bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projeto e prototipagem de sistema para aquisição e análise de EMG do assoalho pélvico
Authors: Souza Diogo , Fonseca Lucas , Melo Julio , Cury Alethea , Viana Elizabel , Correa Edgard
Published: November 2019

Electromyography (EMG) is one of the methods used to measure the muscular activity, it can be done via external electrodes or using needles. Nowadays the EMG is used in many areas as medicine, physiotherapy, odontology, phonoaudiology and even to create prosthetic limbs. This technology is used by physiotherapists to evaluate the activity of specific muscles. A specific example is the evaluation of muscles on the Pelvic Floor, field covering the evaluation and treatment of this set of muscles. Most of these evaluation techniques require that the patient be on still positions, since the measurement device is physically wired to the data analysis system. To mitigate this problem our work shows the development of a Wearable Pelvic Floor EMG evaluation system that transmits the data wirelessly to the data analysis system, allowing the patient to be evaluated in more natural positions such as running, crouching and others. This paper covers the development process of the device and dada analysis software, resulting in a system that is ready to clinical tests by the end of the year.
SVC-A2C - Actor Critic Algorithm to Improve Smart Vacuum Cleaner
Authors: Aleixo Everton , Colonna Juan , Barreto Raimundo
Published: November 2019

This work present a new approach to develop a vacuum cleaner. This use actor-critic algorithm. We execute tests with three other algoritms to compare. Even that, we develop a new simulator based on Gym to execute the tests.
Analisando o Backup-as-a-Service como uma Estratégia de Recuperação de Desastres
Authors: Queiroz Ewerton , Mendonça Júlio , Callou Gustavo , Andrade Ermeson
Published: November 2019

Nos ambientes modernos, falhas dos sistemas de Tecnologia da informação e comunicação (TIC) podem ter consequências graves para os negócios, como perda de dados, insatisfação do cliente e perda de receita. Soluções de recuperação de desastres (DR) vêm sendo adotadas por empresas como forma de evitar a perda de dados e garantir a continuidade dos negócios. Com a expansão da computação em nuvem, diferentes provedores passaram a oferecer soluções de baixo custo para fins de DR, como o BaaS (do inglês Backup-as-a-service, Backup como serviço). No entanto, existem diversas variáveis a ser consideradas na adoção de uma solução de DR. Portanto, neste artigo, apresentamos uma abordagem integrada utilizando experimentos e modelagem para avaliar um ambiente de BaaS para fins de DR. Em nossa análise, consideramos importantes métricas de G7DR, como disponibilidade, downtime, RTO (Recovery Time Objective) e RPO (Recovery Point Objective). Os resultados mostraram que quando o BaaS é adotado, a disponibilidade do ambiente pode variar de acordo com a quantidade de dados de backup ou restauração. Além disso, uma análise de sensibilidade realizada apontou que o RTO e o RPO foram influenciados principalmente pelo tempo médio para restaurar o centro de dados e pelo intervalo de backup, respectivamente. A abordagem proposta neste artigo pode ajudar empresas, provedores de serviços ou indivíduos interessados em comparar soluções de DR bem como fornecer dados para o auxílio no processo de tomada de decisão.
Tiny Thing Blocks: Integrating Everyday Objects into IoT Context
Authors: Amorim Lucas , Alencar Márcio , Barreto Raimundo
Published: November 2019

The evolution of smart things technologies caused the growth in the popularity of concepts such as smart homes and industry 4.0. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the paradigm that encompasses and give a base for these topics. The development of devices that are used in this paradigm requires knowledge of subjects such as programming, embedded cyber-physical systems, web protocols, networking and others. This paper proposes a method to make it easier for people who do not have this knowledge to create smart IoT devices. To achieve this goal, we decide to create a visual language based on blocks that automatically generate code to Internet of Things devices. This language gives support to design the behavior of devices, which is represented by a model of a finite state machine. This model is generated using the tool Graphviz, which is a graph generator. We created a compiler for this language using the compiler generator Coco/r. The compiler translates the block code into the C language which is one of the programming language recognised by the Arduino IDE. We advocate that this process is more intuitive than the normal development process. after conducting tests with users, the first evaluation about this method is that it can be useful for people who understand the base concepts of it. However, there is just a few data about tests, turning it into a not definitive conclusion.
State-of-the-Art Javascript Language for Internet of Things
Authors: Oliveira Fernando L. , Mattos Julio C. B.
Published: November 2019

Currently, two technologies stand out in the field of research, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Javascript (JS). On one hand, IoT enables everyday objects to connect to the network, analyze, capture, and interact with the environment. On the other hand, we have JS, a programming language that was initially inside browsers but now it is being used in several backgrounds. This paper correlates IoT and JS technologies, showing how Javascript can be applied in the context of the Internet of Things. The survey has considered the work of the last ten years and presents state of the art from Javascript applied to the IoT-side.
InSAR Modeling of Geophysics Measurements
Authors: Lazarov Andon , Minchev Dimitar , Minchev Chavdar
Published: November 2019

