Purpose of this article is to introduce a modification of Phillips operators on the interval $\left[ \frac{1}{2},\infty \right) $ via Dunkl generalization. This type of modification enables a better error estimation on the interval $\left[ \frac{1}{2},\infty \right) $ rather than the classical Dunkl Phillips operators on $\left[ 0,\infty \right) $. We discuss the convergence results and obtain the degrees of approximations. Furthermore, we calculate the rate of convergence by means of modulus of continuity, Lipschitz type maximal functions, Peetre's $K$-functional and second order modulus of continuity.

Purpose of this article is to introduce a modification of Phillips operators on the interval $\left[ \frac{1}{2}% ,\infty \right) $ via Dunkl generalization. This type of modification enables a better error estimation on the interval $\left[ \frac{1}{2},\infty \right) $ rather than the classical Dunkl Phillips operators on $\left[ 0,\infty \right) $. We discuss the convergence results and obtain the degrees of approximations. Furthermore, we calculate the rate of convergence by means of modulus of continuity, Lipschitz type maximal functions, Peetre's $K$-functional and second order modulus of continuity.

In recent years, pedestrian re-identification has gained a lot of interest due to its importance for many purposes such as security and safety. Many types of solutions have been proposed to solve this problem, where the majority are based on a features extraction such Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs). These approaches assume that only the identities that are in the training data can be recognized. The pedestrians in the training data are called In distribution (ID). However, in real world scenarios, new pedestrians and objects can appear in the scene and the model should detect them as Out Of Distribution (OOD). In our previous study , we proposed a pedestrian re-identification based on von-Mises Fisher (vMF) distribution. Each identity is embedded in the unit sphere as a compact vMF distribution far from other identities distributions. The embedding is done through a base CNN. Recently, proposed a framework called Virtual Outlier Synthetic (VOS), that detects OOD based on synthesising virtual outlier in the embedding space in an online manner. Their approach assumes that the samples from the same object maps to a compact space. This assumption aligns with the vMF based approach. Therefore, in this paper, we revisited the vMF approach and merged with VOS in order to detect OOD data points. We present our approach to merge both frameworks. We conducted several experiments to evaluate our proposed framework. Results showed that our framework was able to detect new pedestrian that do not exist in the training data in the inference phase. It also slightly helped to improve the re-identification performance.

A generalization of the sum of divisors function involves a recursive definition. This leads to variants of superabundant numbers, colossally abundant numbers, and Gronwall's theorem (relevant to the Riemann hypothesis).

A new generalization of extended beta function and its various properties, integral representations and distribution are given in this paper. In addition, we establish the generalization of extended hypergeometric and con uent hypergeometric functions using the newly extended beta function. The properties these extended and con uent hypergeometric functions such as integral representations, Mellin transformations, dif- ferentiation formulas, transformation and summation formulas are also investigated.

The underlying physical concept of computing out-of-time-ordered correlation (OTOC) is a significant new tool within the framework of quantum field theory, which now-a-days is treated as a measure of random fluctuations. In this paper, by following the canonical quantization technique we demonstrate a computational method to quantify the two different types of Cosmological auto-correlated OTO functions during the epoch when the non-equilibrium features dominates in Primordial Cosmology. In this formulation, two distinct dynamical time scales are involved to define the quantum mechanical operators arising from cosmological perturbation scenario. We have provided detailed explanation regarding the necessity of this new formalism to quantify any random events generated from quantum fluctuations in Primordial Cosmology. We have performed an elaborative computation for the two types of two-point and four-point auto-correlated OTO functions in terms of the cosmological perturbation field variables and its canonically conjugate momenta to quantify random auto-correlations in the non-equilibrium regime. For both the cases we found significantly distinguishable non-chaotic, but random behaviour in the OTO auto-correlations, which was not pointed before in this type of studies. Finally, we have also demonstrated the classical limiting behaviour of the mentioned two types of auto-correlated OTOC functions from the thermally weighted phase space averaged Poisson Brackets, which we found exactly matches with the large time limiting behaviour of the auto-correlations in the super-horizon regime of the cosmological scalar mode fluctuation.

Quantum turbulence is characterized by many degrees of freedom interacting non-linearly to produce disordered states, both in space and time. The advances in trapping, cooling, and tuning the interparticle interactions in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) make them excellent candidates for studying quantum turbulence. In this work, we investigate the decaying regime of quantum turbulence in a trapped BEC. Although much progress has been made in understanding quantum turbulence, other strategies are needed to overcome some intrinsic difficulties. We present an alternative way of investigating this phenomenon by defining and computing a characteristic length scale, which possesses relevant characteristics to study the establishment of the quantum turbulent regime. One intrinsic difficulty related to these systems is that absorption images of BECs are projected to a plane, thus eliminating some of the information present in the original momentum distribution. We overcome this difficulty by exploring the symmetry of the cloud, which allows us to reconstruct the three-dimensional momentum distributions with the inverse Abel transform. We present our analysis with both the two- and three-dimensional momentum distributions, discussing their similarities and differences. We argue that the characteristic length allows us to visualize the time evolution of the turbulent state intuitively.

The concept of out-of-time-ordered correlation (OTOC) function is treated as a very strong theoretical probe of quantum randomness, using which one can study both chaotic and non-chaotic phenomena in the context of quantum statistical mechanics. In this paper, we define a general class of OTOC, which can perfectly capture quantum randomness phenomena in a better way. Further we demonstrate an equivalent formalism of computation using a general time independent Hamiltonian having well defined eigenstate representation for integrable supersymmetric quantum systems. We found that one needs to consider two new correlators apart from the usual one to have a complete quantum description. To visualize the impact of the given formalism we consider the two well known models viz. Harmonic Oscillator and one dimensional potential well within the framework of supersymmetry. For the Harmonic Oscillator case we obtain similar periodic time dependence but dissimilar parameter dependences compared to the results obtained from both microcanonical and canonical ensembles in quantum mechanics without supersymmetry. On the other hand, for one dimensional potential well problem we found significantly different time scale and the other parameter dependence compared to the results obtained from non-supersymmetric quantum mechanics. Finally, to establish the consistency of the prescribed formalism in the classical limit, we demonstrate the phase space averaged version of the classical version of OTOCs from a model independent Hamiltonian along with the previously mentioned these well cited models.

One of the most rapidly advancing areas of deep learning research aims at creating models that learn to disentangle the latent factors of variation from a data distribution. However, modeling joint probability mass functions is usually prohibitive, which motivates the use of conditional models assuming that some information is given as input. In the domain of numerical cognition, deep learning architectures have successfully demonstrated that approximate numerosity representations can emerge in multi-layer networks that build latent representations of a set of images with a varying number of items. However, existing models have focused on tasks requiring to conditionally estimate numerosity information from a given image. Here we focus on a set of much more challenging tasks, which require to conditionally generate synthetic images containing a given number of items. We show that attention-based architectures operating at the pixel level can learn to produce well-formed images approximately containing a specific number of items, even when the target numerosity was not present in the training distribution.

This study aims to introduce out of school activities (OSA) to high school PJOK teachers in Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. As is known, OSA is an alternative for students in fulfilling their movement needs, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. Currently, students mostly stay at home, such as studying from home, to doing activities from home. So that there is minimal possibility of carrying out the movement activities recommended by WHO. The research method used is action research. This method gets a problem, then arranges problem-solving, conducts treatment, and finally evaluates. The research results show no teachers who have ever carried out of school activities (OSA); understanding, implementation, and evaluation are also not understood by the teachers. After being given the treatment, the teachers became more aware and understood about out of school activities, starting from understanding, implementing to evaluating what had to be done.

Adaptable or adapted? Whether it is a question of physical, biological or even economic systems, this problem arises when all these systems are the location of matter and energy conversion. To this interdisciplinary question we propose a theoretical framework based on the two principles of thermodynamics. Considering a finite time linear thermodynamic approach, we show that non-equilibrium systems operating in quasi-static regime are quite deterministic as long as boundary conditions are correctly defined. The Novikov-Curzon-Ahlborn approach [1,2] applied to non-endoreversible systems then makes it possible to precisely determine the conditions for obtaining characteristic operating points. As a result, power maximization principle (MPP), entropy minimization principle(mEP), efficiency maximization, or waste minimization states are only specific modalities of system operation. We show that boundary conditions play a major role in defining operating points because they define the intensity of the feedback that ultimately characterizes the operation. Armed with these thermodynamic foundations, we show that the intrinsically most efficient systems are also the most constrained in terms of controlling the entropy and dissipation production. In particular, we show that the best figure of merit necessarily leads to a vanishing production of power. On the other hand, a class of systems emerges which, although they do not offer extreme efficiency or power, have a wide range of use and therefore marked robustness. It therefore appears that the number of degrees of freedom of the system leads to an optimization of the allocation of entropy production.

Background and Objectives: Effective strategy to cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be based on tissue perfusion. Our primary aim was to determine the association between capillary lactate values and initial rhythm as well as probability of return of spontaneous circulation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included all patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, older than 18 years, resuscitated by a prehospital emergency medical team between April 2020 and June 2021. Capillary lactate samples were collected at the time of arrival and every 10 minutes after first measurement until the time of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or if ROSC was not achieved at time of declaring death on scene. Results: 83 patients were enrolled in the study. ROSC was achieved in 28 patients (33,7%), 21 were admitted to the hospital (26,3%) and 6 (7,23%) of them were discharged from the hospital. At discharge all patients had Cerebral Performance Category Scale 1 or 2. Initial capillary lactate values were significantly higher in patients with non-shockable rhythm compared to the group with shockable rhythm (9,19 +/- 4,6 versus 6,43 +/- 3,81; p = 0.037). A significant difference persisted also in a second value taken 10 minutes after in-itial value (10,03 +/- 5,19 versus 5,18 +/- 3,47; p = 0.019). Capillary lactate values were higher in the ROSC group and non-ROSC group at the time of restored circulation (11,10 +/- 6,59 and 6,77 +/- 4,23, respectively; p = 0,047). Conclusions: Capillary lactate values are significantly lower in patients with a shockable first rhythm in OHCA. There is also a significant connection between a rise in capillary lactate level and ROSC.

