bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol: optimising newborn nutrition during and after neonatal therapeutic hypothermia in the United Kingdom: observational study of routinely collected data using propensity matching
Authors: Battersby Cheryl , Longford Nick , Patel Mehali , Selby Ella , Ojha Shalini , Dorling Jon , Gale Chris
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Therapeutic hypothermia is standard of care for infants born ≥36 weeks gestation with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE); consensus on optimum nutrition during therapeutic hypothermia is lacking. This results in variation in enteral feeding and parenteral nutrition (PN) for these infants. In this study, we aim to determine the optimum enteral nutrition and PN strategy for newborns with HIE during therapeutic hypothermia.

Methods and analysis

We will undertake a retrospective cohort study using routinely recorded electronic patient data held on the United Kingdom (UK) National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD). We will extract data from infants born ≥36 weeks gestational age between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2016, who received therapeutic hypothermia for at least 72 hours or died during therapeutic hypothermia, in neonatal units in England, Wales and Scotland. We will form matched groups in order to perform two comparisons examining: (1) the risk of NEC between infants enterally fed and infants not enterally fed, during therapeutic hypothermia; (2) the risk of late-onset blood stream infections between infants who received intravenous dextrose without any PN and infants who received PN, during therapeutic hypothermia. The following secondary outcomes will also be examined: survival, length of stay, breast feeding at discharge, hypoglycaemia, time to full enteral feeds and growth. Comparison groups will be matched on demographic, maternal, infant and organisational factors using propensity score matching.

Ethics and dissemination

In this study, we will use deidentifed data held in the NNRD, an established national population database; parents can opt out of their baby’s data being held in the NNRD. This study holds study-specific Research Ethics Committee approval (East Midlands Leicester Central, 17/EM/0307). These results will help inform optimum nutritional management in infants with HIE receiving therapeutic hypothermia; results will be disseminated through conferences, scientific publications and parent-centred information produced in partnership with parents.

Trial registration number

NCT03278847; pre-results,ISRCTN47404296; pre-results.
Surgical fixation with K-wires versus plaster casting in the treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures: protocol for Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial 2 (DRAFFT 2)
Authors: Achten Juul , Sones William , Dias Joseph , Hedley Helen , Cook Jonathan A , Dritsaki Melina , Png May Ee , Gray Alastair , Lamb Sarah E , Costa Matthew L
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Optimal management of distal radius fractures in adults remains controversial. Previous evidence and current clinical guidelines tell us that, if a closed reduction of a dorsally displaced fracture is possible, Kirschner wires (K-wires) are the preferred form of surgical fixation. However, the question remains whether there is any need to perform surgical fixation following a successful closed reduction, or is a simple plaster cast as effective? This is the protocol for a randomised controlled trial of manipulation and surgical fixation with K-wires versus manipulation and casting in the treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.

Methods and analysis

Adult patients with an acute dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius are potentially eligible to take part. Prior to surgery, baseline demographic data, radiographs, data on pain/function using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Score (PRWE) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) will be collected. A randomisation sequence, stratified by centre, intra-articular extension of the fracture and age, will be administered via a secure web-based service. Each patient will be randomly allocated to either ‘manipulation and surgical fixation with K-wires’ or ‘manipulation and plaster casting’. A clinical assessment, radiographs and records of early complications will be recorded at 6 weeks. PRWE and HRQoL outcome data will be collected at 3, 6 and 12 months post-randomisation. Further information will be requested with regard to healthcare resource use and any complications.

Ethics and Dissemination

The National Research Ethic Committee approved this study on 6 October 2016 (16/SC/0462).

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment monograph and a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal will be submitted on completion of the trial. The results of this trial will substantially inform clinical practice on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the treatment of this injury.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11980540; Pre-results.
Efficacy of vibrotactile device DentalVibe in reducing injection pain and anxiety during local anaesthesia in paediatric dental patients: a study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Veneva Elitsa , Cholakova Radka , Raycheva Ralitsa , Belcheva Ani
Published: May 2020

Introduction

A current non-pharmacological mean for attaining painless local anaesthesia (LA) is presented by vibrotactile devices. Their concept is to reduce injection pain due to distraction by applying physical stimuli which interfere with pain signals. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of the DentalVibe (DV) device in reducing pain and anxiety associated with LA in paediatric patients.

Methods and analysis

The proposed study is a randomised controlled clinical trial with split-mouth design. Included are positive patients aged 8–12 years, requiring buccal infiltration for extraction of two bilateral primary maxillary molars. After dental fear measurement, eligible patients undergo two single-visit treatments with DV device allocated to either first or second LA via computer-generated randomisation sequence. Outcome measures will be self-reported pain felt during LA on Visual Analogue Scale; self-reported anxiety on Facial Image Scale; pain-related behaviour according to Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale; heart rate; patient preference to LA technique.

