bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NK Cells as Possible Prognostic Factor in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Mizia-Malarz Agnieszka , Sobol-Milejska Grażyna
Published: January 2019

Deficiency or impaired function natural killer (NK) cells might result in the development of serious infections and promote the development of malignancies. The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic role of NK cell percentage in bone marrow on the day of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosis. 84 children (49 males=58%; median age 5 yrs) with ALL were enrolled. The NK cell percentage was assessed using flow cytometry with antibodies against the cluster of differentiation (CD): CD3, CD56, and CD16. We evaluated two groups: group I (NK+), patients with NK cells in the bone marrow (n=74), and group II (NK-), patients without NK cells in the bone marrow (n=10) (cut-off value of negative <1%). In the patients from group I, the prednisone good response on day 8 and the remission on day 15 of treatment were observed significantly more often (p=.01, p=.03). The children from group I had significantly better survival as compared to those from group II (p=.02) (HR 2.59; 95% CI: 1.38-4.85). The presence of NK cells in the bone marrow at diagnosis can be a prognostic factor in children with ALL. The presented results should be the basis for further research.
Knowledge and Experience of Neonatal Resuscitation among Midwives in Tamale
Authors: Alhassan Afizu , Fuseini Abdul-Ganiyu , Osman Wahab , Basour Adam Alhassan
Published: January 2019

Background.Efforts to reduce under-five mortality across the globe are being hindered by a disproportionately high rate of neonatal deaths. About a quarter of these neonatal deaths are caused by birth asphyxia. Available evidence shows that effective neonatal resuscitation delivered by providers skilled in and knowledgeable about neonatal resuscitation can significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates.Objectives.This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine knowledge and experience in neonatal resuscitation among midwives in Tamale, and the factors associated with their knowledge on neonatal resuscitation.Methods.This was a cross-sectional study involving all midwives practicing in three large hospitals in Tamale. We developed a questionnaire to collect data on demographic characteristics of participants, and their knowledge and experience in neonatal resuscitation. We used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21, to analyse the data. Demographic characteristics of participants were summarized using descriptive statistics. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine associations between knowledge and some selected demographic features, while the one-way ANOVA was conducted to determine differences in level of knowledge based on the demographic features.Results.98.1% of the participants in this study had insufficient knowledge on neonatal resuscitation. Midwives at the Tamale Central Hospital demonstrated a statistically significantly higher level of knowledge(24.67 ± 2.79, p = .014), compared to those at the Tamale Teaching Hospital(22.92 ± 4.56, p = .028)and Tamale West Hospital(21.50 ± 6.24, p = .021). Those who had a first-degree qualification in midwifery and those with a Post-NAC/NAP midwifery certificate had a statistically significantly higher knowledge than those with a diploma in midwifery. Training in neonatal resuscitation was associated with more knowledge in neonatal resuscitation (r(158) = .195, p = .013). In terms of experience, 55% of the participants in this study were not experienced in performing neonatal resuscitation. There were no differences in their level of experience based on their academic qualification, work place, and years of practice as a midwife.Conclusion.Considering the generally low level of knowledge and experience of midwives in neonatal resuscitation as discovered in this study, there is an urgent need for government to provide more opportunities for all practicing midwives to be trained in this important lifesaving skill.
A Study of Damage Patterns on Passenger Cars Involved in Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Kurebwa Joseph , Mushiri Tawanda
Published: January 2019

Health emergencies occur in passenger cars where victims do not have immediate access to either layperson or professional, proper medical services, resulting in deterioration of their health or death. Installation of robotic first aid system for passenger-car occupants has been proposed. This study is part of a larger work of designing the system and seeks to identify the safest location inside the vehicle for it to survive any form of impact in a crash and retain the ability to assist the victims. The study population comprised 70 passenger cars (14 automakers across 7 segments) involved in road traffic accidents, which had been recovered by a roadside vehicle assistance company based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and were on the company’s premises on September 23rd, 2017. Vehicle damage was rated considering direction of force in comparison to a clock-point diagram, area damaged, and the damage severity on a scale of 1 to 7, following an official vehicle damage guide for traffic crash investigators. Data were analysed in Microsoft Office Excel 2016. In cases where vehicles were damaged in more than one area, all areas were recorded, hence 95 points of impact were analysed. Damage direct to the front denoted by 12 on the clock-point was the most common at 26%. This was compatible with the rate of frontal damage on vehicles, which was the highest at 51%, followed by the right and left sides that had 22% and 19%, respectively, the rear at 6%, and lastly the top (due to 2 recorded rollovers) at 2%. 56% of the damaged areas had a severity rating of either 5, 6, or 7. By eliminating all areas which had received damage in the study population, the robotic first aid system’s best chances of car crash survival are at the middle, towards the floor of the vehicle. It is advisable that the system does not depend on components in the proximity of the vehicle’s body as they are prone to damage in crashes. There is need for further research into the magnitude of impact that could reach the middle of different vehicles to define the strength of the robotic first aid system.
Electronic Structure, Spectroscopic (IR, Raman, UV-Vis, NMR), Optoelectronic, and NLO Properties Investigations of Rubescin E (C31H36O7) Molecule in Gas Phase and Chloroform Solution Using Ab Initio and DFT Methods
Authors: Yossa Kamsi Richard Arnaud , Ejuh Geh Wilson , Tchoffo Fidèle , Mkounga Pierre , Ndjaka Jean-Marie Bienvenu
Published: January 2019