In the present work, the geometry and basic parameters of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) geophysics system are addressed. Equations of pixel height and displacement evaluation are derived. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signal model based on linear frequency modulation (LFM) waveform and image reconstruction procedure are suggested. The concept of pseudo InSAR measurements, interferogram, and differential interferogram generation is considered. Interferogram and differential interferogram are generated based on a surface model and InSAR measurements. Results of numerical experiments are provided.
Deficient Autophagy Contributes to the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: M. Lopes de Faria Jacqueline , Neves Dátilo Marcella
Published: November 2019

Autophagy is a self-degradation process essential to maintain intracellular homeostasis and cell survival, controlling elimination of pathogens, damage to organelles, and nutrient recycling to generate energy. Alterations in autophagic flux have been reported in the mechanisms of several diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and its associated complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes, affecting nearly 30% of diabetic patients. Several pathways are triggered and repressed in the development of DR, and autophagy showed to be relevant in the pathogenesis of this devastating complication. In this chapter, autophagy’s involvement in the development and progression of DR will be discussed, mainly in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and retinal microvascular endothelial cells, as well as in Müller cells—the more prominent retinal glial cell.
Partidos políticos, opiniones políticas e Internet: la lesión del derecho a la protección de datos personales
Authors: Arenas Ramiro Mónica
Published: November 2019

Los procesos electorales no escapan a la transformación digital que vive nuestra sociedad. La necesaria adecuación de la normativa electoral al uso de las tecnologías digitales implica el respeto a la normativa de protección de datos personales y la existencia de garantías adecuadas que eviten la manipulación del voto de los ciudadanos por lo que los partidos políticos conozcan o lleguen a conocer de ellos a través de Internet. La modificación del artículo 58.bis).1 de la Ley Orgánica 5/1985, del Régimen Electoral General (LOREG), permitiendo a los partidos políticos recoger datos personales relacionados con las opiniones políticas de los ciudadanos, provocó desde titulares de prensa, críticas ciudadanas e interesantes debates de expertos en la materia hasta el planteamiento por parte del Defensor del Pueblo de un recurso de inconstitucionalidad contra dicha posibilidad. El Tribunal Constitucional, en la Sentencia 76/2019, puso fin al debate manifestando no sólo la inconstitucionalidad del precepto impugnado, sino evidenciando la importancia de proteger con las debidas garantías los datos personales de los ciudadanos, máxime cuando estos datos son un reflejo de su ideología política y su tratamiento afecta al correcto funcionamiento democrático de nuestro Estado.Electoral processes do not escape the digital transformation that our society is undergoing. The necessary adaptation of electoral regulations to the use of digital technologies implies respect for personal data protection regulations and the existence of adequate guarantees that prevent political parties from manipulating citizens’ votes for the information they know or get to know about them through the Internet. The modification of article 58.bis).1 of Organic Law 5/1985, of the General Electoral System (LOREG), allowing political parties to collect personal data related to the political opinions of citizens, provoked from headlines, citizen criticism and interesting debates by experts in the field to the proposal by the Ombudsman of an appeal of unconstitutionality against said possibility. The Constitutional Court in the Jugdment 76/2019 ends the debate by manifesting not only the unconstitutionality of the contested precept, but also by demonstrating the importance of protecting citizens’ personal data with due guarantees, especially when these data are a reflection of their political ideology and their treatment affects the correct democratic functioning of our State.
A Circuit Approach to the Calculation of Lightning Transients in Cage-like Multiconductor Systems
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2019

An efficient algorithm is proposed for calculating lightning transients in cage-like multiconductor systems. Capacitance and impedance parameters of the conducting branches are evaluated by the mean potential method and Neumann's formula, respectively. The equivalent network is formed for the multiconductor systems by a series of coupled π-type circuits. The lightning transient responses in the multiconductor systems are then obtained using Fourier transform. When the algorithm was tested using an experimental set-up, good agreement was found between the calculated and measured results.
Reactive Power Measurement in Three-Phase Unbalanced Circuits Using Two Wattmeters
Authors: Rao V. V. Bapeswara
Published: November 2019

A procedure to measure reactive power in three-phase unbalanced circuits using two wattmeters is presented. The total reactive power is obtained as an algebraic sum of two wattmeter readings. The voltage coil circuit of each wattmeter is suitably modified.
A Visual Simulation Environment for Teaching Power System Stability
Authors: Shaaban Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Computer-mediated teaching can be very effective in enhancing students' understanding of concepts and increasing their involvement in the classroom. This paper presents an interactive visual simulation tool to assist instructors in demonstrating power system stability phenomena. Power flow computations, used to initialise the simulation, are carried out using Matlab, whereas the simulation is implemented using Simulink. The Graphical User Interface (GUI), which controls the whole program and is constructed using C#, provides the capability to change system parameters/operating points interactively. To further the grasp of stability notions and reinforce the sense of seamless photorealistic interaction with the simulation, visual animation illustrating the synchronous generator along with virtual analogue meters, represented as ActiveX controls to portray inherent machine variables, are constructed. Several test cases, which cover various power system stability events, are described and analysed.
Compact Form of Mason's Gain Formula for Signal Flow Graphs
Authors: Prasad V. C.
Published: November 2019