Data will be analysed with intention-to-treat concept by Student’s t-test for paired samples, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p<0.05. Pretest on 20 subjects resulted in n=41 patients sample size.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the Committee for Scientific Research Ethics, Medical University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Reference number P-8604, Protocol of approval No. 6/23.11.2017) and registered on a publicly accessible database. This research received institutional funding from the Medical University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria, under project SPD-03/2017. Findings will be reported in scientific publications and at research conferences, and in project summary papers for participants.

Trial registration number

NCT03445182; Pre-results.
Study protocol for a randomised double-blinded, sham-controlled, prospective, cross-over clinical trial of vagal neuromodulation for pain treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Muthulingam Janusiya Anajan , Olesen Søren Schou , Hansen Tine Maria , Brock Christina , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The management of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is challenging and requires a personalised approach focused on the individual patient’s main symptoms. Abdominal pain is the most prominent symptom in CP, where central pain mechanisms, including sensitisation and impaired pain modulation, often are involved. Recent clinical studies suggest that vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) induces analgesic effects through the modulation of central pain pathways. This study aims to investigate the effect of 2 weeks transcutaneous VNS (t-VNS) on clinical pain in patients with CP, in comparison to the effect of sham treatment.

Methods and analysis

Twenty-one patients with CP will be enrolled in this randomised, double-blinded, single-centre, sham-controlled, cross-over study. The study has two treatment periods: A 2-week active t-VNS using GammaCore device and a 2-week treatment with a sham device. During both treatment periods, the patients are instructed to self-administer VNS bilaterally to the cervical vagal area, three times per day. Treatment periods will be separated by 2 weeks. During the study period, patients will record their daily pain experience in a diary (primary clinical endpoint). In addition, all subjects will undergo testing which will include MRI, quantitative sensory testing, cardiac vagal tone assessment and collecting blood samples, before and after the two treatments to investigate mechanisms underlying VNS effects. The data will be analysed using the principle of intention to treat.

Ethics and dissemination

The regional ethics committee has approved the study: N-20170023. Results of the trial will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov:NCT03357029.
Hypoglycaemia Awareness Restoration Programme for People with Type 1 Diabetes and Problematic Hypoglycaemia Persisting Despite Optimised Self-care (HARPdoc): protocol for a group randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention addressing cognitions
Authors: Amiel Stephanie A , Choudhary Pratik , Jacob Peter , Smith Emma Lauretta , De Zoysa Nicole , Gonder-Frederick Linda , Kendall Mike , Heller Simon , Brooks Augustin , Toschi Elena , Kariyawasam Dulmini , Potts Laura , Healy Andy , Rogers Helen , Sevdalis Nick , Stadler Marietta , Qayyum Mustabshira , Bakolis Ioannis , Goldsmith Kimberley
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Severe hypoglycaemia (SH), when blood glucose falls too low to support brain function, is the most feared acute complication of insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). 10% of people with T1DM contribute nearly 70% of all episodes, with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) a major risk factor. People with IAH may be refractory to conventional approaches to reduce SH, with evidence for cognitive barriers to hypoglycaemia avoidance. This paper describes the protocol for the Hypoglycaemia Awareness Restoration Programme for People with Type 1 Diabetes and Problematic Hypoglycaemia Persisting Despite Optimised Self-care (HARPdoc) study, a trial to assess the impact on hypoglycaemia experience of a novel intervention that addresses cognitive barriers to hypoglycaemia avoidance, compared with an existing control intervention, recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.

Methods and analysis

A randomised parallel two-arm trial of two group therapies: HARPdoc versus Blood Glucose Awareness Training, among 96 adults with T1DM and problematic hypoglycaemia, despite attendance at education with or without technology use, in four centres providing specialist T1DM services. The primary outcome will be the SH rate at 12 and/or 24 months after randomisation to either course. Secondary outcomes include rates of SH requiring parenteral therapy, involving unconsciousness or needing emergency services; hypoglycaemia awareness status, overall diabetes control and quality of life measures. An implementation study to evaluate how the interventions are delivered and how implementation impacts on clinical effectiveness is planned as a parallel study, with its own protocol.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the London Dulwich Research Ethics Committee, the Health Research Authority, National Health Service R&D and the Institutional Review Board of the Joslin Diabetes Center in the USA. Study findings will be disseminated to study participants and through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, including user groups.

Trial registration number

NCY02940873; Pre-results.
Statin treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms study: a study protocol for a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Zhang Yisen , Tian Zhongbin , Zhu Wei , Liu Jian , Zhang Ying , Yang Xinjian , Tian De-Cai
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

A large proportion of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm (IA) are not suitable for surgical clipping and endovascular treatment. For these patients, anti-inflammatory medications are worth exploring due to inflammation of aneurysmal wall being a major factor in higher risk of rupture. Statin has been proven to reduce inflammation of atherosclerosis and maybe a suitable candidate. This study aimed to evaluate whether atorvastatin will reduce inﬂammatory of the aneurysm wall measured by the signal index of aneurysm wall enhancement.

