bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmatic Membrane Expression of Adhesion Molecules in Human Cardiac Progenitor/Stem Cells Might Explain Their Superior Cell Engraftment after Cell Transplantation
Authors: Ontoria-Oviedo Imelda , Palacios Itziar , Panadero Joaquín , Sánchez Belén , García-García Francisco , López-Cerdán Adolfo , Dorronsoro Akaitz , Castellano Delia , Rodríguez-Borlado Luis , Bernad Antonio , Sepúlveda Pilar
Published: October 2020

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and cardiac progenitor/stem cells (CPCs) have been extensively studied as a potential therapeutic treatment for myocardial infarction (MI). Previous reports suggest that lower doses of CPCs are needed to improve cardiac function relative to their bone marrow counterparts. Here, we confirmed this observations and investigated the surface protein expression profile that might explain this effect. Myocardial infarction was performed in nude rats by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery. Cardiac function and infarct size before and after cell transplantation were evaluated by echocardiography and morphometry, respectively. The CPC and BM-MSC receptome were analyzed by proteomic analysis of biotin-labeled surface proteins. Rats transplanted with CPCs showed a greater improvement in cardiac function after MI than those transplanted with BM-MSCs, and this was associated with a smaller infarct size. Analysis of the receptome of CPCs and BM-MSCs showed that gene ontology biological processes and KEGG pathways associated with adhesion mechanisms were upregulated in CPCs compared with BM-MSCs. Moreover, the membrane protein interactome in CPCs showed a strong relationship with biological processes related to cell adhesion whereas the BM-MSCs interactome was more related to immune regulation processes. We conclude that the stronger capacity of CPCs over BM-MSCs to engraft in the infarcted area is likely linked to a more pronounced cell adhesion expression program.
Discrete Element Analysis of the Load Transfer Mechanism of Geogrid‐Ballast Interface under Pull‐Out Load
Authors: Li Jing , Jia Ya-Fei , Miao Chen-Xi , Xie Ming-Xing
Published: October 2020

Geogrids have been extensively used in subgrade construction for stabilization purposes of unconfined ballast. Based on well‐calibrated microparameters, a series of geogrid‐reinforced ballast models with different geogrid sizes and particular structures were developed to reproduce the mechanical behavior of the geogrid under pull‐out load in this paper. And the rationality of the DEM model is verified by comparing the evolution law pull‐out force measured by laboratory tests and numerical simulations under comparable conditions. Moreover, the macro pull‐out force and the internal force distribution of the geogrid were analyzed, and the contact force statistical zones of the particle system were divided accurately according to the results. Meanwhile, both the force transfer mechanism in the geogrid‐ballast interface and the sectionalized strain of the geogrid were discussed. And results unveil that the pull‐out load is transmitted along the longitudinal ribs to the transverse ribs, and nearly 90% of the load is transmitted to the contact network (in statistical zone 1) in front of the first transverse rib, resulting in strong interlocking between the particles occurs in statistical zone 1. And the second transverse rib is the strength dividing line between strong and weak contact forces. Then, additional pull‐out tests on the control groups were conducted, and the sectionalized strain of the geogrid and the peak pull‐out force, as well as the energy dissipation were systematically analyzed. In addition, the proposed method used in simulation holds much promise for better understanding of the reinforcement mechanism and further optimizing the performance of geogrid‐reinforced structures.
Water Quality Analysis for the Depletion of Dissolved Oxygen due to Exponentially Increasing Form of Pollution Sources
Authors: Manitcharoen N. , Pimpunchat B. , Sattayatham P.
Published: October 2020

Analyzing and improving mathematical models for water quality investigation are imperative for water quality issues around the world. This study is aimed at presenting the 1D unsteady state regarding analytical and numerical solutions of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in a river, in which the increase of pollution from a source is considered as an exponential term. Laplace transformation was utilized to obtain analytical solutions, while the finite difference technique was selected for numerical solutions. The results show that the rate of pollutant addition along the river (q) and the arbitrary constants of an exponentially increasing pollution source term (λ) affected inversely, while the initial concentration Xi affected directly, DO in the river. These solutions and simulations can be enabled for testing in various scenarios in terms of the behavior of oxygen depletion in polluted rivers.
Studies on Hydration Swelling and Bound Water Type of Sodium- and Polymer-Modified Calcium Bentonite
Authors: Wan Yong , Guo Dongdong , Hui Xinminnan , Liu Lei , Yao Yuan
Published: October 2020