Mason's gain formula requires combining all paths and all loops judiciously. New techniques are presented in this paper to do this. All possible non-touching loop combinations can be generated systematically and represented compactly using a tree structure and/or factoring technique. Both numerator and denominator of the formula can be treated identically. The approach is simple enough to be used in teaching students Mason's gain formula as part of courses in control systems, digital signal processing, graph theory and applications, among others.
Experiences in Teaching Electric Drives Based on Basic Modelling Simulations and Industrial A.C. Drive Measurements
Authors: Molina-García A. , Gómez E. , Fuentes J. A. , Villarejo J.
Published: November 2019

The objective of this paper is to compare laboratory tests of industrial electric a.c. drives and simulation results obtained from the basic model introduced to our students in practical sessions. This basic model takes into account the electrical, electronic and control subsystems which comprise a simplified electric a.c. drive. The proposed tests allow us to analyse the electric drive in four-quadrant operation, which are included in this paper. The main advantage of this approach is that students can verify the differences between real and simulated results and, in this way, they can also progress, strengthen and expand their theoretical knowledge. The proposed methodology has been implemented during the past few years in two optional subjects related to electric and electronic fields. Academic results and student reaction are also discussed.
“Renalclick”: ayudando a los pacientes renales con tecnologías web
Authors: Sales López Roger
Published: November 2019

"Renalclick” es el prototipo de un sistema de gestión de la enfermedad renal crónica que ayuda a los pacientes a responsabilizarse de los tratamientos que deben seguir, mediante una aplicación móvil que les permite hacer registros de constantes vitales y de signos y síntomas, y que serán monitorizados por sus respectivos centros de diálisis mediante una plataforma web de uso exclusivo para profesionales sanitarios.
A PROPERTY CLAIM IN A SUMMARY PENALTY ORDER
Authors: Janković Radenko
Published: November 2019

At the beginning of the 21st century, criminal procedure legislationin BiH was radically changed. One of the most important novelties is a penaltyorder proceeding accepted under various foreign influences. Although this isa new special criminal procedure, it has been well accepted and extensivelyapplied. In approximately half of the indictments, the public prosecutor putsforward a motion for a penalty order. However, it has caused many dilemmas,both in theory and in practice. One of them is the possibility of accepting aproperty claim in a penalty order. The paper analyzes the views of our theoryand practice in order to provide an answer to the question of whether theyhave a basis in the applicable legal provisions. In addition, it also points to theshortcomings in the provisions regulating the procedure for issuing a penaltyorder that clearly indicate the need for their amendments in order to betterstandardize a property claim in this proceeding.
ПРАВО НА ДОСТОЈАНСТВО У УМИРАЊУ (ЕУТАНАЗИЈУ)
Authors: Чубриловић Босиљка
Published: November 2019

Предочени рад настао је као резултат ауторовог личногувјерења онеопходности законодавног регулисања института еутана-зије, у смислубезрезервног поштовања основних људских права. С тим увези, у даљем тексту бавимо се аргументацијом која поткрепљује зау-зети став, дилемом о (не)постојању права на смрт као пандан праву наживот,питањем релевантности квалитета живота у контексту еута-назије, тепојмовном објашњењу, ријетко помињаног института „пацијен-тов тестамент“ као нужно, пратећег сегмента легализације еутана-зије. Аутор прави и кратак пресјек тренутног стања регулације „правана достојанствену смрт“ у Грађанском законику Републике Србије, којије још увијек у фази преднацрта.
A lipid-invasion model for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rudge Jonathan D
Published: November 2019

This paper describes a potential new explanation for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), referred to here as the lipid-invasion model. It proposes that AD is primarily caused by the influx of lipids following the breakdown of the blood brain barrier (BBB). The model argues that a principal role of the BBB is to protect the brain from external lipid access. When the BBB is damaged, it allows a mass influx of (mainly albumin-bound) free fatty acids (FFAs) and lipid-rich lipoproteins to the brain, which in turn causes neurodegeneration, amyloidosis, tau tangles and other AD characteristics. The model also argues that, whilst β-amyloid causes neurodegeneration, as is widely argued, its principal role in the disease lies in damaging the BBB. It is the external lipids, entering as a consequence, that are the primary drivers of neurodegeneration in AD., especially FFAs, which induce oxidative stress, stimulate microglia-driven neuroinflammation, and inhibit neurogenesis. Simultaneously, the larger, more lipid-laden lipoproteins, characteristic of the external plasma but not the CNS, cause endosomal-lysosomal abnormalities, amyloidosis and the formation of tau tangles, all characteristic of AD. In most cases (certainly in late-onset, noninherited forms of the disease) amyloidosis and tau tangle formation are consequences of this external lipid invasion, and in many ways more symptomatic of the disease than causative. In support of this, it is argued that the pattern of damage caused by the influx of FFAs into the brain is likely to resemble the neurodegeneration seen in alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), a disease that shows many similarities to AD, including the areas of the brain it affects. The fact that neurodegeneration is far more pronounced in AD than in ARBD, and characterised by other features, such as amyloidosis and tau tangles, most likely results from the greater heterogeneity of the lipid assault in AD compared with ethanol alone. The lipid-invasion model, described here, arguably provides the first cohesive, multi-factorial explanation of AD that accounts for all currently known major risk factors, and explains all AD-associated pathologies, including those, such as endosomal-lysosomal dysfunction and excessive lipid droplet formation, that are not well-accounted for in other explanation of this disease.
Rapid learning and unlearning of predicted sensory delays in self-generated touch
Authors: Kilteni Konstantina , Houborg Christian , Ehrsson H Henrik
Published: November 2019