Methods and analysis

The Statin Treatment for UnruptureD Intracranial anEurysms Study is a single-centre, phase 2, randomised, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. 60 patients with unruptured IAs with aneurysm wall enhancement will be enrolled in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The patients will be randomised to receive atorvastatin 20 mg or placebo orally per day for 12 months. The primary outcome will be the change in aneurysm wall enhancement measured by the signal index during the 12 months treatment with atorvastatin. The secondary study outcomes will be the change in aneurysm wall enhancement measured by the signal index at 3 months, the changes in aneurysmal morphology and inflammation-related factors (C reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6) at 3 and 12 months. This study is the first to explore the role of atorvastatin in reducing inflammation in unruptured IA, which could lay the groundwork for future phase III trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Beijing Tiantan Hospital’s Ethics committee approved the research and written informed consents would be obtained from all participant or representative included in this study.

Trial registration number

NCT04149483
Dietary nitrate does not alter cardiac function, calcium handling proteins, or SERCA activity in the left ventricle of healthy rats
Authors: Kirsh Aleah J. , Juracic Emma S. , Petrick Heather L. , Monaco Cynthia M.F. , Barbeau Pierre-Andre , Tupling A. Russell , Holloway Graham P.
Published: May 2020

Dietary nitrate has been shown to increase cytosolic calcium concentrations within the heart, which would necessitate greater calcium sequestration for relaxation. In the present study we demonstrate that while nitrate supplementation reduced blood pressure, calcium-handling protein content, sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase 2a (SERCA) enzymatic properties, and left ventricular function were not altered. In addition, nitrite did not alter in vitro SERCA activity. Combined, these data suggest that in healthy rats, dietary nitrate does not increase left ventricle SERCA-related calcium-handling properties.

Novelty Dietary nitrate decreases blood pressure but does not alter left ventricular calcium-handling protein content or SERCA activity in healthy rats.
Genotype scores in energy and iron-metabolising genes are higher in elite endurance athletes than in nonathlete controls
Authors: Varillas Delgado David , Tellería Orriols Juan José , Monge Martín Diana , Del Coso Juan
Published: May 2020

Information about the association of energy and iron-metabolising genes with endurance performance is scarce. The objective of this investigation was to compare the frequencies of polymorphic variations of genes involved in energy generation and iron metabolism in elite endurance athletes versus nonathlete controls. Genotype frequencies in 123 male elite endurance athletes (75 professional road cyclists and 48 elite endurance runners) and 122 male nonathlete participants were compared by assessing 4 genetic polymorphisms: AMPD1 c.34C/T (rs17602729), PPARGC1A c.1444G/A (rs8192678) HFEH63D c.187C/G (rs1799945) and HFEC282Y c.845G/A (rs1800562). A weighted genotype score (w-TGS; from 0 to 100 arbitrary units (a.u.)) was calculated by assigning a corresponding weight to each polymorphism. In the nonathlete population, the mean w-TGS value was lower (39.962 ± 14.654 a.u.) than in the group of elite endurance athletes (53.344 ± 17.053 a.u). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that participants with a w-TGS > 38.975 a.u had an odds ratio of 1.481 (95% confidence interval: 1.244–1.762; p < 0.001) for achieving elite athlete status. The genotypic distribution of polymorphic variations involved in energy generation and iron metabolism was different in elite endurance athletes vs. controls. Thus, an optimal genetic profile in these genes might contribute to physical endurance in athlete status.

Novelty Genetic profile in energy generation and iron-metabolising genes in elite endurance athletes is different than that of nonathletes. There is an implication of an “optimal” genetic profile in the selected genes favouring endurance sporting performance.
Investigation of optical solitons in birefringent polarization preserving fibers with four-wave mixing effect
Authors: Younis Muhammad , Bilal Muhammad , Shafqat-ur-Rehman  , Younas Usman , Rizvi Syed Tahir Raza
Published: May 2020

The paper studies the optical solitons with coupled nonlinear Schrödinger system (CNLSS) that describes the propagation of waves in birefringence polarization-preserving fibers with four-wave mixing effect. The system is discussed with the effects of group velocity dispersion, self-phase and cross-phase modulations. The mechanism that is used to investigate is the extended Fan-sub equation method. It is observed that this system exhibits a collection of rich solitons (single and combined) for different values of parameters. The 3D figures are also plotted to show the physical behavior of obtained solutions under different constraint conditions.
Orbit Taxonomy in an Electromagnetic Binary System of Two Magnetic Dipoles
Authors: Zotos Euaggelos E.
Published: May 2020

We elucidate the orbital dynamics of a binary system of two magnetic dipoles, by utilizing the grid classification method. Our target is to unveil how the total energy (expressed through the Jacobi constant), as well as the ratio of the magnetic moments affect the character of the trajectories of the test particle. By integrating numerically large data sets of starting conditions of trajectories in different types of 2D maps, we manage to reveal the basins corresponding to bounded, close encounter and escape motion, along with the respective time scales of the phenomena.
An Autonomous Simple Chaotic Jerk System with Stable and Unstable Equilibria Using Reverse Sine Hyperbolic Functions
Authors: Joshi Manoj , Ranjan Ashish
Published: May 2020

