bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Dynamics in a Chemical Reaction under an Amplitude-Modulated Excitation: Hysteresis, Vibrational Resonance, Multistability, and Chaos
Authors: Monwanou A. V. , Koukpémèdji A. A. , Ainamon C. , Nwagoum Tuwa P. R. , Miwadinou C. H. , Chabi Orou J. B.
Published: October 2020

This paper deals with the effects of an amplitude-modulated (AM) excitation on the nonlinear dynamics of reactions between four molecules. The computation of the ﬁxed points of the autonomous nonlinear chemical system has been made in detail using the Cardan’s method. Hopf bifurcation has been also successfully checked. Routes to chaos have been investigated through bifurcations structures, Lyapunov exponent, phase portraits, and Poincaré section. The effects of the control force on chaotic motions have been strongly analyzed, and the control efficiency is found in the cases g=0 (unmodulated case) and g≠0 with Ω=ω and Ω/w≠p/q; p and q are simple positive integers. Vibrational resonance (VR), hysteresis, and coexistence of several attractors have been studied in detail based on the relationship between the frequencies of the AM force. Results of analytical investigations are validated and complemented by numerical simulations.
New Perspective on the Conventional Solutions of the Nonlinear Time-Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Ahmad Hijaz , Akgül Ali , Khan Tufail A. , Stanimirović Predrag S. , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: October 2020

The role of integer and noninteger order partial differential equations (PDE) is essential in applied sciences and engineering. Exact solutions of these equations are sometimes difficult to find. Therefore, it takes time to develop some numerical techniques to find accurate numerical solutions of these types of differential equations. This work aims to present a novel approach termed as fractional iteration algorithm-I for finding the numerical solution of nonlinear noninteger order partial differential equations. The proposed approach is developed and tested on nonlinear fractional-order Fornberg–Whitham equation and employed without using any transformation, Adomian polynomials, small perturbation, discretization, or linearization. The fractional derivatives are taken in the Caputo sense. To assess the efficiency and precision of the suggested method, the tabulated numerical results are compared with the standard variational iteration method and the exact solution as well. In addition, numerical results for different cases of the fractional-order

α

are presented graphically, which show the effectiveness of the proposed procedure and revealed that the proposed scheme is very effective, suitable for fractional PDEs, and may be viewed as a generalization of the existing methods for solving integer and noninteger order differential equations.
Bacterial Contaminants and Antibiogram of Ghana Paper Currency Notes in Circulation and Their Associated Health Risks in Asante-Mampong, Ghana
Authors: Yar Denis Dekugmen
Published: October 2020

Transmission of pathogens through currency notes has become very relevant in today’s world due to COVID-19 pandemic. This study profiled microbial flora and their antibiotic activities from Ghana paper currency (GH¢) notes in circulation in Mampong Municipal of Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study employed a cross-sectional design to assess bacterial contaminants and their antibiotic activities from January to May 2019. A total of 70 GH¢ notes consisting of 15 each of GH¢1, GH¢2, and GH¢5; 10 each of GH¢10 and GH¢20; and 5 of GH¢50 were randomly sampled from persons at different shops, canteens, and commercial drivers. The surfaces of each GH¢ note were gently swabbed, and tenfold serial dilutions made were inoculated on plate count agar (PCA), MacConkey agar, mannitol salt agar, and deoxycholate citrate agar. The study used appropriate laboratory and biochemical tests for bacterial identification. SPSS-IBM version 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Of the 70 GH¢ notes studied, 97.1% were contaminated with one or more bacterial isolates. Mean counts on PCA ranged between 3.2 cfu/ml × 105 and 4.7 cfu/ml × 105 on GH¢ notes. Of 124 bacteria isolated, 34 (27.4%), 30 (24.2%), 22 (17.7%), 17 (13.7%), 13 (10.5%), and 8 (6.5%) were from GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢10, GH¢5, GH¢20, and GH¢50, respectively (p<0.05). Bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (28.23%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.94%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (16.13%), Klebsiella species (11.29%), Salmonella species (9.68%), Shigella species (8.87%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.65%), and Proteus species (3.23%). GH¢ notes had 25.81%, 20.16%, 19.35%, 17.74%, and 16.94% from meat shops, commercial drivers, canteens, grocery shops, and vegetable shops, respectively. All bacteria were 100% resistant to erythromycin, 87.5% to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole, 75% to vancomycin, while 87.50% sensitive to amikacin. The GH¢ notes were heavily colonized with potential pathogens, which are resistant to most commonly used antibiotics and could pose a health threat to users during commercial transactions.
Adaptive Robust SMC-Based AGC Auxiliary Service Control for ESS-Integrated PV/Wind Station
Authors: Su Xiao-Ling , Zhao Zheng-Kui , Si Yang , Guo Yong-Qing
Published: October 2020