Quantum chemical methods were used to study the electronic structure and some physicochemical properties of Rubescin E molecule. Good agreement with experiment was found for J3H-H coupling constant, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The excitation energy and oscillator strength calculated by TD-DFT also complement with experiment. Large values were obtained for dipole moment, polarizability, first static hyperpolarizability, electric susceptibility, refractive index, and dielectric constant, meaning that Rubescin E has strong optical and phonon application and can be a good candidate as NLOs material. The 3D analysis of the title molecule leads us to the conclusion that electron can easily be transferred from furan to tetrahydrofuran ring. The global reactivity descriptors were evaluated. Mulliken, ESP, and NBO charges comparisons were carried out and described.
Quality Evaluation of Rice Treated by High Hydrostatic Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Lee Ji Hae , Woo Koan Sik , Jo Cheorun , Jeong Heon Sang , Lee Seuk Ki , Lee Byong Won , Lee Yu-Young , Lee Byoungkyu , Kim Hyun-Joo
Published: January 2019

This study applied high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatments to rice and examined the effects of the treatments on the microbial contamination and physicochemical properties. The microbial population was 100% sterilized by HHP and reduced by up to 34% by APP. Color a values were increased by up to 285% and 33% in HHP and APP, respectively. HHP increased fructose (∼8,256%) but decreased glucose, sucrose, and maltose (∼97%, −100%, and −93%, respectively). APP only mildly modified sugar composition compared with HHP. Retrogradation factors were not changed remarkably by HHP or APP. In conclusion, HHP sterilized microorganisms, but the sterilization was accompanied by high modifications to color and sugar composition. APP had a lesser effect on the microbial population, but it only mildly changed the physicochemical properties of the rice. Therefore, application of either HHP or APP could be considered depending on the intended use of the rice.
Developing Smart Measurement Device to Measure Kinetic Friction Coefficients of Bi‐Tilt Isolator
Authors: Shih Ming-Hsiang , Sung Wen-Pei
Published: January 2019

A sliding vibration isolation system, affected by a kinetic friction force, provides a flexible or energy dissipation system for a structure. The kinetic friction coefficient of the contact surfaces between the moving parts changes with the relative moving velocity of the two contact surfaces. In this study, a smart measuring device is proposed to measure the kinetic friction coefficients of materials. The Arduino boards Arduino Nano, Arduino MPU‐9250, and Arduino SD modules were combined to create this proposed smart device and mounted on three aluminum extrusions constructed as a horizontal platform. Then, varying amounts of steel gaskets were applied to adjust the various slopes for sliding tests. The time history of the acceleration and displacement responses of test object movements in the sliding process were respectively, recorded and detected by this proposed smart measuring device and the digital image correlation method (DIC). Statistical analyses of all test responses were used to derive the relationship of velocity to kinetic friction coefficient. Test and analysis results showed that (1) the relationship of velocity to kinetic friction coefficient for the conditions of mild lubrication and no lubrication displayed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing with increasing speed, respectively and (2) the relationship of velocity to kinetic friction coefficient for the condition of full lubrication revealed that the kinetic friction coefficient decreased with increasing speed. Test results demonstrated that this proposed smart measurement device, which is low in price and easy to assemble, can easily measure the kinetic friction coefficient of a material under various lubrication conditions.
Inequalities of Lyapunov and Stolarsky Type for Choquet-Like Integrals with respect to Nonmonotonic Fuzzy Measures
Authors: Xie Ting , Gong Zengtai
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is to generalize the Choquet-like integral with respect to a nonmonotonic fuzzy measure for generalized real-valued functions and set-valued functions, which is based on the generalized pseudo-operations and σ-⊕-measures. Furthermore, the characterization theorem and transformation theorem for the integral are given. Finally, we study the Lyapunov type inequality and Stolarsky type inequality for the Choquet-like integral.
Continuous Fabrication of Wide-Tip Microstructures for Bio-Inspired Dry Adhesives via Tip Inking Process
Authors: Lee Sung Ho , Park Cheol Woo , Kwak Moon Kyu
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we report a new method for continuous fabrication of dry adhesives composed of microstructures with mushroom-shaped ends. Conventional mushroom microstructure fabrication is performed with a simple molding technique using a reversed phase master. In a typical fabrication process, thin- and wide-tip portions may be ripped during demolding, making it difficult to use in a continuous process. It is also difficult to apply the mushroom structure master to a continuous process system in roll form. Here, a continuous fabrication process was developed by applying the method of fabricating a wide tip using a tip inking method after forming a micropillar. Through the continuous process, the dry adhesive was successfully fabricated and the durability was measured with a reasonable pull-off strength (13 N/cm2). In addition to the reasonable adhesion, high durability is guaranteed, and fabricated dry adhesives are expected to be used in various fields.
Human-Machine Interface for a Smart Wheelchair
Authors: Hartman Amiel , Nandikolla Vidya K.
Published: January 2019