This article introduces a new simple jerk system with sine hyperbolic nonlinearity which gives the hidden attractor. An autonomous simple implementation of jerk system experiences an important and striking feature of hidden attractors with both stable equilibrium and unstable equilibrium using a reverse nonlinearity function with parametrically controlled approach. Some basic properties of the system are well studied and analyzed in terms of route to chaos, basins of attraction, Lyapunov exponent (LE), bifurcation sequences, coexistence of attractor and phase portraits. The chaotic behavior of the new system is investigated through numerical simulation and their equivalent electrical circuit implementation using single amplifier with few passive elements. The justification of theoretical observation of the proposed chaotic system is perfectly observed in PSPICE simulation and laboratory experiment.
Finding Method and Analysis of Hidden Chaotic Attractors for Plasma Chaotic System From Physical and Mechanistic Perspectives
Authors: Yang Yingjuan , Qi Guoyuan , Hu Jianbing , Faradja Philippe
Published: May 2020

A method for finding hidden chaotic attractors in the plasma system is presented. Using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion, the stability distribution associated with two parameters is identified to find the region around the equilibrium points of the stable nodes, stable focus-nodes, saddles and saddle-foci for the purpose of investigating hidden chaos. A physical interpretation is provided of the stability distribution for each type of equilibrium point. The basin of attraction and parameter region of hidden chaos are identified by excluding the self-excited chaotic attractors of all equilibrium points. Homotopy and numerical continuation are also employed to check whether the basin of chaotic attraction intersects with the neighborhood of a saddle equilibrium. Bifurcation analysis, phase portrait analysis, and basins of different dynamical attraction are used as tools to distinguish visually the self-excited chaotic attractor and hidden chaotic attractor. The Casimir power reflects the error power between the dissipative energy and the energy supplied by the whistler field. It explains physically, analytically, and numerically the conditions that generate the different dynamics, such as sinks, periodic orbits, and chaos.
Using Lagrangian Descriptors to Uncover Invariant Structures in Chesnavich’s Isokinetic Model with Application to Roaming
Authors: Krajňák Vladimír , Ezra Gregory S. , Wiggins Stephen
Published: May 2020

Complementary to existing applications of Lagrangian descriptors as an exploratory method, we use Lagrangian descriptors to find invariant manifolds in a system where some invariant structures have already been identified. In this case, we use the parametrization of a periodic orbit to construct a Lagrangian descriptor that will be locally minimized on its invariant manifolds. The procedure is applicable (but not limited) to systems with highly unstable periodic orbits, such as the isokinetic Chesnavich CH[Formula: see text] model subject to a Hamiltonian isokinetic theromostat. Aside from its low computational requirements, the method enables us to study the invariant structures responsible for roaming in the isokinetic Chesnavich CH[Formula: see text] model.
A New Method of Edge Crack Suppression in the Rolling Process of Magnesium Alloy Sheet and Study on the Method of Cathodic Protection
Authors: Li Xintao , Zhu Yanchun , Li Haibin , Niu Yong , Yang Chenglong
Published: May 2020

A new method is proposed to solve edge cracking and corrosion in rolling process of the magnesium alloy plate. Usually in the process, the edge cracking is caused by the great temperature difference between the edge and the center of the alloy plate and the corrosion is by water in air. The method uses hot air wrapped around the plate to perfectly prevent edge cracking and corrosion. The method also includes cathodic protection for the magnesium alloy based on electrochemistry. The suppression of cathodic protection on the chemical activity of the magnesium alloy was studied. The experiment shows that the new method of edge heating with hot air wrapping is effective to prevent edge cracking and corrosion. Also, the cathodic protection can effectively suppress the chemical activity of the magnesium alloy and improve the surface quality in the rolling process of the magnesium plate, which provides a new concept in rolling process of the magnesium alloy.
Perioperative Dexmedetomidine Fails to Improve Postoperative Analgesic Consumption and Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Lateral Thoracotomy for Thoracic Esophageal Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mao Yu , Sun Xuemei , Si Li , Chen Lijian , Liu Xuesheng , Zhang Zhi , Gu Erwei
Published: May 2020

