As currently understood, the Dirac theory employs a 4 x1 type wavefunction. This 4x1 Dirac wavefunction is acted upon by a 4x4 Dirac Hamiltonian operator, in which process, four independent particle solutions result. Insofar as the real physical meaning and distinction of these four solutions, it is not clear what these solutions really mean. We demonstrate herein that these four independent particle solutions can be brought together under a single roof wherein the Dirac wavefunction takes a new form as a 4x4 wavefunction. In this new formation of the Dirac wavefunction, these four particle solutions precipitate into three distinct and mutuality dependent particles that are eternally bound in the same region of space. Given that Quarks are readily found in a mysterious threesome cohabitation-state eternally bound inside the Proton and Neutron, we make the suggestion that these Dirac particles might be Quarks. For the avoidance of speculation, we do not herein explore this idea further but merely present it as a very interesting idea worthy of further investigation. We however must say that, in the meantime, we are looking further into this very interesting idea, with the hope of making inroads in the immediate future.

In this paper, new types of M-fractional wave solutions of mathematical physics model named as truncated M-fractional (1+1)-dimensional non-linear simplified Modified Camassa-Holm model are achieved by applying the modified simplest equation (MSE), Sardar sub-equation and generalized Kudryashov techniques. The gained solutions containing dark, bright, periodic and mixed wave solitons. Effect of fractional order derivative is also discussed. Achieved wave solitons are verified by Mathematica tool. Few of the gained wave solitons are also described through 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and contour graphs through Mathematica tool. The gained solutions are helpful for the further development of concerned model. Finally, these techniques are simple, fruitful and effective to deal with non-linear FPDEs.

The current communication presents the application of a consolidated model combination strategy to analyze the medium-term carbon fluxes in two Mediterranean pine wood ecosystems. The modelling strategy is based on the use of a NDVI-driven parametric model, Modified C-Fix, and of a bio-geochemical model, BIOME-BGC, the outputs of which are combined taking into account the actual development phase of each ecosystem. The two pine ecosystems examined correspond to an old-growth forest and to a secondary succession after clearcuts, which differently respond to the same climatic condition during a ten-year period (2013-2022). Increasing dryness, in fact, exerts a fundamental role in controlling the gross primary and net ecosystem production of the mature stand, while the effect of forest regeneration is prevalent for the uprising of the same variables in the other stand. In particular, the simulated net carbon exchange fluctuates around 200 g C m-2 year-1 in the first stand and rises to over 600 g C m-2 year-1 in the second stand; correspondingly, the accumulation of new biomass is nearly undetectable in the former case while becomes notable in the latter. The study therefore supports the potential of the applied strategy for predicting the forest carbon balances consequent on diversified natural and human-induced factors.

Epigenetic modifications are closely related to diseases and physiological health, mainly including DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNA. Recently, a large amount of research has been conducted on the detection of epigenetic modifications. Electrochemical biosensors, with their low cost, high sensitivity, high compatibility, and simple operation, have been widely used in the detection of epigenetic biomarkers. This review discusses the detection of epigenetic biomarkers using different electrochemical sensing methods. Here we discuss various aspects, including free labels, signal labeling, signal amplification, nano-based electrodes, and the combined use of other methods. By summarizing the existing electrochemical detection methods for epigenetic modifications, this review also proposes the future development trends and challenges for electrochemical biosensors in this field.

Considerable efforts have been devoted to modifying gravity, which aim to elucidate the possible existence or nature of dark matter and energy, describe observational data more effectively, and formulate quantum gravity. In addition, despite the immense success of the quantum field theory, the framework requires renormalization techniques and breaks down at high energies. Recently, the Planck legacy 2018 release has confirmed the existence of an enhanced lensing amplitude in the cosmic microwave background power spectra, which prefers a positively curved early Universe with a confidence level higher than 99%. This study considers the implied curvature of the early Universe as the curvature of “the background or 4D conformal bulk as a manifestation of vacuum energy” and distinguishes it from the localized curvature that is induced in the bulk by the presence of celestial objects that are regarded as ”4D relativistic cloud-worlds.” Analogously, because gravity appears to emerge owing to spacetime curvature and does not exhibit critical characteristics shared by other fields, it has been incorporated as the local curvature of the bulk affecting the embedded quantum fields that are regarded as propagating “4D relativistic quantum clouds.” To consider the effects of the bulk on embedded clouds, this paper presents interaction field equations in terms of brane-world modified gravity and the perspective of geometrization of the quantum mechanics wherein gravity is manifested by the curvature of 4D conformal bulk as an indicator of the field strength of vacuum energy on the embedded 4D relativistic clouds in addition to the boundary interactions, which could remove the singularities and satisfy a conformal invariance theory. A visualization of the evolution of the 4D relativistic cloud-worlds over the conformal spacetime of the 4D bulk is presented, whereas the standard said theories can be recovered from the interaction field equations.