Self-generated touch feels less intense and less ticklish than identical externally generated touch. This somatosensory attenuation occurs because the brain predicts the tactile consequences of our self-generated movements. To produce attenuation, the tactile predictions need to be time-locked to the movement, but how the brain maintains this temporal tuning remains unknown. Using a bimanual self-touch paradigm, we demonstrate that people can rapidly unlearn to attenuate touch immediately after their movement and learn to attenuate delayed touch instead, after repeated exposure to a systematic delay between the movement and the resulting touch. The magnitudes of the unlearning and learning effects are correlated and dependent on the number of trials that participants have been exposed to. We further show that delayed touches feel less ticklish and non-delayed touches more ticklish after exposure to the systematic delay. These findings demonstrate that the attenuation of self-generated touch is adaptive.
In vivo Firre and Dxz4 deletion elucidates roles for autosomal gene regulation
Authors: Andergassen Daniel , Smith Zachary D , Lewandowski Jordan P , Gerhardinger Chiara , Meissner Alexander , Rinn John L
Published: November 2019

Recent evidence has determined that the conserved X chromosome mega-structures controlled by the Firre and Dxz4 loci are not required for X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in cell lines. Here, we examined the in vivo contribution of these loci by generating mice carrying a single or double deletion of Firre and Dxz4. We found that these mutants are viable, fertile and show no defect in random or imprinted XCI. However, the lack of these elements results in many dysregulated genes on autosomes in an organ-specific manner. By comparing the dysregulated genes between the single and double deletion, we identified superloop, megadomain, and Firre locus-dependent gene sets. The largest transcriptional effect was observed in all strains lacking the Firre locus, indicating that this locus is the main driver for these autosomal expression signatures. Collectively, these findings suggest that these X-linked loci are involved in autosomal gene regulation rather than XCI biology.
Superego and Will to Dominate Over Ego
Authors: Mohammadpour-Yazdi Ahmad-Reza , Jandl Martin
Published: November 2019

The study of superego and ideology within the context of bodily ego and skin as a psychic wrapping is vital to understanding the intersubjective aspects of those individuals who are living in a mal-attuned or extreme situation. This paper investigates superego’s will to dominate over the skin-ego to satisfy the id by itself and takes an intermediate position between id and external reality. The authors further attempt is to conceptualize superego formation in a skin model of ego development in a synthetic way and redefine ideology within the context of this conceptualization. The term Encapsulated Skin-Ego may explain how when the skin-ego is dysfunctional, a certain part of superego comes into being a psychic wrapping instead of the skin-ego and has left its developmental position. Consequently, the skin-ego takes refuge in the encapsulated skin-ego to be secure. In addition, ideology has a hegemonic character and wishes to control social symbols to continue its domination over people’s minds and bodies. Ideology tries to encapsulate the skin-ego and deprive it of natural sensations to lead it to an isolated corner ultimately to suppress the thinking ego. Two-case studies present the psychoanalytic application of the authors’ ideas.
Improving rule-based classification using Harmony Search
Authors: Hasanpour Hesam , Ghavamizadeh Meibodi Ramak , Navi Keivan
Published: November 2019

Classification and associative rule mining are two substantial areas in data mining. Some scientists attempt to integrate these two field called rule-based classifiers. Rule-based classifiers can play a very important role in applications such as fraud detection, medical diagnosis, etc. Numerous previous studies have shown that this type of classifier achieves a higher classification accuracy than traditional classification algorithms. However, they still suffer from a fundamental limitation. Many rule-based classifiers used various greedy techniques to prune the redundant rules that lead to missing some important rules. Another challenge that must be considered is related to the enormous set of mined rules that result in high processing overhead. The result of these approaches is that the final selected rules may not be the global best rules. These algorithms are not successful at exploiting search space effectively in order to select the best subset of candidate rules. We merged the Apriori algorithm, Harmony Search, and classification-based association rules (CBA) algorithm in order to build a rule-based classifier. We applied a modified version of the Apriori algorithm with multiple minimum support for extracting useful rules for each class in the dataset. Instead of using a large number of candidate rules, binary Harmony Search was utilized for selecting the best subset of rules that appropriate for building a classification model. We applied the proposed method on a seventeen benchmark dataset and compared its result with traditional association rule classification algorithms. The statistical results show that our proposed method outperformed other rule-based approaches.
Efficient strategies to reduce power consumption in MANETs
Authors: Fatima Lubna Naaz , Mahin Syeda Hajra , Taranum Fahmina
Published: November 2019