Objectives. Dexmedetomidine is widely used as an adjunct to general anesthesia. In this study, we evaluated the effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lateral thoracotomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. Methods. A total of 62 patients undergoing lateral thoracotomy for thoracic esophageal cancer were randomized to receive adjuvant therapy with either dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg intravenous bolus injection for 10 min before induction of anesthesia, followed by continuous infusion of 0.2–0.4 μg/kg/h until the end of surgery, and 0.06 μg/kg/h for 5 days after surgery) or equal volumes of saline. Acute postoperative pain was treated with patient-controlled intravenous sufentanil and flurbiprofen axetil. The primary outcomes of this study were the numbers of analgesic requirements in the first postoperative 72 h. Results. Perioperative dexmedetomidine did not decrease the numbers of analgesic requirements in the first postoperative 72 h (dexmedetomidine group: 12.14 ± 4.76, saline group: 10.89 ± 5.66; p=0.367). Likewise, the groups did not differ with respect to total postoperative analgesic requirements, postoperative pain, perioperative inflammation, blood cell count, incidence of adverse events, surgical recovery (assessed at postoperative days 2 and 5 using the surgical recovery scale), length of hospital stay, hospital cost, incidence of chronic pain, or quality of life. Notably, dexmedetomidine had beneficial effects on decreasing intraoperative opioid consumption and improving postoperative sleep quality. Discussion. Perioperative dexmedetomidine has limited analgesic benefits in lateral thoracotomy for esophageal cancer when added to an opioid-based multimodal anesthetic regimen but can reduce opioid consumption.
Assessing the Shrinkage Cracking Potential of Concrete Using Ring Specimens with Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Menu Bruce , Jolin Marc , Bissonnette Benoit
Published: May 2020

Early‐age cracking due to restrained shrinkage affects the performance and service life of concrete structures. Recent studies are successfully making use of the free ring shrinkage test in conjunction with restrained shrinkage measurements for the evaluation of the cracking potential of cementitious materials. This study provides information to improve the interpretation of cracking in ring specimens and a theoretical approach for predicting the stress rate of thick ring specimens. Results show that the rate of strain development and the age‐at‐cracking vary with specimen drying direction and the exchange surface‐to‐volume ratio. The results further revealed that early‐age shrinkage cracking depends more on the shrinkage rate than the magnitude of the shrinkage itself. Also, it was found that although the restrained ring specimens attained approximately similar strain levels, the cracking age varies significantly, suggesting that elastic stress‐strength analysis alone may be inadequate for predicting early‐age cracking due to the contribution of creep‐relaxation phenomena.
Sinking Velocity Impact‐Analysis for the Carrier‐Based Aircraft Using the Response Surface Method‐Based Improved Kriging Algorithm
Authors: Xue Xiao-Feng , Wang Yuan-Zhuo , Lu Cheng , Yun-Peng Zhang
Published: May 2020

The deck landing sinking velocity of carrier‐based aircraft is affected by carrier attitude, sea condition, aircraft performance, etc. Its impact analysis is a complex nonlinear problem, and there even is some contradictory phenomenon that when the approach velocity increases, the sinking velocity decreases under certain circumstances. Aiming at exploring the impact of the various related deck landing parameters on sinking velocity for carrier‐based aircraft in the actual environment, response surface method‐based improved Kriging algorithm (IK‐RSM) is proposed based on genetic algorithm and Kriging model. Based on the deck landing measured data of the F/A‐18A aircraft in the actual operating environment, the impact degree of the 15 deck landing parameters on the sinking velocity is explored, respectively, by using the partial correlation analysis of multivariate statistical theory and the IK‐RSM. It can be found that the 4 parameters are strongly correlated with the sinking velocity; that is, the aircraft glide angle and deck pitch angle are highly correlated with the sinking velocity; next, the approach velocity and the engaging velocity are moderately correlated with the sinking velocity. The 4 parameters above could be used to establish the impact analysis model of the sinking velocity. The genetic algorithm is applied to the correction coefficients optimization of the IK‐RSM’s kernel functions, and the IK‐RSM of the F/A‐18A aircraft sinking velocity is formed. Compared with the Kriging model and the empirical formula, the sinking velocity prediction accuracy indexes of IK‐RSM are the best; for example, the determination coefficient is 0.981, the mean relative error is 1.813%, and the maximum relative error is 6.771%. Furthermore, based on the sinking velocity IK‐RSM and the sensitivity analysis method proposed, we have explained the reason for the contradictory phenomenon that when the approach velocity increases, the sinking velocity decreases at some samples. It could provide certain technical support for the flight attitude control related to the sinking velocity during the actual flight of carrier‐based aircraft.
Molecular Analyses of Biofilm-Producing Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from a South Indian Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khamari Balaram , Lama Manmath , Pachi Pulusu Chanakya , Biswal Amarendra Pratap  , Lingamallu Sai Manoz , Mukkirla Bhargava Sai , Sahoo Amit Kumar , Dash Harioum Sambhu Narayan , Sharda Rewa , Kumar Prakash , Bulagonda Eswarappa Pradeep
Published: May 2020