Any change in the amount and annual distribution of rainfall causes a major socioeconomic and environmental problem where rainfed agriculture is predominant. For that reason, the objective of this study was to determine the long-term variability and trends of precipitation in the Wabi Shebele River Basin (WSRB), Ethiopia. The basin was discretized into 7 local agroclimatic zones (ACZ) based on annual rainfall and elevation. In this study, the coefficient of variation (CV) was used to check the variability of rainfall and modified Mann-Kendall (MK) and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) methods were used to detect rainfall trends. For each ACZ, stations with long-term records and less than 10 % missing data were selected for further analysis. The mean annual rainfall in the basin ranges from 227.2 mm to 1047.4 mm. The study revealed most of the ACZs showed a very high variation in Belg/Spring season rainfall (CV % > 30) than Kiremt/Summer and annual rainfall. Trend analysis revealed that no uniform trend was detected among ACZs at each temporal scale. But, most ACZ in the arid and semi-arid areas showed a non-significant decreasing trend. In comparison, a similar result was observed using MK and ITA methods.

New setting is introduced to study the global powerful alliance. Global powerful alliance is about a set of vertices which are applied into the setting of neutrosophic graphs. Neighborhood has the key role to define this notion. Also, neighborhood is defined based on strong edges. Strong edge gets a framework as neighborhood and after that, too close vertices have key role to define global powerful alliance based on strong edges. The structure of set is studied and general results are obtained. Also, some classes of neutrosophic graphs excluding empty, path, star, and wheel and containing complete, cycle and r-regular-strong are investigated in the terms of set, minimal set, number, and neutrosophic number. Neutrosophic number is used in this way. It’s applied to use the type of neutrosophic number in the way that, three values of a vertex are used and they’ve same share to construct this number. It’s called “modified neutrosophic number”. Summation of three values of vertex makes one number and applying it to a set makes neutrosophic number of set. This approach facilitates identifying minimal set and optimal set which forms minimal-global-powerful-alliance number and minimal-global-powerful-alliance-neutrosophic number. Two different types of sets namely global-powerful alliance and minimal-global-powerful alliance are defined. Global-powerful alliance identifies the sets in general vision but minimal-global-powerful alliance takes focus on the sets which deleting a vertex is impossible. Minimal-global-powerful-alliance number is about minimum cardinality amid the cardinalities of all minimal-global-powerful alliances in a given neutrosophic graph. New notions are applied in the settings both individual and family. Family of neutrosophic graphs has an open avenue, in the way that, the family only contains same classes of neutrosophic graphs. The results are about minimal-global-powerful alliance, minimal-global-powerful-alliance number and its corresponded sets, minimal-global-powerful-alliance-neutrosophic number and its corresponded sets, and characterizing all minimal-global-powerful alliances, minimal-t-powerful alliance, minimal-t-powerful-alliance number and its corresponded sets, minimal-t-powerful-alliance-neutrosophic number and its corresponded sets, and characterizing all minimal-t-powerful alliances. The connections amid t-powerful-alliances are obtained. The number of connected components has some relations with this new concept and it gets some results. Some classes of neutrosophic graphs behave differently when the parity of vertices are different and in this case, cycle, and complete illustrate these behaviors. Two applications concerning complete model as individual and family, under the titles of time table and scheduling conclude the results and they give more clarifications and closing remarks. In this study, there’s an open way to extend these results into the family of these classes of neutrosophic graphs. The family of neutrosophic graphs aren’t study deeply and with more results but it seems that analogous results are determined. Slight progress is obtained in the family of these models but there are open avenues to study family of other models as same models and different models. There’s a question. How can be related to each other, two sets partitioning the vertex set of a graph? The ideas of neighborhood and neighbors based on strong edges illustrate open way to get results. A set is global powerful alliance when two sets partitioning vertex set have uniform structure. All members of set have more amount of neighbors in the set than out of set and reversely for non-members of set with less members in the way that the set is simultaneously t-offensive and(t-2)-defensive. A set is global if t=0. It leads us to the notion of global powerful alliance. Different edges make different neighborhoods but it’s used one style edge titled strong edge. These notions are applied into neutrosophic graphs as individuals and family of them. Independent set as an alliance is a special set which has no neighbor inside and it implies some drawbacks for these notions. Finding special sets which are well-known, is an open way to purse this study. Special set which its members have only one neighbor inside, characterize the connected components where the cardinality of its complement is the number of connected components. Some problems are proposed to pursue this study. Basic familiarities with graph theory and neutrosophic graph theory are proposed for this article.