In current circumstances, where amelioration in technology is elevating, power optimization is of grave concern, whilst perceiving portable conditions. The focus is to design an efficient system with an aim to reduce power consumption and improve performance of other metrics. Heterogeneous wireless systems will command in the next-generation wireless networks with the aggregation of different remote access mechanisms. A node in MANET (Mobile Adhoc NETworks) while consuming significant amount of energy practices data transmission and data retrieval process whilst bonding with other neighboring nodes that are within its range. The proposed work implements User Specified energy model and DYMO (DYnamic Manet On-demand) routing protocol. Further, additional features of IEEE 802.11 i.e., Power Saving Mode is employed. To obtain enhanced coverage at targeted areas, multi-hop relay strategy is taken into account, also to achieve a less power consuming network with a greater service life. Consequently, the efficiency of the devices is monitored by opting Residual Life Accurate battery model, by using different datasets of Duracell AA and AAA batteries. Simultaneously, battery model, energy model and DYMO (DYnamic Manet On-demand) are applied for IEEE 802.16 to get a comparative assessment of power consumption between IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.16. Results are generated for both the architectures i.e., 802.11 and 802.16 for metrics such as residual amount of energy for varying simulation time for all the nodes and for energy consumption in AODV (Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) and DYMO (DYnamic Manet On-demand) routing protocol using Qualnet version 7.4.
A systematic review on literature-based discovery workflow
Authors: Thilakaratne Menasha , Falkner Katrina , Atapattu Thushari
Published: November 2019

As scientific publication rates increase, knowledge acquisition and the research development process have become more complex and time-consuming. Literature-Based Discovery (LBD), supporting automated knowledge discovery, helps facilitate this process by eliciting novel knowledge by analysing existing scientific literature. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the LBD workflow by answering nine research questions related to the major components of the LBD workflow (i.e., input, process, output, and evaluation). With regards to theinputcomponent, we discuss the data types and data sources used in the literature. Theprocesscomponent presents filtering techniques, ranking/thresholding techniques, domains, generalisability levels, and resources. Subsequently, theoutputcomponent focuses on the visualisation techniques used in LBD discipline. As for theevaluationcomponent, we outline the evaluation techniques, their generalisability, and the quantitative measures used to validate results. To conclude, we summarise the findings of the review for each component by highlighting the possible future research directions.
A unified approach for cluster-wise and general noise rejection approaches for k-means clustering
Authors: Ubukata Seiki
Published: November 2019

Hard C-means (HCM; k-means) is one of the most widely used partitive clustering techniques. However, HCM is strongly affected by noise objects and cannot represent cluster overlap. To reduce the influence of noise objects, objects distant from cluster centers are rejected in some noise rejection approaches including general noise rejection (GNR) and cluster-wise noise rejection (CNR). Generalized rough C-means (GRCM) can deal with positive, negative, and boundary belonging of object to clusters by reference to rough set theory. GRCM realizes cluster overlap by the linear function threshold-based object-cluster assignment. In this study, as a unified approach for GNR and CNR in HCM, we propose linear function threshold-based C-means (LiFTCM) by relaxing GRCM. We show that the linear function threshold-based assignment in LiFTCM includes GNR, CNR, and their combinations as well as rough assignment of GRCM. The classification boundary is visualized so that the characteristics of LiFTCM in various parameter settings are clarified. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the combinations of rough clustering or the combinations of GNR and CNR realized by LiFTCM yield satisfactory results.
Bibliographic revision ofMesacanthionFilipjev, 1927 (Nematoda: Thoracostomopsidae) with description of a new species from Jeju Island, South Korea
Authors: Jeong Raehyuk , Tchesunov Alexei V. , Lee Wonchoel
Published: November 2019

