bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of split ring resonator for pineapple moisture content detection
Authors: Amirudin Anis Afrina Mohd , Abdullah Noorsaliza , Mohd Ezri
Published: October 2021

Microwave resonant is one of the sensors used in characterizing the material and is also one of the most sensitive sensors for measuring dielectric properties. This project proposed the resonant method due to its accuracy and sensitivity. The split ring resonators were mounted on the fruit sample surface to observe the resonant frequency behavior, and to measure the fruit freshness. The resonator was set at 6 GHz using the FR4 lossy substrate. The findings show that the coupling distance and the ring radius have the greatest impact on preserving the resonant behavior. The fundamental of the obtained resonant frequencies was observed based on the different moisture content of the test material. The moisture level was observed at 38.2%, 54%, 69%, and 86.7%. At 86.7%, the resonant frequency has the highest shifting by shifting to the left. This shows that the larger resonant frequency change occurs when the water content is higher.
Application of PI controller based active filter for harmonic mitigation of grid-connected PV-system
Authors: Khandelwal Achala , Nema Pragya
Published: October 2021

The recent trends show the interconnection of PV system with electric grid. With this configuration the issue of harmonics comes into existence. The mounting figure of power-electronic instruments has formed considerable impression on the power-quality of electric supply. Harmonics deformations have conventionally been handled amid the application of passive-LC filters. Active Filter has emerged as a good substitute for passive filters to reduce the harmonics to great extent as it has numerous benefits over the former filters. The active filter’s most vital part is the applied control strategies. Several researches are being under process to advance the functioning of the filter. One of the important control requirements of filter is the regulation of DC link up capacitor voltage. Here the voltage supervision of capacitor is being done using PI controller. The paper show current harmonics compensation of PV grid connected system using PI controller based active filter. Simulation outcomes have been shown which displays the harmonics are within the IEEE boundaries.
Constructed model for micro-content recognition in lip reading based deep learning
Authors: Ali Nada Hussain , Abdulmunem Matheel Emad , Ali Akbas Ezaldeen
Published: October 2021

Communication between human beings has several ways, one of the most known and used is speech, both visual and acoustic perceptions sensory are involved, because of that, the speech is considered as a multi-sensory process. Micro contents are a small pieces of information that can be used to boost the learning process. Deep learning is an approach that dives into deep texture layers to learn fine grained details. The convolution neural network (CNN) is a deep learning technique that can be employed as a complementary model with micro learning to hold micro contents to achieve special process. In This paper a proposed model for lip reading system is presented with proposed video dataset. The proposed model receives micro contents (the English alphabet) in video as input and recognize them, the role of CNN deep learning is clearly appeared to perform two tasks, the first one is feature extraction and the second one is the recognition process. The implementation results show an efficient accuracy recognition rate for various video dataset that contains variety lip reader for many persons with age range from 11 to 63 years old, the proposed model gives high recognition rate reach to 98%.
Optimal distributed generation placement using artificial intelligence for improving active radial distribution system
Authors: Jumaa Fadhel A. , Neda Omar Muhammed , Mhawesh Mustafa A.
Published: October 2021

There are several profits of distributed generator (DG) units which are believed for improving the safety of the distribution power grids. However, these profits can be maximized by ensuring optimum sizing and positioning of DG units because an arbitrary location of DG units may adversely affect and jeopardize power grids which could contribute to maximising of power loss and degradation of the voltage profile. Therefore, several approaches were suggested to ensure optimum position and size of DGs. The primary aim of this article is for establishing technique for optimum scheduling and operating of DG to lessen power loss, revamp voltage profile and overall network reliability. Artificial intelligence method called particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized for finding the best site and size of DG to lessen power loss and boost the voltage profile. In this paper, IEEE 33 distribution system is utilized to display applicability of PSO. The results of the PSO are compared with the results gotten by other methods in the literature. Finally, the results show that the PSO is superior than the other methods.
Brain tumor identification with a hybrid feature extraction method based on discrete wavelet transform and principle component analysis
Authors: Toufiq Dalia Mohammad , Sagheer Ali Makki , Veisi Hadi
Published: October 2021

The Identification of brain tumors is a critical step that relies on the expertise and abilities of the physician. In order to enable radiologists to spot brain tumors, an automated tumor arrangement is extremely important. This paper presents a technique for MR brain image segmentation and classification to identify images as normal and abnormal. The proposed technique is a hybrid feature extraction submitted to enhance the classification results and basically consists of three stages. The first stage is used a 3-level of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to extract image characteristics. In the second stage, the principle component analysis (PCA) is applied to reduce the size of characteristics. Finally, a random forest classifier (RF) was used with a feature selection for identification. 181 MR brain images are collected (81 normal and 100 abnormal), in distinguishing normal and abnormal tissues, the experimental results obtained an accuracy of 98%, the sensitivity achieved is 99.2%, specificity achieved is 97.8%, and showed the effectiveness of the proposed technique compared with many kinds of literature. The results show that the 3L-DWT+PCA+RF still achieved the best classification results. The proposed model could apply to the brain MRI sphere classification, which will help doctors to diagnose a tumor if it is normal or abnormal in certain degrees.
Outage performance of downlink NOMA-aided small cell network with wireless power transfer
Authors: Le Anh-Tu , Do Dinh-Thuan , Munochiveyi Munyaradzi
Published: October 2021