The paper describes the integration of hardware and software with sensor technology and computer processing to develop the next generation intelligent wheelchair. The focus is a computer cluster design to test high performance computing for smart wheelchair operation and human interaction. The LabVIEW cluster is developed for real-time autonomous path planning and sensor data processing. Four small form factor computers are connected over a Gigabit Ethernet local area network to form the computer cluster. Autonomous programs are distributed across the cluster for increased task parallelism to improve processing time performance. The distributed programs operating frequency for path planning and motion control is 50Hz and 12.3Hz for 0.3 megapixel robot vision system. To monitor the operation and control of the distributed LabVIEW code, network automation is integrated into the cluster software along with a performance monitor. A link between the computer motion control program and the wheelchair joystick control of the drive train is developed for the computer control interface. A perception sensor array and control circuitry is integrated with the computer system to detect and respond to the wheelchair environment. Multiple cameras are used for image processing and scanning laser rangefinder sensors for obstacle avoidance in the cluster program. A centralized power system is integrated to power the smart wheelchair along with the cluster and sensor feedback system. The on board computer system is evaluated for cluster processing performance for the smart wheelchair, incorporating camera machine vision and LiDAR perception for terrain obstacle detection, operating in urban scenarios.
Outage Analysis of User Pairing Algorithm for Full-Duplex Cellular Networks
Authors: Choi Hyun-Ho , Noh Wonjong
Published: January 2019

In a full-duplex (FD) cellular network, a base station transmits data to the downlink (DL) user and receives data from uplink (UL) users at the same time; thereby the interference from UL users to DL users occurs. One of the possible solutions to reduce this interuser interference in the FD cellular network is user pairing, which pairs a DL user with a UL user so that they use the same radio resource at the same time. In this paper, we consider a user pairing problem to minimize outage probability and formulate it as a nonconvex optimization problem. As a solution, we design a low-complexity user pairing algorithm, which first controls the UL transmit power to minimize the interuser interference and then allows the DL user having a worse signal quality to choose first its UL user giving less interference to minimize the outage probability. Then, we perform theoretical outage analysis of the FD cellular network on the basis of stochastic geometry and analyze the performance of the user pairing algorithm. Results show that the proposed user pairing significantly decreases the interuser interference and thus improves the DL outage performance while satisfying the requirement of UL signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, compared to the conventional HD mode and a random pairing. We also reveal that there is a fundamental tradeoff between the DL outage and UL outage according to the user pairing strategy (e.g., throughput maximization or outage minimization) in the FD cellular network.
Transmission Performance Analysis of WDM Radio over Fiber Technology for Next Generation Long-Haul Optical Networks
Authors: Ait Ahmed Badiaa , Aghzout Otman , Chakkour Mounia , Chaoui Fahd , Naghar Azzeddin
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a detailed study of N-channels Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Optical transmission system using Radio over Fiber (RoF) technology. The study was applied to optical long-haul networks to overcome the nonlinearity effects, chromatic dispersion, and signal loss. For this purpose, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) has been implemented in 4-channels, 8-channels, and 16 channels WDM transmission system network at 10 Gb/s to compensate the dispersion and the nonlinear distortion. The use of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) has been also investigated to improve the quality of the transmission system. In Digital RoF, the impact analysis of modulation types such as Differential Phase-Shift Keying (DPSK) and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) is also introduced. Constellation diagrams, received optical power, types of modulation, fiber dispersion, channel spacing variation, and laser power were considered to validate the study with the existing studies. All results achieve good reliability performance and prove the efficiency of the presented model.
Preparation, Structure, and Properties of Modified Asphalt with Waste Packaging Polypropylene and Organic Rectorite
Authors: Cheng Youliang , Fu QianGang , Fang Changqing , Zhang Qingling , Lu Chan
Published: January 2019