Power source structure has developed significantly because of the increasing share of renewable energy sources (RESs) in the power system. RESs bring inevitable impacts on power system frequency, voltage regulation, and power system stability. The conventional automatic generation control (AGC) loops which relay only on the synchronous generating units cannot meet the requirements of these new circumstances. This paper presents an ESS-integrated PV/wind station topology and its control structure for AGC auxiliary service in order to provide existing RESs the additional functionality of AGC auxiliary service without changing their control strategies conceived for MPPT mode. The shifting operation modes and external disturbances make ESSs in an ESS-integrated PV/wind station inherently nonlinear and time variable. Therefore, an adaptive robust sliding-mode control (ARSMC) system is proposed. The ARSMC colligates the advantages of adaptive control and SMC contains state feedback term, robust control term, and adaptive compensation term. The strictly logical and rigorous proof using Lyapunov stability analysis indicates the ARSMC system is insensitive to parametric uncertainties and external disturbances; meanwhile, it guarantees fast response speed and high control precision. The case studies on NI-PXI platform validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Comprehensive Characterization of Androgen-Responsive lncRNAs Mediated Regulatory Network in Hormone-Related Cancers
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Mingyue , Li Jing , Wan Xuechao , Huang Yan , Wang Chenji , Zhang Pu , Xu Yangguang , Kong Zhe , Lu Yali , Wang Xinmei , Liu Chuan , Ji Chaoneng , Li Liang , Ma Jian
Published: October 2020

The AR signaling pathway plays an important role in initiation and progression of many hormone-related cancers including prostate, bladder, kidney, lung, and breast cancer. However, the potential roles of androgen-responsive long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hormone-related cancers remained unclear. In the present study, we identified 469 novel androgen-responsive lncRNAs using microarray data. After validating the accuracy of the array data, we constructed a transcriptional network which contained more than 30 transcriptional factors using ChIP-seq data to explore upstream regulators of androgen-responsive lncRNAs. Next, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. To explore the potential roles of androgen-responsive lncRNAs in hormone-related cancers, we performed coexpression network and PPI network analyses using TCGA data. GO and KEGG analyses showed these lncRNAs were mainly involved in regulating signal transduction, transcription, development, cell adhesion, immune response, cell differentiation, and MAPK signaling pathway. We also highlight the prognostic value of HPN-AS1, TPTEP1, and LINC00623 in cancer outcomes. Our results suggest that androgen-responsive lncRNAs played important roles in regulating hormone-related cancer progression and could be novel molecular biomarkers.
A Discretionary Lane-Changing Decision-Making Mechanism Incorporating Drivers’ Heterogeneity: A Signalling Game-Based Approach
Authors: Shao Haipeng , Zhang Miaoran , Feng Tao , Dong Yifan
Published: October 2020

This paper attempts to propose a discretionary lane-changing decision-making model based on signalling game in the context of mixed traffic flow of autonomous and regular vehicles. The effects of the heterogeneity among different drivers and the endogeneity of same drivers in lane-changing behaviours, e.g., aggressive or conservative, are incorporated through the specification of different payoff functions under different scenarios. The model is calibrated and validated using the NGSIM dataset with a bilevel calibration framework, including two kinds of methods, genetic algorithm and perfect Bayesian equilibrium. Comparative results based on simulation show that the signalling game-based model outperforms the traditional space-based lane-changing model in the sense that the proposed model yields relatively stable reciprocal of time to collision and higher success rate of lane-changing under different traffic densities. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to test the robustness of the proposed model, which indicates that the signalling game-based model is stable to the varying ratios of driver type.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of the Leaf Latex of Aloe pulcherrima Gilbert and Sebsebe (Aloaceae)
Authors: Amare Gedefaw Getnet , Meharie Birhanu Geta , Belayneh Yaschilal Muche
Published: October 2020