This article considers the outage performance of the downlink transmission for a small cell network in a heterogeneous network. Due to mobility and distribution of users, it is necessary to study massive connections and high energy efficiency for such kind of systems. To be an enabler of energy harvesting, a power beacon is helpful to support the base station to send signals to distant users, and wireless power transfer (WPT) is exploited to guarantee the data packets transmission from the power beacon to the base station. To provide massive connections, we propose a novel non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique combined with WPT to enhance outage performance and latency reduction. Furthermore, we derive outage probability (OP) to characterize the system performance. Simulation results are verified to match well between theoretical and analytical methods, and main parameters are determined to understand how they affect the proposed scheme.
Teaching power system stabilizer and proportional-integral-derivative impacts on transient condition in synchronous generator
Authors: Kadiman Sugiarto , Yuliani Oni , Handayani Trie
Published: October 2021

Understanding the concepts based on problem solving is not an easy methodology in teaching the impact of power systems stabilizer (PSS) on transient synchronous generator using MATLAB capability. Experiments conducted in simulating sessions play an important role in this teaching. This simulation can simulate power system stability behavior with reasonable accuracy in less time. This transient phenomenon of a power system utilizing synchronous generator and modelling by fully three-phase model with changes in stator flux linkages neglected is analyzed by employed single machine infinite bus taken to the power system. Whereas a power system stabilizer which consist of a wash-out circuit, two stages of compensation, a filter unit, and a limiter, is applied to control voltage and frequency of power systems in transient condition. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller tuned by Ziegler-Nichols’s method is cascaded to conventional PSS in order to enhance the response time of system while providing a better result in damping for oscillation. This gives the clear idea about PSS and PID controller impacts on transient synchronous generator and its enhancement to the students of electrical engineering program, Institut Teknologi Nasional Yogyakarta.
Experience moderator effect on the variables that influence intention to use mobile learning
Authors: Izkair Ayad Shihan , Lakulu Muhammad Modi
Published: October 2021

The study has two objectives, first is exploring the variables that affect the intention to use mobile learning and second is investigating the experience moderator effect on the variables that influence intention to use mobile learning in higher education institutions (HEI) in Iraq. Then formulate a model for intention to use mobile learning. A questionnaire has been conducted in this research for collecting the feedback from the participants. The findings confirmed that social influence (SI), performance expectancy (PE), “facilitating conditions” (FCs), effort expectancy (EE) and “satisfaction” (SA) have an important influence on the intention to use mobile learning. But, this study has rejected the “personal innovativeness” (PINN) factor as it was found not important. Furthermore, the study has confirmed that the experience moderator variable has an influence of EE, SI, and PE on the intention to use mobile learning. This study is significant to the field of discipline as it will provide a roadmap for HEI to recognize the factors that affect the intention to use mobile learning.
Freshness assessment of tilapia fish in traditional market based on an electronic nose
Authors: Radi Radi , Wahyudi Eka , Adhityamurti Muhammad Danu , Putro Joko Purwo Leksono Yuroto , Barokah Barokah , Rohmah Dwi Noor
Published: October 2021

This study evaluates an e-nose based on gas sensors to measure the freshness of tilapia. The device consists of a series of semiconductor sensors as detector, a combination of valve-vial-oxygen as sample delivery system, a microcontroller as interface and controller, and a computer for data recording and processing. The e-nose was firstly used to classify the fresh and non-fresh tilapia. A total of 48 samples of fresh tilapia and 50 samples of non-fresh tilapia were prepared and measured using the e-nose through three stages, namely: flushing, collecting, and purging. The sensor responses were processed into aroma patterns, then classified by two pattern classification softwares of principal component analysis (PCA) and neural network (NN). There were four methods for aroma patterns formation being evaluated: absolute data, normalized absolute data, relative data, normalized relative data. The results showed that the normalized absolute data method provides the best classification with the accuracy level of 93.88%. With this method, the trained NN was used to predict the freshness of 15 tilapia samples collected from a traditional market. The result showed that 60.0% of the samples are classified into fresh category, 33.3% are in the non-fresh category, and 6.7% are not included in both categories.
A review on various security attacks in vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Hamdi Mustafa Maad , Audah Lukman , Abood Mohammed Salah , Rashid Sami Abduljabbar , Mustafa Ahmed Shamil , Mahdi Hussain , Al-Hiti Ahmed Shakir
Published: October 2021