The modified asphalt with waste packaging polypropylene (WPP) and WPP/organic rectorite (OREC) was prepared by the melt blending method. The effects of OREC on the physical and aging properties of WPP-modified asphalt were studied. The morphologies, microstructure, and thermal properties of WPP-modified asphalt and WPP/OREC-modified asphalt were characterized by fluorescence microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TG). The results show that the composite-modified asphalt exhibits excellent ductility and plasticity when the contents of WPP and OREC are 4 wt. % and 1.5 wt. %, respectively. The deformation ability, softening point, ductility, and high-temperature storage stability of WPP-modified asphalt can be improved by adding the appropriate content of OREC. It is demonstrated that the composite-modified asphalt has an outstanding operational performance when the content of OREC is in the range of 1.5–2 wt. %. Compared with base asphalt, the high temperature performance of WPP-modified asphalt and WPP/OREC-modified asphalt is also improved significantly.
Selective Electrochemical Determination of Etoposide Using a Molecularly Imprinted Overoxidized Polypyrrole Coated Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Hrichi Hajer , Monser Lotfi , Adhoum Nafaâ
Published: January 2019

A simple and efficient new electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer has been developed for selective detection of an anticancer agent Etoposide (ETP). The sensor was prepared by electropolymerization via cyclic voltammetry (CV) of pyrrole onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in the presence of ETP molecules. The extraction of ETP molecules embedded in the polymeric matrix was carried out by overoxidation in sodium hydroxide medium using CV. Various important parameters affecting the performance of the imprinted film (MIP) coated sensor were studied and optimized using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimal conditions, the sensor response exhibited a linear dependence on ETP concentration (R2= 0.999) over the range 5.0×10−7M – 1.0×10−5M with a LOD (3σ/m) of 2.8×10−9M. The precision (% RSD, n=6) of the proposed sensor for intra- and interdays was found to be 0.84 and 2.46%, respectively. The selectivity of MIP/GCE sensor toward ETP was investigated in the presence of different interfering molecules including excipients and ETP metabolites. The developed sensor showed great recognition ability toward ETP and was successfully applied for its determination in injectable dosage forms and biological human fluids.
Presentation of an Approach on Determination of the Natural Frequency of Human Lumbar Spine Using Dynamic Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ruoxun Fan , Jie Liu , Jun Liu , Weijun Wang
Published: January 2019

Occurring resonance may negatively affect the health of the human lumbar spine. Hence, vibration generated in working and living environments should be optimized to avoid resonance when identifying the natural frequency of the human lumbar spine. The range of the natural frequency of the human lumbar spine has been investigated, but its specific numerical value has not been determined yet. This study aimed at presenting an approach based on resonance for predicting the specific numerical value of the natural frequency of the human lumbar spine. The changes in the numerical fluctuation amplitudes and the cycles of lumbar mechanical parameters during resonance are greater than those during nonresonant vibration. Given that the range of the natural frequency has been identified, vibrations at different excitation frequencies within this range can be applied in a human lumbar finite element model for dynamic finite element analysis. When the excitation frequency is close to the natural frequency, resonance occurs, causing great changes in the numerical fluctuation amplitudes and the cycles of lumbar mechanical parameters. Therefore, the natural frequency of the lumbar finite element model could be back-calculated. Results showed that the natural frequency of the established model was 3.5 Hz. Meanwhile, the closer the excitation frequency was to the natural frequency, the greater the changes in the numerical fluctuation amplitudes and cycles in the parameters would be. This study presented an approach for predicting the specific numerical value of the natural frequency of the human lumbar spine. Identifying the natural frequency assists in finding preventive measures for lumbar injury caused by vibration and in designing the vibration source in working and living environments to avoid approximating to the natural frequency of the human lumbar spine.
Application of Artificial Neural Network(s) in Predicting Formwork Labour Productivity
Authors: Golnaraghi Sasan , Zangenehmadar Zahra , Moselhi Osama , Alkass Sabah
Published: January 2019

Productivity is described as the quantitative measure between the number of resources used and the output produced, generally referred to man‐hours required to produce the final product in comparison to planned man‐hours. Productivity is a key element in determining the success and failure of any construction project. Construction as a labour‐driven industry is a major contributor to the gross domestic product of an economy and variations in labour productivity have a significant impact on the economy. Attaining a holistic view of labour productivity is not an easy task because productivity is a function of manageable and unmanageable factors. Compound irregularity is a significant issue in modeling construction labour productivity. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques that use supervised learning algorithms have proved to be more useful than statistical regression techniques considering factors like modeling ease and prediction accuracy. In this study, the expected productivity considering environmental and operational variables was modeled. Various ANN techniques were used including General Regression Neural Network (GRNN), Backpropagation Neural Network (BNN), Radial Base Function Neural Network (RBFNN), and Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to compare their respective results in order to choose the best method for estimating expected productivity. Results show that BNN outperforms other techniques for modeling construction labour productivity.
A Fractional-Order Model of Biopolyester Containing Naturally Occurring Compounds for Soil Stabilization
Authors: Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova , Baiamonte Marilena , Teresi Rosalia , Alotta Gioacchino , Bologna Emanuela , Zingales Massimiliano
Published: January 2019