A new species of the genusMesacanthionFilipjev, 1927 was discovered during a survey of natural beaches of Jeju Island in South Korea. The new speciesMesacanthion jejuensissp. nov.shares general morphology of the genus such as the outer labial and cephalic setae being situated at the middle of cephalic capsule, well-developed mandibles with two columns united by a curved bar, and three equally sized and shaped teeth shorter than the mandibles. The new species belongs to a group ofMesacanthionspecies in which spicules are shorter than two anal body diameters. The new species is most closely related toM. pannosum, first discovered in Puget Sound, Washington, in terms of having enlarged cervical setae flap at the end of cephalic capsule, spicules which are shorter than 2 anal body diameter, both supplementary organ and gubernaculum. It can be distinguished fromM. pannosumby its stronger inner labial setae, longer outer labial setae, and difference in the index value of b and c’. Along with the description ofMesacanthion jejuensissp. nov.,the genusMesacanthionFilipjev, 1927 is bibliographically reviewed and revised. Including the new species, a total of 48 species are described within the genus; 39 which are valid; eight which are considered to be species inquirenda due to misplacement of genus and poor description; one which is considered nomen nudum. An updated diagnosis of the genus is provided along with a compiled tabular key comparing different diagnostic morphological characters of all valid species, as well as a pictorial key consisting of 21 species with spicules shorter than two anal body diameters.
Comparative Study on the Electrolyte Levels of HIV/AIDS Patients on High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Nwauche K. T. , N. Agomuo E. , Anacletus F. C. , Nwosu G. U.
Published: November 2019

This study investigated and compared the electrolyte levels of HIV/AIDS patients on high active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Thirty patients (13 males and 17 females) were recruited for this study. Patients included in this study were HIV positive and on high active anti-retroviral treatment for at least three months. They were not on any mind altering medications and were mentally sound and are within the age range of 10 years to 59 years. Remarkable differences were observed in the concentrations of the electrolytes (Cl-, Na+, K+, HCO3-) when compared with their normal ranges. Decreased levels (mmol/L) of serum Cl- (3.90±0.54 ) and Na (31.70±0.10) were observed. Between the male and female patients, K+ level (mmo/L) (3.70±0.54 and 4.0±0.54 respectively) was observed to be within the normal value of 3.5 – 5.0 mmo/L. Na+ concentration (mmol/L) was observed to be decreased in both male and females with the values of 130.80 ±6.40 and 131.4±6.50 respectively. The Cl- concentration (mmol/L) was observed to be increased in females (98.40±7.60) and decreased in males (97.20±8.90) when compared with the normal range (98.00-105.00 mmol/L). The male patients showed an observed significant increase in the concentration (mmol/L) of their HCO3- (38.20±15.70) than the females (25.10±2.60) when compared with the normal value of 24.00-30.00 mmol/L. The concentration (mmol/L) of Na+ of all the ages (10-59years) was observed to be decreased when compared with the normal range (135.00- 150.00 mmol/L) while K+ for all the ages was observed to fall within the normal range. Only the age range of 30 -39years had an increased level of Cl- (145.90±48.10) while the other age ranges were decreased. The concentration (mmol/L) of HCO3- of all the age ranges were observed to be within the normal range except for the age range of 20-29years which was observed to show a decreased concentration (mmol/L) of 22.30±4.00 when compared with the normal range of 24.00-30.00 mmol/L. Findings from this study has led to the recommendation that strict monitoring of the serum electrolytes in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART is important as early detection and treatment of these abnormalities will enhance the quality of life of patients.
Immune evasion by adenoviruses: a window into host–virus adaptation
Authors: Oliveira Edson R. A. , Bouvier Marlene
Published: November 2019

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are widespread pathogens that cause a number of partially overlapping, species‐specific infections associated with respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, and ocular diseases. The early 3 (E3) region of adenoviruses is highly divergent between different species, and it encodes a multitude of proteins with immunomodulatory functions. The study of genetic diversity in the E3 region offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into how the various HAdVs have evolutionarily adapted in response to the selection pressures exerted by host immune defenses. The objective of this review was to discuss subversion of host antiviral immune responses by HAdVs, with a focus on suppression of MHC class I antigen presentation, as a window into host–HAdV adaptation.
Evaluation of lead equivalence of radiation protection apparatuses as a function of tube potential and spectral shaping filter
Authors: Aljabal Areej Fawzi , Wargo Richard Ryan , Lin Pei‐Jan Paul
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the lead equivalence (LE) of radiation protective apparatuses under various combinations of tube potentials and spectral shaping filter.

Method

In this study, the commercially available 3M™ Lead Foil Tape 421, with nominal lead thickness of 0.1 mm, was employed to determine the LE of four different radiation protective apparatuses. The LE of protective apparatus was determined by utilizing the X‐ray transmission curves obtained with the lead foil tape at 60–120 kVp in combination with the spectral shaping filters of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 mmCu. The experimental setup and test method, for the transmission measurements with narrow beam geometry, was performed in accordance to ASTM Designation F2547‐18 Standards. All measurements were obtained using cardiovascular interventional angiography system.

Results

A much larger discrepancies between the measured LE and stated (nominal) LE were observed at low tube potential (<70 kVp) for non‐lead protective apparatus. At higher tube potentials (>80 kVp) and thicker spectral shaping filters, the measured LE appears to be more consistent with the manufacturer specified nominal thickness for the protective apparatus investigated. On the other hand, for the lead protective eyeglasses, the measured lead equivalence of both the lead side shield and the lens of eyeglasses (0.38 and 0.85 mmPb respectively) are consistent across all tube voltage.