New setting is introduced to study the global offensive alliance. Global offensive alliance is about a set of vertices which are applied into the setting of neutrosophic graphs. Neighborhood has the key role to define this notion. Also, neighborhood is defined based on strong edges. Strong edge gets a framework as neighborhood and after that, too close vertices have key role to define global offensive alliance based on strong edges. The structure of set is studied and general results are obtained. Also, some classes of neutrosophic graphs containing complete, empty, path, cycle, star, and wheel are investigated in the terms of set, minimal set, number, and neutrosophic number. Neutrosophic number is defined in new way. It’s first time to define this type of neutrosophic number in the way that, three values of a vertex are used and they’ve same share to construct this number. It’s called “modified neutrosophic number”. Summation of three values of vertex makes one number and applying it to a set makes neutrosophic number of set. This approach facilitates identifying minimal set and optimal set which forms minimal-global-offensive-alliance number and minimal-global-offensive-alliance-neutrosophic number. Two different types of sets namely global-offensive alliance and minimal-global-offensive alliance are defined. Global-offensive alliance identifies the sets in general vision but minimal-global-offensive alliance takes focus on the sets which deleting a vertex is impossible. Minimal-global-offensive-alliance number is about minimum cardinality amid the cardinalities of all minimal-global-offensive alliances in a given neutrosophic graph. New notions are applied in the settings both individual and family. Family of neutrosophic graphs is studied in the way that, the family only contains same classes of neutrosophic graphs. Three types of family of neutrosophic graphs including m-family of neutrosophic stars with common neutrosophic vertex set, m-family of odd complete graphs with common neutrosophic vertex set, and m-family of odd complete graphs with common neutrosophic vertex set are studied. The results are about minimal-global-offensive alliance, minimal-global-offensive-alliance number and its corresponded sets, minimal-global-offensive-alliance-neutrosophic number and its corresponded sets, and characterizing all minimal-global-offensive alliances. The connection of global-offensive-alliances with dominating set and chromatic number are obtained. The number of connected components has some relations with this new concept and it gets some results. Some classes of neutrosophic graphs behave differently when the parity of vertices are different and in this case, path, cycle, and complete illustrate these behaviors. Two applications concerning complete model as individual and family, under the titles of time table and scheduling conclude the results and they give more clarifications. In this study, there’s an open way to extend these results into the family of these classes of neutrosophic graphs. The family of neutrosophic graphs aren’t study deeply and with more results but it seems that analogous results are determined. Slight progress is obtained in the family of these models but there are open avenues to study family of other models as same models and different models. There’s a question. How can be related to each other, two sets partitioning the vertex set of a graph? The ideas of neighborhood and neighbors based on strong edges illustrate open way to get results. A set is global offensive alliance when two sets partitioning vertex set have uniform structure. All members of set have more amount of neighbors in the set than out of set. It leads us to the notion of global offensive alliance. Different edges make different neighborhoods but it’s used one style edge titled strong edge. These notions are applied into neutrosophic graphs as individuals and family of them. Independent set as an alliance is a special set which has no neighbor inside and it implies some drawbacks for these notions. Finding special sets which are well-known, is an open way to purse this study. Special set which its members have only one neighbor inside, characterize the connected components where the cardinality of its complement is the number of connected components. Some problems are proposed to pursue this study. Basic familiarities with graph theory and neutrosophic graph theory are proposed for this article.

Trailing oil is the tail section of contamination. There are two main reasons for the formation of trailing oil, one is the effect of laminar flow boundary layer, the other is the outflow of the preceding batch remained in the dead-legs. In the batch transportation of refined oil, under the action of viscous force, the preceding batch forms laminar boundary layer near the pipe wall and stays on the pipe wall, resulting in the phenomenon of contamination trailing and formation of trailing oil. When oil passes through the valve chamber of the oil transportation station, dead-leg will be formed. Due to gravity and convection diffusion, preceding batch flowing from dead-legs will form trailing oil in the pipeline. The phenomenon of trailing oil exists in the process of batch transportation, which will have an effect on the quality of oil. In this paper, Reynolds time-averaged method is used to simulate turbulence.Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) software is used to simulate different flow rates and bypass lengths to obtain contamination-related experimental data.Matlab software is used to perform multi-nonlinear regression for the oil substitution time, the length of the bypass and the flow rate. The formula for calculating the length of the trailing oil produced by the dead-leg is obtained. The modified formula for calculating the length of the contamination is obtained by combining the existing formula for calculating the length of the contamination.