Modified calcium bentonite (Ca-bentonite) is extensively used in engineered barrier systems (EBSs) for municipal and industrial disposal sites due to its high swelling potential and low hydraulic conductivity. However, few studies have focused on the micromechanism of hydration and swelling under the effect of inorganic chemical solution. In this study, free swell index (FSI) and the type and content of modified Ca-bentonite bound water under the inorganic chemical solution were quantitatively studied by using the free swell test and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). According to the results, modification of sodium and polymer significantly increases the FSI of Ca-bentonite, bringing it close to that of natural sodium bentonite. In addition, the chemical stability of polymer-modified bentonite is significantly higher than that of sodium-modified bentonite but less than that of natural Na-bentonite. The FSI of modified Ca-bentonite decreases with the increase of cation valence and ionic strength. T2 distribution curves of the two types of modified bentonite are three-peak curves. With the increase of ionic strength, the content of total water and permeated hydrated water (accounting for 69%–95%) in bentonite decreases gradually, whereas the surface hydration water (accounting for 2%–31%) and free water content (accounting for 0–15%) increase. A uniform linear relationship exists between the FSI and corresponding total peak area of NMR (independent of ion valence, concentration, and bentonite type). Furthermore, a linear relationship exists between the FSI of the same type of bentonite and the T2 relaxation time. Research results can provide data and theoretical basis for quantitative analysis and mechanism of the hydration swelling of bentonite.
Increased Expression of TIGIT/CD57 in Peripheral Blood/Bone Marrow NK Cells in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yao Danlin , Xu Ling , Liu Lian , Zeng Xiangbo , Zhong Juan , Lai Jing , Zheng Runhui , Jin Zhenyi , Chen Shaohua , Zha Xianfeng , Huang Xin , Lu Yuhong
Published: October 2020

The antitumor activity of NK cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is inhibited by the leukemia microenvironment. Recent studies have identified that the expression of TIGIT, CD57, and KLRG1 is related to the function, maturation, and antitumor capabilities of NK cells. However, the characteristics of the expression of these genes in the peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) from patients with CML remain unknown. In this study, we used multicolor flow cytometry to assay the quantity and phenotypic changes of NK cells in PB and BM from de novo CML (DN‐CML) and CML patients acquiring molecular response (MR‐CML). We found that the expression of TIGIT, which inhibits NK cell function, is increased on CD56+ and CD56dim NK cells in DN‐CML PB compared with those in healthy individuals (HIs), and it is restored to normal in patients who achieve MR. We also found that the expression of CD57 on NK cells was approximately the same level in PB and BM from DN‐CML patients, while decreased CD57 expression was found on CD56+ and CD56dim NK cells in HI BM compared with PB. Additionally, those two subsets were significantly increased in DN‐CML BM compared to HI BM. The expression of CD57 correlates with replicative senescence and maturity for human NK cells; therefore, the increase in TIGIT on PB NK cells together with an increase in CD57 on BM NK cells may explain the subdued NK cell antileukemia capacity and proliferative ability in DN‐CML patients. These results indicate that reversing the immune suppression of PB NK cells by blocking TIGIT while improving the proliferation of BM NK cells via targeting CD57 may be more effective in removing tumor cells.
Anticolorectal Cancer Effects of AUCAN: Effects to Suppress Proliferation, Metastasis, and Invasion of Tumor Cells
Authors: Xiong Liu-Lin , Du Ruo-Lan , Chen Jun-Jie , Jiang Ya , Xue Lu-Lu , Niu Rui-Ze , Chen Li , Liu Jia , Wang Ting-Hua
Published: October 2020

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an underlying deadly malignancy with poor prognosis, lacking effective therapies currently available to improve the prognosis. C18H17NO6 (AUCAN), a kind of dibenzofuran extracted from a special plant in Yunnan Province (China), is identified as a natural anticancer agent exerting strong inhibitory activities on various cancers. Our study was committed to investigating the potency of AUCAN against colorectal cancers and further exploring the potential mechanisms via proteomic analysis. Methods. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the effect of AUCAN on the viability and proliferation of HCT‐116 cells and RKO cells. The apoptosis of HCT‐116 and RKO cells after AUCAN administration was determined by the flow cytometry test. The effects of AUCAN on invasion and migration of tumor cells were investigated by the colony formation assay, wound healing test, and Transwell invasion test. Meanwhile, the energy metabolism and growth of tumor tissues after AUCAN administration with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg were examined by PET‐CT in vivo. The side effects of AUCAN treatment were also evaluated through blood routine and liver function examination. RKO cell proliferation and apoptosis in vivo were further determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in AUCAN treatment were determined by proteomic analysis followed by functional clustering analysis. Results. The results showed that AUCAN suppressed the migratory abilities and enhanced apoptosis of HCT‐116 and RKO cell lines. Meanwhile, AUCAN treatment dramatically depressed the growth and volume of colorectal tumors in nude mice and suppressed the survival of RKO cells in tumor tissues without any side effects on the blood routine and liver function. In addition, twenty‐four upregulated and forty‐two downregulated proteins were identified. Additionally, functional clustering analysis concealed enriched biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions, and related pathways of these proteins involved in cellular metabolic. Finally, the protein‐protein interaction analysis revealed the regulatory connection among these DEPs. Conclusions. Taken together, AUCAN exerted its significant antitumor effect without side effects in the blood routine and liver function and the underlying mechanisms were preliminarily investigated by proteomic analysis.
Reconstitution of IgG Subclasses Following Immunoglobulin Administration in Adult Patients with Common Variable Immune Deficiency
Authors: Reeder David , Gupta Sudhir
Published: October 2020

