this article aims to show a clearer conclusion on the structural characteristics of NAFLD’s syndromes related to the deficiency of the original standard and the actual syndromes or the syndromes related to the original deficiency of the standard of the actual syndromes; NAFLD has the characteristics of being related to the original deficiency and the actual standard, and the relationship between the original deficiency and the actual standard has different syndromes, and the relationship between the original deficiency and the actual standard can also show the characteristics of different subsyndromes. Experimental research shows that people with hot and humid constitution are prone to suffer from hyperglycemia, intermediate coke hot and heat obstruction, spleen and stomach clearance, and turbidity reduction function is impaired, and the migration and transformation of water and valley essence after the stomach is uneven, leading to the stagnation of water, wet, phlegm, blood stasis, and other pathological products.
A Review on Therapeutic Effects of Labisia pumila on Female Reproductive Diseases
Authors: Zakaria Alif Aiman , Noor Mohd Hezmee Mohd , Ahmad Hafandi , Hassim Hasliza Abu , Mazlan Mazlina , Latip Mohd Qayyum Ab
Published: September 2021

The Labisia pumila (LP) is a traditional plant that is locally known as Kacip Fatimah, Selusuh Fatimah, or Pokok Ringgang by the Malaysian indigenous people. It is believed to facilitate their childbirth, treating their postchild birth and menstrual irregularities. The water extract of LP has shown to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β‐carotene, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid, which contribute extensive antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal. The LP ethanolic extract exhibits significant estrogenic effects on human endomentrial adenocarcinoma cell in estrogen‐free basal medium and promoting an increase in secretion of alkaline phosphate. Water based has been used for many generations, and studies had reported that it could displace in binding the antibodies and increase the estradiol production making it similar to esterone and estradiol hormone. LP extract poses a potential and beneficial aspect in medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is mainly due to its phytoestrogen properties of the LP. However, there is a specific functionality in the application of LP extract, due to specific functional group in phytoconstituent of LP. Apart from that, the extraction solvent is important in preparing the LP extract as it poses some significant and mild side effects towards consuming the LP extracts. The current situation of women reproductive disease such as postmenopausal syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing. Thus, it is important to find ways in alternative treatment for women reproductive disease that is less costly and low side effects. In conclusion, these studies proven that LP has the potential to be an alternative way in treating female reproductive related diseases such as in postmenopausal and polysystic ovarian syndrome women.
Embedding Tangent Space Extreme Learning Machine for EEG Decoding in Brain Computer Interface Systems
Authors: Zhang Mingwei , Hou Yao , Tang Rongnian , Li Youjun
Published: September 2021

In motor imagery brain computer interface system, the spatial covariance matrices of EEG signals which carried important discriminative information have been well used to improve the decoding performance of motor imagery. However, the covariance matrices often suffer from the problem of high dimensionality, which leads to a high computational cost and overfitting. These problems directly limit the application ability and work efficiency of the BCI system. To improve these problems and enhance the performance of the BCI system, in this study, we propose a novel semisupervised locality-preserving graph embedding model to learn a low-dimensional embedding. This approach enables a low-dimensional embedding to capture more discriminant information for classification by efficiently incorporating information from testing and training data into a Riemannian graph. Furthermore, we obtain an efficient classification algorithm using an extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier developed on the tangent space of a learned embedding. Experimental results show that our proposed approach achieves higher classification performance than benchmark methods on various datasets, including the BCI Competition IIa dataset and in-house BCI datasets.
An Efficient Improved OGWSBI Algorithm for Accurate Off‐Grid DOA Estimation of Coherent Signals
Authors: Xu Xiangjun , Shen Mingwei , Wu Di , Zhu Daiyin
Published: September 2021