This article is devoted to overcoming the contradiction between the problem of maximizing the extraction of wind energy as the goal of optimizing wind turbines, and the use of traditional methods based on criteria for the aerodynamic quality of the blades. A modified technique is considered in which the optimization criterion is the directly extracted flow power. It is based on pulse theory methods that use specific power as an optimization criterion. A comparative analysis of the energy efficiency of different types of turbines is carried out, and the effects of blade inversion are considered. A method for calculating multi-rotor turbines based on the concept of uniform power distribution is presented. The compatibility of proprietary and traditional methods is considered by comparing the results of numerical experiments with calculated and experimental data from sources. Optimization computational algorithms generate data from numerical experiments and determine optimal parameter configurations for the turbines under consideration. It is shown that orthogonal Darrieus turbines in high-speed mode provide energy efficiency comparable to collinear turbines, and multi-rotor turbines with power uniformly distributed over the working section are not inferior in energy efficiency to basic turbines, with linear blade velocities halved.

We performed arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization using a suture button device for modified Neer type IIb lateral clavicle fractures accompanied by CC ligament injury. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of this procedure. Six consecutive patients with modified Neer type IIb fractures were treated with the technique and followed for 12 months. Postoperative ranges of motion (ROMs) and X-rays were evaluated every 3 months. Shoulder functional scores (University of California Los Angeles score, Japanese Orthopedics Association score), visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain at rest, at night, and during motion, and VAS score for satisfaction were analyzed at 12 months after surgery. For the clinical outcomes, early ROM recovery and excellent outcomes were achieved. For the radiological outcomes, all patients accomplished bone union, slight superior displacement was noted in the CC distance and Dog Bone distance, and bone hole dilation was observed in the superior coracoid and inferior clavicle, but there were no critical complications. The present findings indicate that arthroscopically assisted CC stabilization with a suture button device for unstable lateral clavicle fractures can produce satisfactory radiological and clinical results.

The term new genomic techniques (NGTs), is an umbrella term to describe a variety of techniques that can alter the genetic material of an organism and that have emerged or have been developed since 2001, when the existing genetically modified organism (GMO) legislation was adopted. The analytical framework to detect GMOs in Europe is a established single harmonized procedure which is mandatory for authorization of GM food and feed, thus generating reliable, transparent and effective labelling scheme for GMO products. However, NGT products challenge the implementation and enforcement of the current regulatory system in the EU, relating in particular to the detection of NGT products that contain no foreign genetic material. Consequently, current detection methods will fail to meet minimum performance requirements. Although existing detection methods may be able to detect and quantify even small alterations in the genome, this does not necessarily confirm the distinction between products resulting from NGTs subject to the GMO legislation and other products. Therefore, this study provides a stepwise approach for the in silico prediction of PCR systems specificity by testing a bioinformatics pipeline for amplicon and primer set searches in current genomic databases. We have tested our methodology in two mutant genotypes produced by CRISPR/Cas9 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Overall, our results demonstrated that the single PCR system developed for the identification of a nucleotide insertion in the grf1-3 genotype has sufficient hits in the databases that would not allow discrimination of this mutanted event. Differently, the second mutated genotype grf8-61 which contains a -3bp deletion, found no matches in the sequence variant database. Our approach is the first step in decision making on PCR system and modification of them for empirical testings.

This study aimed to investigate the atherogenicity (quality) of LDL particles in patients with acute and recovered from COVID-19 infection. The participants were adults, aged 18 years or older of both sexes. Those with positive RT-PCR results at baseline were included in the Acute COVID-19 group (n=33), and those with negative RT-PCR six months after acute infection, were included in the Recovered COVID-19 group (n=30). The LDL quality was evaluated using three validated methods: Z-scan, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Lipoprint. The Recovered COVID-19 group showed significantly higher numbers of large LDL particles (less atherogenic) than the Acute COVID-19 group (P<0.05). We also found that COVID-19 infection was associated with the oxidative modification of LDL particles. D-dimer and CRP levels were correlated with Z-scan results and antioxidant-amount estimate. Moreover, we noticed that the infection left a sequel in LDL quality, even after six months of recovery. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring lipids during and after recovery from COVID-19 infection, and their potential deleterious effect on the LDL profile might correlate with the progression of atherosclerosis and poor clinical outcomes.

A conventionally cast CoNiFeMn0.5Cr1.5 alloy and two versions with 0.25C&3.7Ta or 0.25C&3.7Hf were tested in oxidation at 1000°C for 50h with thermogravimetric recording of the oxidation kinetic. In all cases the obtained mass gain curves are parabolic. Their parabolic constants are much lower than the Kp previously determined for the original alloys with an equimolar base (CoNiFeMnCr). However, the post–mortem exploitation of the oxidized samples revealed analogous oxidation features on surface and subsurface, with here too external oxide strata on surface with different Mn and Cr contents, and rather great Mn–depletion in addition to a moderate Cr–depletion, in subsurface. Globally, the oxidation behavior is significantly better than earlier observed for the equimolar version of these alloys.