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy reduces the frequency and severity of infection among patients with antibody deficiency disorders. However, a subset of patients lacks adequate clinical response. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine in adult common variable immune deficiency (CVID) patients (A) if lack of clinical response to Ig therapy correlates with lack of reconstitution of IgG subclass (es), (B) correlation between Ig dosing and/or IgG trough levels and IgG subclass reconstitution, (C) and most common impaired Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) serotype antibody response. Methods: Single-institution, retrospective chart review for CVID patients at immunology clinics from 2015 to 2019. Patients were monitored every 3–6 months for IgG dosage, IgG trough levels, IgG subclass reconstitution, infectious episodes (chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, upper respiratory, and lower respiratory tract infections), urinary tract infections, and antibiotic use. Follow-up was calculated in patient years. Results: Twenty-five of 41 patients achieved complete reconstitution of all IgG subclasses, and 16/41 demonstrated intermittent or lack of reconstitution. There were significantly less (p < 0.001) infections among fully reconstituted patients (0.66 ± 0.19 infections per patient year) as compared to those with intermittent or lack of reconstitution (1.26 ± 0.13 infections per patient year). There was a significant correlation between IgG trough levels and IgG subclass reconstitution. Most common impaired S. pneumoniae serotype included 3, 4, 9n, 10a, 11a, 12f, and 15b. Conclusions: Incomplete IgG subclass reconstitution was associated with increased frequency of infections. IgG trough levels correlate with IgG subclass reconstitution. A limited number of S. pneumoniae serotype antibodies are commonly impaired in CVID.
A Targeted Multiomics Approach to Identify Biomarkers Associated with Rapid eGFR Decline in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Limonte Christine P. , Valo Erkka , Montemayor Daniel , Afshinnia Farsad , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S. , Costacou Tina , Darshi Manjula , Forsblom Carol , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Groop Per-Henrik , Miller Rachel G. , Orchard Trevor J. , Pennathur Subramaniam , Rossing Peter , Sandholm Niina , Snell-Bergeon Janet K. , Ye Hongping , Zhang Jing , Natarajan Loki , de Boer Ian H. , Sharma Kumar
Published: October 2020

Background: Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) demonstrate varied trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline. The molecular pathways underlying rapid eGFR decline in T1D are poorly understood, and individual-level risk of rapid eGFR decline is difficult to predict. Methods: We designed a case-control study with multiple exposure measurements nested within 4 well-characterized T1D cohorts (FinnDiane, Steno, EDC, and CACTI) to identify biomarkers associated with rapid eGFR decline. Here, we report the rationale for and design of these studies as well as results of models testing associations of clinical characteristics with rapid eGFR decline in the study population, upon which “omics” studies will be built. Cases (n = 535) and controls (n = 895) were defined as having an annual eGFR decline of ≥3 and <1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Associations of demographic and clinical variables with rapid eGFR decline were tested using logistic regression, and prediction was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) statistics. Targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics are being performed using high-resolution mass-spectrometry techniques. Results: At baseline, the mean age was 43 years, diabetes duration was 27 years, eGFR was 94 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 62% of participants were normoalbuminuric. Over 7.6-year median follow-up, the mean annual change in eGFR in cases and controls was −5.7 and 0.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Younger age, longer diabetes duration, and higher baseline HbA1c, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, and eGFR were significantly associated with rapid eGFR decline. The cross-validated AUC for the predictive model incorporating these variables plus sex and mean arterial blood pressure was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.68–0.79; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Known risk factors provide moderate discrimination of rapid eGFR decline. Identification of blood and urine biomarkers associated with rapid eGFR decline in T1D using targeted omics strategies may provide insight into disease mechanisms and improve upon clinical predictive models using traditional risk factors.
Does Hyaluronidase Enhance Drug Penetration to Mechanoreceptors?
Authors: Cahusac Peter M.B. , Senok Solomon S.
Published: October 2020

