BAT Algorithm Based Beamformer for Interference Suppression by Controlling the Complex Weight

In this study, an adaptive beamformer for pattern nulling of Uniformly Spaced Linear Array (ULA) antennas, which utilized BAT algorithm (BA) to suppress interferences, has been proposed. This pattern nulling has been obtained by controlling the complex weight (both the phase and the amplitude) of each array element. So as to verify the proposal, a number of scenarios of ULA pattern imposed the pre-set nulls have been carried out and compared with those of accelerated particle swarm optimization (APSO). The proposed beamformer has demonstrated the capability to place with precise single, multiple, and broad nulls at arbitrary interference directions, suppress side lobes, and maintain a predefined beamwidth. Moreover, the beamformer shows faster convergence and higher efficiency regarding null steering and side lobe suppression in pattern synthesis, as compared with an APSO based beamformer

Discorvery of Entomopathogenic fungi Cordyceps takaomontana at Langbian Mountain, Lam Dong, Vietnam

The stromata of Cordyceps takaomontana Y. Kobayashi (1941) were found on the Langbian Mountain, Da Lat, Vietnam at the height of 1.650 meter above sea level, on the larva of Lepidoptera. Stromata were lemon-yellow, clavate to enlongated clavate, arising from a white pseudosclerotium. The fertile head was on the top part of stromata, darker colored in comparison to the stipe. Perithecium was narrowly ovoid, superficial and forming dark yellow punctate on the surface of stromata. Ascus was cylindrical with semi-spherical cap. Ascospores were cylindrical, truncated and separately after discharge from the ascus. Pure culture was isolated on Potato Glucose Agar (PGA) medium: white colony in young and yellow in old. The isolated mycelium was not homogenous in thickness and in growth rate at the peripheral area. Conidiophores were phialide, tapering to both apexes. Conidia had elliptical shape and formed into chains after maturation. DNA was isolated, then purified from pure mycelium and used to amplifying the nrLSU (nuclear ribosomal large subunit) and rpb1 (RNA polymerase II largest subunit) genes. The amplified products were used for sequencing, proof-reading by some professional softwares before combining with other nrLSU and rpb1 sequences. Then this database was used to search for the suitable evolution model as well as to construct the phylogenetic trees. The results of phylogenetic analysis completely supported the morphological classification: DL0038A and DL0038B were Cordyceps takaomontana Y. Kobayashi (1941)

Safety and efficacy of fluoxetine on functional outcome after acute stroke (AFFINITY): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Trials of fluoxetine for recovery after stroke report conflicting results. The Assessment oF FluoxetINe In sTroke recoverY (AFFINITY) trial aimed to show if daily oral fluoxetine for 6 months after stroke improves functional outcome in an ethnically diverse population. Methods AFFINITY was a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in 43 hospital stroke units in Australia (n=29), New Zealand (four), and Vietnam (ten). Eligible patients were adults (aged ≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke in the previous 2–15 days, brain imaging consistent with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and a persisting neurological deficit that produced a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 1 or more. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 via a web-based system using a minimisation algorithm to once daily, oral fluoxetine 20 mg capsules or matching placebo for 6 months. Patients, carers, investigators, and outcome assessors were masked to the treatment allocation. The primary outcome was functional status, measured by the mRS, at 6 months. The primary analysis was an ordinal logistic regression of the mRS at 6 months, adjusted for minimisation variables. Primary and safety analyses were done according to the patient's treatment allocation. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000774921. Findings Between Jan 11, 2013, and June 30, 2019, 1280 patients were recruited in Australia (n=532), New Zealand (n=42), and Vietnam (n=706), of whom 642 were randomly assigned to fluoxetine and 638 were randomly assigned to placebo. Mean duration of trial treatment was 167 days (SD 48·1). At 6 months, mRS data were available in 624 (97%) patients in the fluoxetine group and 632 (99%) in the placebo group. The distribution of mRS categories was similar in the fluoxetine and placebo groups (adjusted common odds ratio 0·94, 95% CI 0·76–1·15; p=0·53). Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the fluoxetine group had more falls (20 [3%] vs seven [1%]; p=0·018), bone fractures (19 [3%] vs six [1%]; p=0·014), and epileptic seizures (ten [2%] vs two [<1%]; p=0·038) at 6 months. Interpretation Oral fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 6 months after acute stroke did not improve functional outcome and increased the risk of falls, bone fractures, and epileptic seizures. These results do not support the use of fluoxetine to improve functional outcome after stroke

Tree-cover transition in Northern Viet Nam from a gender-specific land-use preferences perspective

Viet Nam is one of the countries where a shift from net deforestation to net reforestation is taking place. This study examines the pattern of tree-cover transition and gender-specific land-use preferences and decisions in northern Vietnam. We employed a mixed-method approach that combined a land-use transition analysis, gender-disaggregated survey and role-playing games (RPG) to assess the relationship between tree-cover transition and gender. The first two methods revealed continuous conversion of protection forest to tree plantations and upland crops (dominated by Sweden rice). Factors affecting conversion identified through regression analysis were elevation and labor availability. The land-use RPG revealed gender-specific preferences for annual crops and tree-based agroforestry systems, and the underlying motivation of those preferences. The overall pattern of tree-cover transition in northern Viet Nam falls under the smallholder agricultural intensification path. Agroforestry potentially balances the specific land-use preferences of men and women, and helps to achieve their specific land use related livelihood objectives

Serological and Molecular Characterization of Avian Metapneumovirus in Chickens in Northern Vietnam

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a causative agent of respiratory disease complex in turkeys and chickens that has recently been detected in Vietnam. Due to its novelty, this study was conducted to elucidate the distribution of aMPV in several provinces in northern Vietnam. By the application of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and nested Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), this study demonstrated the circulation of aMPV in 12 out of 14 cities/provinces with positive rates of 37.6% and 17.2%, respectively. All nested RT-PCR positive samples were aMPV subgroup B. By pairing the detection results with age groups, it was observed that aMPV infections occurred in chickens of all ages. Additionally, by genetic characterization, aMPV strains were demonstrated to not be attenuated vaccine viruses and to belong to at least two genetic clades. Overall, the obtained results provided insights into the prevalence of aMPV and indicated a greater complexity of respiratory diseases in chickens in Vietnam