The transverse momentum distribution of J/ψ mesons produced in pp collisions at the center-of-mass energy 5 TeV, 7 TeV，and 13 TeV is described by the modified Hagedorn function which is based on the Tsallis function and Hagedorn function. The calculated results by the modified Hagedorn function are in accord with experimental data measured by the LHCb Collaboration at LHC. The related parameters are obtained and analyzed.

Background: Chronic kidney disease, one of the most common diseases in the world, is characterized by irreversible impairment of the kidney’s metabolic, excretory, and endocrine functions. During end-stage renal disease, patients require renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis (HD). Protein-energy wasting is a common health problem among HD patients. However, this study aims to assess the nutritional status of HD patients at two HD centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to determine its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two different Dialysis Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 211 female and male HD patients. Malnutrition was recognized using the Modified-SGA (M-SGA) comprising two parts: medical history and physical examination. Sociodemographic and health status for all patients were also determined. Patients were classified based on their M-SGA score into two groups: normal and malnourished. Results: Overall, 54.5% of the participants showed malnutrition. Unemployment, low muscle strength and mass, high level of medication use, and high dialysis vintage were positively (P<0.05) associated with malnutrition. Conclusion: The M-SGA score indicates a high prevalence of malnutrition among HD patients. These results show the importance of regular assessment and follow-ups for HD patients ensuring better health and nutritional status.

Melatonin is a hormone used for treating several disorders. However, its oral administration is problematic due to the variable absorption and extensive first-pass metabolism. The topical application of this drug does not present these disadvantages and can be used for therapeutic and skin protection purposes. The adsorption and release of melatonin in the montmorillonite clay was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The drug-clay interaction products were prepared and characterized, showing a modified and improved diffusion and release of melatonin. The crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of melatonin and melatonin-water-mineral materials were studied by molecular modeling, finding that the adsorption of this drug is energetically favourable, and the results were consistent with the experimental data. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations with the metadynamics methodology showed the release of melatonin from the confined interlayer nanospace of montmorillonite to the liquid bulk water with a 20 kcal/mol free energy barrier.

Modified ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) as a novel mono-component intumescent flame retardant (IFR) was prepared via the ionic exchange between ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and piperazine sulfonate, which is synthesized by self-assembly using 1-(2-Amioethyl) piperazine (AEP) and p-amino benzene sulfonic acid (ASC) as raw materials. This all-in-one IFR integrating three functional elements (carbon, acid, and gas source) showed more efficient flame retardancy and excellent smoke suppression as well as better mechanical properties than the conventional APP. The incorporation of 22.5 wt.% MAPP into polypropylene (PP) eliminated the melt dripping phenomenon and passed the UL-94 V-0 rating. The results of the cone calorimetry test (CCT) revealed that the release of heat, smoke, and CO is significantly decreased, demonstrating that this novel IFR endows PP with excellent fire safety more effectively. For PP/MAPP composites, a possible IFR mechanism was proposed based on the analysis of the pyrolysis gas and char residues.

Regression models form the core of the discipline of econometrics. One of the basic assumptions of classical linear regression model is that the values of the explanatory variables are fixed in repeated sampling. However, in most of the real life cases, particularly in economics the assumption of fixed regressors is not always tenable. Under a non-experimental or uncontrolled environment, the dependent variable is often under the influence of explanatory variables that are stochastic in nature. There is a huge literature related to stochastic regressors in various aspects. In this paper, a historical perspective on some of the works related to stochastic regressor is being tried to pen down based on literature search.

Fabrication of a nanocrystal zinc oxide (ZnO)/nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene composite using a novel and facile in situ sol-gel technique is demonstrated. Two-dimensional nanostructure morphology with uniform ZnO nanoparticles (average diameter of 10.25 nm) anchored on N-doped graphene nanosheets was observed via electron microscopy. Because of the polar heteroatoms on the graphene sheets, an abundance sites for polysulfide absorption were provided. More importantly, the strong chemical interaction between ZnO and polysulfides efficiently hindered the transport of polysulfides. Consequently, the lithium/sulfur (Li/S) battery with the ZnO/N-doped graphene composite-coated separator delivered enhanced performance in terms of discharge capacity and cycling stability when compared to the cell with a normal separator. With the modified separator, the battery achieved a discharge capacity as high as 942 mAh g^-1 for the first cycle and remained at 90.02 mAh g^-1 after the 100th charge/discharge test at 0.1 C. Results indicate that impeding the shuttling of polysulfides contributes to efficiently improving the behavior of the Li/S battery.