Ad hoc vehicle networks (VANET) are being established as a primary form of mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) and a critical infrastructure to provide vehicle passengers with a wide range of safety applications. VANETs are increasingly common nowadays because it is connecting to a wide range of invisible services. The security of VANETs is paramount as their future use must not jeopardize their users' safety and privacy. The security of these VANETs is essential for the benefit of secure and effective security solutions and facilities, and uncertainty remains, and research in this field remains fast increasing. We discussed the challenges in VANET in this survey. Were vehicles and communication in VANET are efficient to ensure communication between vehicles to vehicles (V2V), vehicles to infrastructures (V2I). Clarified security concerns have been discussed, including confidentiality, authentication, integrity, availableness, and non-repudiation. We have also discussed the potential attacks on security services. According to analysis and performance evaluations, this paper shows that the ACPN is both feasible and appropriate for effective authentication in the VANET. Finally, the article found that in VANETs, encryption and authentication are critical.
An optimized RNN-LSTM approach for parkinson’s disease early detection using speech features
Authors: Aal Hadeel Ahmed Abd El , Taie Shereen A. , El-Bendary Nashwa
Published: October 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder disease right after Alzheimer's and the most common movement disorder for elderly people. It is characterized as a progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling characterized by uncontrollable shaking, or (tremors) in different parts of the body. In recent years, deep learning (DL) models achieved significant progress in automatic speech recognition, however, limited studies addressed the problem of distinguishing people with PD for further clinical diagnosis. In this paper, an approach for the early detection of patients with PD using speech features was proposed, a recurrent neural network (RNN) with long short-term memory (LSTM) is applied with the batch normalization layer and adaptive moment estimation (ADAM) optimization algorithm used after the network hidden layers to improve the classification performance. The proposed approach is applied with 2 benchmark datasets of speech features for patients with PD and healthy control subjects. The proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 95.8% and MCC=92.04% for the testing dataset. In future work, we aim to increase the voice features that will be worked on and consider using handwriting kinematic features.
DCT based feature extraction and support vector machine classification for musical instruments tone recognition
Authors: Sumarno Linggo , Chai Rifai
Published: October 2021

The conducted research proposes a feature extraction and classification combination method that is used in a tone recognition system for musical instruments. It is expected that by implementing this combination, the tone recognition system will require fewer feature extraction coefficients than those previously investigated. The proposed combination comprises of feature extraction using discrete cosine transform (DCT) and classification using support vector machine (SVM). Bellyra, clarinet, and pianica tones were used in the experiment, with each indicating a tone with one, several, or many major local peaks in the transform domain. Based on the results of the tests, the proposed combination is efficient enough to be used in a tone recognition system for musical instruments. This is indicated in recognizing a tone, it only needs at least eight feature extraction coefficients.
Image processing system using MATLAB-based analytics
Authors: Ijemaru Gerald K. , Nwajana Augustine O. , Oleka Emmanuel U. , Otuka Richard I. , Ihianle Isibor K. , Ebenuwa Solomon H. , Obi Emenike Raymond
Published: October 2021

Owing to recent technological advancement, computers and other devices running several image editing applications can be further exploited for digital image processing operations. This paper evaluates various image processing techniques using matrix laboratory (MATLAB-based analytics). Compared to the conventional techniques, MATLAB gives several advantages for image processing. MATLAB-based technique provides easy debugging with extensive data analysis and visualization, easy implementation and algorithmic-testing without recompilation. Besides, MATLAB's computational codes can be enhanced and exploited to process and create simulations of both still and video images. Moreover, MATLAB codes are much concise compared to C++, thus making it easier for perusing and troubleshooting. MATLAB can handle errors prior to execution by proposing various ways to make the codes faster. The proposed technique enables advanced image processing operations such as image cropping/resizing, image denoising, blur removal, and image sharpening. The study aims at providing readers with the most recent MATLAB-based image processing application-tools. We also provide an empirical-based method using two-dimensional discrete cosine transform (2D-DCT) derived from its coefficients. Using the most recent algorithms running on MATLAB toolbox, we performed simulations to evaluate the performance of our proposed technique. The results largely present MATLAB as a veritable approach for image processing operations.
Cloud middleware and services-a systematic mapping review
Authors: Odun-Ayo Isaac , Adebiyi Marion , Okesola Olatunji , Vincent Olufunke
Published: October 2021