Currently, the use of polymers and biopolymers as soil-stabilizer additives for control of the soil degradation, deterioration, and desertification and for improving the arid and semiarid soils has been expanded significantly in the agricultural sector. This research was conducted to determine the effect of naturally occurring compounds, such as quercetin (Q) and sodium montmorillonite (NaMMt) at different weight ratios, in biopolyester, such as polylactic acid (PLA), aiming to formulate ecosustainable materials to control the soil degradation and to protect the environment. As known, the use of sophisticated analytical tools to describe the material rheology and melting properties is nowadays very popular among physicists and material scientists. Certainly, several experimental tests conducted on polymeric- and biopolymeric-based materials, such as rubbers, foams, and hydro/aero gels, show that the relaxation time spectra are a continuous function, and as a consequence, multiple relaxation times are involved in the rheological description of the materials, yielding the need for nonconventional relaxation functions. Indeed, in this work, the considered fractional-order model could be considered a powerful tool to describe and to predict the melting properties of the complex polymer-based systems containing different additives.
Structural and Oxidative Properties of Manganese Incorporated Mesostructure Silica for Methane Oxidation
Authors: Dardouri Rihem , Gannouni Anis , Zina Mongia Saïd
Published: January 2019

Manganese catalysts containing templated mesostructured porous silica were prepared using different methods of preparation, namely, the direct hydrothermal (DHT), solid-state ion exchange (SSI), template ion exchange (TIE), and impregnation (Imp) methods. The physical-chemical properties of materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, FT-IR, TEM, EDX, UV-Vis, EPR, and H2 TPR techniques. The results of this study indicate that the obtained catalysts retained their hexagonal mesopore structure after introducing Mn into MCM-41. On the contrary, the crystalline phase of manganese oxide was stabilized on the external surface and inside the mesoporosity of the MCM-41 and seems to be dependent on the synthesis method used. Catalytic performances of synthesized materials were then investigated in methane oxidation at atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the metal loading and catalysts synthesis procedure influence the catalytic performance of the obtained materials. Moreover, the activity of the catalyst depends on the crystalline phase and particularly on the environment of the active phase.
Computer-Assisted Diagnosis for Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Fundus Images Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Yung-Hui , Yeh Nai-Ning , Chen Shih-Jen , Chung Yu-Chien
Published: January 2019

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of long-standing diabetes, which is hard to detect in its early stage because it only shows a few symptoms. Nowadays, the diagnosis of DR usually requires taking digital fundus images, as well as images using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Since OCT equipment is very expensive, it will benefit both the patients and the ophthalmologists if an accurate diagnosis can be made, based solely on reading digital fundus images. In the paper, we present a novel algorithm based on deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). Unlike the traditional DCNN approach, we replace the commonly used max-pooling layers with fractional max-pooling. Two of these DCNNs with a different number of layers are trained to derive more discriminative features for classification. After combining features from metadata of the image and DCNNs, we train a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to learn the underlying boundary of distributions of each class. For the experiments, we used the publicly available DR detection database provided by Kaggle. We used 34,124 training images and 1,000 validation images to build our model and tested with 53,572 testing images. The proposed DR classifier classifies the stages of DR into five categories, labeled with an integer ranging between zero and four. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve a recognition rate up to 86.17%, which is higher than previously reported in the literature. In addition to designing a machine learning algorithm, we also develop an app called “Deep Retina.” Equipped with a handheld ophthalmoscope, the average person can take fundus images by themselves and obtain an immediate result, calculated by our algorithm. It is beneficial for home care, remote medical care, and self-examination.
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Underground Parts ofKalanchoe gastonis-bonnierion Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Casanova Livia Marques , Corrêa Maria Fernanda Paresqui , Da Costa Nathalia Meireles , Nasciutti Luiz Eurico , Costa Sônia Soares
Published: January 2019

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects mainly older men. It is estimated to affect 50% of 51-60-year-old men and 70% of 61-70-year-old men. BPH is a nonmalignant proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells of the prostate gland regions. Despite the use of conventional pharmacological therapy, herbal medicines are used in BPH therapy, and several mechanisms of action have been suggested based on their complex chemical composition. Considering the ethnomedicinal uses ofKalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri(KGB), we evaluated the inhibitory effects on the proliferation of stromal cells from primary benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of four different aqueous extracts from this plant: underground parts from specimens in flower (T1 treatment), leaves from specimens in flower (T2 treatment), and flowers (T3 treatment) and leaves from specimens not in flower (T4 treatment). T1, T2, T3, and T4 treatments at 250μg/ml for 72 hours inhibited BPH cells by 56.7%, 29.2%, 39.4%, and 13.5%, respectively, showing that the KGB underground parts extract (T1 treatment) was the most active. Our findings show that the extract of the KGB underground parts (150 and 250μg/ml) stimulates important changes in the BPH cells, modulating crucial processes such as proliferation, viability, and apoptosis. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis provided a tentative identification of glycosylated syringic acid derivatives, glycosylated forms of volatile compounds, and lignans in this extract. Finally, these results suggest that there is a potential therapeutic use for KGB in BPH, which could improve the clinical management of the disease.
Life‐Cycle Assessment of High‐Strength Concrete Mixtures with Copper Slag as Sand Replacement
Authors: Gursel Aysegul Petek , Ostertag Claudia
Published: January 2019