Fabrication of a nanocrystal zinc oxide (ZnO)/nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene composite using a novel and facile in situ sol-gel technique is demonstrated. Two-dimensional nanostructure morphology with uniform ZnO nanoparticles (average diameter of 10.25 nm) anchored on N-doped graphene nanosheets was observed via electron microscopy. Because of the polar heteroatoms on the graphene sheets, an abundance sites for polysulfide absorption were provided. More importantly, the strong chemical interaction between ZnO and polysulfides efficiently hindered the transport of polysulfides. Consequently, the lithium/sulfur (Li/S) battery with the ZnO/N-doped graphene composite-coated separator delivered enhanced performance in terms of discharge capacity and cycling stability when compared to the cell with a normal separator. With the modified separator, the battery achieved a discharge capacity as high as 942 mAh g^-1 for the first cycle and remained at 90.02 mAh g^-1 after the 100th charge/discharge test at 0.1 C. Results indicate that impeding the shuttling of polysulfides contributes to efficiently improving the behavior of the Li/S battery.

This study examined the tourism spatial distribution of nine cities in the Fujian province and assessed the impacts of COVID-19. The modified gravity model found that it was widely dispersed, with uneven and relatively independent tourism development in different cities. The social network analysis showed that tourism connections across cities were significantly reduced after the pandemic. The impacts of brand awareness and transport accessibility on spatial networks were positive in pre-pandemic but became negative during the pandemic. In contrast, tourist volume had negative impacts on spatial networks in pre-pandemic but had positive ones during the pandemic. Tourism resources and market performance had significantly positive impacts in the post-pandemic era. These findings provide advice on tourism recovery and destination management in coping with future critical events. It also contributes to the theoretical gravity framework in tourism and the research scope of the social networks analysis at the city level.

The aim of this study was to assess and contrast the effects on the vertical marginal fit of full contour CAD/CAM generated monolithic zirconia crowns pre- and post-cementation of employing chamfer finishing line designs with various occlusal reduction schemes (planar and flat) and cements. Material and Method: Forty sound human maxillary first premolars were selected for this study. Samples will be divided into two main groups of twenty samples in each group according to the occlusal reduction scheme: Group A: chamfer finishing line design with planar occlusal reduction scheme. Group B: chamfer finishing line design with flat occlusal reduction scheme. Each main group will be subsequently separated into two smaller groups based on the kind of cement that was utilized (n=10) Subgroup A1: crowns will be cemented by using resin-modified Glass Ionomer cement (Fuji Plus). Subgroup A2: crowns will be cemented using a Universal adhesive system (Duo Estecem II). Subgroup B1: crowns will be cemented by using Fuji Plus. Subgroup B2: crowns will be cemented using a Duo Estecem II. Result: Marginal gaps were measured at 4 indentations, using a Dino light-stereomicroscope (230X). Paired T-tests and student t-tests analyzed the data. Prior to cementation, subgroup A1 scored the lowest mean of vertical marginal gap values (80.284±23.021), while subgroup B2 scored the highest mean (118.597±9.956); following cementation, subgroup A1 scored the lowest mean of vertical marginal gap values (95.45±17.598), and subgroup B2 scored the highest mean of vertical marginal gap values (134.806 ±8.114). Chamfer finishing line design with a planar occlusal reduction scheme could be a preferable occlusal reduction scheme.

Introduction: Antitumor host immune response is an important factor, but its role is not fully established. The role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in breast cancer as an immunological biomarker has been significantly explored over the past years. The number of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) increased and identification of a biomarker to predict the probability of pCR (pathological complete response) is a high priority. Materials and methods: We evaluated 334 cases of BC treated with NAC followed by surgical resection from 2020-2022 in Ist Clinic of Oncological Surgery, Oncological Institute "Prof Dr I Chiricuta" Cluj Napoca. Of the above, 122 cases were available for histological evaluation both in pre-NAC biopsy and post-NAC resection tissue. Evaluation of biopsy fragments and resection parts using hematoxylin eosin (H&E). The TIL evaluation took place according to the recommendations of the International TIL Working Group (ITILWG). Results: There was a strong association between elevated levels of pre-NAC TIL. At the same time, there is a statistically significant correlation between stromal TIL and tumor grade, the number of lymph node metastases, the molecular subtype, and the number of mitoses (p <0.005). Intratumoral TIL showed a significant correlation with tumor size, distant metastasis, molecular subtype, number of mitosis, stage and lymph node metastasis (p<0.005). We also demonstrated that high pre-NAC TILs represent a strong predictive marker for pCR. Conclusion: This study reveals the role of TIL as a predictive biomarker in breast cancer not only for the well-established TNBC (triple negative breast cancer) and HER2+ (Her2 overexpressed) subtypes but also in Luminal A and B molecular subtypes. In this scenario, the evaluation of TILs as novel predictive and therapy-predicting factors should become a routinely performed analysis that could guide clinicians into the choice of the most appropriate therapy.