Cloud computing currently plays a crucial role in the delivery of vital information technology services. A unique aspect of cloud computing is the cloud middleware and other related entities that support applications and networks. A specific field of research may be considered, particularly as regards cloud middleware and services at all levels, and thus needs analysis and paper surveys to elucidate possible study limitations. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic mapping for studies that capture cloud computing middleware, stacks, tools and services. The methodology adopted for this study is a systematic mapping review. The results showed that more papers on the contribution facet were published with tool, model, method and process having 18.10%, 13.79%, 6.03% and 8.62% respectively. In addition, in terms of tool, evaluation and solution research had the largest number of articles with 14.17% and 26.77% respectively. A striking feature of the systemic map is the high number of articles in solution research with respect to all aspects of the features applied in the studies. This study showed clearly that there are gaps in cloud computing middleware and delivery services that would interest researchers and industry professionals desirous of research in this area.
Investigation on the ohmic characteristic of Ni/Ti/4H-SiC
Authors: Idris M. I. , Napiah Z. A. F. M. , Rashid Marzaini , Zainudin M. N. Shah , Chachuli Siti Amaniah Mohd , Azam M. A.
Published: October 2021

Ohmic contact is important for silicon carbide (SiC) devices such as Schottky diode, junction field effect transistor (JFET) and metal oxide transistor (MOSFET). The effect of post metallization annealing (PMA) on the ohmic characteristics of Ni/Ti/4H-SiC is investigated. The samples were annealed under different ambients of high vacuum, forming gas and N2 gas at 1050˚C for 3 minutes using rapid thermal process (RTP). Current-voltage (I-V) measurements taken for different distances of a transmission line model (TLM) structure have been utilized to extract the contact resistivity. The correlation between surface roughness and resistivity has been investigated. It was found that the involvement of nitrogen during the annealing process at 1050˚C was ineffective to reduce the contact resistivity. The resistivity is improved when the samples were annealed in forming gas (FG), (a mixture of H2+N2) environment, showing that the incorporation of H2 gas during the annealing process has produced a better result. On the other hand, high vacuum PMA was found to be effective to improve the ohmic characteristic with higher current level at lower voltage. Hence, the enhanced performance observed in high vacuum annealing samples is beneficial to get ohmic contact on Ni/Ti/4H-SiC for PMA process with a low thermal budget.
Perfil do ciclista e cicloturista em Santa Catarina (Brasil): aspectos socioeconômicos e suas motivações para o uso da bicicleta
Authors: Sartori Anderson
Published: October 2021

O cicloturismo é uma atividade em expansão em nível mundial, proporcionado a viagem ou a visitação a destinos e atrativos turísticos com maior mobilidade, praticando exercício físico e de forma mais sustentável. O objetivo geral deste artigo é identificar o perfil do ciclista e cicloturista em Santa Catarina, em seus aspectos socioeconômicos e suas motivações para uso da bicicleta como atividade de lazer, recreativa e/ou esporte. Esta pesquisa tem enfoque quantitativo, sendo descritiva com delineamento de levantamento. Foram aplicados questionários utilizando de plataforma virtual para ciclistas e cicloturistas de Santa Catarina, sendo quantificados através de planilha do Excel para análise dos dados. Como resultados principais as variáveis idade, escolaridade e renda mensal são importantes serem consideradas em conjunto para identificar o perfil do ciclista e cicloturista, devido aos custos com equipamentos e manutenção que as bicicletas possuem na atualidade. As principais motivações para a prática do ciclismo são exercício físico, conhecer paisagens naturais e patrimônio cultural e realizar novas amizades. O planejamento de roteiros de cicloturismo ou o incentivo do uso da bicicleta como atrativo turístico requer atenção as necessidades e expectativas desse público requerendo bens e serviços específicos, tanto para si como para seu equipamento. A concentração de respondentes em determinadas regiões pode ser considerada como um limitador. O campo para contribuições é amplo, especialmente na avaliação das estruturas e atendimento de bens e serviços nos roteiros de cicloturismo já estabelecidos e podem auxiliar em readequações e o planejamento turístico para atender as expectativas e necessidades dos cicloturistas e ciclistas em geral.
Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Interventions for Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Calabrò Paolo , Gragnano Felice , Niccoli Giampaolo , Marcucci Rossella , Zimarino Marco , Spaccarotella Carmen , Renda Giulia , Patti Giuseppe , Andò Giuseppe , Moscarella Elisabetta , Mancone Massimo , Cesaro Arturo , Giustino Gennaro , De Caterina Raffaele , Mehran Roxana , Capodanno Davide , Valgimigli Marco , Windecker Stephan , Dangas George D. , Indolfi Ciro , Angiolillo Dominick J. ,   on behalf of the Working Group of Interventional Cardiology and the Working Group of Thrombosis of the Italian Society of Cardiology
Published: October 2021