The leaf latex of Aloe pulcherrima has been used as remedy for diabetes mellitus. This was carried out to determine in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activities of the leaf latex of Aloe pulcherrima. Methods. Sucrase and maltase inhibitory activity of the leaf latex of A. pulcherrima was determined in glucose oxidase assay, and α‐amylase inhibitory activity was determined in dinitrosalicylic acid assay. Normoglycemic, glucose‐loaded, and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice were treated orally to determine blood glucose lowering activity of the latex. Effect of the latex on serum lipid level and body weight was measured in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. Additionally, DPPH assay was used to determine free radical scavenging capacity of the latex. Results. Antioxidant activity of the latex was concentration dependent; the strongest inhibition was measured at 800 μg/ml (80.57%). The leaf latex of A. pulcherrima inhibited sucrase (IC50 = 2.92 μg/ml), maltase (IC50 = 11.81 μg/ml) and α‐amylase (IC50 = 14.92 μg/ml) enzymes. All doses of the leaf latex induced hypoglycemic effect after 4 h in normal mice, and low dose of the latex did not show significant effect after 6 h. Glucose reduction of the leaf latex of A. pulcherrima was significant (p < 0.05) in oral glucose‐loaded mice compared to the vehicle control. Blood glucose level of diabetic mice was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced on week one and weak two in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mouse model. Glucose reduction increased with increasing the doses of the leaf latex of A. pulcherrima on week one (p < 0.05 (200 mg/kg), p < 0.01 (400 mg/kg), and p < 0.001 (600 mg/kg)). Administration of the leaf latex of A. pulcherrima for two weeks significantly (p < 0.05) improved diabetic dyslipidemia and body weight of diabetic mice. Conclusion. The study confirmed that the leaf latex of the plant showed a significant antidiabetic activity justifying the traditional uses of the plant.
Risk Factors of Subsequent Central Nervous System Tumors after Childhood and Adolescent Cancers: Findings from the French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Journy Neige Marie Yvanne , Zrafi Wael Salem , Bolle Stéphanie , Fresneau Brice , Alapetite Claire , Allodji Rodrigue Setcheou , Berchery Delphine , Haddy Nadia , Kobayashi Isao , Labbé Martine , Pacquement Hélène , Pluchart Claire , Schwartz Boris , Souchard Vincent , Thomas-Teinturier Cécile , Veres Cristina , Vu-Bezin Giao , Diallo Ibrahima , de Vathaire Florent
Published: October 2020

Background:

Childhood or adolescent cancer survivors are at increased risks of subsequent primary neoplasms (SPN) of the central nervous system (CNS) after cranial irradiation. In a large multicentric cohort, we investigated clinical and therapeutic factors associated with the long-term risk of CNS SPN, and quantified the dose–response relationships.

Methods:

We selected all CNS SPN cases diagnosed up to 2016 among members of the French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study at least 5 years after first cancer diagnosis in 1946–2000. Four controls per case were randomly selected within the cohort and matched by sex, year of/age at first cancer diagnosis, and follow-up time. On the basis of medical and radiological reports, cumulative radiation doses received to the SPN or matched location were retrospectively estimated using mathematical phantoms. We computed conditional logistic regression models.

Results:

Meningioma risk significantly increased with higher radiation doses [excess OR per Gy (EOR/Gy) = 1.377; P < 0.001; 86 cases; median latency time = 30 years], after adjustment for reported genetic syndromes and first CNS tumor. It was higher among youngest individuals at first cancer diagnosis, but did not vary with follow-up time. On the opposite, radiation-related glioma risk (EOR/Gy = 0.049; P = 0.11; 47 cases; median latency time = 17 years) decreased over time (P for time effect = 0.05). There was a significant association between meningioma risk and cumulative doses of alkylating agents, but no association with growth hormone therapy.

Conclusions:

The surveillance of patients with cranial irradiation should continue beyond 30 years after treatment.

Impact:

The identified risk factors may inform long-term surveillance strategies.
In-Hospital Blood Pressure Variability: A Novel Prognostic Marker of Renal Function Decline and Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Saito Kan , Saito Yuichi , Kitahara Hideki , Nakayama Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshihide , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Several measures of blood pressure (BP) variability have been associated with kidney disease and cardiovascular events. Although BP is routinely measured during hospitalization in daily practice, the prognostic impact of in-hospital BP and its variability are uncertain. Methods: A total of 226 participants who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were included. BP was measured by trained nurses during the 4-day hospitalization for PCI. BP variability was assessed by standard deviation (SD) and coefficient variation of systolic BP. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at baseline and follow-up (≥6 months). The cardiovascular end point was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and any coronary revascularization. Results: In-hospital BP was measured 9.5 ± 0.8 times. During a median follow-up period of 1.7 years, mean eGFR change was −1.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year, and 35 (15.5%) participants met the cardiovascular end point. Mean systolic BP and SD were negatively correlated with eGFR change. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, SD of systolic BP predicted the cardiovascular end point (AUC 0.63, best cutoff value 14.2 mm Hg, p = 0.003). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of the cardiovascular end point in patients with SD of systolic BP ≥14.2 mm Hg compared to their counterpart (p = 0.003). A multivariable analysis showed SD of systolic BP as an independent predictor for the cardiovascular end point. When assessed with coefficient variation, BP variability was similarly related to eGFR change and clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Greater in-hospital BP variability was associated with renal function decline and cardiovascular events in patients with stable CAD.
The Efficacy and Safety of Topical β-Blockers in Treating Infantile Hemangiomas: A Meta-Analysis Including 11 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Feng Wei , Zhao Xufeng , Liu Ziyu , Dong Liang
Published: October 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical β-blockers in the treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas (SIH) and mixed infantile hemangiomas (MIH), respectively, and compare the efficacy and safety of topical β-blockers with other interventions. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were adhered to. We searched for randomized controlled trials in databases from 2010 to 2018 comparing topical β-blockers with other interventions for infantile hemangiomas. The outcomes evaluated were efficacy and adverse effects. Data analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. Publication bias was assessed to account for bias in patient selection. Results: Eleven studies, involving 1,235 patients, were subjected to this meta-analysis. Six studies compared topical β-blockers with other interventions (propranolol, placebo, corticosteroids or pulsed dye laser) in treating SIH, and 5 studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical β-blocker when it was combined with another intervention in treating MIH. A topical β-blocker was discovered to be as effective as oral propranolol in treating SIH (risk ratio, RR, 0.96, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.91–1.02, p = 0.20, I2 = 0%), and topical β-blockers were more beneficial than placebo, corticosteroids or pulsed dye laser in treating SIH (RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.66–3.05, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). Topical β-blockers combined with another intervention gave rise to a better clinical response in the treatment of MIH than intervention alone (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.10–3.60, p = 0.02, I2 = 55%) (standard mean difference 0.80, 95% CI 0.28–1.31, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%). Compared with oral propranolol, topical β-blockers were associated with fewer incidences of adverse effects (RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01–0.39, p = 0.004, I2 = 0%). No significant difference in adverse effects was found when a topical β-blocker was combined with another intervention in treating MIH (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.58–1.74, p = 0.98, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provided evidence that topical β-blockers may replace oral propranolol as first-line therapy for SIH and that they are of additive value in treating MIH.
Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy to Improve Dietary Habits for Promoting Bone Health in People Living with Chronic HIV
Authors: Singhato Alongkote , Khongkhon Somjet , Rueangsri Narisa , Booranasuksakul Uraiporn
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Previous studies have established the risk of bone loss among people living with HIV affected by antiretroviral therapy drug side effects and inadequate nutrient intake. Until recently, there have been limits on using the medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to improve dietary habits for promoting bone health among people living with HIV. This was a randomized controlled trial study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MNT in improving the bone health in people living with HIV by promoting dietary habits. Methods: PLHIV at Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital were randomly grouped (by quota sampling) into the MNT group (intervention group) and the control group. One hundred and thirty PLHIV were recruited to participate in this study by convenient sampling. Sixty-five participants of the MNT group made a total of 6 appointments (for 12 weeks) to meet registered dietitians for receiving MNT to improve dietary habits for improving bone health, while 65 participants in the control group received only routine care at the hospital service center. Results: In general, participants in the MNT group had significant increase in the amounts of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus intakes and length of exercise after the final week compared with before intervention. Also, they had significantly higher amount of nutrient intakes (calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus) and length of exercise than the control group after finishing the final week of the experiment. Conclusion: In conclusion, MNT is effective for improving food habits and physical activity to promote bone health among people living with HIV.
High Expression of MMP-9 in Primary Tumors and High Preoperative MPO in Serum Predict Improved Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer with Operable Liver Metastases
Authors: Peltonen Reetta , Hagström Jaana , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Haglund Caj , Isoniemi Helena
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be surgically treated in selected cases, with continuously improving results. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to cancer invasion by degrading the extracellular matrix, and elevated levels of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 have been detected in several malignancies. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a mediator of tissue damage that can oxidatively activate latent MMPs. We evaluated the prognostic value of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in tissue samples of primary tumors and liver metastases and the pre- and postoperative serum levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO in CRC patients undergoing liver resection. Methods: Tissue and serum samples were obtained from 111 patients who had primary colorectal tumors and their liver metastases surgically treated at the Helsinki University Hospital between 1988 and 2007. Tissue expression of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in primary tumors and liver metastases was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Pre- and postoperative serum concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO were determined using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay or commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Clinical data were retrieved from patient records and the Central Statistical Office of Finland. Associations with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Cox regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: High expression of MMP-9 in colorectal tumor tissue was associated with better DFS (p = 0.010), and high preoperative MPO in serum with improved DFS and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). The prognostic significance varied according to gender, age, and the synchronicity of liver metastases. Conclusion: Low preoperative MPO in serum might identify patients at high risk of recurrence and death after resection of colorectal liver metastases. Elevated preoperative MPO and high expression of MMP-9 in colorectal tumor tissue indicate an improved prognosis. The use of these biomarkers should be adjusted according to clinical characteristics.
Transitional Care for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Japanese Experience
Authors: Kumagai Hideki , Suzuki Yasuo , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: October 2020