Conclusion

The conventional specification of LE without considering spectral shaping filter is a valid measure for tube voltages at and above 80 kVp. The measured LE generally exceed the specifications. The difference is most significant at lower tube potentials, and especially with thicker spectral shaping filters. At higher voltages (>100 kVp), the measured LE and the nominal LE are in good agreement with each other irrespective of the spectral shaping filter thickness.
A self‐checking treatment couch coordinate calculation system in radiotherapy
Authors: Tsai Pingfang , Liu Chihray , Kahler Darren L. , Li Jonathan G. , Lu Bo , Yan Guanghua
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Traditionally, the treatment couch coordinates (TCCs) for patients undergoing radiotherapy can only be determined at the time of treatment, placing pressure on the treating therapists and leaving several pathways for errors such as wrong‐site treatment or wrong treatment table shift from a reference point. The purpose of this work is to propose an accurate, robust, and streamlined system that calculates TCC in advance.

Methods

The proposed system combines the advantages of two different calculation methods that use an indexed immobilization device. The first method uses an array of reference ball bearings (BBs) embedded in the CT scanner’s couch‐top. To obtain the patient‐specific TCC, the spatial offset of the treatment planning isocenter from the reference BB is used. The second method performs a calculation using the one‐to‐one mapping relationship between the CT scanner’s DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) coordinate system and the TCC system. Both methods use a reference point in the CT coordinate system to correlate a point in the TCC system to perform the coordinate transfer between the two systems. Both methods were used to calculate the TCC and the results were checked against each other, creating an integrated workflow via automated self‐checking. The accuracy of the calculation system was retrospectively evaluated with 275 patients, where the actual treatment position determined with cone‐beam CT was used as a reference.

Results

An efficient workflow transparent to the therapists at both CT simulation and treatment was created. It works with any indexed immobilization device and can be universally applied to all treatment sites. The two methods had comparable accuracy, with 95% of the calculations within 3 mm. The inter‐fraction variation was within ± 1.0 cm for 95% of the coordinates across all the treatment sites.

Conclusions

A robust, accurate, and streamlined system was implemented to calculate TCCs in advance. It eases the pressure on the treating therapists, reduces patient setup time, and enhances the patient safety by preventing setup errors.
Assessment of the use of different imaging and delivery techniques for cranial treatments on the Halcyon linac
Authors: Flores‐Martinez Everardo , Cerviño Laura I. , Pawlicki Todd , Kim Gwe‐Ya
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In this work, we investigated the effect on the workflow and setup accuracy of using surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) for patient setup, megavoltage cone beam CT (MVCBCT) or kilovoltage cone beam CT (kVCBCT) for imaging and fixed IMRT or volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for treatment delivery with the Halcyon linac.

Methods

We performed a retrospective investigation of 272 treatment fractions, using three different workflows. The first and second workflows used MVCBCT and fixed IMRT for imaging and treatment delivery, and the second one also used SGRT for patient setup. The third workflow used SGRT for setup, kVCBCT for imaging and VMAT for delivery. Workflows were evaluated by comparing the number of fractions requiring repeated imaging acquisitions and the time required for setup, imaging and treatment delivery. Setup position accuracy was assessed by comparing the daily kV‐ or MV‐ CBCT with the planning CT and measuring the residual rotational errors for pitch, yaw and roll angles.

Results

Without the use of SGRT, the imaging fields were delivered more than once on 11.1% of the fractions, while re‐imaging was necessary in 5.5% of the fractions using SGRT. The total treatment time, including setup, imaging, and delivery, for the three workflows was 531 ± 157 s, 503 ± 130 s and 457 ± 91 s, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the third workflow with the first two. The total residual rotational errors were 1.96 ± 1.29°, 1.28 ± 0.67° and 1.22 ± 0.76° and statistically significant differences were observed when comparing workflows with and without SGRT.

Conclusions

The use of SGRT allowed for a reduction of re‐imaging during patient setup and improved patient position accuracy by reducing residual rotational errors. A reduction in treatment time using kVCBCT with SGRT was observed. The most efficient workflow was the one including kVCBCT and SGRT for setup and VMAT for delivery.
A unified brain system of orientation and its disruption in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dafni‐Merom Amnon , Peters‐Founshtein Gregory , Kahana‐Merhavi Shlomzion , Arzy Shahar
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate whether a unified brain system manages one’s orientation to different places, events and people in one’s environment, and test the hypothesis that failure of this system (disorientation) is an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

A total of 46 participants (patients along the AD continuum and cognitively normal control subjects) were tested in a personalized, ecologically valid task of orientation relating to the participant’s own world in space, time and person under high–density electroencephalography. As a first step, we used evoked potential mapping to search for brain topography correlated with participants’ performance in orientating themselves to different places (space), events (time) and people (person) (Experiment 1). We then compared behavioral and electrophysiological changes in patients along the AD continuum (Experiment 2).