Background Out-of-pocket costs are key expenses that many individuals incur in order to receive health services. They have been identified as a key access barrier for vulnerable populations, in particular for populations affected by neglected diseases with a chronic progression, such as Chagas disease. It is important to understand the costs of accessing healthcare services that are borne by patients with T. cruzi infection. Methodology We prepared a structured survey for patients with T. cruzi infection/Chagas disease who were all treated by the healthcare system in endemic municipalities in Colombia. The results were analyzed according to three categories: 1. the socioeconomic profiling of the patients; 2. the costs of and time spent on transportation; and 3. the opportunity costs (money that was not earned) related to treatment at the local primary care hospital or at the high-complexity reference hospital. Main findings Ninety-one patients answered the survey voluntarily. The data revealed that, when treated at the specialized reference hospital, patients spent 5.5 times more on food and accommodation, transportation costs were five times higher, and the loss of earnings was three times higher than when they were treated at the local primary care hospital. Moreover, the amount of time spent on transportation was 4 times higher at the reference hospital. Conclusions Providing comprehensive healthcare services for Chagas management at local primary healthcare hospitals would allow the most vulnerable patients to save on expenses related to medical and non-medical costs (out-of-pocket costs), in turn leading to higher adhesion to treatment thus benefiting the health system as a whole. These findings are in alignment with the WHO’s World Health Assembly 2010 Resolution on the importance of treating Chagas at local primary care hospitals, thereby saving patients time and money, allowing for timely care, and promoting access to healthcare.

Quantum turbulence deals with the phenomenon of turbulence in quantum fluids, such as superfluid helium and trapped Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). Although much progress has been made in understanding quantum turbulence, several fundamental questions remain to be answered. In this work, we investigated the entropy of a trapped BEC in several regimes, including equilibrium, small excitations, the onset of turbulence, and a turbulent state. We considered the time evolution when the system is perturbed and let to evolve after the external excitation is turned off. We derived an expression for the entropy consistent with the accessible experimental data, that is, using the assumption that the momentum distribution is well-known. We related the excitation amplitude to different stages of the perturbed system, and we found distinct features of the entropy in each of them. In particular, we observed a sudden increase in the entropy following the establishment of a particle cascade. We argue that entropy and related quantities can be used to investigate and characterize quantum turbulence.

This study have uniquely mad use of Box-Jenkins ARIMA models to address the core of the threes objectives set out in view of the focus to add meaningful value to knowledge exploration. The outcome of the research have testify the achievements of this through successful nine months out-of-sample forecasts produced from the program codes, with indicating best model choices from the empirical estimation. In addition, the results also provide description of risks produced from the uncertainty Fan Chart, which clearly outlined possible downside and upside risks to tourist visitations in the country. In the conclusion, it was suggested that downside risks to the low level tourist arrival can be managed through collaboration between authorities concerned with the management of tourist arrivals in the country.

The two-parameter distribution introduced by Kumaraswamy (1980) is a very flexible alternative to the Beta distribution with the same (0,1) support. Originally proposed in the field of hydrology, it has subsequently received a good deal of positive attention in both the theoretical and applied statistics literatures. Interestingly, the problem of testing formally for the appropriateness of the Kumaraswamy distribution appears to have received little or no attention to date. To fill this gap, in this paper we apply the “biased transformation” methodology proposed by Raschke (2009) to several standard goodness-of-fit tests based on the empirical distribution function. A simulation study reveals that these (modified) tests perform well in the context of the Kumaraswamy distribution, in terms of both low size distortion, and respectable power. In particular, the “biased transformation” Anderson-Darling test dominates the other tests that are considered.

We investigate numerically the interactions of in-phase Airy beams modulated by a fundamental Gaussian beam and fourth-order diffraction in Kerr nonlinear media. Directly numerical simulations show that normal (anomalous) fourth-order diffractions and in-phase (out-of-phase) Gaussian beam affect the interactions of solitons generated from Airy beams in unique manners. Different from previous results that interactions between in-phase (out-of-phase) conventional beams are always attractive (repulsive), many anomalous interactions of Airy beams are obtained. Stable bound states of breathing Airy soliton pairs can be formed with the help of fourth-order diffraction and fundamental Gaussian beam.

This paper intends to examine whether a company’s policy of dividend would impact or influence the price fluctuation of respective common stock in the designated stock market particularly in Hong Kong. Hence, there are 354 companies in Hong Kong which are all listed company on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX), were chosen as sample data for analysis with their audited financial information ranged from 2001 to 2020. Two proxies, the yield and the ratio of pay-out of dividend were widely adopted for the measurement of the effect of dividend policy and the possible influence on the volatility of respective common stock price by employing two statistical models, which are the model of fixed and random effects to provide accurate regression coefficients. With the results from the model of fixed effects, the yield and the pay-out ratio of dividend have been found statistically associated to the price volatilization of respective common stock in Hong Kong. The statical results in this study also find the yield and the ratio of pay-out of dividend are apparently and negatively associated to the price volatilization of respective common stock in Hong Kong. The research outcomes will be a reference for further study on different variables may have effects or volatilize the price of common stock price particularly in Hong Kong capital market.

The use of the Google Scholar produces about 278 hits on the term ‘‘inertial propulsion.’’ If patents are also included, the number of hits increases to 536. This paper discusses, in a critical way, some characteristic aspects of this controversial topic. The review starts with the halteres of athletes in the Olympic games of ancient times and then continues with some typical devices which were developed or/and patented from the second fourth of the twentieth century till today.

This paper elucidates the impact of uncertainty on the Markowitz asset allocation and how it performs. The findings imply that when evaluated out-of-sample, estimation errors in parameters might significantly affect how well an allocation performs. Numerous publications that address this ambiguity have been highlighted to emphasize our findings further. In our work, we compare these approaches to alternative allocation strategies and explain their performance in both expected and real out-of-sample events. We find that the Markowitz framework can be improved by using tactics that take uncertainty into account. Longer sample numbers, however, may not always translate into better outcomes. Applying a short-sale constraint can also enhance the initial portfolio. Finally, we find that even more basic approaches to asset allocation, such as equally weighted allocation, perform reasonably well.

Background: In recent years, the assessment and guidance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality using noninvasive and invasive monitoring techniques have been increasingly recommended. In this study, we introduce a new physiological monitoring system that simultaneously measures arterial pressure (AP), venous pressure (VP), and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) during CPR. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a single center (Kagoshima City Hospital). Adult out-of-hospital patients aged ≥18 years with an intravenous femoral arterial line, venous line, and SctO2 monitor were included. We measured femoral arterial pressure (FAP) and femoral venous pressure (FVP) invasively if catheters were immediately inserted into the femoral artery and vein for potential candidates who require interventions such as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation but did not receive such interventions as a result. Results: We observed several representative cases that provided the following insights: We presented several cases, including two patients with significant increases in FVP and low SctO2 values, and in both cases, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was not achieved. In contrast, we also presented two cases in which CPR resulted in higher FAP compared to FVP and an upward trend in SctO2 values was observed, and both instances achieved ROSC. Conclusion: We presented a simultaneous physiological monitoring system that can monitor AP, VP, and SctO2 during CPR. Further case accumulations will be necessary to assess the variations in hemodynamic status during CPR and the association between each hemodynamic status and outcomes after cardiac arrest.

Tobacco use, most people would say. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing many types of cancer and is responsible for approximately one-third of all cancer deaths. The association between tobacco use and lung cancer is well known; lung cancer occurs about 20 times more often in heavy smokers than in nonsmokers [1]. However, many lung cancers are diagnosed in never smokers [2], and most smokers do not develop lung cancer [3,4].

As is well known, the main contribution of the FRP strips to the strength of load-bearing walls is an improvement in the in-plane strength. This paper deals with the possibility of applying the FRP strips in way to modify the strengthening mechanism of the FRP reinforcing system, from an in-plane to an out-of-plane strengthening mechanism. In order to achieve this goal, a second reinforcement system – derived from the CAM system (Active Confinement of Masonry) – provides connections between the FRP strips placed on the opposite sides of the wall. This new strengthening technique – called the straps/strips technique – establishes a stiffness constraint that forces the opposing FRP strips to behave like two flanges of an FRP I-beam embedded in the wall. Consequently, the use of FRP strips also improves the flexural strength of the wall. The present paper briefly summarizes the results obtained in previous works with the straps/strips technique and proposes an improvement of this strengthening technique, based on some weak-points emerged in the early experimentations. The paper also shows the results of a further experimental test, performed with the improved straps/strips technique. Finally, the similarity between FRP strips with transversal connection and concrete wythes of a sandwich panel with flexible connectors leads to interpret the behavior of the ideal I-beam in terms of composite action established between the FRP strips. This paves the way for analytical modeling of the straps/strips technique.

The author attempts to reconstruct the climatic vicissitudes of the Mediterranean to explain why only broadly distributed Eurasian forest species have penetrated the Mediterranean peninsulas. He has carried out a bibliographic survey of the status of breeding forest birds in Italy over 15 decades (1872-2022) in order to establish an objective long-term trend (stable, increasing, decreasing, etc.). The number of breeding forest birds in Italy amounts to 61; their distribution, with a few exceptions, indicates that they are widespread in Eurasia, but only a small percentage of Eurasian forest species have colonized Italy and the other Mediterranean peninsulas, namely 49 in Iberian, 61 in Italian and 64 in Balkan peninsulas; a small percentage of them (between 10.9 and 14.3%) belongs to trans-Saharan migrants. The similarity between the forest species on the three peninsulas (Iberian, Italian and Balkan) results between 0.45 and 0.48, indicating a certain differ-ence in the overall fauna on the three territories. Not all species have penetrated southwards into the three peninsulas; for example, some that stopped in the Italian Alps have instead arrived to the forests of Greece, at a latitude corresponding to southern Italy, or species that in Italy stopped in the northern Apennines in the other two peninsulas have instead arrived far south. Iberian peninsula and the island of Corsica hold three endemic species among breeding forest birds, Italian and Balkan peninsulas have not endemic species. Overall, the Mediterranean presently hosts mainly neo-endemic taxa among forest bird species; the only paleo-endemics can be considered the three species of nuthatches living in Corsica, Algeria, and Turkey (other than Caucasus and the islet of Lesvos) and Le Vaillant’s woodpecker in the Maghreb (North Africa). Italian forests cover ca. 40% of land surface and since 1980’ are increasing, but 22% of them do not have a natural origin. However, it is difficult to know the true increase of forests, because some of them are fired every year. The presence of some ecologically demanding forest birds depends on the age of the trees, permanent open spaces and other characteristics at the edge of woodland.

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which self-esteem and depression mediated the influence of internalized stigma on life satisfaction among Korean out-of-school youths. Cross-sectional data on 318 youths provided information on perceived stigma, self-esteem, depression, life satisfaction, and personal characteristics. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was followed by structured path analysis to investigate the mediation effects. Internalized stigma was negatively associated with life satisfaction. Self-esteem significantly mediated the influence of stigma on depression and the influence of depression on life satisfaction. Further, stigma directly and significantly influenced depression. This study demonstrated that self-esteem and depression were important to the relationship between internalized stigma and life satisfaction. Implications for possible policies and programs with the aim of helping out-of-school youths to integrate and lead successful satisfying lives are discussed.