Background: Transition-related healthcare intervention has recently been receiving worldwide attention. Given the increasing incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its lifelong impact, transitional care has become an important issue. In Japan, guidelines to support the autonomy of IBD patients during transition were recently published. Summary: Here, we review current issues regarding care for IBD patients during transition from the pediatric to adult period in order to identify the barriers and key elements for successful transition in the context of the Japanese system. Although no single optimal model of transitional care exists, crucial elements identified so far include a joint pediatric/adult clinic or alternating visits between pediatric and adult healthcare providers, a multidisciplinary approach, and good coordination among stakeholders. Self-reliance and independence of patients with childhood-onset IBD are also considered essential for successful transition. Various tools for assessment of transition readiness have been validated and are considered useful. Better outcomes are expected for individually tailored transition, including improvements in medication adherence, perceived health status, quality of life, and self-management. The timing of transfer from a pediatric to an adult gastroenterologist should not be fixed because the issue is not chronological age but rather the degree of individual maturity. We also propose a standardized medical summary with a checklist template for official referral of patients from a pediatric to an adult gastroenterologist. Key Messages: Transition programs require a multidisciplinary approach with a coordinator (IBD nurse) and optimal collaboration and communication. Lack of resources and funding are also pertinent issues.
TRPML1 Inhibited Photoreceptor Apoptosis and Protected the Retina by Activation of Autophagy in Experimental Retinal Detachment
Authors: Yan Yuanye , Wang Yisai , Ding Jie , Lu Li , Ke Gen-Jie , Dong Kai
Published: October 2020

Objective: In this study, we used a rat model of retinal detachment (RD) to investigate the effects of transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) on photoreceptor cells and the underlying mechanism. Methods: An RD model was established by subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate, and mucolipin synthetic agonist 1 (ML-SA1) and dimethyl sulphoxide were subretinally injected after RD induction. Retinal morphology was observed using haematoxylin-eosin staining, and the apoptosis of photoreceptor cells was detected by transmission electron microscopy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined with an ROS detection kit. The retinal expression levels of TRPML1, the autophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin 1, and cleaved caspase 3 were detected by Western blotting. The Morris water maze was used to test vision-dependent behaviour. Results: We found that retinal structure and the outer nuclear layer were improved and that the apoptosis of photoreceptor cells was reduced after ML-SA1 injection. The expression of ROS was reduced, and the loss of TRPML1 was inhibited after ML-SA1 treatment. The LC3-II to LC3-I ratio and Beclin 1 expression were enhanced, and cleaved caspase 3 expression was decreased after ML-SA1 treatment. Treatment with ML-SA1 also improved vision-dependent behaviour. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ML-SA1 attenuates photoreceptor apoptosis and improves vision-dependent behaviour by activation of autophagy.
Energy Aware Heuristic approach for Cluster Head Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: M. E. A. Tamizharasi , Selvathai M. E. J. Jasmine , Priya A. Kavi , R. Maarlin , M. Harinetha
Published: October 2020

Wireless sensor networks idea is envisioned and defined as self-deployed, error prone, long living inexpensive communication devices that are densely deployed to collect data from physical space. Sensor nodes communicate with each other to detect events depending on the application, to collect and process data, and to transmit the sensed information to the base station by hopping the data from node to node. Major challenge in wireless network is energy consumption, since the sensor devices are deployed on unattended wide areas and replacing their batteries is not very feasible. Therefore, designing energy-aware algorithms becomes a major challenge for extending the lifetime of sensors. The lifetime of the network can be maximized by selecting the most optimal cluster head. In this paper, a heuristic decision making approach is proposed for producing energy-aware clusters with optimal selection of cluster head. This helps to improve the efficiency and accuracy and overcome the drawbacks like getting trapped at a local extreme in the optimization process.
Chaos Image Encryption Methods: A Survey Study
Authors: Fadhel Sabah , Shafry Mohd , Farook Omar
Published: October 2020

With increasing dependence on communications over internet and networks, secure data transmission is coming under threat. One of the best solutions to ensure secure data transmissions is encryption. Multiple forms of data, such as text, audio, image, and video can be digitally transmitted, nowadays images being the most popular and old encryption techniques such as: AES,DES,RSA etc., show low security level when used for image encryption. This problem was resolved by using of chaos encryption which is an acceptable form of encryption for image data. The sensitivity to initial conditions and control parameters make chaos encryption suitable for image applications. This study discusses various chaos encryption techniques.
Improving K-NN Internet Traffic Classification Using Clustering and Principle Component Analysis
Authors: Paramita Adi Suryaputra
Published: October 2020