Contemporary evidence supports device-based transcatheter interventions for the management of patients with structural heart disease. These procedures, which include aortic valve implantation, mitral or tricuspid valve repair/implantation, left atrial appendage occlusion, and patent foramen ovale closure, profoundly differ with respect to clinical indications and procedural aspects. Yet, patients undergoing transcatheter cardiac interventions require antithrombotic therapy before, during, or after the procedure to prevent thromboembolic events. However, these therapies are associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications. To date, challenges and controversies exist regarding balancing the risk of thrombotic and bleeding complications in these patients such that the optimal antithrombotic regimens to adopt in each specific procedure is still unclear. In this review, we summarize current evidence on antithrombotic therapies for device-based transcatheter interventions targeting structural heart disease and emphasize the importance of a tailored approach in these patients.
Knockout of Macula Densa Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Increases Blood Pressure in db/db Mice
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Ximing , Cui Yu , Jiang Shan , Wei Jin , Chan Jenna , Thalakola Anish , Le Thanh , Xu Lan , Zhao Liang , Wang Lei , Jiang Kun , Cheng Feng , Patel Trushar , Buggs Jacentha , Vallon Volker , Liu Ruisheng
Published: October 2021

Hypertension is a common comorbid condition in patients with diabetes. The pathogenesis of hypertension in diabetes has not been fully clarified. Primary tubular hyperreabsorption may contribute, which may be counteracted by glomerular hyperfiltration in the early diabetic kidney. In this study, we hypothesize that in early diabetes, the macula densa neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1)-derived nitric oxide (NO) production is enhanced, which blunts tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) response, promotes glomerular hyperfiltration, and maintains normal blood pressure; conversely, insufficient NO generation by the macula densa induces hypertension by lowering glomerular filtration rate and thus inhibiting natriuresis. To test this hypothesis, we examined the changes of macula densa NOS1 expression and phosphorylation as well as NO production, TGF response, glomerular filtration rate, sodium excretion, and blood pressure in a murine model of leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) diabetes with or without macula densa-specific NOS1 deletion. We found that db/db mice presented reduced fractional renal sodium excretion and only a small increase in blood pressure, associated with upregulated expression and activity of macula densa NOS1, inhibited TGF response, and glomerular hyperfiltration. Genetic knockout of macula densa NOS1 restored the TGF response and attenuated glomerular hyperfiltration in db/db mice but also further reduced fractional renal sodium excretion and substantially increased blood pressure. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that in the early stage of leptin receptor-deficient diabetes, the upregulation of macula densa NOS1 inhibits TGF and increases glomerular filtration rate, which counteracts renal sodium retention and limits the rise in blood pressure.
Screening Rates for Primary Aldosteronism Among Individuals With Hypertension Plus Hypokalemia: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hundemer Gregory L. , Imsirovic Haris , Vaidya Anand , Yozamp Nicholas , Goupil Rémi , Madore François , Agharazii Mohsen , Knoll Greg , Sood Manish M.
Published: October 2021

Primary aldosteronism is a common, yet highly underdiagnosed, cause of hypertension that leads to disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension plus hypokalemia is a guideline-recommended indication to screen for primary aldosteronism, yet the uptake of this recommendation at the population level remains unknown. We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of adults ≥18 years old in Ontario, Canada, with hypertension plus hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L) from 2009 to 2015 with follow-up through 2017. We measured the proportion of individuals who underwent primary aldosteronism screening via the aldosterone-to-renin ratio based upon hypokalemia frequency and severity along with concurrent antihypertensive medication use. We assessed clinical predictors associated with screening via Cox regression. The cohort included 26 533 adults of which only 422 (1.6%) underwent primary aldosteronism screening. When assessed by number of instances of hypokalemia over a 2-year time window, the proportion of eligible patients who were screened increased only modestly from 1.0% (158/15 983) with one instance to 4.8% (71/1494) with ≥5 instances. Among individuals with severe hypokalemia (potassium <3.0 mEq/L), only 3.9% (58/1422) were screened. Among older adults prescribed ≥4 antihypertensive medications, only 1.0% were screened. Subspecialty care with endocrinology (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52 [95% CI, 1.10–2.09]), nephrology (HR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.07–1.91]), and cardiology (HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.14–1.70]) were associated with an increased likelihood of screening, whereas age (HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.94–0.96]) and diabetes (HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.50–0.89]) were inversely associated with screening. In conclusion, population-level uptake of guideline recommendations for primary aldosteronism screening is exceedingly low. Increased education and awareness are critical to bridge this gap.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Prior Atherothrombotic Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the AFIRE Trial
Authors: Matsuzawa Yasushi , Kimura Kazuo , Yasuda Satoshi , Kaikita Koichi , Akao Masaharu , Ako Junya , Matoba Tetsuya , Nakamura Masato , Miyauchi Katsumi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa , Hirayama Atsushi , Matsui Kunihiko , Ogawa Hisao ,   AFIRE Investigators
Published: October 2021

Background

Among patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease, those with histories of atherothrombotic disease are at high‐risk for future ischemic events. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban monotherapy in patients with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and histories of atherothrombotic disease.