The performance of the weighted sparse Bayesian inference (OGWSBI) algorithm for off‐grid coherent DOA estimation is not satisfactory due to the inaccurate weighting information. To increase the estimation accuracy and efficiency, an improved OGWSBI algorithm based on a higher‐order off‐grid model and unitary transformation for off‐grid coherent DOA estimation is proposed in this paper. Firstly, to reduce the approximate error of the first‐order off‐grid model, the steering vector is reformulated by the second‐order Taylor expansion. Then, the received data is transformed from complex value to real value and the coherent signals are decorrelated via utilizing unitary transformation, which can increase the computational efficiency and restore the rank of the covariance matrix. Finally, in the real field, the steering vector higher‐order approximation model and weighted sparse Bayesian inference are combined together to realize the estimation of DOA. Extensive simulation results indicate that under the condition of coherent signals and low SNR, the estimation accuracy of the proposed algorithm is about 50% higher than that of the OGWSBI algorithm, and the calculation time is reduced by about 60%.
Identity-Based Linkable Ring Signature on NTRU Lattice
Authors: Tang Yongli , Xia Feifei , Ye Qing , Wang Mengyao , Mu Ruijie , Zhang Xiaohang
Published: September 2021

Although most existing linkable ring signature schemes on lattice can effectively resist quantum attacks, they still have the disadvantages of excessive time and storage overhead. This paper constructs an identity-based linkable ring signature (LRS) scheme over NTRU lattice by employing the technologies of trapdoor generation and rejection sampling. The security of this scheme relies on the small integer solution (SIS) problem on NTRU lattice. We prove that this scheme has unconditional anonymity, unforgeability, and linkability under the random oracle model (ROM). Through the performance analysis, this scheme has a shorter size of public/private keys, and when the number of ring members is small (such as

N
≤
8

), this scheme has a shorter signature size compared with other existing latest lattice-based LRS schemes. The computational efficiency of signature has also been further improved since it only involves multiplication in the polynomial ring and modular operations of small integers. Finally, we implemented our scheme and other similar schemes, and it is shown that the time for the signature generation and verification of this scheme decreases roughly by 44.951% and 33.503%, respectively.
Epigenetic Alterations and Mechanisms That Drive Resistance to Targeted Cancer Therapies
Authors: Wajapeyee Narendra , Gupta Romi
Published: September 2021

Cancer is a complex disease and cancer cells typically harbor multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations. Large-scale sequencing of patient-derived cancer samples has identified several druggable driver oncogenes. Many of these oncogenes can be pharmacologically targeted to provide effective therapies for breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, and other cancer types. Initial responses to these agents can be robust in many cancer types and some patients with cancer experience sustained tumor inhibition. However, resistance to these targeted therapeutics frequently emerges, either from intrinsic or acquired mechanisms, posing a major clinical hurdle for effective treatment. Several resistance mechanisms, both cell autonomous and cell nonautonomous, have been identified in different cancer types. Here we describe how alterations of the transcriptome, transcription factors, DNA, and chromatin regulatory proteins confer resistance to targeted therapeutic agents. We also elaborate on how these studies have identified underlying epigenetic factors that drive drug resistance and oncogenic pathways, with direct implications for the prevention and treatment of drug-resistant cancer.
Heritable Variants in the Chromosome 1q22 Locus Increase Gastric Cancer Risk via Altered Chromatin Looping and Increased UBAP2L Expression
Authors: Guan Wei , Yang Nan , Zuo Xianglin , Wang Xuchun , Cao Pingping , Chu Ying , Qin Zhongyong , Cheng He , Shi Xiao , Ma Tingzheng , Xu Zekuan , Sun Yujie
Published: September 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have implicated the 1q22 gastric cancer risk locus in disease, but little is known about its underlying oncogenic functions. This study represents a systematic investigation of the biological significance and potential mechanism associated with the gastric cancer risk of SNP rs2075570(C>T) in 1q22. We identified two functional germline variations (rs2049805-C and rs2974931-G) in an active enhancer in a 64.8 kb high-linkage disequilibrium block of rs2075570. The enhancer upregulated ubiquitin associated protein 2 like (UBAP2L) gene expression over a 960 kb distance by chromatin looping. Gastric cancer tissues expressed significantly higher levels of UBAP2L than was observed in the matched noncancerous tissues, and the UBAP2L expression was negatively correlated with patient survival. Downregulation of UBAP2L inhibited the proliferation and invasion of human gastric cancer cells in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Notably, the two mutant variations significantly enforced the enhancer activity and UBAP2L expression. In conclusion, this study revealed two causal variations in the 1q22 region using tag-SNP rs2075570 as a genetic marker. These variations may affect the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer by reinforcing the expression of the 1q22-Enh enhancer-regulated UBAP2L target gene.