Genetic engineering technology offers opportunities to improve many important agronomic traits in crops, including insect-resistance. However, genetically modified (GM) exogenous proteins in edible tissues of transgenic crops has become an issue of intense public concern. To advance the application of GM techniques in maize, a Cre/loxP-based strategy was developed for manipulating the transgenes in green tissues while locking it in non-green tissues. In the strategy, the site-specific excision can be used to switch on or off the expression of transgenes at specific tissues. In this work, two basic transgenic maize named KEY carrying the Cre gene and LOCK containing the Vip3A gene with a blocked element, were obtained based on their separate fusion gene cassettes. The expression level and concentration of Vip3A were observed with high specific accumulation in green tissues (leaf and stem), and only a small amount in root and kernel tissues in the KEY × LOCK hybrids. The insect-resistance of transgenic maize against two common lepidopteran pests, Ostrinia furnacalis and Spodoptera frugiperda, was assessed in the laboratory and field. The results indicated that the hybrids possessed high resistance levels against the two pests, with mortality rates above 73.6% and damage scales below 2.4 compared with the control group. Our results suggested that the Cre/loxP-mediated genetic engineering approach has a competitive advantage in GM maize. Overall, findings from this study are significant for providing a feasible strategy for transgenes avoiding expression in edible parts and exploring novel techniques toward the biosafety of GM plants.

A reliable finite element procedure to simulate shear-dominated ductile fracture in large-scale, thin-walled steel structures is still evolving due primarily to the challenges in determining the fracture criterion of steel materials under complex stress states. This paper aims to examine the accuracy of the modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model considering the shear failure in simulating ductile fracture of steel plate structures under quasi-static punch loading. The modified GTN damage models are performed by ABAQUS user defined material subroutine (VUMAT). The void related parameters and shear damage parameters of Xue’s and N-H modified GTN models are calibrated from test specimens with various geometries corresponding to different stress triaxiality and shearing conditions. The damage evolution associated with the shearing of voids in the modified GTN models has strong influences on the stress triaxiality versus equivalent plastic strain under complex stress states, especially for the shear dominated loading conditions. Based on the original GTN model, Xue’s model, and N-H modified GTN model with calibrated material parameters, a numerical comparative study examines the ductile fracture of steel non-stiffened plate and stiffened plate under punch loading. Benchmarked against the experimental studies, the numerical simulations demonstrate that the shear driven void evolution in the modified GTN model imposes significant effects on the load-displacement responses, as well as the onset and extension of ductile fracture in steel plates under punch actions. The N-H modified model with calibrated shear damage parameters shows a better correlation with the ductile fractures in steel plates observed in the experiment, than the original GTN model and Xue’s modified GTN model. As a result of this study, the modified GTN model considering the shear failure can be applied for practical applications in the crashworthiness assessment of ship collision and grounding.

The Sun is a frame at relative rest in which sunlight travels at the emitted speed c. Earth travels at the revolving speed v in this frame. The reflection of light as a mechanical phenomenon applies to the modified Michelson interferometer employed by Miller in his experiments with light from the Sun. Unlike the Tomaschek experiments, which use light from stars that may travel in the Universe at velocities different from that of the Sun, the fringe shifts in the Miller experiments are predictable. Based on Michelson's derivation, Miller expected in his experiments at Mount Wilson a 1.12 fringe shift and observed a fringe shift of 0.08 in 1921 and 0.088 in 1925. The reflection of light as a mechanical phenomenon predicts zero fringe shift for Miller's experiment agreeing only with his observations at the Cleveland laboratory in 1924.

CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows the modification of DNA sequences in vivo at the location of interest. Although CRISPR-Cas9 can produce genomic changes that do not require DNA vector carriers, the use of transgenesis for stable integration of DNA coding for gene-editing tools into plant genomes is still the most used approach and it can generate unintended transgenic integrations, while Cas9 prolonged expression can increase cleavage at off-target sites. In addition, the selection of genetically modified cells from millions of treated cells, especially plant cells, is still challenging. These downfalls can be avoided with the delivery of preassembled ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) composed of purified recombinant enzyme Cas9 and in vitro- transcribed guide RNA (gRNA) molecules in a protoplast system. We therefore aimed to develop the first DNA-free protocol for gene-editing in maize and introduced RNPs into their protoplasts with PEG 4000. We performed effective transformation of maize protoplasts using different gRNAs sequences targeting the inositol phosphate kinase gene and applying two different exposure times to RNPs. Using low-cost Sanger sequencing protocol, we observed an efficiency rate of 0.85 up to 5.85%, which is equivalent to DNA-free protocols used in other plant species. A positive correlation was displayed between exposure time and mutation frequency. Mutation frequency was gRNA sequence- and exposure time-dependent. In summary, we demonstrated the suitability of RNP transfection as an effective screening platform for gene-editing in maize. This efficient and relatively easy assay method for selection of gRNA suitable for editing of gene of interest will be highly useful for genome editing in maize, since genome size and GC-content are large and high in maize genome, respectively. Nevertheless, the large amplitude of mutations at target site requires scrutiny when checking mutations at off-target sites and potential safety concerns.