This paper studies the goodness of fit test for the bivariate Hermite distribution. Specifically, we propose and study a Cramér-von Mises-type test based on the empirical probability generation function. The bootstrap can be used to consistently estimate the null distribution of the test statistics. A simulation study investigates the goodness of the bootstrap approach for finite sample sizes.

The main objective of the paper is to provide a thorough analysis of currently used modulation control schemes for single phase bidirectional dual active bridge DC/DC converter. In this article, it will be shown that single phase shift, extended phase shift and Dual phase shift modulation schemes are special cases of triple phase shift (TPS) modulation scheme. The article aims to highlight six TPS switching modes and their complements with the operational constraints. Unlike previous studies that regarded TPS as a complex scheme, this paper simplifies the analysis of each mode and aims to standardize the understanding of TPS modulation in DAB converters. Power equations, range of power transferred and zero voltage switching (ZVS) are derived for all the modes under TPS without assuming fundamental component analysis. Additionally, a generic optimization algorithm is developed to show the advantages of TPS modulation and thus, detailed analysis presented in this paper provides valuable insights for single phase DAB converter designers in identifying a wide range of optimization algorithms to achieve higher efficiency under TPS modulation. This analysis contributes to the advancement of bidirectional DAB converter technology and facilitates its application in various power electronic systems.

In statistics and probability theory, one of the most important statistics is the sums of random variables. After introducing a probability distribution, determining the sum of n independent and identically distributed random variables is one of the interesting topics for authors. This paper presents the probability density functions for the sum of n independent and identically distributed random variables such as Shanker, Akash, Ishita, Pranav, Rani, and Ram Awadh. In order to determine all aforementioned distributions, the problem-solving methods are applied which is based on the change-of-variables technique.

At the plasma membrane, transmembrane receptors are at the interface between cells and their environment. They allow sensing and transduction of chemical and mechanical extracellular signals. The spatial distribution of receptors and the specific recruitment of receptor subunits to the cell membrane is crucial for the regulation of signaling and cell behavior. However, it is challenging to define what regulates such spatial patterns for receptor localization, as cell shapes are extremely diverse when cells are maintained in standard culture conditions. Bone morphogenic protein receptors (BMPRs) are serine-threonine kinases, which build heteromeric complexes of BMPRI and II. These are especially interesting targets for receptor distribution studies, since the signaling pathways triggered by BMPR-complexes depends on their dimerization mode. They might exist as pre-formed complexes, or assemble upon binding of BMP, triggering cell signaling which leads to differentiation or migration. In this work we analyzed BMPR receptor distributions in single cells grown on micropatterns, which allows not only to control cell shape, but also the distribution of intracellular organelles and protein assemblies. We developed a script called ComRed (Center Of Mass Receptor Distribution), which uses center of mass calculations to analyze the shift and spread of receptor distributions according to the different cell shapes. ComRed was tested by simulating changes in experimental data, showing that shift and spread of distributions can be reliably detected. Our ComRed-based analysis of BMPR-complexes indicates that receptor distribution depends on cell polarization. The absence of a coordinated internalization after addition of BMP suggests that a rapid and continual recycling of BMPRs occurs. Receptor complexes formation and localization in cells induced by BMP might yield insights into the local regulation of different signaling pathways.

A new discrete distribution for count data called extended biparametric Waring (EBW) distribution is developed. Its name is related to the fact that, in a specific configuration of its parameters, it can be seen as a biparametric version of the univariate generalized Waring (UGW) distribution, a well-known model for the variance decomposition into three components: randomness, liability and proneness. Unlike the UGW distribution, the EBW can model both overdispersed and underdispersed data sets. In fact, the EBW distribution is a particular case of a UWG distribution when its first parameter is positive; otherwise, it is a particular case of a Complex Triparametric Pearson (CTP) distribution. Hence, this new model inherits most of their properties and, moreover, it helps to solve the identification problem in the variance components of the UGW model. We compare the EBW with the UGW by a simulation study, but also with other over and underdispersed distributions through the Kullback-Leibler divergence. Additionally, we have carried out a simulation study in order to analyse the properties of the maximum likelihood parameter estimates. Finally, some application examples are included which show that the proposed model provides similar or even better results than other models, but with fewer parameters.

We formulate the statistics of the discrete multicomponent fragmentation event using a methodology borrowed from statistical mechanics. We generate the ensemble of all feasible distributions that can be formed when a single integer multicomponent mass is broken into fixed number of fragments and calculate the combinatorial multiplicity of all distributions in the set. We define random fragmentation by the condition that the probability of distribution be proportional to its multiplicity and obtain the partition function and the mean distribution in closed form. We then introduce a functional that biases the probability of distribution to produce in a systematic manner fragment distributions that deviate to any arbitrary degree from the random case. We corroborate the results of the theory by Monte Carlo simulation and demonstrate examples in which components in sieve cuts of the fragment distribution undergo preferential mixing or segregation relative to the parent particle.

A critical analysis of the classical definition of outsiders is given. Some examples show that this notion is not universal and has at least two drawbacks. Particularly, the set of outsiders may have the probability arbitrary close to one half. On the other hand, the deleting of the set of outsiders may dramatically change the value of the median.

Sleep-disordered breathing affects the growth and development, mental aspect, and learning ability of affected children. Postoperative scarring causes anteroposterior and vertical develop-mental disorders of the maxilla. Obstructive apnea is likely to occur due to the influence on the maxillofacial and airway morphology. In this study, we investigated the sleep-respiratory dynamics of school-aged children with unilateral cleft lip and palate by performing a simple over-night sleep study, maxillofacial morphology and airway analysis using lateral cranial radiographs, and model analysis. Children with unilateral cleft lip and palate showed a significantly higher respiratory event index (REI) than normal children; the maxilla was located in the posterior position in terms of maxillofacial morphology, and airway morphology showed narrow values for all distance measurement items. Moreover, the width and length of the dental arch and the width of the alveolar base arch were significantly smaller. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between REI and SNA, ANB, REI, and alveolar base arch width. Children with unilateral cleft lip and palate are more likely than normal children to develop sleep-disordered breathing due to in-creased airway resistance caused by undergrowth of the maxilla and narrowing of the upper airway and oral volume.

The fear of missing out (FoMO) is characterized in the literature as a fear that others are having rewarding experiences while one is missing out, and a constant need to keep connected with one’s social network. Driven by Social Determination Theory (SDT) FoMO has been linked with Problematic Social Networking Sites use (PSNSU), negative affectivity (NA), self-esteem (SE) and sleep disturbances. The present study reports findings from 512 individuals (79.1% women, mean age 30.5 years, SD= 8.61). Structural equation modelling (SEM) suggests that the duration of SNSs use and the numbers of SNSs platforms actively used partially mediated the relationship between FoMO and PSNSU. In turns, PSNSU partially mediated the relationship between FoMO and NA. Furthermore, the present study has extended the literature by incorporating the Vulnerability Model in the FoMO concept, identifying that SE partially mediated the relationship between FoMO and NA, while NA fully mediated the relationship between FoMO and sleeping disturbances. Accordingly, the present has extended previous research findings in showing exercise as a potential protective factor to prevent against FoMO. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Communication, compression of information, transmission of information through noisy channels, interconnecting different information systems, cryptography, gate construction –– these areas all depend on classical information theory. We show that, in classical terms, semantic aspects of communication are not at all irrelevant to the engineering problem, contrary to Shannon, and affect the message intended to be transmitted. This is revisited and captured by an analogy to trust, in that they are essential to the channel (for proper use), but cannot be transferred (under risk of flaws) through that same channel. Information is also described by, at least, a tri-state system — not by binary logic. The trust analogy semantics can be coded as the Curry-Howard relationship, connecting computer code with structural logic, by way of different categories. Two-state and Boolean logic (aka Shannon semantics) was used classically before, with Shannon theory, but without trust analogy semantics – found to be a sine qua non condition. This is now familiar in classical gate construction with physical systems with, e.g., Verilog and SystemVerilog. The applications to computation and quantum theory are further explored. The most fundamental entity in today`s theory of information is proposed to use at least three logical states, not bits, in all applications, including: cyber-physical systems, devices, in computation, and in quantum theory.

The efficiency of cold sheet and strip rolling of steels and non-ferrous metals in the main depends on the quality of the technological lubricant and its cost. In this regard, it is important to develop new compositions of effective metal-working coolants (MWC) having low cost and providing the maximum reduction in the friction coefficient. We developed and tested the new compositions of the MWC on basis of chicken fat, and mono- and diglycerides and their esters of boric acid synthesized from the wastes of sunflower oil production. The MWC were tested in DSEA on laboratory rolling mill 100x100 with a roll diameter of 260 mm during steel 08Kp rolling. The efficiency of the coolants was determined by the factor of metal stretch forming λ and the coefficient of friction μ in the deformation zone which was found by forward slip method. We found the metal-working coolant with 100 % concentration of boric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides is the most effective in steel rolling. Thus the new MWC on basis of boric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides synthesized from the wastes of sunflower oil production can be recommended for use in rolling of structural steels on account of availability, high efficiency, and a low cost.

Urbanization triggers the emergence of slums in urban areas. Palembang is one of the Indonesian cities with slum settlements. This research aimed to analyze the interpolation of slum positions in Palembang and their distribution pattern using kernel density analysis and by modeling spatial data on accuracy values. It employed a quantitative method with a survey approach. Samples were selected using proportional random sampling from families in 64 slum areas across the 13 districts in the city, and their positions were recorded with a GPS device and then processed and mapped in ArcGIS. The data were analyzed with inverse distance weighted, kernel density, and spatial data modeling. Results showed that slum areas near the riverbanks had high population density, while those located further were lower. The values obtained from the kernel density analysis varied from 0 to 58.1123, while the inverse distance weighted showed a value range of 2.26745–380.991. The spatial data modelling analysis demonstrated that the distribution of slum areas was widely spread along the Musi River, with an accuracy value of 96.8%, which falls within the range of >0.9-1.

In this paper, we study the symmetry between the supersingular prime number according to smallest sphenic number. With this symmetry, we show that the elements of sporadic group generates all prime numbers with the order by a simple application.

This paper predict and effectively control the temperature distribution of the steady-state and transient states of anisotropic four-layer composite materials online, knowing the density, specific heat, heat conductivity and thickness of the composite materials. Based on the transfer function, a mathematical model was established to study the dynamic characteristics of heat transfer of the composite materials. First of all, the Fourier heat transfer law was used to establish a one-dimensional Fourier heat conduction differential equation for each composite layer, and the Laplace transformation was carried out to obtain the system function. Then the approximate second-order transfer function of the system was obtained by Taylor expansion, and the Laplace inverse transformation was carried out to obtain the transfer function of the whole system in the time domain. Finally, the accuracy of the simplified analytical solutions of the first, second and third order approximate transfer functions was compared with computer simulation. The results showed that the second order approximate transfer functions can describe the dynamic process of heat transfer better than others. The research on the dynamic characteristics of heat transfer in the composite layer and the dynamic model of heat transfer in composite layer proposed in this paper have a reference value for practical engineering application. It can effectively predict the temperature distribution of composite layer material and reduce the cost of experimental measurement of heat transfer performance of materials.