Implications:

Our study provides an important clue of how noncoding germline variations contribute to gastric cancer, which gives a novel insight into understanding the genetic mechanism of gastric cancer.
Pulmonary Tumor Thrombotic Microangiopathy Secondary to Extramammary Paget’s Disease: An Autopsy Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kato Akihiro , Kato Hiroshi , Komori Satoshi , Nakano Satsuki , Murase Takayuki , Nakamura Motoki , Morita Akimichi
Published: September 2021

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy is a fatal disease secondary to some malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A 61-year-old man presented to our clinic with a red plaque with erosion on his scrotum and was diagnosed with extramammary Paget’s disease. Seven years after the initial diagnosis, multiple bone metastases were discovered, and he was started on oral administration of tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil. Two years after beginning the oral drug administration, the patient complained of dyspnea. A chest CT scan showed ground-glass opacity. Pulmonary artery blood cytology revealed carcinoma cells. He was diagnosed with pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy. At 9 days after the diagnosis, he died of circulatory and respiratory failure. The autopsy revealed microscopic metastatic tumor emboli in multiple pulmonary vessels with fibrin thrombus, which confirmed the earlier cytologic diagnosis. Observations in our case were consistent with the typical pattern of this pathology in the lung with multiple metastases. Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy with a primary disease of cutaneous malignancy is extremely rare. Here, we report a rare case of pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to extramammary Paget’s disease with a literature review.
Imaginal Retraining Reduces Craving for Tobacco in 1-Year Controlled Follow-Up Study
Authors: Gehlenborg Josefine , Göritz Anja S. , Moritz Steffen , Lüdtke Thies , Kühn Simone
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Imaginal retraining is a self-help technique that adapts the principles of approach bias modification to the imagination. Imaginal retraining has been shown to reduce craving and addictive behaviours in 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on problematic alcohol consumption, overweight, and tobacco use. To date, there have been no studies evaluating the long-term efficacy of the intervention. The aim of the present study was to generate first hypotheses on the long-term efficacy of imaginal retraining in smokers in a controlled 1-year follow-up study. Materials and Methods: We recontacted the 345 participants who had taken part in an RCT on imaginal retraining for smokers 1 year later. The survey was carried out online and assessed craving for tobacco (primary outcome), smoking behaviour, well-being, and subjective appraisal. Individuals who applied the technique at least once during the previous year were categorized as the training group, whereas participants who never performed the training were categorized as the no-training group. Data were analysed using linear mixed models (LMMs). The study was preregistered as DRKS00021044. Results: The completion rate was 45.5%. Less than 40% used the intervention at least once in the previous 12 months. LMM analyses showed a significant reduction in craving for tobacco for the training compared to the no-training group after 1 year. No significant group differences emerged in smoking behaviour, depressive symptoms, or quality of life. Subjective appraisal of the intervention was favorable, similar to the initial study. Conclusion: The present study provides preliminary support for the long-term efficacy of imaginal retraining on craving for tobacco but not on smoking behaviour, highlighting the importance of multimodal treatment concepts in smoking cessation that target a variety of maintaining factors. Future studies need to investigate the long-term efficacy of the intervention in prospective RCTs that test alternative ways of conveying the technique to improve adherence.
Geriatric Assessments Can Predict Functional Outcome and Mortality after Urological Tumor Surgery
Authors: Kahlmeyer Andreas , Fiebig Christian , Mueller Marco , Kraulich Matthias , Brendel-Suchanek Jonas , Kunath Frank , Wach Sven , Goebell Peter J. , Ritt Martin , Gassmann Karl-Guenter , Wullich Bernd
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Older patients undergoing major urological tumor surgery are at severe risk of functional deterioration, complications, and mortality. We prospectively evaluated geriatric assessment tools and developed a novel easy-to-use assessment tool for clinical use. Methods: In 159 patients, geriatric assessment tools were used prior to cystectomy, prostatectomy, and renal tumor surgery, and their peri- and postoperative courses were recorded. Using all the tests, a short and easy-to-use assessment tool was developed, and nomograms were generated to predict functional outcomes and mortality. Results: Of all the patients, 13.8% underwent radical cystectomy, 37.7% underwent radical prostatectomy, and 48.4% underwent tumor surgery of the kidney at the age of 70 years or older. The average age was 75.6 years. Incomplete functional recovery at day 30 and day 180 was observed in 37.7% and 36.1% of the patients, respectively, and incomplete functional recovery was associated with impaired mobility, previous care dependency, frailty, comorbidities, and a high ASA score. The only predictor for high-grade complications was comorbidities, whereas mortality was associated with the geriatric screening tool scores, impaired mobility, preoperative care dependency, and comorbidities. The Erlangen Index (EI), a combination of the selected assessment tools, showed a good prediction of early (p = 0.002) and medium-term (p = 0.002) functional outcomes and mortality (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our prospective evaluation confirms the high risk of incomplete functional recovery, high-grade complications, and mortality in older patients undergoing major urological tumor surgery. The EI is an easy-to-use preoperative assessment tool and therefore should be used in preoperative patient counseling.
Ethnic-Racial Identity and Adolescents’ Positive Development in the Context of Ethnic-Racial Marginalization: Unpacking Risk and Resilience
Authors: Umaña-Taylor Adriana J. , Rivas-Drake Deborah
Published: September 2021