Methods and Results

This was a post hoc subanalysis of the AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial. Patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease were recruited and randomized to receive the rivaroxaban monotherapy or combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet drug. For the purpose of this sub‐study, participants were divided into 2 subgroups, including the atherothrombosis group (those with histories of myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or peripheral artery disease; n=1052, 47.5%) and non‐atherothrombosis group (n=1163, 52.5%). The efficacy end point included cardiovascular events or all‐cause death, while the safety end point was major bleeding. Net adverse events consisted of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or major bleeding. In the atherothrombosis group, rivaroxaban monotherapy was significantly associated with a lower risk of net adverse events when compared with combination therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34–0.74;
P
<0.001), with a decrease in both efficacy (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.99;
P
=0.044) and safety (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19–0.71;
P
=0.003) end points. By contrast, there were no differences between treatment outcomes for the non‐atherothrombosis group.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban monotherapy significantly reduced net adverse events as compared with combination therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and prior atherothrombotic disease.

Registration

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
; Unique identifier: UMIN000016612. URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02642419.
Lizards as models to explore the ecological and neuroanatomical correlates of miniaturization
Authors: Perez-Martinez Christian A. , Leal Manuel
Published: October 2021

Extreme body size reductions bring about unorthodox anatomical arrangements and novel ways in which animals interact with the environment. Drawing from studies of vertebrates and invertebrates, we provide a theoretical framework for miniaturization to inform hypotheses using lizards as a study system. Through this approach, we demonstrate the repeated evolution of miniaturization across 11 families and a tendency for miniaturized species to occupy terrestrial microhabitats, possibly driven by physiological constraints. Differences in gross brain morphology between two gecko species demonstrate a proportionally larger telencephalon and smaller olfactory bulbs in the miniaturized species, though more data are needed to generalize this trend. Our study brings into light the potential contributions of miniaturized lizards to explain patterns of body size evolution and its impact on ecology and neuroanatomy. In addition, our findings reveal the need to study the natural history of miniaturized species, particularly in relation to their sensory and physiological ecology.
Can animals develop depression? An overview and assessment of ‘depression-like’ states
Authors: MacLellan Aileen , Fureix Carole , Polanco Andrea , Mason Georgia
Published: October 2021

Describing certain animal behaviours as ‘depression-like’ or ‘depressive’ has become common across several fields of research. These typically involve unusually low activity or unresponsiveness and/or reduced interest in pleasure (anhedonia). While the term ‘depression-like’ carefully avoids directly claiming that animals are depressed, this narrative review asks whether stronger conclusions can be legitimate, with animals developing the clinical disorder as seen in humans (cf., DSM-V/ICD-10). Here, we examine evidence from animal models of depression (especially chronically stressed rats) and animals experiencing poor welfare in conventional captive conditions (e.g., laboratory mice and production pigs in barren environments). We find troubling evidence that animals are indeed capable of experiencing clinical depression, but demonstrate that a true diagnosis has yet to be confirmed in any case. We thus highlight the importance of investigating the co-occurrence of depressive criteria and discuss the potential welfare and ethical implications of animal depression.
Storm Surge, Blocking, and Cyclones: A Compound Hazards Analysis for the Northeast United States
Authors: Booth James F. , Narinesingh Veeshan , Towey Katherine L. , Jeyaratnam Jeyavinoth
Published: October 2021

Storm surge is a weather hazard that can generate dangerous flooding and is not fully understood in terms of timing and atmospheric forcing. Using observations along the Northeast United States, surge is sorted based on duration and intensity to reveal distinct time-evolving behavior. Long-duration surge events slowly recede, while strong, short-duration events often involve negative surge in quick succession after the maximum. Using Lagrangian track information, the tropical and extratropical cyclones and atmospheric blocks that generate the surge events are identified. There is a linear correlation between surge duration and surge maximum, and the relationship is stronger for surge caused by extratropical cyclones as compared to those events caused by tropical cyclones. For the extremes based on duration, the shortest-duration strong surge events are caused by tropical cyclones, while the longest-duration events are most often caused by extratropical cyclones. At least half of long-duration surge events involve anomalously strong atmospheric blocking poleward of the cyclone, while strong, short-duration events are most often caused by cyclones in the absence of blocking. The dynamical influence of the blocks leads to slow-moving cyclones that take meandering paths. In contrast, for strong, short-duration events, cyclones travel faster and take a more meridional path. These unique dynamical scenarios provide better insight for interpreting the threat of surge in medium-range forecasts.
Professional credibility under attack: Responses to negative social evaluations in newly contested professions
Authors: Walsh Ian J , Pazzaglia Federica , Lyle Matthew CB , Sonpar Karan
Published: October 2021