K-Nearest Neighbour (K-NN) is one of the popular classification algorithm, in this research K-NN use to classify internet traffic, the K-NN is appropriate for huge amounts of data and have more accurate classification, K-NN algorithm has a disadvantages in computation process because K-NN algorithm calculate the distance of all existing data in dataset. Clustering is one of the solution to conquer the K-NN weaknesses, clustering process should be done before the K-NN classification process, the clustering process does not need high computing time to conqest the data which have same characteristic, Fuzzy C-Mean is the clustering algorithm used in this research. The Fuzzy C-Mean algorithm no need to determine the first number of clusters to be formed, clusters that form on this algorithm will be formed naturally based datasets be entered. The Fuzzy C-Mean has weakness in clustering results obtained are frequently not same even though the input of dataset was same because the initial dataset that of the Fuzzy C-Mean is less optimal, to optimize the initial datasets needs feature selection algorithm. Feature selection is a method to produce an optimum initial dataset Fuzzy C-Means. Feature selection algorithm in this research is Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA can reduce non significant attribute or feature to create optimal dataset and can improve performance for clustering and classification algorithm. The resultsof this research is the combination method of classification, clustering and feature selection of internet traffic dataset was successfully modeled internet traffic classification method that higher accuracy and faster performance.
Entrepreneurship Through Start-ups in Hill Areas Using Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Sharma Chandani , Jain Anamika
Published: October 2020

There is large potential for generating solar power in Uttarakhand (India) endowed with natural resources. The extensive use of solar energy through solar PV panels in Distributed and Renewable Electricity Generation is significant to utilize multi climatic zones of hilly areas. In this regard, UREDA (Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency) targets to achieve a huge boost of solar PV battery backup with approved subsidy budget of INR 6 billion to 50 billion by 2019/20 under JNNSM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission). This investment will increase productivity, enhance employment opportunities and improve quality of education. However, maximization of power output from panels used for same is achieved through use of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Trackers). The commercially installed solar power systems can be made to accomplish higher efficiency by implementing MPPT systems in start ups. In this paper, the effort is made to use MPPT system designed by intelligent controller for implementation in PV based utility systems. The regulated voltage output from MPPT system is obtained irrespective of fluctuations in environment. These variations are tested for changing temperature and irradiance due to shading or partial unavailability of sun. The results of same have been optimized through MATLAB/SIMULINK. The model designed is intended to be a beneficial source for PV engineers and researchers to provide high efficiency with the use of MPPT.
An Accurate Facial Component Detection Using Gabor Filter
Authors: Sudhakar K. , Nithyanandam P.
Published: October 2020

Face detection is a critical task to be resolved in a variety of applications. Since faces include various expressions it becomes a difficult task to detect the exact output. Face detection not only play a main role in personal identification but also in various fields which includes but not limited to image processing, pattern recognition, graphics and other application areas. The proposed system performs the face detection and facial components using Gabor filter. The results show accurate detection of facial components
Simple Mail Box Design of Dual Band Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless LAN Communications
Authors: Thana Pakkiam K. , Baskaran K. , S. Mandeep J.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a simple mail box design of a dual band microstrip patch antenna, is proposed, designed, fabricated and measured for wireless LAN communications. The proposed antenna is designed using the TLC 30 (TACONIC) substrate, with a relative permittivity of 4.3 and substrate height of 1.6mm. It is designed to operate at 2.44 GHz and 5. 30 GHz respectively. The proposed antenna is the size of 31mm x 34mm x1.6mm and is incited by a 50 Ω micro strip feed line. The characteristics of the antenna are designed and the performance of the modelled antenna is evaluated using CST Microwave Studio. The return loss, radiation patterns and peak antenna gain of 6.5 dBi for frequency 2.44 GHz and 6.2 dBi for 5.30 GHz is separately and successfully plotted. The fabricated prototype exhibits an agreement between the measured and simulated return loss.
Features for Cross Spectral Image Matching: A Survey
Authors: Oktiana Maulisa , Arnia Fitri , Away Yuwaldi , Munadi Khairul
Published: October 2020

In recent years, cross spectral matching has been gaining attention in various biometric systems for identification and verification purposes. Cross spectral matching allows images taken under different electromagnetic spectrums to match each other. In cross spectral matching, one of the keys for successful matching is determined by the features used for representing an image. Therefore, the feature extraction step becomes an essential task. Researchers have improved matching accuracy by developing robust features. This paper presents most commonly selected features used in cross spectral matching. This survey covers basic concepts of cross spectral matching, visual and thermal features extraction, and state of the art descriptors. In the end, this paper provides a description of better feature selection methods in cross spectral matching.
Fabrication of New Nanocomposites (PMMA-SPO-PS-TiC) and Studying Their Structural and Electrical Properties for Humidity Sensors
Authors: Hussien Rabee Bahaa , Oreibi Idrees
Published: October 2020

Samples have been prepared by adding Titanium carbide nanoparticles to the Poly (methyl methacrylate) and Ethylene-alpha olefin co-polymer (SPO) and Polystyrene (PS) with different weight percentages (o, 2, 4, 6 and 8) wt%. The FTIR analysis, electrical, dielectric, and structural properties have been studied.The dielectric loss and The dielectric constant decrease with increasing of Titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles. The A.C electrical conductivity increases with increasing of Titanium carbide (TiC) concentrations and frequency. The D.C electrical conductivity increases with increasing of Titanium carbide (TiC) concentration and temperature. The Activation energy decreases with increasing of Titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles. The Humidity sensor application showed that the electrical resistance of (PMMA-SPO-PS-TiC) nanocomposites decreases with increase the Humidity.
Design and development of combat robot for military applications
Authors: Hajare Raju , C.P Mallikarjuna Gowda
Published: October 2020