We review theoretical and empirical evidence that helps us understand how a developmental competency, namely ethnic-racial identity (ERI), can promote positive youth development and, in doing so, can help address ethnic-racial disparities resulting from systemic racism. We review this work from a risk and resilience perspective, elucidating different mechanisms of promotion and protection in the context of ethnoracially based risk. Understanding the conditions under which (and the mechanisms by which) certain ERI domains promote and inhibit adjustment can help us support ERI development among youth of color. Ultimately, we argue that ERI development among youth of color is one important avenue toward reducing ethnic-racial disparities in key developmental outcomes and, thus, disrupting cycles of inequity caused and perpetuated by systemic racism.
Post-Brachytherapy Pigment Dispersion in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Maniar Arpita , Marr Brian P.
Published: September 2021

We report delayed intravitreal pigment dispersion following Iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy, without evidence of tumor recurrence, in 4 patients treated for choroidal melanoma. These patients were treated with Iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy, with or without transpupillary thermotherapy, and were followed clinically and using ancillary investigations for signs of tumor recurrence. All 4 patients were noted to develop pigment dispersion – it was detected on the surface of the retina (2 patients), diffusely in the vitreous (1 patient), or both (1 patient). Follow-up ranged from 70 to 343 months (mean 165 months; median 124 months) post-treatment with plaque brachytherapy, throughout which the location and amount of pigment remained grossly unchanged. None of the patients developed tumor recurrence or metastasis. We conclude that post-brachytherapy pigment dispersion is an unusual but known complication in the treatment of uveal melanoma. Close surveillance to rule out tumor recurrence and metastasis may be a reasonable line of management.
Design, Testing Analysis of High Tension Increased Safety Motor for Hazardous areas
Authors: Ahirwal Bhagirath , Chatterjee Tarun Kumar
Published: September 2021

The increased safety (Ex e) motors are designed for safe operation in the zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. The present paper describes the significant design parameters and successful testing of Ex e high tension (HT) induction motor rated 970KW/6.6KV/18 pole/ 3Phase/ 50Hz as per IS/IEC 60079-7 standard. The comparison of some useful design parameters is also given between safe area motor and hazardous area motor in this paper. The Ex e high tension induction motor mentioned in this paper have been manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), Bhopal, India during the project and main author was the project leader.
Three-Dimensional Application-Specific Protocol Architecture for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Baghouri Mostafa , Hajraoui Abderrahmane , Chakkor Saad
Published: September 2021