How do professionals attempt to restore their credibility when it has been tarnished by crises or scandals? To address this issue, we examined how banking professionals who testified during a government inquiry into the 2008 banking crisis in Ireland responded when confronted with negative social evaluations (NSEs) evidenced by personal criticism of their judgment, competence, or morality. We find that professional credibility is renegotiated through two processes: depersonalization and personalization. Testifiers distanced themselves from criticism through a depersonalization process by which they reoriented the unfolding narrative toward broader collectives such as their own profession, adjacent professions, and the macroeconomic environment. They also engaged in a personalization process by which they showcased individual efforts to improve their work processes and outcomes to bolster their professional credibility. Our work theoretically elaborates the view of NSEs as being socially constructed and brings the role of professional credibility of individuals to the fore of the NSE literature. In doing so, it offers a broader perspective on the repertoire of criticisms and responses associated with NSEs than that documented by prior studies, and it emphasizes how professionals seek to reassert their credibility. We also present a less deterministic view of public inquiries.
Teacher Leadership for Love, Solidarity, and Justice: The Invisibilized and Contested Practices of Teacher Leaders of Color
Authors: Pham Josephine H.
Published: October 2021

Despite widespread acknowledgment of teachers of Color as critical agents of change, white supremacist, colonial, and cis-heteropatriarchal ontologies of “teacher leadership” marginalize the counterhegemonic leadership they embody. Guided by critical leadership and feminist of Color scholarship, I develop and employ an embodied raciolinguistic analysis to examine how a Latina teacher leader of Color facilitated organization-wide action in the educational interests of Black students. My analysis demonstrates that her discursive and embodied practices as a non-Black woman of Color and “official” teacher leader were simultaneously (re)constructed as catalysts and hindrance for racial progress within and across social spaces. Grappling with these possibilities and tensions at interpersonal, institutional, and societal scales, she reflexively adapted her practices to recenter Black leadership while facing professional consequences. Arguing for radical social change by amplifying the multi-faceted and contested nature of counterhegemonic teacher leadership, I offer implications to foster the critical ingenuity needed to lead in love, solidarity, and justice for and among communities of Color.
Optimal robust adaptive fuzzy backstepping control of electro-hydraulic servo position system
Authors: Zaare Saeed , Soltanpour Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2021

In this paper, an optimal robust adaptive fuzzy backstepping control is presented to the position control of the electro-hydraulic servo (EHS) system in the presence of structured and unstructured uncertainties. Initially, the robust control using the backstepping technique is presented to overcome the existing uncertainties in the dynamic equations. Mathematical proof demonstrates that the closed-loop system in the presence of uncertainties has a global asymptotic stability. Then, to overcome the chattering problem, a very simple fuzzy approximator is presented where it approximates the bounds of the uncertainties. Although the proposed robust fuzzy backstepping control has a desirable performance, it has no mathematical analysis to prove the stability of the closed-loop system. Therefore, to solve this problem, the proposed fuzzy approximator has been transformed into a one-law adaptive fuzzy approximator with a single-input single-output fuzzy rule. Mathematical analysis illustrates that the closed-loop system in the presence of uncertainties has a global asymptotic stability under the proposed robust adaptive fuzzy backstepping control. Furthermore, a novel modified harmony search algorithm (MHSA) has been developed, by using the original harmony search algorithm (OHSA) as an optimization technique, to achieve the optimal values of the membership functions and the control coefficients. Finally, a comparative study has been conducted between the proposed control scheme under the MHSA and the OHSA, and other existing advanced control approaches to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control. Results show that the proposed control scheme under the MHSA can suppress the chattering problem and reduce the disturbances effectively while ensuring that the performance is tracked.
Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Points to Consider: Nonclinical Research and Development of In Vivo Gene Therapy Products, Emphasizing Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors
Authors: Hutt Julie A. , Assaf Basel T. , Bolon Brad , Cavagnaro Joy , Galbreath Elizabeth , Grubor Branka , Kattenhorn Lisa M. , Romeike Annette , Whiteley Laurence O.
Published: October 2021

Sequencing of the human genome and numerous advances in molecular techniques have launched the era of genetic medicine. Increasingly precise technologies for genetic modification, manufacturing, and administration of pharmaceutical-grade biologics have proved the viability of in vivo gene therapy (GTx) as a therapeutic modality as shown in several thousand clinical trials and recent approval of several GTx products for treating rare diseases and cancers. In recognition of the rapidly advancing knowledge in this field, the regulatory landscape has evolved considerably to maintain appropriate monitoring of safety concerns associated with this modality. Nonetheless, GTx safety assessment remains complex and is designed on a case-by-case basis that is determined by the disease indication and product attributes. This article describes our current understanding of fundamental biological principles and possible procedures (emphasizing those related to toxicology and toxicologic pathology) needed to support research and development of in vivo GTx products. This article is not intended to provide comprehensive guidance on all GTx modalities but instead provides an overview relevant to in vivo GTx generally by utilizing recombinant adeno-associated virus-based GTx—the most common in vivo GTx platform—to exemplify the main points to be considered in nonclinical research and development of GTx products.
Celebrity Couples as Business Families: A Social Network Perspective
Authors: Gorji Yasaman , Carney Michael , Prakash Rajshree
Published: October 2021