In this paper, we concentrate on the study of the properties of residual Tsallis entropy for order statistics. Order statistics have an important role in reliability structural engineering for example for modelling lifetimes of series and parallel systems. The residual Tsallis entropy of ith order statistic from a continuous distribution function and its deviation from the residual Tsallis entropy of ith order statistics from a uniform distribution is investigated. In a mathematical framework, a method to express the residual Tsallis entropy of the ith order statistic from a continuous distribution in terms of the residual Tsallis entropy of the ith order statistic from a uniform distribution is provided. This approach may provide insight into the behavior and properties of the residual Tsallis entropy for order statistics. Further, we study the monotonicity properties of the residual Tsallis entropy of order statistics under dierent conditions. By studying these properties, deeper understanding of the relationship between the position of order statistics and the resulting residual Tsallis entropy is gained.

E-commerce platforms created to meet the needs of digital consumers, who are the leading actors of digital-oriented consumption, are increasing rapidly. Revolutionizing our daily lives by offering the digital equivalent of real-world experiences, e-commerce now offers a comfortable shopping experience that transcends the limitations of time and space. This phenomenon has been embraced by individuals spanning all age groups, from young children to the elderly. Structural equation modeling was used in this study, in which the factors affecting online shopping addiction were determined. In this direction, the causal and correlational relationships between the variables of fear of missing out (FoMO), cognitive load, personality types, some socio-demographic characteristics (gender and monthly shopping amount) and online shopping addiction in online shopping were revealed structurally. Since the purposive sampling was used, the study was carried out on 488 people. The goodness-of-fit indices included in the created model were found at an “acceptable” level (χ2/df= 2.248, p=0.000; RMSEA=0.051; GFI=0.878; AGFI=0.856; CFI=0.950; NFI=0.914). These results show that the final version of the model meets the necessary criteria for a good fit, its validity and accuracy. The study revealed the causal and correlational relationship between online shopping addiction and cognitive load, personality types, FoMO, gender, and monthly online shopping amount.

In this article we study the presence of chaos in supersymmetric(SUSY) quantum mechanics. For that purpose we present a form of 4-point out of time order correlator(OTOC) for SUSY quantum mechanical systems using tensor product formalism. We calculate the 4-point OTOC for SUSY 1D harmonic oscillator and find that the OTOC is exactly equal to that of 1D bosonic harmonic oscillator system. In similar manner using the eigenstate representation of supersymmetric systems we calculate the generalized higher order out of time order correlator. The higher order OTOC is a more sensitive measure of chaos than the usual 4-point correlator used in literature. Finally, we calculate the generalized 2N-point OTOC for SUSY 1D harmonic oscillator.

Phenotypic complementation of gene knock-outs is an essential step in establishing function. Here we describe a simple strategy for ‘gold standard’ complementation in which the mutant allele is replaced in situ with a wild type (WT) allele in a procedure that exploits CRISPR/Cas9. The method relies on the prior incorporation of a unique 24 nucleotide (nt) ‘bookmark’ sequence into the mutant allele to act as a guide RNA target during its Cas9-mediated replacement with the WT allele. The bookmark comprises a 23 nt Cas9 target sequence plus an additional nt to ensure the deletion is in-frame. Here, bookmarks are tailored to Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR/Cas9, but could be designed for any CRISPR/Cas system. For proof of concept, 9 bookmarks were tested in Clostridium autoethanogenum. Complementation efficiencies reached 91%. As complemented strains are indistinguishable from their progenitors, concerns over contamination may be satisfied by incorporation of ‘watermark’ sequences into the complementing genes.

This work is divided into two parts. In the first one the combinatorics of a new class of randomly generated objects, exhibiting the same properties as the distribution of prime numbers, is solved and the probability distribution of the combinatorial counterpart of the n-th prime number is derived, together with an estimate of the prime-counting function π(x). A proposition equivalent to the Prime Number Theorem (PNT) is proved to hold, while the equivalent of the Riemann Hypothesis (RH) is proved to be false with probability 1 (w.p. 1) for this model. Many identities involving Stirling numbers of the second kind and harmonic numbers are found, some of which appear to be new. The second part is dedicated to generalizing the model to investigate the conditions enabling both PNT and RH. A model representing a general class of random integer sequences is found, for which RH holds w.p. 1. The prediction of the number of consecutive prime pairs, as a function of the gap d, is derived from this class of models and the results are in agreement with empirical data for large gaps. A heuristic version of the model, directly related to the sequence of primes, is discussed and new integral lower and upper bounds of π(x) are found.

The out-of-time-ordered correlation (OTOC) function is an important new probe in quantum field theory which is treated as a significant measure of random quantum correlations. In this paper, with the slogan "Cosmology meets Condensed Matter Physics" we demonstrate a formalism using which for the first time we compute the Cosmological OTOC during the stochastic particle production during inflation and reheating following canonical quantization technique. In this computation, two dynamical time scales are involved, out of them at one time scale the cosmological perturbation variable and for the other the canonically conjugate momentum is defined, which is the strict requirement to define time scale separated quantum operators for OTOC and perfectly consistent with the general definition of OTOC. Most importantly, using the present formalism not only one can study the quantum correlation during stochastic inflation and reheating, but also study quantum correlation for any random events in Cosmology. Next, using the late time exponential decay of cosmological OTOC with respect to the dynamical time scale of our universe which is associated with the canonically conjugate momentum operator in this formalism we study the phenomena of quantum chaos by computing the expression for {\it Lyapunov spectrum}. Further, using the well known Maldacena Shenker Stanford (MSS) bound, on Lyapunov exponent, λ≤2π/β, we propose a lower bound on the equilibrium temperature, T=1/β, at the very late time scale of the universe. On the other hand, with respect to the other time scale with which the perturbation variable is associated, we find decreasing but not exponentially decaying behaviour, which quantifies the random correlation at out-of-equilibrium. Finally, we have studied the classical limit of the OTOC to check the consistency with the large time limiting behaviour.

The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of walls under out-of-plane loads, particularly when subjected to the hammering action of the floors. The idea behind the paper is to provide the masonry walls with a device that behaves like a buttress, without having to build a traditional buttress. The solution presented here consists of a mechanical coupling between the three-dimensional net of steel ribbons of the CAM system and the CFRP strips. Since the steel ribbons of the CAM system have a pre-tension, the mechanical coupling allows the steel ribbons to establish a semi-rigid transverse link between the CFRP strips bonded on two opposite sides of a wall. Therefore, two vertical CFRP strips tied by the steel ribbons behave like the flanges of an I-beam and the flexural strength of the ideal I-beam counteracts the out-of-plane displacements of the wall. The experimental results showed that the combined technique inherits the strong points of both constituent techniques: the delamination load is comparable to that of the specimens reinforced with the CFRP strips and the overall behavior is ductile as for the specimens reinforced with the CAM system. They also allowed us to design a more performing combined technique.

This study introduces a new discrete distribution which is a weighted version of Poisson-Lindley distribution. The weighted distribution is obtained using the negative binomial weight function and can be fitted to count data with over-dispersion. The p.m.f., p.g.f. and simulation procedure of the new weighted distribution, namely weighted negative binomial Poisson-Lindley (WNBPL), are provided. The maximum likelihood method for parameter estimation is also presented. The WNBPL distribution is fitted to several insurance datasets, and is compared to the Poisson and negative binomial distributions in terms of several statistical tests.

The current paper provides a cutting-edge information data length- theoretic approach to human emotions. This is a revolutionary breakthrough that unifies information data length and the dynamics of emotions. The significant impact of both time and its mean value associate on both the upper and lower bounds of the obtained information data length is observed and noted. The paper concludes with some challenging open problems, combined with concluding remarks and future research pathways.

A toy model for the distribution of the impact factor (IF) of a journal is proposed. The model demonstrates the presence of a heavy tail for the IF distribution, which occurs due to some random non-scientific circumstances. Therefore, the use of IF as an indicator of the quality of scientific papers seems to be inadequate.

Nurses focus more on curative aspects rather than health promotion and disease prevention, thus weakening primary health care and lessening engagement with the community. Providing a learning environment that can support the professional growth of nurses through engagement with local communities and educational institutions would strengthen primary health care in the community; however, this poses challenges due to the traditional mindset of nurses towards primary health care. This integrative review aimed to explore key features of the potential of the nursing center model as a contracting-out approach to strengthen primary health care services. This integrative review provides lessons for implementing the Nursing Centre model for any country, mainly where nurses are not fully utilized for health promotion and disease prevention.

Vaccination is the key infection control measure against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most municipalities in Japan have adopted an opt-in system for COVID-19 vaccination, but its background information is limited. We, therefore, aimed to examine the differences in vaccination coverages and their cancellation rates between opt-in and opt-out settings for COVID-19 vaccination in 10 cities in A prefecture, Japan. 10 cities in A Prefecture were surveyed by email as of 10 October 2021 on the vaccination coverage by age group (12 years and older) and the cancellation rate on the day of vaccination. We also checked on the complaints received in the opt-out group. Opt-out was adopted in one of the ten cities in which vaccination was designed for all household members aged 15-64, thus serving as the opt-out group. Vaccination coverage in the opt-out group was 88.2%-89.2% for the first dose and 84.9%-86.0% for the second dose at 95% confidence intervals in the comparable 20–64-year age group. In contrast, the overall opt-in group (nine cities, one of which did not have an identified vaccination rate) was 51.3%-83.6% for the first dose and 63.5%-74.8% for the second dose in the same age group. For the opt-out group, the cancellation rate on the day was 11.3% for the first dose and 3.7% for the second dose, which had a lower cancellation rate than that of the opt-out on influenza vaccines in previous studies, 71%. Meanwhile, the opt-in group did not monitor them. There were no complaints about default changes in the opt-out group. While there is room for further research, such as understanding the reasons for accepting the default change by residents in the opt-out group, it was suggested that making opt-out the default would promote COVID-19 vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone between 13-64 years be tested for HIV at least once as a routine procedure. HIV routine screening is reimbursable by Medicare, Medicaid, expanded Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. Yet, scaling-up HIV routine screening remains a challenge. We conducted a scoping review for studies on financial benefits and barriers associated with HIV screening in clinical settings in the U.S. to inform an evidence-based strategy to scale-up HIV routine screening. We searched Ovid MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and Scopus for studies published between 2006 - 2020 in English. The search identified 383 Citations; we screened 220 and excluded 163 (outside the time limit, irrelevant, or outside the U.S.). Of the 220 screened articles, we included 35 and disqualified 155 (did not meet the eligibility criteria). We organized eligible articles under two themes: financial benefits/barriers in healthcare settings (9 articles); and Cost-effectiveness in healthcare settings (26 articles). The review concluded recommendations in three areas: (1) Finance: Incentivize healthcare providers/systems for implementing HIV routine screening and/or separate its reimbursement from bundle payments; (2) Personnel: Encourage nurse-initiated HIV screening programs in primary care settings and educate providers on CDC recommendations; and (3) Approach: Use opt-out approach.