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the presence of antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) genes, virulence genes, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in 14 biofilm-producing clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. Materials and Methods: PCR amplification was performed to analyse the prevalence of genes associated with antibiotic resistance (extended-spectrum β-lactamases [ESBLs] and metallo-β-lactamases [MBLs]), virulence factors, MGEs (class 1 integron, Tn1213, and A. baumannii antibiotic resistance [AbaR]), and comM among the study isolates. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR was then deployed to understand their phylogenetic relationship. All the isolates were investigated for biofilm production. Results: Two isolates were antibiotic-sensitive (AS), 3 were multi-drug-resistant (MDR), and the remaining 9 were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). The majority of the isolates were found to be positive for biofilm production and were sensitive against tetracycline and colistin only. Ab14 and Ab11 were found to be resistant to minocycline and colistin, respectively. blaTEM, blaOXA, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaSIM, and blaPER-1; class 1 integron; composite transposon Tn1213; AbaR island, and virulence factor genes were detected among the isolates. These pathogens were found to have originated from multiple clonal lineages. Conclusion: Biofilm-producing A. baumannii with multiple virulence and AMR genes pose serious clinical challenges. The presence of MGEs further compounds the situation as these isolates serve as potential reservoirs of AMR and virulence genes. Together with their capacity for natural competence, A. baumannii, if left unchecked, will lead to the spread of resistance determinants to previously sensitive bacteria and may aid in the emergence of untreatable pan-drug-resistant phenotypes.
NAO-Teach: helping kids to learn societal and theoretical knowledge with friendly human-robot interaction
Authors: Basori Ahmad Hoirul
Published: May 2020

Robotic technology has affected the education field, and even early education involves robot to attract Kids. Technical education is the notion of giving students knowledge of robots and technology. The main contribution of our research is to provide an interactive way of learning for kids through play and fun method. Two approaches proposed here: first, we provide an interactive game by touching robots body parts to teach kids how they were practising their motoric nerve and the listening to the instruction. In this game, kids asked to find some robot parts such as right hand, or left hand, where it equipped with a tactile sensor. The game difficulty can be increased by setting up the time limit for the answer and make kids touch the body parts of the robot very fast. The second learning method is practising number counting and pronunciation with NAO Robots. The robots will do computer vision processing to analyse and pronounce the kids handwriting with an artificial neural network. The result of implementation has obtained more than 75% success rate on recognition part with loss es than 0.6. The system received strong appreciation from kids and their parent, while  This research believed able to attract kids to study in interactive and fun ways.
PV system reactive power coordination with ULTC & shunt capacitors using grey wolf optimizer algorithm
Authors: Sankaraiah Mogaligunta , Suresh Reddy S , Vijaya Kumar M
Published: May 2020

The presence of PV systems increases rapidly in distribution systems to improve reliability and quality of supply. This will influence the performance of under load tap changing (ULTC) transformer and related reactive power devices. Therefore, many researchers are working on this area. This paper main objective is to reduce switching operations of reactive power devices (ULTC and Shunt capacitors) together with system power loss.  Distribution system load and solar system power will predict one day in advance and grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm proposed to solve the objective function. Reactive power of solar system is coordinated together with ULTC and shunt capacitors (SCs) with the aid of forecasted load. Distribution system losses and switching operations of ULTC and SCs converted into objective function in terms of cost. The proposed method is applied on practical 10KV system and the results are compared with conventional and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods considering grid conditions.
Design and simulation of interdigitated electrode for Graphene-SnO2 sensor on acetone gas
Authors: Hikmah Nur , Hawari Huzein Fahmi , Gupta Monika
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the design and simulation of interdigitated electrode for graphene-SnO2 sensor on acetone gas. This study focuses on designing and simulating a sensor platform based on IDE with different configuration parameters to obtain the most ideal and efficient layout concerning sensitivity. Eventhough the sensor platform can be easily fabricated by using photolithography, screen-printing and other methods, the simulation is preferable as it provides low cost, secure and quick analysis tools with required sensitivity analysis. The design is important before developing a hybrid gas sensor based on metal oxide and graphene to detect acetone for diabetic mellitus at room temperature. IDE is one of the sensor platforms which provide simplicity, miniaturization and offers an economical mass-fabrication as an alternative to large systems for a sensor. The sensitivity of this IDE can be improved by altering the parameters of the IDE configuration. Herein, COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.4 software is used for simulation where the IDE-based sensor is constructed, and the electrical field is simulated with dependence on several parameters such as width, gap, finger's number and thickness of the electrode. The electrical field that is generated by the simulation results were analyzed and discussed to find the ideal design with the highest sensitivity. From the simulation, it was found that the optimum sensitivity with electrical field of 58808 V/m was the design of IDE configuration with 14 fingers, 0.15 mm spacing size between fingers, 0.15 mm width of the finger and 0.7mm thickness of fingers and electrode.
Intelligent security system detects the hidden objects in the smart grid
Authors: Altaher Ammar Wisam , Hussein Abdullah Hasan
Published: May 2020