Many researchers assume that the distribution of the nodes is done in a two-dimensional environment in the reason that the height of this network is negligible compared to its width and length. However, in the reality, three-dimensional (3D) deployment of the wireless sensor networks is used. Therefore, many applications require 3D architecture such as underwater, space communications, atmospheric, forest or building. Unfortunately, the energy consumption and throughput in the 3D environment decreases considerably compared to 2D in which we can’t neglect them in some applications. In his paper we applied the 3D architecture in LEACH protocol and we prove by computer simulation how this 2D approximation is not reasonable since the lifetime of 3D WSN decrease by about 21% over than 2D WSN.
Software Based Approach for teaching in Electrical Engineering Classroom Courses: a Case Study
Authors: Mehar Hemant
Published: September 2021

As the day by day changes in the technology, technical requirements and techniques of the industry changes simultaneously. Therefore the requirements to educate our students not only the conceptual as well as new approaches based on the latest techniques. Involvement of software in teaching is not only providing a better support, more clear and visual operation of complex circuits and waveforms of the faculty of power electronics in classroom teaching as well as to the student to understand a better concept. The software packages available for simulation of power electronic circuits are MATLAB, PSPICE and PSIM and many more. In this paper author takes an example of an AC voltage controller to explain the software based teaching approach. Author used two software based simulation tool to explain the AC Voltage Controller and compare the software based approach with the blackboard & PPT Presentation based technique. This paper is helpful for the faculty of electrical engineering to find the applications of MATLAB/SIMULINK and PSIM in teaching.
Heuristic Approaches to Solve Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Muneeb Abid Malik , Muhammad Iqbal
Published: September 2021

This paper provides the survey of the heuristics solution approaches for the traveling salesman problem (TSP). TSP is easy to understand, however, it is very difficult to solve. Due to complexity involved with exact solution approaches it is hard to solve TSP within feasible time. That’s why different heuristics are generally applied to solve TSP. Heuristics to solve TSP are presented here with detailed algorithms. At the end, comparison among selected approaches shows the efficiency of approaches in terms of solution quality and time consumed to solve TSP.
Hybrid Encryption Algorithm Based on Spatial and Gray Level Information
Authors: Liu Suolan , Chen Chen , Chen Yue , Wang Hongyuan
Published: September 2021

Based on the analysis of the defect of traditional image scrambling methods, a new hybrid scrambling algorithm is proposed. It uses image’s spatial and gray level information. Comparative experiments show it has the advantages of easy implementation, large key space, and good scrambling effect by only one time scrambling instead of many times processing.
Power Generation and Voltage Regulation of 132KV Karbala Grid using DFIG Wind Turbine Generator
Authors: Mohsin Qasim Kamil , Lin Xiangning , Sunday Owolabi , Waqar Asad
Published: September 2021

Due to increasing demand on electrical energy in Iraq and to have clean energy that is environmental friendly, wind energy would be one of the most important and promising sources of renewable energy to achieve this goal. This paper discussed the reasons to use the Doubly-Feed Induction Generator (DFIG) amongst the available types of wind turbine generators, and in section (4) illustrate Motivations to select place to the wind farm construction. using decupling method (the vector control strategy) to change reactive power of DFIG 2MW connected to middle of the 132KV transmission line (Karbala north – Alahkader) without effect about the active power generated from DFIG itself with fixed wind speed value assumed to provide the voltage regulation, and control of the transmission line In addition to power generating. By using PSCAD/EMTDC, different simulation results are presented based on various scenarios.
Compared with PI, Fuzzy-PI and PSO-PI Controllers of Robotic Grinding Force Servo System
Authors: Attiya Adnan Jabbar , Wenyu Yang , Shneen Salam Waley
Published: September 2021