As professionals, social workers have a special position in relation to considering the needs of children with cancer and their families. Hence, it is important to recognize the experiences and challenges of social workers to improve care of their clients. This study was a qualitative content analysis that aimed to determine a comprehensive understanding of 19 pediatric oncology social workers’ experiences in Iran. Data were collected using semi structured interviews and field observations, analyzed through face content analysis. Concepts extracted from social workers’ experiences consisted of the nature of oncology work, lack of professional competence, low organizational support and professional inferiority that were related to main concept of "exhausting and stressful service". The results indicated that social workers' involvement in stressful and emotionally demanding situations and professional and organizational challenges caused personal exhaustion. In addition to explaining the social workers’ experiences and related factors, the results emphasize the importance of taking care of service providers to prevent them becoming stressed and exhausted. It is also important to protect patients from the consequences of stressed and exhausted care providers so further research is recommended to develop specific intervention.

Background: Suicide is a major health problem. The aim of this study was a comparative study of the causes and methods of completed suicide referred to legal Medicine Organization in Bushehr Province during the years 2006- 2015. Methods: This consideration has been done as a retrospective cross-sectional study; the data were collected by the check list. After coordination to the medico legal 343 cases of completed suicide lead to death over a ten year period from 2006 to 2015 were extracted and the data were analyses by SPSS software. Results: The rate of completed suicide was 2.43 and 1.12 suicides per 100,000 people in male and female, respectively. The mean age were 29.25 and 27.61 years in male and female, respectively p>0.05. A higher completed suicide rate was found among single people. The most common ways of a suicide among people who live in Bushehr were hanging out 184(53.6%), self-Immolation 83(24.2%) and firearms 37(10.8%). Motive of suicide was psychological disorders, Physical disease, Conflict with family and substance abuse. 43(12.5%) people smoking and 22(6.4%) people were both smoking and opioid. During the ten year period of studied, throughout the all years that frequency of hanging out has been higher than others. Conclusion: Due to the high incidence of completed suicide in young people and unmarried individuals also hanging out in male and self-burning in females are prevalent. So determination of preventive measures appears to be necessary. Social factors such as psychological disorders and family conflicts have a noticeable role from .Bushehr people.

This study examines the relationship of fear of missing out (FOMO) with heavy social networking among Turkish university students (aged 17 - 55). The perception of the possible role of parental supervision on online activities is also investigated. Factor analysis of FOMO scale led us to evaluate the construct under two dimensions as (1) fear of missing experience and (2) fear of missing activity. The results revealed that fear of missing activity increases social media intrusion while fear of missing experience is found to have no significant effect. The reverse relationship is also valid: an urge to use social media predicts fear of missing out (activity and experience). Fear of missing experience is associated with problematic social media use (PSMU) and a high desire to use social media. The results additionally demonstrate that students aged 30 and older believe more in the requirement of parental control than those aged 17-22.

The present paper deals with an improvement of the strengthening technique consisting in the combined use of straps—made of stainless steel ribbons—and CFRP strips, to increase the out-of-plane strength of masonry walls. The straps of both the previous and the new combined technique pass from one face to the opposite face of the masonry wall through some holes made along the thickness, giving rise to a three-dimensional net of loop-shaped straps, closed on themselves. The new technique replaces the stainless steel ribbons with steel wire ropes, which form closed loops around the masonry units and the CFRP strips as in the previous technique. A turnbuckle for each steel wire rope allows the closure of the loops and provides the desired pre-tension to the straps. The mechanical coupling—given by the frictional forces—between the straps and the CFRP strips placed on the two faces of the masonry wall gives rise to an I-beam behavior of the facing CFRP strips, which begin to resist the load as if they were the two flanges of the same I-beam. Even the previous combined technique exploits the ideal I-beam mechanism, but the greater stiffness of the steel wire ropes compared to the stiffness of the steel ribbons makes the constraint between the facing CFRP strips stiffer. This gives the reinforced structural element greater stiffness and delamination load. In particular, the experimental results show that the maximum load achievable with the second combined technique is much greater than the maximum load provided by the CFRP strips. Even the ultimate displacement turns out to be increased, allowing us to state that the second combined technique improves both strength and ductility. Since the CFRP strips of the combined technique run along the vertical direction of the wall, the ideal I-beam mechanism is particularly useful to counteract the hammering actions provided by the floors on the perimeter walls, during an earthquake. Lastly, after the building went out of service, the box-type behavior offered by the three-dimensional net of straps prevents the building from collapsing, acting as a device for safeguarding life.

The lay-up of cross laminated timber (CLT) leads to significant differences in properties over its cross-section. Particularly the out-of-plane shear behavior of CLT is effected by the changes in shear moduli over the cross-section. Results from laboratory shear tests are used to evaluate the shear stiffness of 3- and 5-layer CLT panels in their major and minor strength direction. The results are compared to calculated shear stiffness values on evaluated single-layer properties as well as commonly used property ratios using the Timoshenko beam theory and the shear analogy method. Differences between the two calculation approaches are pointed out. The shear stiffness is highly sensitive to the ratio of the shear modulus parallel to the grain to the shear modulus perpendicular to the grain. The stiffness values determined from two test measurements are compared with the calculated results. The level of agreement is dependent on the number of layers in CLT and the property axis of the CLT panels.

It has been empirically observed that the upper tail of the firm size distribution follows either the Pareto distribution or the Zipf distribution, with both patterns being explained by Gibrat’s law (Gabaix, 1999). This article analyzed firm revenue data from China, spanning from 2005 to 2013, to examine the whole range of the firm size distribution. Our empirical analysis revealed that firm revenue data over these years is well fitted by a three-parameter generalized Pareto distribution, with the fitted parameters indicating a dichotomy: The size distribution of large-sized firms, namely the upper tail, is asymptotically characterized by a Pareto distribution or a Zipf distribution, whereas the size distribution of smaller and medium-sized firms is approximated by an exponential distribution. This finding suggests that Gibrat’s law should be extended to account for the emergence of a generalized Pareto distribution.

Seawater density is an important physical property in oceanography that affects the accuracy of calculations such as gravity fields and tidal potentials, and the calibration of acoustic and optical oceanographic sensors. In related studies, constant density values are frequently used, which can introduce significant errors. Therefore, this study employs a basic convolutional neural network model to construct a comprehensive model showing the seawater density distribution across the globe. The model takes into account depth, latitude, longitude, and month as inputs. Numerous real seawater datasets were used to train the model, and it has been shown that the model has an absolute mean error and root mean square error of less than 2 kg/m3 in 99% of the test set samples. The model effectively demonstrates the influence of input parameters on the distribution of seawater density. In this paper, we present a newly developed global model for distributing seawater density which is both comprehensive and accurate, surpassing previous models. The utilization of the model presented in this paper for estimating seawater density can minimize errors in theoretical ocean models and serve as a foundation for designing and analyzing ocean exploration systems.

Background. COVID-19 efforts were often ineffective in controlling the spread of the pandemic. Identifying ineffective controls during a pandemic is thus vital. Method. Utilizing publicly available data on COVID deaths in the counties of US states, we create an index to capture and interpret ineffectiveness in the efforts to reduce the spread of the pandemic in US counties. This index is based on the Intervened Poisson Distribution (IPD) introduced originally by Shanmugam. Motivation for the research idea occurred while we noticed the data dispersion of the COVID deaths is smaller than the average only in some counties. Under-dispersed data is common in statistical modeling. A novel approach we adapted in this article includes the estimation of an intervention parameter estimated through iterative non-linear optimization. Results. Twenty-five counties in California, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, and Utah were found to be ineffective in controlling for fatalities based on the expected probability distribution. A review of the policies enacted in these areas would provide insight into ineffective prevention efforts, and some of these issues are documented in current literature. Conclusion. The IPD index an innovate way to document efficacy of interventions during pandemics. The IPD may identify ineffective efforts prior to statistical models intended to evaluate efficacy of efforts.

Different variants of thinning for discrete random variables are studied. The thinning procedure allows to introduce an analog of scale parameter for positive integer-valued random variables. Sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of such a scale are given.

Dynamics of human populations can be affected by various socio-economic factors through their influence on the natality and mortality rates, and on the migration intensity and directions. In this work we study an economic-demographic model which takes into account the dependence of the wealth production rate on the available resources. In the case of nonlocal consumption of resources the homogeneous in space wealth-population distribution is replaced by a periodic in space distribution for which the total wealth increases. For the global consumption of resources, if the wealth redistribution is small enough, then the homogeneous distribution is replaced by a heterogeneous one with a single wealth accumulation center. Thus, economic and demographic characteristics of nonlocal and global economies can be quite different in comparison with the local economy.

In this paper, using the discrete time model, we consider the average age of all files for a cached-files-updating system where a server generates N files and transmits them to a local cache. In order that the cached files are fresh, in each time slot the server updates files with certain probabilities. The age of one file or its age of information (AoI) is defined as the time the file stays in cache since it was last time sent to cache. Assume that each file in cache has corresponding request popularity. In this paper, we obtain the distribution function of the popularity-weighted average age over all files, which gives a complete description of this average age. For the random age of single file, both the mean and its distribution have been derived before by establishing a simple Markov chain. Using the same idea, we show that an N dimensional stochastic process can be constituted to characterize the changes of N file ages simultaneously. By solving the steady-state of the resulting process, we obtain the explicit expression of stationary probability for an arbitrary state-vector. Then, the distribution function of the popularity-weighted average age can be derived by mergering a proper set of stationary probabilities. For the possible applications, the distribution function can be utilized to calculate the probability that the average age violates certain statistical guarantee.

A comprehensive heuristic analysis of the Pollard's Rho Method (PRM) is given. The analysis is based on ultimate periods and tails distribution of sequences. If $n$ is the composite number to be factored, then an improved version of PRM is developed which has an expected run time of $O(\sqrt[8]{n}\ln n)$ on a multi-core architecture which utilized a clever way of evaluating polynomials.