Background: The pharmacological study of mechanoreceptors embedded within tissue is hampered by tissue barriers to applied research drugs. Methods: Hyaluronidase increases the permeability of tissues and is used clinically to facilitate the distribution of injected drugs. An in vitro rat sinus hair preparation was used to determine whether hyaluronidase (1,500 or 3,000 IU/10 mL) had an effect on drug access to receptor sites on slowly adapting St I and St II mechanoreceptors. Electrical recordings were made from single mechanoreceptor units that were activated by trapezoid ramp stimuli. Cinnamaldehyde (500–1,500 μM) and capsazepine (100 μM) were used as test drugs. Changes in onset time and degree of depression of firing due to test drugs were compared to control experiments not employing hyaluronidase. Results: There were no statistical effects on any of the observed measures. Often the effects were opposite to those predicted. Using a likelihood approach, it was calculated that there was strong evidence (log-likelihood ratios from −0.5 to −6.5) to support a null effect over a facilitatory effect. There was no evidence of loss of integrity of mechanoreceptor mechanotransduction mechanisms following hyaluronidase applications. Comparison with Existing Method: The use of hyaluronidase does not facilitate drug access to receptors. Conclusions: In the in vitro sinus hair preparation, the addition of hyaluronidase does not allow easier access to slowly adapting mechanoreceptors within the follicle.
Subthreshold Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation Using Endpoint Management Algorithm for Severe Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Paired Controlled Pilot Prospective Study
Authors: Lai Kunbei , Zhao Hongkun , Zhou Lijun , Huang Chuangxin , Zhong Xiaojing , Gong Yajun , Li Longhui , Xu Fabao , Li Cong , Lu Lin , Jin Chenjin
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the efficacy and safety profile of subthreshold pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) using endpoint management (EPM) algorithm compared with conventional threshold PASCAL PRP for the treatment of severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, paired randomized controlled trial of 56 eyes of 28 participants with bilateral symmetric severe NPDR. One eye of the participant was randomly assigned to receive the subthreshold EPM PRP, while the other eye of the same participant received the threshold PASCAL PRP. The primary outcome measures included the difference in the 1-year risk of progression to PDR between 2 groups, and mean changes of the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA). The second outcome measures included central foveal thickness (CFT), 1-year risk of progression to PDR, and visual field (VF) parameters. Results: The subthreshold EPM PRP group and the threshold PASCAL PRP group had similar 1-year risk of progression to PDR during the 12-month follow-up visits (17.86 vs. 14.29%, p > 0.05). Slightly decreased VA was found in both groups (0.08 vs. 0.09 logMAR VA); however, no statistical difference was found for neither group (p > 0.05). Similar results were found for thickened CFT for both groups (23.59 vs. 28.34 μm, p > 0.05). Specifically, although substantial loss of VF was found in the threshold PASCAL PRP group (p < 0.05), no obvious damage to VF was seen in the subthreshold EPM PRP group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The subthreshold EPM PRP is noninferior to the conventional threshold PASCAL PRP in the treatment of severe NPDR during 12-month follow-up and could be an alternative treatment option for patients with severe NPDR.
Towards an objective comparison of feature extraction techniques for automatic speaker recognition systems
Authors: Bouziane Ayoub , Kharroubi Jamal , Zarghili Arsalane
Published: October 2020

A common limitation of the previous comparative studies on speaker-features extraction techniques lies in the fact that the comparison is done independently of the used speaker modeling technique and its parameters. The aim of the present paper is twofold. Firstly, it aims to review the most significant advancements in feature extraction techniques used for automatic speaker recognition. Secondly, it seeks to evaluate and compare the currently dominant ones using an objective comparison methodology that overcomes the various limitations and drawbacks of the previous comparative studies. The results of the carried out experiments underlines the importance of the proposed comparison methodology.
Radio frequency peak and average power density from mobile base stations in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwafemi Ilesanmi B. , Faluru Adedeji M. , Obasanyo Tayo D.
Published: October 2020

The ever-increasing number of mobile telecommunication base station as a result of increasing demand for broadband applications has raised a growing concern and worry over the health implications and safety of the radiations from these base stations by the resident of Ekiti State and Nigeria in Nigeria. Measurement of radio frequency was conducted in this research in order to study the electromagnetic field radiation level in Ekiti State Nigeria. Investigation was conducted with the four available mobile operators with the three sub-frequency band viz 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz. The power density of radio frequency radiation was estimated through measurement with the aid of A 3-Axis RF Radiation Strength Meter TM-196 and Handheld Spectrum Analyzer Model NA-773, 144/430. The peak and average power density was computed using the method of theoretical calculation and the safety distance from the antennas were estimated. The measured and the calculated values were compared with the international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection (ICNIRP) standard for public and occupational exposure level. Results show that the radiations from the base stations adheres to the standard provided by ICNIRP
A study of edge preserving filters in image matching
Authors: Hamzah Rostam Affendi , Kadmin A. F. , Gani S. F. A. , Aziz K. A. , Wook T. M. F. T. , Mohamood N. , Wei M. G. Y.
Published: October 2020