By grinding process, when an industrial robot is used to finish a curved surface, both feed movement and contact force must controlled at the similar time in order that the grinding tool would machine the work-piece at  the  right  position  in  right  posture with  required  force. A passive wrist system is advanced, in this paper, to conform the shape of the machining propeller by altering its posture along with the surface. The proportional-integral (PI) controller, due to its simplicity, robustness, and affordable price, is extremely often used in practical applications, but it is effective for linear systems, as well as, the challenging task is to find its optimal gains. If the processes involved higher order and time delay systems, many intelligent controllers were appeared. In this paper, to cope with nonlinearities, improve the controller parameters and at the same time modeling uncertainties of grinding marine propeller surface, a PI torque controller is proposed such that its optimal gains are derived via a modern systems based on fuzzy logic theory and particle swarm optimization algorithm which are used to solve various engineering problems. Grinding force is controlled under Fuzzy-PI controller which is being assembled and compared with a PSO-PI controller to obtain which controller that provides grinding with higher quality. The compared controllers have been optimized together with the parameters of the Two-Phase Hybrid Stepping Motor. The suggested fuzzy rule function and PSO algorithm improve the response of the controlled system and searches a high-quality solution impressively. Simulation and comparison results are presented and that the proposed control systems are coping well with nonlinearities and uncertainties while find PI control parameter set effectively, the PSO-PI controller has a better control performance with improved step response for robotic grinding force servo system. These control methods was simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Comparative Study of Wavelet Image Compression: JPEG2000 Standart
Authors: Ennaciri Ansam , Erritali Mohammed , Mabrouki Mustapha , Bengourram Jamaa
Published: September 2021

The objective of this paper is to study the main characteristics of wavelets that affect the image compression by using the discrete wavelet transform and lead to an image data compression while preserving the essential quality of the original image. This implies a good compromise between the image compression ratio and the PSNR (Peak Signal Noise Ration).
Fire Detection Using Multi Criteria Image Processing Technique in Video Sequences
Authors: Memarzadeh Behrouz , Mohammadi Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2021

Vision-based flame detection has drawn significant attention in the past decade with camera surveillance systems becoming ubiquitous. This paper proposes a multi criterion method to detect fire or flames by processing the video data generated by a high speed camera. Since flame images are special class of images, some of the unique features of a flame may be used to identify flame. There are some differences between flame images and other general images. By using these features we are able to detect fire correctly with least false alarm. In this paper we present an algorithm which can detect fire and reduce number of false alarms by counting number of identified pixels. In the algorithm, we preprocess the images to have better results. So first we adjust the gray level of a flame image according to its statistical distribution to have better processing. After that we try to extract fire features in images. First by using color characteristics, the ratio of red to green, we can identify probable fire-like or fire like pixels. Second, to highlight the regions with high gray level contrast at their edges, we use the extended prewitt filter. We use AND operation on two above processing images to remove unrelated pixels, at last by using flicker frequency, the oscillating change in the number of identified pixels over time is transformed into the frequency domain to complete detection algorithm. Simulation proves the algorithm ability to detect fire in different situations in video sequences.
Competitive intelligence: Leaven of a New Managerial Device for Decision Support
Authors: El Fadili Salima , Gmira Firdaous
Published: September 2021

In a highly competitive environment saturated in information traversing the earth in nanosecond, the major challenge for companies is to have the right information at the right time, to exploit it and transform it into useful organizational knowledge for strategy formulation and decision-making. Nowadays, several management practices have been developed and designed to cope with the complexity that exists in the business environment and to maintain a sustained competitive advantage. Competitive intelligence is one of these innovative strategic management practices that play an increasingly important role in decision-making. This article attempts to present an overview of its fundamental concepts, functions and process and to explain how information is utilized in supporting decision-making process. The findings of this research suggest that decision makers should focus on developing competitive intelligence process in their organizations. This paper falls under a research task that was not confronted yet with the test of the terrain survey.
Area Classification and Types of Protection for Explosive Atmospheres: A Review
Authors: Ahirwal Bhagirath , Singh A. K. , Vishwakarma R. K.
Published: September 2021