In this paper we have developed a combat robot which will assist our commandos to fight against terrorism. With additional weaponry system it can perform other tasks also. Our preliminary aim in this project is to design a combat robot which can be used to handle the unmanned situations like terror attack inside the building where the firing is heavy and the entry of commandos may be difficult. In such situations the combat robot with spy camera, which is controlled through the control room can be sent into the terrorist occupied area. The robot constantly sends the visuals captured through spy camera to the control room. Based on the visuals received from the robot the control room operator can give directions to the robot. This kind of spy robot can also be used in star hotels, shopping malls, jewelry show rooms.
Myeloid-Derived TSP1 (Thrombospondin-1) Contributes to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Through Suppressing Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1
Authors: Yang Huan , Zhou Ting , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader , Liu Bo
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is characterized by the progressive loss of aortic integrity and accumulation of inflammatory cells primarily macrophages. We previously reported that global deletion of matricellular protein TSP1 (thrombospondin-1) protects mice from aneurysm formation. The objective of the current study is to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TSP1’s action in aneurysm.

Approach and Results:

Using RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization, we identified macrophages being the major source of TSP1 in human and mouse aneurysmal tissues, accounting for over 70% of cells that actively expressed
Thbs1
mRNA. Lack of TSP1 in macrophages decreased solution-based gelatinase activities by elevating TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1) without affecting the major MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). Knocking down
Timp1
restored the ability of
Thbs1
−

/−

macrophages to invade matrix. Finally, we generated
Thbs1
flox/flox
mice and crossed them with
Lyz2-cre
mice. In the CaCl
2
-induced model of abdominal aortic aneurysm, lacking TSP1 in myeloid cells was sufficient to protect mice from aneurysm by reducing macrophage accumulation and preserving aortic integrity.

Conclusions:

TSP1 contributes to aneurysm pathogenesis, at least in part, by suppressing TIMP1 expression, which subsequently enables inflammatory macrophages to infiltrate vascular tissues.
Seasonality of Influenza‐Like‐Illness and Acute Cardiovascular Events Are Related Regardless of Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Kulick Erin R. , Canning Michelle , Parikh Neal S. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Boehme Amelia K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Influenza has been identified as a trigger for stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) with prior studies demonstrating that influenza vaccination may decrease risk of stroke and MI.

Methods and Results

We used data from the New York Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System to evaluate whether annual variability in influenza vaccination effectiveness (VE) would be associated with cardiovascular events. Daily and monthly counts of outpatient and inpatient visits for influenza‐like illness (ILI), stroke, and MI were identified using
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
(
ICD‐9
) codes; VE data for each year are publicly available. We identified pertinent lags between ILI, stroke, and MI using prewhitening cross‐correlation functions and applied them to autoregressive integrated moving average time series regression models. Time series forecasting systems assessed correlations among ILI, stroke, and MI, and the effect of VE on these relationships. Cross‐correlation functions indicated stroke events increased 1 month after increases in ILI rates; MIs increased immediately. Accounting for seasonality and lag, peaks in ILI rates were significantly related to peaks in stroke (
P
=0.04) and MI (
P
=0.01). Time forecasting analyses indicated no relationship between VE and cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

We identified that seasonality of cardiovascular events may be associated with seasonality in ILI, though VE did not modify this relationship.
Role of the Metabolic Profile in Mediating the Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Left Ventricular Mass in Adolescents: Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Carter Alice R. , Santos Ferreira Diana L. , Taylor Amy E. , Lawlor Deborah A. , Davey Smith George , Sattar Naveed , Chaturvedi Nishi , Hughes Alun D. , Howe Laura D.
Published: October 2020

Background

We aimed to quantify the role of the plasma metabolic profile in explaining the effect of adiposity on cardiac structure.

Methods and Results

Body mass index (BMI) was measured at age 11 in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Left ventricular mass indexed to height
2.7
(LVMI) was assessed by echocardiography at age 17. The metabolic profile was quantified via
1
H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at age 15. Multivariable confounder (maternal age, parity, highest qualification, maternal smoking, prepregnancy BMI, prepregnancy height, household social class, adolescent birthweight, adolescent smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity)–adjusted linear regression estimated the association of BMI with LVMI and mediation by metabolic traits. We considered 156 metabolomic traits individually and jointly as principal components explaining 95% of the variance in the nuclear magnetic resonance platform and assessed whether the principal components for the metabolic traits added to the proportion of the association explained by putative cardiovascular risk factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressures, insulin, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose). A 1 kg/m
2
higher BMI was associated with a 0.70 g/m
2.7
(95% CI, 0.53–0.88 g/m
2.7
) and 0.66 g/m
2.7
(95% CI, 0.53–0.79 g/m
2.7
) higher LVMI in males (n=437) and females (n=536), respectively. Putative risk factors explained 3% (95% CI, 2%–5%) of this association in males, increasing to 10% (95% CI, 8%–13%) when including metabolic principal components. In females, the standard risk factors explained 3% (95% CI, 2%–5%) of the association and did not increase when including the metabolic principal components.