Monitoring the general public gathered in large numbers is one of the most challenging tasks faced by the law and order enforcement team. There is swiftly demand to that have inbuilt sensors which can detect the concealed weapon, from a standoff distance the system can locate the weapon with very high accuracy. Objects that are obscure and invisible from human vision can be seen vividly from enhanced artificial vision systems. Image Fusion is a computer vision technique that fuses images from multiple sensors to give accurate information. Image fusion using visual and infrared images has been employed for a safe, non-invasive standoff threat detection system. The fused imagery is further processed for specific identification of weapons. The unique approach to discover concealed weapon based on DWT in conjunction with Meta heuristic algorithm Harmony Search Algorithm and SVM classification is presented. It firstly uses the traditional discrete wavelet transform along with the hybrid Hoteling transform to obtain a fused imagery. Then a heuristic search algorithm is applied to search the best optimal harmony to generate the new principal components of the registered input images which is later classified using the K means support vector machines to build better classifiers for concealed weapon detection. Experimental results demonstrate the hybrid approach which shows the superior performance.
Fuzzy-based voiced-unvoiced segmentation for emotion recognition using spectral feature fusions
Authors: Mohd Ali Yusnita , Abd Rahim Alhan Farhanah , Noorsal Emilia , Mat Yassin Zuhaila , Mokhtar Nor Fadzilah , Ramlan Mohamad Helmy
Published: May 2020

Despite abundant growth in automatic emotion recognition system (ERS) studies using various techniques in feature extractions and classifiers, scarce sources found to improve the system via pre-processing techniques. This paper proposed a smart pre-processing stage using fuzzy logic inference system (FIS) based on Mamdani engine and simple time-based features i.e. zero-crossing rate (ZCR) and short-time energy (STE) to initially identify a frame as voiced (V) or unvoiced (UV). Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) and linear prediction coefficients (LPC) were tested with K-nearest neighbours (KNN) classifiers to evaluate the proposed FIS V-UV segmentation. We also introduced two feature fusions of MFCC and LPC with formants to obtain better performance. Experimental results of the proposed system surpassed the conventional ERS which yielded a rise in accuracy rate from 3.7% to 9.0%. The fusion of LPC and formants named as SFF LPC-fmnt indicated a promising result between 1.3% and 5.1% higher accuracy rate than its baseline features in classifying between neutral, angry, happy and sad emotions. The best accuracy rates yielded for male and female speakers were 79.1% and 79.9% respectively using SFF MFCC-fmnt fusion technique.
Introduction to polar earth orbits (PEO) in the function of the satellite distress and safety systems (SDSS)
Authors: Ilcev Dimov Stojce
Published: May 2020

In this paper is described introduction of Polar Earth Orbits (PEO) in the function of the Satellite Distress and Safety Systems (SDSS) for all mobile applications. The results of a technical and economic study regarding the extension of the Inmarsat Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite system to cover polar region are reviewed. In addition, also are examined the technical and practical aspects of providing an operational polar Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) for the provision of combined distress and safety communication solutions in conjunction with a commercial and defense communication systems for maritime, land and aeronautical applications. This study is considered several PEO satellite models and their probable costs for Search and Rescue (SAR) and determination MSS solutions. The practical usage of Low PEO constellation is realized by Cospas-Sarsat international project for SDSS.
An immune memory and negative selection to visualizing clinical pathways from electronic health record data
Authors: Berquedich Mouna , Kamach Oulaid , Masmoudi Malek , Deshayes Laurent
Published: May 2020

Clinical pathways indicate the applicable treatment order of interventions. In this paper we propose a data-driven methodology to extract common clinical pathways from patient-centric Electronic Health Record data (EHR). The analysis of  patient's, can lead to better regarding pathologies. The proposed algorithmic methodology consist to designing a system of control and analysis of patient records based on an analogy between the elements of the new EHRs and the biological immune systems. The detection of patient profiles ensured by biclustering Matrix. We rely on biological immunity to develop a set of models for structuring knowledge extracted from EHR and to make pathway analysis decisions. A specific analysis of the functional data leds to the detection of several types of patients who share the same EHR information. This methodology demonstrates its ability to simultaneously processing data, and is able to providing information for understanding and identifying the path of patients as well as predicting the path of future patients.
Mobility management for RPL protocol in internet of things
Authors: Royaee Zohreh , Mirvaziri Hamid , Khatibi bardsiri Amid
Published: May 2020

The IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) was proposed for various applications of IPv6 low power wireless networks. While RPL supports various routing metrics and is designed to be suitable for wireless sensor network environments, it does not consider the mobility of nodes. Therefore, there is a need for a method that is energy efficient and that provides stable and reliable data transmission by considering the mobility of nodes in RPL networks. In this paper a new heuristic flabellum algorithm inspired by physical and biological behaviour of flabella in the sea is presented, and bottleneck and swarm problems are resolved through managing the moving nodes by flabellum algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm’s performance is evaluated using the Cooja simulator. The proposed algorithm;Flabellum RPL; shows significant improvements with regards to packet delivery, and convergence and lifetime.
DA systematic approach for solving mixed constraint fuzzy balanced and unbalanced transportation problem
Authors: Hamoud Ahmed , Ghadle Kirtiwant , Pathade Priyanka
Published: May 2020