Aggregate consumption rates have now exceeded natural renewal rates, signaling shortages both locally and globally. Even more concerning is that the worldwide markets for construction aggregates are projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.2% in the near future. This increase is attributed to rapid population growth coupled with the economic development worldwide. In terms of material availability, one of the most vulnerable regions is the Asia‐Pacific region specifically, Singapore, where there is higher demand but limited availability of natural sand and gravel for use as aggregates in concrete construction projects. This paper focuses mainly on the environmental impacts of fine aggregate alternatives used in high‐strength concrete applications in Singapore, which is one of the major global importers of natural sand following China. Singapore has been experiencing political and environmental challenges linked to the shortage of natural sand use as aggregates, even while the demand is increasing in the construction sector. Copper slag, a readily available waste material from shipyards in Singapore, is a possible replacement material for a portion of the natural sand in concrete mixtures, thus sustaining the projected growth in the region. A life‐cycle assessment approach is applied to investigate the environmental impacts of copper slag and its alternative use as natural sand in high‐strength concrete applications in Singapore. The system boundary consists of the major production processes of concrete constituents (including Portland cement and fine and coarse aggregates, with CS considered as fine aggregate) from a cradle‐to‐gate perspective, consisting of relevant life‐cycle phases of raw materials extraction, transportation, and production processes at the relevant facility where the production occurs. Output from the assessment is provided in terms of embodied energy use and air emissions of concrete mixes with varying percentages of copper slag as fine aggregate. Results show that environmental impacts of aggregates decrease with the increasing substitution rate of natural sand with copper slag when calculated on the basis per unit volume of the concrete mix. For example, 40% and 100% sand replacements with copper slag result in a reduction of 8% and 40% in embodied energy, 12% and 30% in global warming potential, 8% and 41% in acidification, and 7% and 35% in particulate matter formation, respectively. Normalized impacts (i.e., normalized with respect to compressive strength) are observed to remain at almost similar levels for concrete mixes with up to 40% natural sand having been replaced with copper slag. Therefore, it is recommended that replacement of fine aggregates by 40–50% of copper slag (by weight) will produce concrete mixtures with comparable environmental impacts while maintaining feasible durability and strength properties.
Synergistic Flame Retardant Effects of Expandable Graphite and Ammonium Polyphosphate in Water-Blow Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Yao Weiguo , Zhang Dongyang , Zhang Yixin , Fu Tao , Guan Dongbo , Dou Yanli
Published: January 2019

In this research, expandable graphite (EG) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were incorporated into water-blow semirigid polyurethane foam (SPUF) as flame retardants. The synergistic flame retardant effects of EG with APP in SPUF had been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), horizontal burning test, polarizing microscope, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that APP and EG used together in SPUF could effectively improve the flame retardancy of SPUF. When the EG to APP ratio reached 2 : 1 under the total content of flame retardants was kept constant as 20%, the LOI value was increased by about 51% compared to pure SPUF, 2.9% to SPUF/EG and 16.3% to SPUF/APP. Besides, the residual char was increased up to 27.7% displayed by TG test results. SEM shows that burned residues of EG/APP/SPUF present more compact char and worm-like structure. Furthermore, EG shows negative effect on the mechanical property of SPUF with 21.7% decrease in compression modulus, but the mechanical property can be improved by the addition of appropriate content of APP.
The Influence of Plantar Short Foot Muscle Exercises on the Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Power in Proximal Segments of the Kinematic Chain in Long-Distance Runners
Authors: Sulowska Iwona , Mika Anna , Oleksy Łukasz , Stolarczyk Artur
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of plantar short foot muscles exercises on the performance of lower extremities in long-distance runners. 47 long-distance runners aged 21-45 years took part in this study. The participants were divided into two groups based on baseline measurement of Foot Posture Index: Group 1 (n=27) with neutral foot and Group 2 (n=20) with slight and increased pronation. The participants performed the exercises daily for 6 weeks. The knee flexors and extensors torque, work, and power on Isokinetic Dynamometer and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) were checked at baseline and after 6 weeks of exercises. Higher values of peak torque of knee flexors were observed. This change was statistically significant at high load with angular velocity 90°/s (73.55 Nm at baseline and 89.05 Nm after 6 weeks) and 160°/s (69.40 Nm at baseline and 79.00 Nm after 6 weeks) in Group 2. In both groups higher values of maximum power were noted. Participants in Group 2 achieved lower values in each 35-metre run time and higher values of power. In Group 2 there was significant improvement of total time (35.26 s at baseline and 34.79 s after 6 weeks) compared to Group 1 (37.33 s at baseline and 37.56 s after 6 weeks). Exercises strengthening short foot muscles may improve energy transfer through body segments and increase strength and values of generated power. They should be included as a part of daily training programme of runners. This study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Registration number:
ACTRN12615001200572.
Secure UAV‐Based System to Detect Small Boats Using Neural Networks
Authors: Lodeiro-Santiago Moisés , Caballero-Gil Pino , Aguasca-Colomo Ricardo , Caballero-Gil Cándido
Published: January 2019