Background: Misconceptions and knowledge gaps about antibiotic use contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Aim: Identifying and prioritizing misconceptions and knowledge gaps about antibiotic use from a healthcare professionals’ perspective. Methods: A modified Delphi study of two rounds with an expert meeting. A literature search was conducted to create statements about misconceptions and knowledge gaps about antibiotic use. These were rated by healthcare professionals from five EU countries representing general practice, out-of-hour services, nursing homes, and pharmacies. Consensus was achieved if ≥80% of the participants rated 4+ on a five-point Likert scale during the second Delphi round. Results. In total, 44 misconceptions were identified through the literature search within four themes: 1) antimicrobial resistance in general, 2) use of antibiotics in general, 3) use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, and 4) use of antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Consensus was reached for more than half of the statements within each setting. Conclusions. Experts from different settings and nationalities acknowledge that multiple misconceptions and knowledge gaps can contribute to inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community. These results provide valuable information to use in educational campaigns for patients and healthcare professionals to improve the use of antibiotics.

Confined masonry (CM) is a construction system which consists of masonry wall panels enclosed by vertical and horizontal reinforced concrete confining elements. The presence of these confining elements distinguishes CM from unreinforced masonry system and makes this technology suitable for construction of structures in regions subjected to intense seismic or wind actions. CM construction has been used in many countries and regions, and has performed well in past earthquakes. The purpose of the paper is to review past research studies related to the seismic in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of CM structures. The authors have identified the key design and construction parameters which were considered in past research studies and have performed statistical analyses to establish their influence on the seismic performance of CM buildings. For the purpose of this study the authors have compiled databases of previous experimental studies on CM wall specimens which were used for statistical analyses. Finally, the paper discusses research gaps and needs for future research studies which would contribute to the understanding of seismic behaviour and failure mechanisms of CM walls.

Keywords: Post-Stroke; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Sequelae; Feasibility; Out-patient.

Auto checkout has received more and more attention in recent years and this system automatically generates a shopping bill by identifying the picture of the products purchased by the customers. However, the system is challenged by the domain adaptation problem, where each image of the training set contains only one commodity, whereas the test set is a collection of multiple commodities. The existing solution to this problem is to resynthesize the training images to enhance the training set. Then the composite images are rendered using CycleGAN to make the image distribution of the training set and the test set more similar. However, we find that the detection boxes given by the ground truth of the common dataset contain a large part of the background area, the area will affect the training process as noise. To solve this problem, we propose a mask data priming method. Specifically, we redo the large scale Retail Product Checkout (RPC) dataset and add segmentation annotation information to each item in the training set image based on the original dataset using pixel-level annotation. Secondly, a new network structure is proposed in which we train the network using joint learning of detectors and counters, and fine-tune the detection network by filtering out suitable images from the test set. Experiments on the RPC dataset have shown that our method yields better results. we used an approach that reached 81.87% compared to 56.68% for the baseline approach which demonstrates that pixel-level information helps to improve the detection results of the network.

In this work, the apparent shear strength at the interface between a bamboo fiber and the surrounding poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix is quantified. A method for processing pull-out test samples within a controlled embedded length is proposed and the details of the test procedure are presented, along with a critical discussion of the results. Two series of samples are considered: untreated and mercerized bamboo fibers from the same batch, embedded in the same polyester matrix. Electron and optical microscopy are used to observe the fiber-matrix interface before and after the test, and to identify the failure mode of each sample, especially as regards the occurrence of fibrillation in the fiber bundles. The values of apparent interfacial shear strength are calculated only for regular fibers successfully pulled out from the matrix, and reported with their statistical variations. Mercerization, whose efficiency was proven by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, did not appear though to improve the quality of the interface (τ_app = 7.0 ± 3.1 MPa for untreated fibers and τ_app = 5.3 ± 2.4 MPa for treated fibers).

It has been well known that the exponential distribution is the only continuous distribution that has the memoryless property. Here, we observe that, if the exponential distribution dominates an economy as a probability distribution of income acquisition, then the memoryless property imposes equal opportunities on agents in this economy to acquire earnings. Based on this observation, we propose to identify the emergence of an exponential income distribution as a potential necessary condition for guaranteeing the equality of opportunity. Together with other conditions (such as social and economic mobility), it would promote equal opportunities for income acquisition among citizens. Empirically, we employ the latest data available from four representative market-economy countries (the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and China) to demonstrate that the exponential distribution is a stylized feature of the income structure of the low- and middle-income class, which occupies the great majority of populations. By contrast, the top income classes in these countries obey the Pareto distribution. To validate the relationship between exponential distribution and equal opportunity, we empirically show how the income structure of the low- and middle-income class in China (from 1978 to 2015) evolved towards an exponential distribution after the market-oriented economic reformation.

The philosophy of testing statistical hypothesis is a natural consequence and functional extension of mathematical analysis of Probability. Along with the concept of recurrence when applied to random sequences and functions, it leads to the analysis of a priori and posterior which implies testing statistical hypothesis. Testing statistical hypothesis also involves algebraic, functional and dimensional considerations, which are found in the works of Laplace. Aspects of mathematical analysis such as universality of solutions, Laws of Large Numbers, Entropy, Information, and various functional dependencies are the main factors explained in the five properties that lead to implication of testing statistical hypothesis. Various interesting examples with modern scientific significance from genetics, astrophysics, and other areas give methodological access to answers of different problems and phenomena which are involved in the logic of testing statistical hypothesis.

SStatistical characteristics of the wind speed in Samaria region of Israel have been analyzed by processing 11 years of wind data provided by the Israeli Meteorological Service, recorded at 10 m height above the ground. The cumulative mean wind speed at measurement height was shown to be 4.53 m/s with standard deviation of 2.32 m/s. Prevailing wind direction is shown to be char-acterized by cumulative mean azimuth of 226° with standard deviation of 79.76°. The results were extrapolated to 70-meter height in order to estimate wind characteristics at hub height of a me-dium-scale wind turbine. Moreover, Weibull distribution parameters were calculated annually, monthly and seasonally, demonstrating a good match with histogram-based statistical repre-sentations. Shape parameter of the Weibull distribution was shown to reside within a narrow range of 1.93 to 2.15, allowing us to assume a Rayleigh distribution, thus simplifying wind tur-bines energy yield calculations. The novelty of the current paper is related to gathering wind statistics for a certain area (Samaria) we are not aware of any published statistics regarding wind velocity and direction in this area. The data may be interesting for potential regional wind energy development in which the obtained Weibull distribution can be used in calculations of expected power generation of particular turbines with known power dependence on velocity. We also point out that the fact that realistic wind velocity statistics is well described by an analytic formula (Weibull distribution) is not trivial, and in fact the fit may have been poor.

Currently, synthetic diamonds are finding new applications. Quantum devices can be created based on diamond plates with the desired concentration of defects in the structure of the crystal lattice. NV color centers can be used in quantum applications by irradiating plates with high-energy particles, followed by annealing at temperatures above 800°C to develop the spin-optical properties of the centers Diamond plates are subjected to electron irradiation and much less often to proton irradiation. As a result, synthetic diamond plates with NV centers ob-tained by proton irradiation are less studied, although proton irradiation makes it possible to obtain a layered structure of NV centers. In this work, single crystal diamond plates irradiated with protons were studied using polarization microscopy, IR spectroscopy and ODMR spectros-copy. It is shown that when creating NV centers, the distribution and concentration of C – defects in the sample, as well as mechanical stresses before and after irradiation (with subsequent an-nealing), can differ significantly from each other.

The main objective of this study is to apply structural equation modeling with partial least squares and based on covariance to assess the satisfaction of residential electricity consumers. The methodology used compares the results of both structural equation models to indicate the model that best fits the problem of measuring the satisfaction of residential consumers of electricity concessionaires and licensees. The sample used in the survey contained questionnaire responses from 86.175 individuals considering the period from 2014 to 2018. The constructs evaluated were satisfaction, quality, value, loyalty, and trust. Confidence interval analysis shows that all weights are significant, demonstrating the importance of all the indicators that represent the constructs. The trust, quality, and value constructs can explain 74.4% of the variability of the satisfaction construct, so the explanatory capacity of this relationship is considered substantial. Finally, the evaluation of the performance of the service provided by the electric energy concessionaires/licensees, measured by customer satisfaction, allows for the continuous improvement of services and meeting, even if minimally, the expectations of its consumers.

In the field of stochastic optimisation, the so-called structural bias constitutes an undesired behaviour of an algorithm that is unable to explore the search space to a uniform extent. In this paper, we investigate whether algorithms from a subclass of estimation of distribution algorithms, the compact algorithms, exhibit structural bias. Our approach, justified in our earlier publications, is based on conducting experiments on a test function whose values are uniformly distributed in its domain. For the experiment, 81 combinations of compact algorithms and strategies of dealing with infeasible solutions have been selected as test cases. We have applied two approaches for determining the presence and severity of structural bias, namely a visual and a statistical (Anderson-Darling) tests. Our results suggest that compact algorithms are more immune to structural bias than their counterparts maintaining explicit populations. Both tests indicate that strong structural bias is found only in one of the algorithms (cBFO) regardless of the choice of strategy of dealing with infeasible solutions and cPSO mirror. For other test cases, statistical and visual tests disagree on some cases classified as having mild or strong structural bias: the former one tends to make harsher decisions, thus needing further investigation.

With the increasing concern of environment, the energy-efficiency scheduling of manufacturing industry is becoming urgent and popular. In turning processes, both spindle speed and processing time can affect the final energy consumption and thus the spindle speed and scheduling scheme need to be optimized simultaneously. Since the turning workshop can be regarded as the flexible flow shop, this paper formulates a mixed integer linear programming model for energy-efficient scheduling of flexible flow shop. Accordingly, a new decoding method is developed by considering of the optimization of spindle speed and scheduling scheme simultaneously, and an estimation of distribution algorithm adopting the new decoding method is proposed to solve large-size problems. The parameters of this algorithm are determined by statistical technique with a simplified practical case. In order to validate the proposed method, a case from practical factories is studied, in which the makespan can be shortened by 25.22%, and the consumed energy can be saved by 5.48%. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mathematical model and algorithm.

We consider the maximum entropy Markov chain inference approach to characterize the collective statistics of neuronal spike trains, focusing on the statistical properties of the inferred model. We review large deviations techniques useful in this context to describe properties of accuracy and convergence in terms of sampling size. We use these results to study the statistical fluctuation of correlations, distinguishability and irreversibility of maximum entropy Markov chains. We illustrate these applications using simple examples where the large deviation rate function is explicitly obtained for maximum entropy models of relevance in this field.