In the present article, a mixed type transportation problem is considered. Most of the transportation problems in real life situation have mixed type transportation problem this type of transportation problem cannot be solved by usual methods. Here we attempt a new concept of Best Candidate Method (BCM) to obtain the optimal solution. To determine the compromise solution of balanced mixed fuzzy transportation problem and unbalanced mixed fuzzy transportation problem of trapezoidal and trivial fuzzy numbers with new BCM solution procedure has been applied. The method is illustrated by the numerical examples.
Smart soil monitoring and water conservation using irrigation on technology
Authors: S George Fernandez , K Vijayakumar , V Kalyanasundaram , S Vidyasagar , K Selvakumar , D Selvabharathi , R Palanisamy
Published: May 2020

The conventional system of irrigation how efficient and well managed it may be wastes up to 50% of the water supplied. purpose of this paper is to provide a user-oriented and standalone irrigation solution for soil monitoring and water conservation, based on network of sensor. Using the input from the user the system will act automatically. It not only reduce the water waste but also is cost efficient and easy to operate. Different parameters like soil moisture, temperature and humidity are imported in order to calculate the efficient quantity of water needed. This system uses different sensors like soil moisture sensor, humidity sensor and temperature sensor to take required data. In this paper, the proposed project uses sensor having low power consumption reducing load overall. The system also stores the input and uses it for forecasting. The concept of IoT is implied in this paper. The control of motors are automated powered by solar panels. The data is stored in table format. All data is accessible via internet. This system can help the user to gain vital data about the fields irrespective of the weather condition.
A dimensão estética da competência em informação e a leitura do livro de imagem
Authors: Pereira Ana Paula , Alcará Adriana Rosecler
Published: May 2020

O livro de imagem é uma narrativa que propicia ao leitor uma experiência diferente de leitura. Para dar sentido ao texto é preciso relacionar o repertório pessoal, as vivências e experiências aos aspectos visuais e estéticos, pois na medida em que o leitor atribui significados, exercita a imaginação e a criatividade. Este estudo analisa como a leitura do livro de imagem pode contribuir para a competência em informação. Parte-se do pressuposto de que o livro de imagem favorece a dimensão estética da competência em informação, tendo em vista que o leitor ressignifica a leitura ao produzir novos sentidos e significados. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica realizada na BRAPCI e no Google Acadêmico, que enfoca a dimensão estética da competência em informação, a leitura da imagem e as potencialidades do livro de imagem. Pode-se inferir que as experiências de leitura do livro de imagem podem aprimorar a competência em informação e tornar o ato de ler mais instigante, divertido e interessante.
A caracterização do álbum fotográfico como recurso informacional
Authors: Santos Cristina Ribeiro dos , Albuquerque Ana Cristina de
Published: May 2020

O álbum fotográfico e a fotografia, seu elemento principal, apresentam em sua natureza características que representam determinadas situações repletas de informações. O álbum fotográfico se revela como um empenho, uma vontade particular ou pública de arranjar memórias de forma a ter uma leitura direcionada e homogênea do passado. Desta forma, indaga-se quais as características do álbum fotográfico, enquanto recurso informacional, e objetiva-se elencar estas características a fim de possibilitarem maior base para o processo de organização e representação das informações contidas nesses álbuns. Nesta direção, essa investigação utiliza como metodologia a pesquisa bibliográfica, tendo como pressuposto ser exploratória e descritiva. Em síntese, ao se substanciar os elementos que compõem o álbum fotográfico, como um recurso informacional, percebe-se a sua essencialidade ligada ao sujeito representado, ao arquivo, à narrativa e à necessidade de compreensão desses elementos para um tratamento informacional mais completo.
Realidade e perspectivas de acesso aos bens documentais e à informação nas IFES do estado de Roraima
Authors: Rosa Tatiana Costa , Baptaglin Leila Adriana
Published: May 2020

A presente investigação objetivou compreender a atual situação do acesso ao patrimônio documental e à informação. Para isso, foram realizadas pesquisas de campo, utilizando-se entrevistas abertas, diretamente com os sujeitos envolvidos com a gestão documental e o acesso à informação das Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior do Estado de Roraima: o IFRR e a UFRR. As narrativas dos sujeitos entrevistados foram compreendidas por meio da análise do conteúdo, segmentada em duas categorias, as quais foram elaboradas com base em dois tópicos guias pré-estabelecidos no roteiro da entrevista, são elas: 1. Acesso, na qual contempla-se aspectos acerca do acesso aos documentos e à informação das IFES e 2. Perspectivas, na qual explana-se sobre as perspectivas e o desenvolvimento de futuras ações destas instituições frente ao acesso e ao patrimônio documental. Por meio dos resultados obtidos constatou-se que o acesso vem ocorrendo, ainda que não de forma satisfatória e as perspectivas voltadas aos bens documentais e ao acesso a eles e às informações são promissoras nas IFES do Estado de Roraima.