This work presents a system to detect small boats (pateras) to help tackle the problem of this type of perilous immigration. The proposal makes extensive use of emerging technologies like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) combined with a top‐performing algorithm from the field of artificial intelligence known as Deep Learning through Convolutional Neural Networks. The use of this algorithm improves current detection systems based on image processing through the application of filters thanks to the fact that the network learns to distinguish the aforementioned objects through patterns without depending on where they are located. The main result of the proposal has been a classifier that works in real time, allowing the detection of pateras and people (who may need to be rescued), kilometres away from the coast. This could be very useful for Search and Rescue teams in order to plan a rescue before an emergency occurs. Given the high sensitivity of the managed information, the proposed system includes cryptographic protocols to protect the security of communications.
Discrete-Time Analysis of Cognitive Radio Networks with Nonsaturated Source of Secondary Users
Authors: Pla Vicent , Alfa Attahiru S. , Martinez-Bauset Jorge , Casares-Giner Vicente
Published: January 2019

Sensing is a fundamental aspect in cognitive radio networks and one of the most complex issues. In the design of sensing strategies, a number of tradeoffs arise between throughput, interference to primary users, and energy consumption. This paper provides several Markovian models that enable the analysis and evaluation of sensing strategies under a broad range of conditions. The occupation of a channel by primary users is modeled as alternating idle and busy intervals, which are represented by a Markov phase renewal process. The behavior of secondary users is represented mainly through the duration of transmissions, sensing periods, and idle intervals between consecutive sensing periods. These durations are modeled by phase-type distributions, which endow the model with a high degree of generality. Unlike our previous work, here the source of secondary users is nonsaturated, which is a more practical assumption. The arrival of secondary users is modeled by the versatile Markovian arrival process, and models for both finite and infinite queues are built. Furthermore, the proposed models also incorporate a quite general representation of the resumption policy of an SU transmission after being interrupted by PUs activity. A comprehensive analysis of the proposed models is carried out to derive several key performance indicators in cognitive radio networks. Finally, some numerical results are presented to show that, despite the generality and versatility of the proposed models, their numerical evaluation is perfectly feasible.
Comparative Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Tumor Resection in Vitrectomy for Retinal Vasoproliferative Tumors
Authors: Zheng Bin , Chen Yan , Chen Lifeng , Chen Huan , Zheng Jingwei , Chen Feng , Song Zongming , Fu Lin , Hu Xuting , Pan Jiandong , Lian Hengli , Shen Lijun , Li Qiuming
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined vitrectomy with tumor resection in the treatment of retinal vasoproliferative tumors (RVPT). Methods. Retrospective study. RVPT patients who underwent vitreous surgery at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2011 to July 2017 were included. The main outcomes included treatment type, tumor activity, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results. Altogether, 16 patients with 17 eyes were enrolled with follow-up of no less than 6 months. Eight eyes were in the resection treatment group (Group R) and 9 eyes were in the conservative treatment group (Group C). Female (69%) were more common. The mean age was 50 (49.72 ± 12.92) years. Fifteen patients got unilateral onset and only one patient suffered bilaterally. The common symptoms were decreased visual acuity, floaters, and visual distortion. The preoperative BCVA ranged from hand movement to 20/20, with an average of 0.82 ± 0.75 LogMAR. Patients were all not high myopia, with a mean axial length of 23.27 ± 0.27 mm (21.61 mm to 24.67 mm). Of the retinal diseases, the epiretinal membrane was the most common, followed by vitreous hemorrhage, uveitis, subretinal fluid, and so on. Compared with the baseline BCVA, it improved more at postoperative 6 months and the last visit in Group R than in Group C (P=0.006 and P=0.033). The BCVA-improved 0.2 LogMAR or above in 6 months was 2 eyes in Group C and 7 eyes in Group R. All tumors in Group R were completely resected, whereas three in Group C (33.3%) had definite activity (P=0.008). In all samples, tumors were located on the inner side of the retina and had small vessel wall thickening and hyaline degeneration. The degree of astrocyte proliferation varies widely among different tumors. Conclusions. RVPT was more likely to occur in nonhigh myopia patients. Epiretinal membrane and vitreous hemorrhage were the main causes for vitreous surgery in RVPT patients. Compared with conservative treatment, surgical resection of the tumor is more beneficial to patients on visual acuity recovery and preventing tumor relapse. It is a safe and effective way to treat RVPT.
Personality Traits, Clinical Characteristics, and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Hypertension in a Primary Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Kretchy Irene A. , Acheampong Franklin , Laryea Jane , Osafo Joseph , Asampong Emmanuel , Dickson Erica
Published: January 2019