Conclusions

The addition of the nuclear magnetic resonance‐measured metabolic traits appears to mediate more of the association of BMI on LVMI than the putative risk factors alone in adolescent males, but not females.
Hospital Presentations in Long-Term Survivors of Stroke
Authors: Andrew Nadine E. , Kilkenny Monique F. , Sundararajan Vijaya , Kim Joosup , Faux Steven G. , Thrift Amanda G. , Johnston Trisha , Grimley Rohan , Gattellari Melina , Katzenellenbogen Judith M. , Dewey Helen M. , Lannin Natasha A. , Anderson Craig S. , Cadilhac Dominique A. ,   On behalf of the Stroke123 Investigators and the AuSCR Consortium
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:

A comprehensive understanding of the long-term impact of stroke assists in health care planning. We aimed to determine changes in rates, causes, and associated factors for hospital presentations among long-term survivors of stroke.

Methods:

Person-level data from the AuSCR (Australian Stroke Clinical Registry) during 2009 to 2013 were linked with state-based health department emergency department and hospital admission data. The study cohort included adults with first-ever stroke who survived the first 6 months after discharge from hospital. Annualized rates of hospital presentations (nonadmitted emergency department or admission)/person/year were calculated for 1 to 12 months prior, and 7 to 12 months (inclusive) after hospitalization. Multilevel, negative binomial regression was used to identify associated factors after adjustment for prestroke hospital presentations and stratification for perceived impairment status. Perceived impairments to health were defined according to the subscales and visual analog health status scores on the 5-Dimension European Quality of Life Scale.

Results:

There were 7183 adults with acute stroke, 7-month survivors (median age 72 years; 56% male; 81% ischemic, and 42% with impairment at 90–180 days) from 39 hospitals included in this landmark analysis. Annualized presentations/person increased from 0.88 (95% CI, 0.86–0.91) to 1.25 (95% CI, 1.22–1.29) between the prestroke and poststroke periods, with greater rate increases in those with than without perceived impairment (55% versus 26%). Higher presentation rates were most strongly associated with older age (≥85 versus 65 years, incidence rate ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.27–1.82]) and greater comorbidity score (incidence rate ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02–1.10]), whereas reduced rates were associated with greater social advantage (incidence rate ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.60–0.84]). Poststroke hospital presentations (7–12 months) were most frequently related to recurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and sequelae of stroke.

Conclusions:

A large increase in annualized hospital presentation rates after stroke indicates the potential for improved community management and support for this vulnerable patient group.
A review of genera Cryphia Hübner, 1818 and Bryophila Treitschke, 1825 within the mountainous Central Asia: a case of too many poorly described species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: KORB STANISLAV K.
Published: October 2020

The genera Cryphia Hübner, 1818 and Bryophila Treitschke, 1825 in mountainous Central Asia (in the range of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) are reviewed. Both molecular and morphological data are used. A short morphometric test of male genitalia within 3 widely distributed and common species processed (Bryophila sordida Staudinger, 1900, B. rueckbeili Boursin, 1953, B. plumbeola (Staudinger, 1881)); the vesica is quite variable, spike is less variable, valva is highly variable. The CO1 differences between studied species in Central Asia are over at least 0,02; the p-distances inside of B. plumbeola clade are no more than 0,003 and this is clear evidence of their conspecificity. The lectotypes of Bryophila miltophaea Hampson, 1908 and Bryophila subliterata Filipjev, 1931 are designated. The following new statuses are applied: Bryophila eucta hannemanni Boursin, 1961, stat. n., B. plumbeola hampsoni (Draudt, 1931), stat. n., B. plumbeola miltophaea (Hampson, 1908), stat. n., B. plumbeola puengeleri (Draudt, 1931), stat. n., B. plumbeola vilis (Hampson, 1908), stat. n. A new subspecies, B. raptricula montanotricula Korb, ssp. n., is described from Katta-Kaindy Mts., 8.5 km S of Englchek, 2509 m, N 41°57’518 E 79° 7’782. It differs from the subspecies B. raptricula aksuensis by its wing pattern (structure of the middle band and of the white strokes) and by DNA (CO1sequence). A list of Cryphia and Bryophila species erroneously placed into the mountainous Central Asiatic fauna is compiled.