This article presents a study on edge preserving filters in image matching which comprises a development of stereo matching algorithm using two edge preserving filters. Fundamentally, the framework is reconstructed by several sequential processes. The output of these processes is a disparity map or depth map. The corresponding points between two images require accurate matching to make accurate depth map estimation. Thus, the propose work in this article utilizes sum of squared differences (SSD) with dual edge preserving filters. These filters are used due to edge preserved properties and to increase the accuracy. The median filter (MF) and bilateral filter (BF) will be utilized. The SSD produces preliminary results with low noise and the edge preserving filters reduce noise on the low texture regions with edge preserving properties. Based on the experimental analysis using the standard benchmarking evaluation system from the Middlebury, the disparity map produced is 6.65% for all error pixels. It shows an accurate edge preserved properties on the disparity maps. To make the proposed work more reliable with current available methods, the quantitative measurement has been made to compare with other existing methods and it displays the proposed work in this article perform much better.
Design of 4-stage Marx generator using gas discharge tube
Authors: Wijono Wijono , Abidin Zainul , Djuriatno Waru , Maulana Eka , Ribath Nola
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a Marx generator voltage multiplier as an impulse generator made of multi-stage resistors and capacitors to generate a high voltage is proposed. In order to generate a high voltage pulse, a number of capacitors are connected in parallel to charge up during on time and then in series to generate higher voltage during off period. In this research, a 6kV Marx generator voltage multiplier is designed using gas discharge tube (GDT) as an electronic switch to breakdown voltage. The Marx generator circuit is designed to charge the storage capacitor for high impulse voltage and current generator applications. According to IEC 61000-4-5 class 4 standards, the storage capacitor must be charged up to 4 kV. The results show that the proposed Marx generator can produce voltages up to 6.8 kV. However, the storage capacitor could be charged up to 1 kV, instead of 4 kV in the standard. That is because the output impulse voltage has narrow time period.
Selection of optimal hyper-parameter values of support vector machine for sentiment analysis tasks using nature-inspired optimization methods
Authors: Ramasamy Lakshmana Kumar , Kadry Seifedine , Lim Sangsoon
Published: October 2020

Sentiment analysis and classification task is used in recommender systems to analyze movie reviews, tweets, Facebook posts, online product reviews, blogs, discussion forums, and online comments in social networks. Usually, the classification is performed using supervised machine learning methods such as support vector machine (SVM) classifier, which have many distinct parameters. The selection of the values for these parameters can greatly influence the classification accuracy and can be addressed as an optimization problem. Here we analyze the use of three heuristics, nature-inspired optimization techniques, cuckoo search optimization (CSO), ant lion optimizer (ALO), and polar bear optimization (PBO), for parameter tuning of SVM models using various kernel functions. We validate our approach for the sentiment classification task of Twitter dataset. The results are compared using classification accuracy metric and the Nemenyi test.
Improved El Gamal public key cryptosystem using 3D chaotic maps
Authors: Al-naamee Muna KH. , Ali Sura Mazin
Published: October 2020

Digital information is any type of data that is stored electronically. These data need to protect its assets and unauthorized access to it and therefore need measures to protect digital privacy. This process is done in different ways, one of which is encryption. Encryption provides secure transfer of unauthorized data over insecure channels. In this paper a method is proposed to create the keys to the El Gamal PKC algorithm based on chaos theory. The proposed algorithm uses 3D chaos maps to create keys used in the encryption and decryption process using an El Gamal algorithm. The time spent encoding and decoding in milliseconds was calculated and compared with methods that used 1D and 2D chaotic maps. Also, the results obtained exceeded most of the statistical and NIST tests. The generated results are tested their reactions against many types of attacks. Then, the results showed that the proposed method had an excellent randomness efficiency for creating public and private keys for El Gamal's algorithm.
Statistical analysis of air-conditioning and total load diversity in typical residential buildings
Authors: Hisham Naja Aqilah , Shaikh Salim Sheikh Ahmad Zaki , Hagishima Aya , Yakub Fitri , Saipol Hafizah Farhah Saipan
Published: October 2020

Electricity consumption by air-conditioners in residential buildings significantly affects the electrical grid. The stability of the grid can be improved by a precise prediction of air-conditioning (AC) variations. Therefore, more information about the electricity usage patterns specifically on AC load is important. This paper aims to determine the consumption patterns of AC and total load through a field measurement of 20 dwellings located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Next, correlation and clustering are employed to identify the relationship between outdoor temperature and AC electricity consumption. The results revealed 75% of the occupants use the AC almost every day for about five to six hours per day at the rates of 0.93 kWh/day during day time and 3.43 kWh/day during night time. The correlation coefficient between the total daily AC consumption and the mean daily outdoor temperature ranged from -0.1 to 0.48. The variation of electricity consumption with time shows that AC electricity consumption increases with the increase of usage time. Lastly, the clustering process of AC usage pattern based on outdoor temperature displayed the uncommon behaviour from dwellings whereby high AC electricity consumption was recorded at low outdoor temperature.
Single event latch-up detection for nano-satellite external solar radiation mitigation system
Authors: Yaa’cob Norsuzila , Ayob Muhammad Fauzan , Tajudin Noraisyah , Kassim Murizah , Yusof Azita Laily
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the single event latch-up (SEL) detection for nano-satellite external solar radiation mitigation system. In this study, the SEL detection analysis was conducted using circuit test and simulation. An electrical power subsystem (EPS) is a part of all CubeSat bus subsystems and it comprises solar arrays, rechargeable batteries, and a power control and distribution unit (PCDU). In order to extract the maximum power generated by the solar arrays, a peak power tracking topology is required. This may lead to the SEL with the presence of high voltage produced by solar. To overcome the SEL problems, the circuit test and simulation must be done so that the flow of SEL will be easily detected and mitigate. The method that been used are by using microcontroller, the SEL will be created in the certain time. The programable integrated circuit (PIC) are used to mitigate SEL effect. It indicates that, the SEL occur very fast in certain time. When the simulation is conducted by using SPENVIS, the result shows, only single event upset (SEU) was affected on UiTMSAT-1.
A review of human skin detection applications based on image processing
Authors: Al Naffakh Hussein Ali Hussein , Ghazali Rozaida , El Abbadi Nidhal Khdhair , Razzaq Ali Nadhim
Published: October 2020