In this work, we focus on investigating electrothermal flow in a rotating electric field (ROT-ETF), with primary attention paid to the horizontal traveling-wave electrothermal (TWET) vortex induced at the center of the electric field. The frequency-dependent flow profiles in the microdevice are analyzed using different heat transfer models. Accordingly, we address in particular the importance of electrode cooling in ROT-ETF as metal electrodes of high thermal conductivity while substrate material of low heat dissipation capability are employed to develop such microfluidic chips. Under this circumstance, cooling of electrode array due to external natural convection on millimeter-scale electrode pads for external wire connection occurs and makes the internal temperature maxima shift from the electrode plane to a bit of distance right above the cross-shaped interelectrode gaps, giving rise to reversal of flow rotation from a typical repulsion-type to attraction-type induction vortex, which is in good accordance with our experimental observations of co-field TWET streaming at frequencies on the order of reciprocal charge relaxation time of the bulk fluid. These results point out a way to make a correct interpretation of out-of-phase electrothermal streaming behavior, which holds great potential for handing high-conductivity analytes in modern microfluidic systems.

The EU has planned the phase-out of new vehicles based on internal combustion engines in favour of high efficiency electric cars by 2035 (Fit for 55 package). However, many doubts remain about the effectiveness of this choice for each Country of the Union in terms of CO2 emissions reduction, as each State is characterized by a different carbon intensity related to the production of electricity needed to manufacture and recharge vehicles. This study seeks to explore the Italian case. To this aim, carbon intensities related to the electricity production were calculated considering both the Italian electricity mix production at 2021 and those at 2035, envisaged considering two scenarios based on different introductions of renewable sources (RES). Afterwards, the values obtained were adopted for determining the CO2 emissions related to the whole production process of battery systems in Italy (emissions from mining and refining, scrap materials and final assembly included) by comparing some of the most up-to-date Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis related to the manufacturing cycle of the batteries. Finally, the results were adopted to calculate the starting carbon debit for A, B, C and M car segments for Mild Hybrid, Full Hybrid and Full Electric powertrains. At the same time, statistical road fuel/electricity consumption data were collected and overall CO2 emissions were calculated for the same vehicles for a defined mileage, so to determine break-even points with respect to the cumulative (i.e., from battery and road) carbon emissions. The results showed that advantages related to electric vehicles are significant only if a low carbon intensity related to electricity production is reached by means of a very high introduction of RES, thus keeping the door open for innovative powertrain technologies (plug-in), if fed with low carbon fuels.

The switching game Lights Out and its variants were studied extensively as recreational mathematics problems. The game board of the ordinary Lights Out is a rectangular grid of lights, where each light is either on or off. By clicking a light, the clicked light and its adjacent rectilinear neighbors are toggled. Given an arbitrary initial configuration of lights, the final mission is to “solve” this game by switching off all the lights. Most studies on Lights Out and its variants focused on the solvability of given games or the number of solvable games, but when the game is viewed in a coding-theoretical perspective, more interesting questions with special meanings in coding theory will naturally pop up, such as finding the minimal number of lit lights among all solvable games except the solved game, or finding the minimal number of lit lights that the player can achieve from a given unsolvable game, etc. However, these problems are usually hard to be solved in general in terms of algorithmic complexity. This study considers a natural extension of the Lights Out game, which enlarges the toggle pattern in a way that all the lights in the same row and those in the same column of the clicked light are toggled. This variant of Lights Out is a two-state version of a switching game called Alien Tiles. In this paper, we investigate the properties of the two-state Alien Tiles, and discuss several coding-theoretical problems about this game. Then, we apply this game as an error correction code and investigate its optimality. We also give a brief overview on algorithmic complexity and coding theory for readers who are not familiar with these topics. The purpose of this paper is to propose ways of playing switching games in a think-outside-the-box manner, which benefit the recreational mathematics community.

An analysis of the performance of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data received from the Grand Forks, North Dakota International Airport was carried out in this study. The purpose was to understand the vulnerabilities of Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) ADS-B system and recognize the effects on present and future Air Traffic Control (ATC) operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated all the General Aviation aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B. The aircraft flying within United States and below the transition altitude (18,000 feet) are more likely to install an UAT ADS-B. At present unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and autonomous air traffic control (ATC) towers are being integrated into the aviation industry and UAT ADS-B is a basic sensor for both class 1 and class 2 Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems. As a fundamental component of future surveillance system, the anomalies and vulnerabilities of ADS-B system need to be identified to enable a fully utilized airspace with enhanced situational awareness. The data received was archived in GDL-90 format, which was parsed into readable data. The anomaly detection of ADS-B messages was based on the FAA ADS-B performance assessment report. The data investigation revealed ADS-B message suffered from different anomalies including drop out; missing payload; data jump; low confident data and altitude discrepancy. Among those studied, the most severe was drop out and 32.49% of messages suffered from this anomaly. Dropout is an incident where ADS-B failed to update within a specified rate. Considering the potential danger being imposed, an in-depth analysis was carried out to characterize message dropout. Three flight parameters were selected to investigate their effect on drop out. Statistical analysis was carried out and Friedman Statistical Test identified that altitude affected drop out more than any other flight parameters.

This work analyzes the severity and risk associated with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) message drop out in Detect and Avoid (DAA) function of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Performance assessment of the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) ADS-B message implies that in some cases ADS-B fails to update within a specified update interval, which is referred to as drop out in this work. ADS-B is a fundamental surveillance sensor for both class 1 and class 2 DAA systems. Message loss or drop out has been found as one of the common limitations of the ADS-B system. The key feature of this study is incorporating the update rate of real ADS-B data transmitted from the manned aircraft. The data were received from the Grand Forks International Airport, North Dakota. Monte Carlo method has been adopted to resolve encounter scenarios in the presence of drop out. The change in the alert triggered by the UAS DAA in the presence of ADS-B drop out has been investigated. Furthermore, the risk matrices are created to quantify the associated risk with drop out affected alerts. Simulation results depict that both the duration of drop out and DAA look-ahead time affect the alert-triggering function of UAS. With a small look- ahead window and longer duration of drop out, the number of warning alerts increases. Also, alerts are affected more during an overtaking encounter than that of a head-to-head encounter. A system-level analysis is also carried out to recognize the potential reasons behind the ADS-B drop out.

In this article we introduce an extension of the Akash distribution. We use the slash 1 methodology to make the kurtosis of the Akash distribution more flexible. We study the general 2 density of this new distribution, some properties, moments, coefficients of asymmetry and kurtosis. 3 Statistical inference is performed using the methods of moments and maximum likelihood via the 4 EM algorithm. A simulation study is carried out to observe the behavior of the maximum likelihood 5 estimator. An application to a real data set with high kurtosis is considered, where it is shown that 6 the new distribution fits better than other extensions of the Akash distribution.

This paper presents a novel statistical model i.e. the Laplace-Rician distribution, for the characterisation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. Since accurate statistical models lead to better results in applications such as target tracking, classification, or despeckling, characterising SAR images of various scenes including urban, sea surface, or agricultural, is essential. The proposed Laplace-Rician model is investigated for SAR images of several frequency bands and various scenes in comparison to state-of-the-art statistical models that include K, Weibull, and Lognormal. The results demonstrate the superior performance and flexibility of the proposed model for all frequency bands and scenes.

This study has developed a Matlab application for simulating statistical models project (SMp) probabilistic distributions that are similar to binomial and Poisson, which were created by mathematical procedures. The simulated distributions are graphically compared with these popular distributions. The application allows to obtain many probabilistic distributions, and shows the trend (τ ) for n trials with success probability p, i.e. the maximum probability as τ=np. While the Poisson distribution PD(x;µ) is a unique probabilistic distribution, where PD=0 in x=+∞, the application simulates many SMp(x;µ,Xmax) distributions, where µ is the Poisson parameter and value of x with generally the maximum probability, and Xmax is the upper limit of x with SMp(x;µ,Xmax) ≥ 0 and limit of the stochastic region of a random discrete variable. It is shown that by simulation via, one can get many and better probabilistic distributions than by mathematical one.

This study has developed a Matlab application for simulating statistical models project (SMp) probabilistic distributions that are similar to binomial and Poisson, which were created by mathematical procedures. The simulated distributions are graphically compared with these legendary distributions. The application allows to obtain many probabilistic distributions, and shows the trend (τ ) for n trials with success probability p, i.e. the maximum probability as τ=np. While the Poisson distribution PD(x;µ) is a unique probabilistic distribution, where PD=0 in x=+∞, the application simulates many SMp(x;µ,Xmax) distributions, where µ is the Poisson parameter and value of x with generally the maximum probability, and Xmax is upper limit of x with SMp(x;µ,Xmax) ≥ 0 and limit of the stochastic region of the random discrete variable X. It is shown that by simulation via, one can get many and better probabilistic distributions than by mathematical one.

(1) Aim of the study was to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the airflow created by two commercially available non-contact tonometers, the CorvisST and the Ocular Re-sponse Analyser. (2) The airflow pressure was measured using a MEMS pressure sensor to inves-tigate the spatial and temporal distribution. The airflow from the CorvisST and Ocular Response Analyser were mapped to a 600µm and a 1mm resolution grid, respectively. (3) Central airflow pressure of the CorvisST (96.4 ± 1.4)mmHg was higher than the Ocular Response Analyser (91.7 ± 0.7)mmHg. The duration of the air-puffs also differed, with the CorvisST showing a shorter du-ration (21.483 ± 0.2881)ms than the ORA (23.061 ± 0.1872)ms. The rising edge of the CorvisST airflow pressure profile demonstrated a lower gradient (+8.94mmHg/ms) compared to the Oc-ular Response Analyser (+11.00mmHg/ms). Both had similar decay response edges; CorvisST -11.18mmHg/ms, Ocular Response Analyser -11.65mmHg/ms. (4) The study presents a valid method to investigate physical dimensions of the airflow pressure of non-contact tonometers. Novel findings relating to the magnitude, duration and spatial characteristics of the respective airflow pressures are reported. It is anticipated that this information will better inform clinical studies and theoretical models relating to ocular biomechanics.

The objective of this study was to identify the key elements used by prehospital emergency physicians (EP) to decide whether or not to attempt advanced life support (ALS) in asystolic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). From 01.01.2009 to 01.01.2017, all adult victims of asystolic OHCA in Geneva, Switzerland, were retrospectively included. Patients with signs of "obvious death" or with a Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation order were excluded. Patients were categorized as having received ALS if this was mentioned in the medical record, or, failing that, if at least one dose of adrenaline had been administered during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Prognostic factors known at the time of EP's decision were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. 784 patients were included. Factors favourably influencing the decision to provide ALS were witnessed OHCA (OR=2.14, 95%CI1.43–3.20) and bystander CPR (OR=4.10, 95%CI2.28–7.39). Traumatic aetiology (OR=0.04, 95%CI0.02–0.08), age >80 years (OR=0.14, 95%CI0.09–0.24) and a Charlson comorbidity index greater than 5 (OR=0.12, 95%CI0.06–0.27) were the factors most strongly associated with the decision not to attempt ALS. Factors influencing the EP’s decision to attempt ALS in asystolic OHCA are the relatively young age of the patients, few comorbidities, presumed medical aetiology, witnessed OHCA and bystander CPR.