Explosionproof (Ex) equipment is vital for use in explosive atmospheres. The knowledge of basic of area classification, zone, temperature class, types of protection and source of ignition is mandatory for testing, manufacturing, use, installation, inspection and maintenance of Ex equipment. The paper describes the area classification, types of protection and equipment protection level for hazardous areas.
Prototyping a Dedicated Photovoltaic System Datalogger
Authors: Khadidja Benabed , Stambouli Amine Boudghene , Noureddine Benabadji
Published: September 2021

Solar power is a renewable energy seen as one of the primary sources for electricity production in order to meet our daily needs. The conversion operation is sensitive and non-fault tolerant that can occur during operation of the system that affects its overall performance. We propose in this present paper a compact, low power and low-cost datalogger for the control and the monitoring based on a survey measures of five important physical parameters in the management and monitoring of the functioning of an electric system based on solar panels. These measures will be carried out at regular intervals, configurable through a PIC18F4520 microcontroller and stored in a large capacity memory type SD card.
Criminalising Terrorist Offences and the Phenomenon of Foreign Terrorist Fighters at the Municipal Level without Defining Terrorism in International Law: Does the Trick Really Work?
Authors: Capone Francesca
Published: September 2021

Although terrorism does not represent a new concern, it keeps evolving and posing new challenges to both the international community and individual States. The efforts to adopt uniform and concerted actions, also in terms of new legal instruments, so far have produced varying and in some instances questionable results. One of the main issues is represented by the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition of terrorism, an issue that resonates also at the domestic level whenever States are called to implement further layers of the existing international counter-terrorism framework. The present article aims at discussing the problems that States face while adopting and enforcing international obligations to criminalise terrorist offences; most recently those connected to the foreign terrorist fighters (ftf s) phenomenon. This article will focus on Italy and it will analyse how the international norms to fight terrorism have been transposed in its domestic legislation and interpreted by its courts.
The Ontology of Discrimination
Authors: Torrengo Giuliano
Published: September 2021

Discrimination is a social phenomenon which seems to be widespread across different societies and cultures. Examples of discrimination concerning race, class, gender, and sexual orientation are not difficult to find in contemporary western societies. In this article, the author focus on the ontological ground of this phenomenon, with particular attention to its diffuse and institutionalised forms. The author defends a broadly speaking reductionist approach, according to which the various manifestations of discrimination are grounded on the existence of the effects of “discriminatory stances” in social contexts. Discrimination may become part of the institutional sphere, either by way of bottom-up “crystallisation” of discriminatory practices, or by top-down “dilution” of institutional defaults into ordinary interactions.
Civic Foundations under Socialism: The Peter Warschow Stiftung in Greifswald
Authors: Böhm Oskar
Published: September 2021

This paper traces the fate of Greifswald’s most significant civic foundation: the Peter Warschow Foundation, a foundation that has existed since the Middle Ages to the present day. It examines the reasons why foundations were dissolved or merged at the local level in the GDR and how a civic foundation was able to survive the period of socialism. The empirical basis for this are previously unpublished archival records. The result of the study is that foundation dissolutions and mergers were primarily pragmatically motivated and that the Peter Warschow Foundation was able to survive mainly because of its cultural practice and financial basis.
The Council of Europe’s Responses to the Decay of the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protections: A Comparative Appraisal
Authors: Çalı Başak , Demir-Gürsel Esra
Published: September 2021

This article introduces the Special Issue on ‘The Responses of the Council of Europe to the Decay of the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protections’. The Council of Europe (CoE), a unique international organisation with its commitment to protect and promote human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, has been severely tested by the spread and consolidation of trends posing systemic threats to its foundational goals. The authors of this Special Issue assess how the European Court of Human Rights, the Venice Commission, the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, and the office of the Secretary General have addressed systemic threats to the foundational principles of the organisation in the last decade. The Special Issue finds that the respective legal-institutional features and capacities of the CoE organs as well as the constraining influence of the broader political context in Europe on them vary significantly, hampering the CoE’s ability to produce timely, consistent, and co-ordinated responses against systemic threats.