In computer science, virtual image processing is the use of a digital computer to manipulate digital images through an algorithm for many applications. To begin with a new research topic, the must trend application that gets many requests to develop should know. Therefore, many applications based on human skin and human life are reviewed in this article, such as detection, classification, blocking, cryptography, identification, localization, steganography, segmentation, tracking, and recognition. In this article, the published articles with the topic of human skin-based image processing are investigated. The international publishers, such as Springer, IEEE, arXiv, and Elsevier are selected. The searching is implemented with the duration criteria of 2015-2019. It noted that human skin detection and recognition are the most repetitive articles with 43% and 28.5%, respectively of the total number of the investigated articles. The usage of human skin models is being widely used in the image processing of various applications.
Optimal tuning of a wind plant energy production based on improved grey wolf optimizer
Authors: Tumari Mohd Zaidi Mohd , Zahar Mohd Muzaffar , Ahmad Mohd Ashraf
Published: October 2020

The tuning of optimal controller parameters in wind plant is crucial in order to minimize the effect of wake interaction between turbines. The purpose of this paper is to develop an improved grey wolf optimizer (I-GWO) in order to tune the controller parameters of the turbines so that the total energy production of a wind plant is increased. The updating mechanism of original GWO is modified to improve the efficiency of exploration and exploitation phase while avoiding trapping in local minima solution. A row of ten turbines is considered to evaluate the effectiveness of the I-GWO by maximizing the total energy production. The proposed approach is compared with original GWO and previously published modified GWO. Finally, I-GWO produces the highest total energy production as compared to other methods, as shown in statistical performance analysis.
Traid-bit embedding process on Arabic text steganography method
Authors: Din Roshidi , Thabit Reema Ahmed , Udzir Nur Izura , Utama Sunariya
Published: October 2020

The enormous development in the utilization of the Internet has driven by a continuous improvement in the region of security. The enhancement of the security embedded techniques is applied to save the intellectual property. There are numerous types of security mechanisms. Steganography is the art and science of concealing secret information inside a cover media such as image, audio, video and text, without drawing any suspicion to the eavesdropper. The text is ideal for steganography due to its ubiquity. There are many steganography embedded techniques used Arabic language to embed the hidden message in the cover text. Kashida, Shifting Point and Sharp-edges are the three Arabic steganography embedded techniques with high capacity. However, these three techniques have lack of performance to embed the hidden message into the cover text. This paper present about traid-bit method by integrating these three Arabic text steganography embedded techniques. It is an effective way to evaluate many embedded techniques at the same time, and introduced one solution for various cases.
An algorithm to measure unsymmetrical circle shape of intravascular ultrasound image using image processing techniques
Authors: Kutty Suhaili Beeran , Rahmat Rahmita Wirza O. K. , Kassim Sazzli Shahlan , Madzin Hizmawati , Hamdan Hazlina
Published: October 2020

In diagnosing coronary artery disease, measurement of the cross-sectional area of the lumen, maximum and minimum diameter is very important. Mainly, it will be used to confirm the diagnosing, to predict the stenosis if any and to ensure the size of the stent to be used. However, the measurement only offers by the existing software and some of the software needs human interaction to complete the process. The purpose of this paper is to present the algorithm to measure the region of interest (ROI) on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) using an image processing technique. The methodology starts with image acquisition process followed by image segmentation. After that, border detection for each ROI was detected and the algorithm was applied to calculate the corresponding region. The result shows that the measurement is accurate and could be used not only for IVUS but applicable to solid circle and unsymmetrical circle shape.
Lectotypification and a new record of the genus Eragrostiella (Tripogoninae, Cynodonteae, Chloridoideae, Poaceae) from India