In this study, the application of the main algorithms used for SDM, namely Boosted Regression Tree (BRT), Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Maximum Entropy (MAXENT) and Random Forest (RF), were considered in order to simulate the citrus probability of distribution in a Mediterranean area, based on presence data and a random background sample, and in relation to several predictors. The predictors were grouped under 19 bioclimatic variables, elevation described through a Digital terrain model, soil physical properties, and irrigation. Sensitivity analysis was carried out by: modifying the values of the main models’ parameters; and reducing the input presence points.

South Italy is characterised by a semi-arid climate with scarce rain and high evaporative demand, therefore the need to optimise water resources in this area is crucial, and climate change could worsen this condition. In citrus cultivation, which is one of the most important crops bred in Southern Italy, and more generally in Mediterranean regions, deficit irrigation strategies are im-plemented in order to cope with limited resource availability. On this basis, knowledge on how the territorial distribution of citrus would change in relation to these strategies constitutes valuable information for the stakeholders. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prob-ability of presence of citrus in Sicily at changing of the percentage of water deficit application, in order to analyse change in the surface area and localisation of the crop. The methodology was based on the application of Species Distribution Models and Geographic Information Systems to the case study of the Province of Syracuse in Sicily. Different geostatistical and machine learning models were applied, based on 3-decades bioclimatic variables, DTM and irrigation; assessment of the outcomes was carried by using classification evaluation metrics. The analysis of the outcomes showed that uncorrelated predictor layers mainly included water input that affected most the probability of presence. Moreover, GIS analyses showed that deficit irrigation strategies would generate an overall reduction of cultivation surfaces in the territory and a decrease of citrus pres-ence in southern areas of the considered territory, where climate conditions are less favourable in terms of temperature and precipitations, thus providing useful information for decision support tools in agriculture and land use policy.

While entropy was introduced in the second half of the 19th century in the international vocabulary as a scientific term, in the 20th century it became common in colloquial use. Popular imagination has loaded “entropy” with almost every negative quality in the universe, in life and in society, with a dominant meaning of disorder and disorganization. Exploring the history of the term and many different approaches on it, we show that entropy has a universal stochastic definition which is not disorder. The accompanying principle of maximum entropy, which lies behind the Second Law, gives explanatory and inferential power to the concept and promotes entropy as the mother of creativity and evolution. As social sciences are often contaminated by subjectivity and ideological influences, we try to explore whether the maximum entropy, applied to the distribution of wealth quantified by annual income, can give an objective description. Using publicly available income data, we show that the income distribution is consistent with the principle of the maximum entropy. The increase of entropy is associated to increase of society’s wealth yet a standardized form of entropy can be used to quantify inequality. Historically, technology has played a major role in development and increase of the entropy of income. Such findings are contrary to the theories of ecological economics and other theories which use the term entropy in a Malthusian perspective.

Successive-addition-of-digits-of-a-number(SADN) refers to the process of adding up the digits of an integer number until a single digit is obtained. Concept of SADN has been occasionally identified but seldom employed in extensive mathematical applications. This paper discusses SADN and its properties in terms of addition, subtraction and multiplication. Further, the paper applies the multiplication-property of SADN to understand the distribution of prime numbers. For this purpose the paper introduces three series of numbers -S1, S3 and S5 series- into which all odd numbers can be placed, depending on their SADN and the rationale of such classification. Extending the analysis the paper explains how composite numbers of the S1 and S5 series can be derived. Based on this discussion it concludes that even as the concept of SADN is rather simple in its formulation and appears as an obvious truism but a profound analysis of the properties of SADN in terms of fundamental mathematical functions reveals that SADN holds a noteworthy position in number theory and may have significant implications for unfolding complex mathematical questions like understanding the distribution of prime numbers and Goldbach-problem.

Data on the seasonally dry tropical forests of Mexico have been examined in the light of statistical mechanics. The results suggest a division into two classes of species. There are drifting populations of a cosmopolitan class capable of existing in most dry forest sites; these have a statistical distribution previously only observed (globally) for populations of alien species. A high proportion of species found only at a single site are endemic and these prefer sites comparatively low in species richness.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin rely on a proof-of-work system to validate transactions and prevent attacks or double-spending. A new proof-of-work is introduced which seems to be the first number theoretic proof-of-work unrelated to primes: it is based on a new metric associated to the Collatz algorithm whose natural generalization is algorithmically undecidable: the inflation propensity is defined as the cardinality of new maxima in a developing Collatz orbit. It is numerically verified that the distribution of inflation propensity slowly converges to a geometric distribution of parameter $0.714 \approx \frac{(\pi - 1)}{3}$ as the sample size increases. This pseudo-randomness opens the door to a new class of proofs-of-work based on congruential graphs.

This article evaluates the macroeconomic implications of commercial bank seigniorage, which emerges from the commercial banks’ power to create money in a fractional reserves regime. After evaluating the impact on aggregate output of commercial bank money relative to alternative exchange arrangements, the article identifies the determinants of commercial bank seigniorage and analyzes how equilibrium prices are determined in an economy where commercial banks extract seigniorage. The article also identifies the conditions under which commercial banks extract seigniorage, clarifies the relationship between seigniorage from commercial bank money creation and profits from pure financial intermediation, and shows how commercial bank seigniorage changes with different types of interbank payments settlement.

In recent decades, there have been numerous endeavors to develop a novel category of survival distributions possessing enhanced flexibility through the extension of existing distributions. This article constructs and validates the statistical properties of a novel survival distribution in order to obtain an alternative distribution that is suitable for analyzing survival data by presenting the novel mixture of the Fréchet distribution along with statistical properties such as the probability density function (PDF), cumulative distribution function (CDF), rth ordinary moment, skewness, kurtosis, moment-generating function, mean, variance, mode, survival function, hazard function, and asymptotic behavior, as well as constructing the estimators of the unknown parameter by employing the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, and simulated annealing. Additionally, the performance of the proposed estimators was compared with bias, mean squared errors (MSE), and simulated variances, and given an illustrative example of the proposed distribution to the survival data set in order to show that the proposed distribution is appropriate for the right-skewed data. This will be extremely advantageous in survival analysis.

The increasing demand for higher inclusion cleanliness levels motivates the control over the formation and evolution of inclusions in the steel production process. In this work, the evolution of the chemical composition and size distribution of inclusions throughout a slab production process of Al-killed steel, including ladle furnace (LF) treatment and continuous casting (CC), was followed. The initial solid Al2O3 and Al2O3-MgO inclusions were modified to liquid Al2O3-CaO-MgO inclusions during LF treatment. The evolution of the size distributions during LF treatment was associated with the growth and removal of inclusions, as new inclusions were not created after the deoxidation process, according to a population density function (PDF) analysis. Additionally, the size distributions tended to be similar as the LF treatment progressed regardless of their initial features, whereas they differed during CC. Analysis of the upper tails of the distributions through generalized extreme values theory showed that inclusion distributions shifted from larger to smaller sizes as the process progressed. There were great changes in the distributions of large inclusions throughout the LF treatment and between the end of the LF treatment and the start of the CC process. Additionally, distributions of large inclusions differed at the end of the LF treatment, whereas such differences decreased as CC progressed.

Developments of new probability models for data analysis are keen interest of importance for all fields. The log-Dagum distribution has a prominent role in the theory and practice of statistics. In this article, a new family of continuous distributions generated from a log Dagum random variable called the log-Dagum Weibull distribution is proposed. The key properties of the proposed distribution are derived. Its density function can be symmetrical, left-skewed, right-skewed and reversed-J shaped and can have increasing, decreasing, bathtub hazard rates shaped. The model parameters are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood and illustrate its importance by means of applications to real data sets.

Widespread poverty is the most serious threat and social problem that Bangladesh faces. Regional vulnerability to climate change threatens to escalate the magnitude of this poverty. It is essential that projections of poverty be made while bearing in mind the effects of climate change. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the agrarian sub-national regional analysis of climate change vulnerability in Bangladesh under various climate change scenarios and its potential impact on poverty. This study is relevant to socio-economic research on climate change vulnerability and agriculture risk management and has the potential to contribute new insights to the complex interactions in household income and climate change risks to agricultural communities in Bangladesh and South Asia. The current study uses analysis of variance, cluster analysis, decomposition of variance and log-normal distribution to estimate the parameters of income variability that ascertain vulnerability levels and help us to understand the poverty levels that climate change could potentially incur. It is found that the income share in income sources revealed that income category shares across the various regions of Bangladesh are far from uniform. The variance decomposition of income showed that agricultural income in Mymensingh and Rangpur is the main cause of income difference. Moreover, large variance of agricultural income in the regions is induced by gross income from rice production. Additionally, constant reduction of rice yield due to climate change in Bangladesh is not such a severe problem for farmers, however, the extreme events like flood, flash flood, drought, sea level rise, and greenhouse gas emission based on RCPs could increase the poverty rates in Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Barisal, and Khulna regions that would be highly affected by unexpected yield loss due to extreme climatic events. Therefore, research and development of adaptation measures to climate change for regions where farmers are largely dependent on agricultural income is important.

Safe water is a global public health concern amid increasing scarcity and pollution. Bottled water production and consumption contribute to these problems. This study examines tap water consumption in Italy, assessing associated sociodemographic factors and related health outcomes such as obesity and self-perceived health status. Data from the Italian National Statistics Institute's "Aspects of daily life" survey (N=45,597) were analyzed. Covariates included education, age, gender, economic status, region, concerns about waste and climate change, consumption of carbonated drinks excluding water, alcohol consumption, consumption of vegetables, consumption of snacks, body mass index, and self-perceived health status. Bivariate analyses and mixed-effect logistic regression models explored the associations. People who drink tap water were 19,674 with a higher prevalence in people aged 45 to 59 old, people with a graduate/post-graduate degree diploma, with optimal economic resources, and concerned about waste production and climate change, coming from the North-East regions of Italy. Underweight people showed a higher prevalence of TW assumption as well as those who drink less than occasionally carbonated drinks, drink alcohol, consume vegetables more than once a day, and snacks less than once a week with a satisfying level perceived health status. Regressions showed that all age classes are less likely to drink tap water than people younger than 20 years old. The category with “inadequate” economic resources is more likely to consume tap water. Low educational classes show a low likelihood of consuming tap water as well as Islands. A concern about waste production and climate change is associated with an increased likelihood of assuming tap water. Tap water consumption was negatively associate with obesity but not with a satisfactory Self-perceived health status. Insights from this study can inform public health strategies.