Results

We identified a specific brain topography (“orientation map”) that was active for orientation in space, time and person in correlation to participants’ performance. Both performance and the map’s strength gradually decreased from health to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and from MCI to AD. Another map, immediately preceding the orientation map, showed the longest activity in patients with MCI, significantly more than both patients with AD and cognitively normal controls.

Interpretation

Our findings demonstrate that the same brain topography accounts for orientation in the different domains of space, time and person and provide a nexus between deterioration in patients’ orientation with the aggravation of Alzheimer’s disease.
Robust fault estimation based on learning observer for Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems with interval time‐varying delay
Authors: You Fuqiang , Cheng Shiya , Tian Kuo , Zhang Xinyan
Published: November 2019

This paper studies the problem of robust fault estimation for a class of Takagi‐Sugeno(T‐S) fuzzy systems which subject to interval time‐varying delay, external disturbance, and actuator fault. The designed learning observer can achieve simultaneous estimation of system state and time‐varying or constant actuator fault. Then, we construct a new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional including the information of the lower and upper delay bounds; compared with the time‐varying delay, the interval time‐varying delay is the less conservative form. Furthermore, one less conservative delay‐dependent condition for the existence of learning observer is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In addition, the results for the systems with interval time‐varying delay are simplified when the delay is not concluded. Finally, simulation results of two examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Immersion and invariance adaptive tracking control for robot manipulators with a novel modified scaling factor design
Authors: Xia Dongdong , Yue Xiaokui , Wen Haowei , Li Lin
Published: November 2019

The robot manipulators' tracking control problem in the presence of inertia uncertainties is addressed in this paper, and a novel dynamic scaling–based immersion and invariance (I&I) adaptive tracking controller is utilized to stabilize the proposed system. By virtue of the reconstruction method of the parameter regression matrix, this paper provides a new perspective on how to overcome the integrability obstacle typically arising in the I&I controller design through dynamic scaling and presents a new controller design method. What is more, a novel modified scaling factor is proposed as well so that the controller can be implemented without the prior knowledge of the inertia matrix's lower bound, and only the saturation function involving the scaling factor is included in the feedback gains. Finally, the numerical simulations show the validity of the proposed controller.
Boosting Photocurrent via Heating BiFeO3 Materials for Enhanced Self‐Powered UV Photodetectors
Authors: Zhao Rudai , Ma Nan , Song Kai , Yang Ya
Published: November 2019

BiFeO3 (BFO) is a potentially important Pb‐free ferroelectric with a narrow bandgap and is expected to become a novel photodetector. The photocurrent in BFO3 strongly depends on the temperature but only a few studies have investigated in detail the relationships between photocurrent and temperature. Here, the temperature‐dependent photocurrent and the corresponding photosensing properties of a Ag/BFO/indiumtin oxide (ITO) photodetector based on an optimized planar‐structured electrode configuration are investigated. The photocurrent and responsivity of the BFO3‐based photodetector can first be increased and then be decreased with increasing temperature. The largest photocurrent and responsivity can reach 51.5 µA and 6.56 × 10−4 A W−1 at 66.1 °C, which is enhanced 126.3% as compared with that at room temperature. This may be caused by the temperature‐modulated bandgap and barrier height in Ag/BFO/ITO device. This study clarifies the relationship between photosensing performance and the operating temperature of BFO‐based photodetector and will push forward the application of ferroelectric materials in photoelectric field.
PdTe2 Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenide: Chemical Reactivity, Thermal Stability, and Device Implementation
Authors: D'Olimpio Gianluca , Guo Cheng , Kuo Chia‐Nung , Edla Raju , Lue Chin Shan , Ottaviano Luca , Torelli Piero , Wang Lin , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Politano Antonio
Published: November 2019

Palladium ditelluride (PdTe2) is a novel transition‐metal dichalcogenide exhibiting type‐II Dirac fermions and topological superconductivity. To assess its potential in technology, its chemical and thermal stability is investigated by means of surface‐science techniques, complemented by density functional theory, with successive implementation in electronics, specifically in a millimeter‐wave receiver. While water adsorption is energetically unfavorable at room temperature, due to a differential Gibbs free energy of ≈+12 kJ mol−1, the presence of Te vacancies makes PdTe2 surfaces unstable toward surface oxidation with the emergence of a TeO2 skin, whose thickness remains sub‐nanometric even after one year in air. Correspondingly, the measured photocurrent of PdTe2‐based optoelectronic devices shows negligible changes (below 4%) in a timescale of one month, thus excluding the need of encapsulation in the nanofabrication process. Remarkably, the responsivity of a PdTe2‐based millimeter‐wave receiver is 13 and 21 times higher than similar devices based on black phosphorus and graphene in the same operational conditions, respectively. It is also discovered that pristine PdTe2 is thermally stable in a temperature range extending even above 500 K, thus paving the way toward PdTe2‐based high‐temperature electronics. Finally, it is shown that the TeO2 skin, formed upon air exposure, can be removed by thermal reduction via heating in vacuum.