Authors: KOTTEKKATTU THOIBA , PRADEEP A.K.
Published: October 2020

Eragrostiella bifaria var. secunda is reported here for the first time from India. A detailed description, distribution map and photographs are provided for identification. Caryopsis micromorphology of all the varieties of Eragrostiella bifaria is also provided for comparison. We also proposed the lectotypification of Eragrostiella brachyphylla.
Impact performance of innovative corrugated polystyrene foam for bicycle helmets
Authors: Bhudolia Somen K , Gohel Goram , Leong Kah Fai
Published: October 2020

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a common material used to manufacture the inner foam liner of a bicycle helmet due to its outstanding energy absorption characteristics and light-weight property. The current research presents a novel corrugated expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam design concept which is used to enhance the impact dissipation of bicycle helmets from the safety standpoint to reduce head injuries and make them lighter. The baseline comparison study under impact for different foam configurations is compared with a conventional EPS foam sample without corrugation. Corrugated foam designs under current investigation are 12.5–20% lighter and provide up to 10% higher energy absorption. The details of the novel manufacturing concept, CPSC 1203 helmet impact tests, high-speed camera study to understand the differences in the failure mechanisms are deliberated in this paper.
Knowledge of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Special Educators
Authors: Chleboun Steffany M. , King Amie M. , Lukert Samantha L. , Weber Wendy H.
Published: October 2020

Research on stakeholders in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) management in the schools has shown that several school personnel (e.g., nurses, athletic trainers, principals, speech-language pathologists) all contribute unique knowledge to a school-based mTBI management team. Special educators (SPEs) may be another stakeholder group that could provide additional knowledge and expertise in working with children in the schools following mTBI. We examined SPEs knowledge and perceptions of ability to support students with mTBI through an online survey. Results suggested that SPEs may provide unique, valuable knowledge that warrants their involvement on an mTBI management team. Similar to other school personnel, data from SPEs revealed specific areas of knowledge, as well as specific areas where knowledge was lacking. With additional focused continuing education and more clearly defined roles, SPEs may be an integral member of mTBI management teams.
How effective are enforcement measures for compliance with the minimum wage? Evidence from Germany
Authors: Bossler Mario , Jaenichen Ursula , Schächtele Simeon
Published: October 2020

The extent of non-compliance with minimum wages is heavily debated, but little is known about the effectiveness of enforcement measures. Following the introduction of a national minimum wage in Germany in 2015, employers in a catalogue of industries deemed at high risk of non-compliance were subject to more stringent enforcement requirements, such as an obligation to record hours worked. Using national administrative employment data, in this study the authors exploit the variation in enforcement measures to analyze the effect on non-compliance. As an empirical strategy, they balance jobs from industries with stricter enforcement measures with jobs from other industries and apply difference-in-differences estimations. The evidence points to a small compliance-enhancing effect of the enforcement measures. The gains in compliance are not offset by more pronounced employment losses in those industries subject to stricter enforcement.
Classic Tool, New Opportunities: A Psychometric Analysis of a Swedish Online Version of the Aging Semantic Differential Scale
Authors: Holmberg Christopher , Wolf Axel , Eide Camilla , Großschädl Franziska , Schüttengruber Gerhilde , Patel Harshida , Heckemann Birgit
Published: October 2020

This study validated a Swedish translation of the Aging Semantic Differential Scale (ASD, 32-items) distributed online. Translation and back-translation were conducted. A convenience sample of nursing students completed the online questionnaire (N = 292) in spring 2020. Confirmatory factor analysis tested a validated four-factor structure consisting of 26 items, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested. The Swedish version of the ASD was found to be reliable and valid. Model fit indices, internal reliability, and scale validity were acceptable. Construct validity was verified, and mean differences were observed, in accord with previous research regarding participants’ age, sex, clinical experience, and personal relationships with older individuals. The findings provide cross-cultural validation of the ASD by extending its international use. The validation of an online version expands data collection flexibility. As this modified instrument required only 26 items, it may be beneficial for use in future studies and practical settings.
Feeling the Real: The Non-Nomadic Subject of Feminism
Authors: Tamboukou Maria
Published: October 2020

Nomadism as a spatial concept denoting uncharted movements has opened up non-static ways of theorizing the subject in feminist theory and beyond. But it seems that the nomads of the real world and their torturing wanderings today have irrevocably challenged the romance of unregulated movement and force us to radically rethink the very concept of nomadism itself. In this paper I address the aporias that women's entanglement in current mobility assemblages has raised in the ways we understand and imagine the subject of feminism. In doing so, I experiment with the concept of the non-nomad as an emergent figuration that retains the radicalism of nomadic theories, while pointing to their margins, shadows and exclusions.
Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches and the Provision of Social Services in Ghana
Authors: Benyah Francis
Published: October 2020

The provision of social services by Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana is discussed in this article. Focusing on four selected Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana, it is argued that Pentecostal/Charismatic churches are not only concerned with the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ but are also actively engaged in the provision of social and welfare services aimed at transforming the lives of their constituents. This development, in the author’s view, points to a paradigm shift from the well-known otherworldly nature of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements and projects a rather new movement whose growing social sensitivity has implications for national development.
Feasibility of using oxycodone as the sole opioid for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in minor/moderate surgery: a prospective, observational, descriptive study
Authors: Bao Fangping , Xie Qing , Zhang Honggang , Zhu Shengmei , Kang Xianhui
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study presented the feasibility of oxycodone as the sole opioid for general anaesthesia in minor/moderate surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, observational, descriptive study, 62 patients were enrolled and received intravenous oxycodone as the sole opioid for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia. We observed all of these patients to determine whether oxycodone alone could provide sufficient intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, as well as to record the extubation times and adverse events.