We depict Hollywood celebrity couples as business families who participate in the project-based movie production industry, which is a temporary and disaggregated form of organization where skilled individuals are linked to one another through contractual and social relationships. Appearing in Hollywood movies generates celebrity capital, which can be converted into economic capital through involvement in endorsements and other rent-generating activities. Finding projects is facilitated by membership in high-quality social networks, and we consider celebrity marriage as a means of merging two individuals’ social networks, which can be mutually beneficial for both parties. We develop and test three hypotheses about the quality of social networks prior to and after marriage and analyze their impact upon celebrities’ postmarriage career performance. We contribute to the family business literature by exploring hybridized and adaptive forms of business family in contemporary project industries, which has the potential to enlarge family business scholars’ research horizons.
Effects of diesel from direct and indirect coal liquefaction on combustion and emissions in a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine
Authors: Zhang Hucheng , Tang Xincheng , Zhang Qibin , Qiao Xinqi , Fang Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of diesel from direct coal liquefaction (DDCL) and diesel from indirect coal liquefaction (DICL) on combustion and emissions. A six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine fueled with DDCL, DICL, petroleum diesel (PD), 58% DDCL, and 42% DICL blended by volume (BD58) is used. The experiments are carried out at 1400 and 2300rpm engine speeds and various engine loads (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of the full-load). The results show that the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of PD was higher than that of CTL (the maximum difference was 2%) at medium and high loads. At 10% load of 1400 rpm, the CO, HC and formaldehyde emissions of DDCL are 88.9%, 44.3% and 26.5% higher than those of PD respectively, and the CO, HC, and formaldehyde emissions of DICL are 30.1%, 15.3%, and 15.2% lower than those of PD. The differences among four fuels decrease rapidly with the increase of load. The NOX emissions of PD are the highest due to high nitrogen content (102.3 μg/g) and low hydrogen-carbon (H/C) ratio. The fuel with higher cetane number has less formaldehyde emission at low loads, while the fuel with lower H/C has less formaldehyde emission at high loads. The particle size distribution shows a bimodal shape at different loads and the peak particle size of accumulation mode and nucleation mode all increases with the increase of load. The particulate emission of different fuels from high to low is the order of PD > DDCL > BD58 > DICL. In addition, the emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxicity equivalent (TE) of PD are highest at all loads. The proportion of soluble organic fractions (SOF) from DDCL, DICL, and BD58 is higher than that of PD.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the thermomechanical load on a turbine housing in a radial turbocharger
Authors: Chen Shaolin , Zhang Hong , Hu Liaoping , He Guangqing , Lei Fen , Jin Peng , Feng Tao , Cao Gang
Published: October 2021

The fatigue life of turbine housing is an important index to measure the reliability of a radial turbocharger. The increase in turbine inlet temperatures in the last few years has resulted in a decrease in the fatigue life of turbine housing. A simulation method and experimental verification are required to predict the life of a turbine housing in the early design and development process precisely. The temperature field distribution of the turbine housing is calculated using the steady-state bidirectional coupled conjugate heat transfer method. Next, the temperature field results are considered as the boundary for calculating the turbine housing temperature and thermomechanical strain, and then, the thermomechanical strain of the turbine housing is determined. Infrared and digital image correlations are used to measure the turbine housing surface temperature and total thermomechanical strain. Compared to the numerical solution, the maximum temperature RMS (Root Mean Square) error of the monitoring point in the monitoring area is only 3.5%; the maximum strain RMS error reached 11%. Experimental results of temperature field test and strain measurement test show that the testing temperature and total strain results are approximately equal to the solution of the numerical simulation. Based on the comparison between the numerical calculation and experimental results, the numerical simulation and test results were found to be in good agreement. The experimental and simulation results of this method can be used as the temperature and strain (stress) boundaries for subsequent thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) simulation analysis of the turbine housing.
Preventing Intimate Partner Homicide: The Long Road Ahead
Authors: Messing Jill Theresa , AbiNader Millan , Bent-Goodley Tricia , Campbell Jacquelyn
Published: October 2021

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) consists primarily of men killing women in the context of intimate partner violence. Researchers have described and identified risk factors associated with IPH; additional comprehensive data collection is needed to better understand IPH risk and to develop risk-informed prevention. Due to structural racism, available interventions within the criminal legal and social service systems may be eschewed by those—such as Black women—who are at the highest risk. Anti-racist research, practice, and policy are key to reducing IPH. Gender and racial equity, combined with fostering relational health leads, ultimately, down the long road to IPH prevention.