Background. Hypertension is a major health problem that remains a significant threat to the health and general wellbeing of many people all over the world. In some patients, the etiology and prognosis of hypertension have been linked to psychological factors including personality traits. One primary goal of management is to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with hypertension. This study aimed to examine the association between personality traits, clinical characteristics, and HRQoL in hypertension.Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in a sample of 331 individuals with hypertension. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical information, personality traits, and HRQoL were obtained from participants using an interviewer administered questionnaire.Results. The number of participants with a 1–10 years’ duration of diagnosis for hypertension was highest (56.8%), with 52.9% having comorbidities such as diabetes (40.2%) and dyslipidaemia (20.9%). The average number of medications taken per patient was 2.14 (SD±0.79) and about 47.1% of the participants reported adequate medication adherence. Significant associations for age, education, monthly income, number of years with hypertension, and HRQoL were observed. While conscientiousness was significantly associated with all HRQoL domains, extraversion and agreeableness were significantly related to only the environmental domain.Conclusion. This study has demonstrated that clinical characteristics and patients’ perception of their personality are relevant to their health-related quality of life outcomes. The findings suggest that when intervention efforts to improve the quality of life of patients with hypertension are being considered, a biopsychosocial approach should be employed. The implication is that treatment of hypertension in Ghana should be broadened to include the expertise of mental health professionals.
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity against Streptococcus mutans of Individual and Mixtures of the Main Polyphenolic Compounds Found in Chilean Propolis
Authors: Veloz Jorge Jesús , Alvear Marysol , Salazar Luis A.
Published: January 2019

Dental caries is multifactorial disease and an important health problem worldwide. Streptococcus mutans is considered as a major cariogenic agent in oral cavity. This bacteria can synthetize soluble and insoluble glucans from sucrose by glucosyltransferases enzymes and generate stable biofilm on the tooth surface. Biological properties of Chilean propolis have been described and it includes antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibiofilm activities. The main goal of this study was to quantify the concentrations of main flavonoids presents in Chilean propolis and compare some biological properties such as antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of individual compounds and the mixture of this compounds, against S. mutans cultures. Chilean propolis was studied and some polyphenols present in this extract were quantified by HPLC-DAD using commercial standards of apigenin, quercetin, pinocembrin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). MIC for antimicrobial activity was determined by serial dilution method and biofilm thickness on S. mutans was quantified by confocal microscopy. Pinocembrin, apigenin, quercetin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) are the most abundant compounds in Chilean propolis. These polyphenols have strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential at low concentrations. However, pinocembrin and apigenin have a greater contribution to this action. The effect of polyphenols on S. mutans is produced by a combination of mechanisms to decrease bacterial growth and affect biofilm proliferation due to changes in their architecture.
Preoperative Anemia or Low Hemoglobin Predicts Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Xuan-zhang , Yang Yu-chong , Chen You , Wu Cong-cong , Lin Rui-fang , Wang Zhen-ning , Zhang Xi
Published: January 2019

Background. The prognostic value of preoperative anemia in gastric cancer remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative anemia in gastric cancer. Methods. We searched Embase and PubMed databases for relevant studies from inception to March 2018. The prognostic value of preoperative anemia in gastric cancer was determined by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect measures. A random effect model was used in cases in which there was significant heterogeneity; otherwise, a fixed effect model was used. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata software. Results. Seventeen studies involving 13,154 gastric cancer patients were included. The estimated rate of preoperative anemia was 36% (95%CI=27-44%). The overall survival of preoperative anemia was poor (HR=1.33, 95%CI=1.21-1.45). Moreover, disease-free survival was significantly lower in patients with preoperative anemia compared with those without this condition (HR=1.62, 95%CI=1.13-2.32). These findings were corroborated by the results of subgroup analyses. Conclusions. The results indicate that preoperative anemia predicts poor prognosis in gastric cancer, including overall survival and disease-free survival. Therefore, preoperative anemia may be a convenient and cost-effective blood-derived prognostic marker for gastric cancer.