Results

A total oxycodone dose of 0.316 ± 0.05 mg/kg was used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia. The dose could maintain haemodynamic stability during surgery and good postoperative analgesia. Oxycodone caused deep sedation (nine patients had Ramsey sedation scores ≥4), leading to respiratory depression and long stays in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU). The extubation time (16.9 ± 6.4 minutes) increased with increasing oxycodone doses.

Conclusion

Oxycodone can be used as the sole opioid for general anaesthesia in minor/moderate surgery. However, care should be taken because of its deep sedation effect. Trial registration: This study is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.chictr.org.cn ): ChiCTR-opc-16009175
Correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with the prognosis of non-ST-segment elevation in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing selective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wang Zhisong , Wang Juan , Cao Donglai , Han Leng
Published: October 2020

Objective

We aimed to explore the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at three timepoints and prognosis of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 1 year of PCI.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 231 patients with NSTE-ACS who received PCI and were followed for 1 year after PCI. The study population was divided into major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACE) and non-MACE groups.

Results

In total, 214 patients completed the 1-year follow-up; 32 patients (15.0%) had MACE and 182 (85.0%) had no MACE. The MACE and non-MACE groups differed significantly in age, preoperative neutrophil count, preoperative and postoperative NLR, proportion of three-vessel lesion disease, preoperative lymphocyte count, postoperative lymphocyte count within 24 hours, postoperative lymphocyte count over 24 hours, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR within 24 hours, age, and LVEF values were independent risk factors for MACE in patients with NSTE-ACS after elective PCI.

Conclusion

Compared with preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR (within 24 hours) may have a stronger ability to predict the occurrence of MACE in NSTE-ACS patients within 1 year after elective PCI.
Prediction of motion accuracy in five degrees of freedom for hydrostatic rotary table with any recess number
Authors: Zhang Penghai , Chen Yaolong , Zha Jun , Lei Zhimei
Published: October 2020

An approximate accuracy model in five degrees of freedom has been built to predict the motion accuracy of hydrostatic rotary tables with any recess number. It is found that the amplitudes of total averaging coefficients depend on the basic averaging coefficients, while the frequencies of total averaging coefficients depend on the layout averaging coefficients. The motion accuracies of journal bearing and those of the two thrust bearings are independent of each other. For the hydrostatic rotary table with any recess number [Formula: see text], the harmonic waves of shaft or thrust plates with wave numbers [Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] have a major impact on the radial or tilt motion accuracies, respectively. The harmonic waves of thrust plates with wave number [Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text] have a major impact on the axial motion accuracy. And [Formula: see text] is a non-negative integer. Increasing recess number can improve motion accuracy since the number of harmonic waves of shaft and thrust plates affecting error motions can be reduced. The recommended recess number 6 may be a compromise between structural complexity and motion accuracy. Both the theoretical and experimental studies show that, for the hydrostatic rotary table with recess number 4, the radial run-out is mainly resulted from the third components of shaft roundness errors which is the selective performance of the recess number, while the axial run-out is generally much smaller than the radial run-out. The theory discussed is very important for design of hydrostatic rotary table used widely in precision machine tools.
The relations between the stress in temporomandibular joints and the deviated distances for mandibular asymmetric patients
Authors: Shu Jingheng , Xiong Xin , Chong Desmond YR , Liu Yang , Liu Zhan
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to compare the difference of stress distributions in temporomandibular joints (TMJs) between the patients with mandibular asymmetry and asymptomatic subjects and find the relations between deviated distance and biomechanical stress using three-dimensional finite element method, to give guidance to dentists for correction of mandibular asymmetry. Ten facial symmetric subjects without symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and 10 mandibular asymmetric patients were recruited and assigned as the Control and Case group respectively. The FE models of the mandible and maxilla were reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Muscle forces and boundary conditions were applied to the two groups corresponding to centric and anterior occlusions. The simulation manifested significant differences in stresses of the TMJs between the non-deviated and deviated sides in the Case group under the centric and anterior occlusions. The stresses in the Case group were significantly greater than those in the Control group, especially on the non-deviated side. Besides, there were weak and moderate correlations between the third principal stresses and deviated distances for the patients under centric and anterior occlusions. The excessive stresses in the TMJ of patients with mandibular asymmetry were associated with temporomandibular disorders.