Background In SILIUS (NCT01214343), combination of sorafenib and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy did not significantly improve overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with sorafenib alone. In this study, we explored the relationship between objective response by mRECIST and overall survival (OS) in the sorafenib group, in the combination group and in all patients in the SILIUS trial. Methods Association between objective response and OS in patients treated with sorafenib (n=103), combination (n=102) and all patients (n=205) were analyzed. The median OS of responders was compared with that of non-responders. Landmark analyses were performed according to objective response at several fixed time points, as sensitivity analyses, and the effect on OS was evaluated by Cox regression analysis with objective response as a time-dependent covariate, with other prognostic factors was performed. Results In the sorafenib group, OS of responders (n = 18) was significantly better than that of non-responders (n = 78) (p < 0.0001), where median OS was 27.2 (95% CI, 16.0–not reached) months for responders and 8.9 (95% CI, 6.5–12.6) months for non-responders. HRs from landmark analyses at 4, 6, and 8 months were 0.45 (p=0.0330), 0.37 (p=0.0053), and 0.36 (p=0.0083), respectively. Objective response was an independent predictor of OS based on unstratified Cox regression analyses. In the all patients and the combination group, similar results were obtained. Conclusion In the SILIUS trial, objective response was an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with HCC.

Mass insect rearing can have a range of applications, for example in biological control of insects. Since the performance of released biological control agents determines efficacy, the competitive fitness of insects post release is a key variable. Here, we tested whether inoculation with a gut symbiont, Enterobacter cloacae, and gnotobiotic rearing of larvae could improve insect growth and male competitive fitness of a transgenic diamondback moth, which has shown variation in fitness when reared in different insectaries. All larvae were readily infected with the focal symbiont. Under gnotobiotic rearing pupal weights were reduced and there was a marginal reduction in larval survival. However, gnotobiotic rearing substantially improved the fitness of transgenic males. In addition, in gnotobiotic conditions, inoculation with the gut symbiont increased pupal weights and male fitness, increasing the proportion of transgenic progeny from 20 to 30% relative to symbiont-free insects. Gnotobiotic conditions may improve the fitness of transgenic males by excluding microbial contaminants, while symbiont inoculation could further improve fitness by providing additional protection against infections, or by normalizing insect physiology. The simple innovation of incorporating antibiotic into diet, and inoculating insects with symbiotic bacteria that are resistant to that antibiotic, could provide a readily transferable tool for other insect rearing systems.

COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide since December 2019. During the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 repeatedly mutated from Alpha to Omicron. The severity and mortality are related to age, sex, and underlying diseases (respiratory, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and immune diseases). We retrospectively studied 44 hospitalized stroke patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The mortality rate of hospitalized stroke patients with COVID-19 was 6 (13.6%). The cause of death was coagulopathy in 3 cases of ischemic stroke. High modified Rankin Scale score（mRS）of stroke patient was correlated with severity of COVID-19. The timing of vaccination is inversely correlated with COVID-19 severity. In conclusion, stroke patients with COVID-19 have high mortality rates attributed to coagulopathy. Stroke patients with high mRS scores are more likely to develop severe COVID-19. In high mRS scores, therapy for severe COVID-19 should be administered.

The current study explores the problem of illiquidity in the corporate bond market and examines a broad set of liquidity proxies through empirical investigation. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to give solution to the global issue of illiquidity in the corporate bond market. The problem is identified by many researchers and this paper attempts to find out the viable solution of the "fungibility route" as an alternative to the "liquidity route". Design/ Methodology: An Analysis of a sample size of 2,34,772 trade data of corporate bonds and a sample size of 2,00,607 trade data of G-securities is done to identify the problem. Findings / Solution proposed: A mathematical model based on credit risk differential and sensitivity differential is proposed to find out the fair value at which an illiquid bond can be swapped by a liquid bond. To arrive at the fair value of the illiquid bond, we have calculated risk adjusted discount rate using modified duration and credit risk differential. With our solution, it is possible to enhance the liquidity of the bond not directly but through fungibility route. Originality: the research is first of its kind in which solution is given to the global problem of corporate bond illiquidity. To execute the trade in the fungibility route, proposed parties involved are the Fungibility platform, the initiator, and the bidder. The derived fair value would facilitate trade and serve as an exit strategy for illiquid bond holders worldwide.

In this paper, the research progress on dynamic behaviors of RC structural members is reviewed from experimental, theoretical and numerical perspectives. Firstly, the basic overview, measurement methods, main conclusions and current limitations of available dynamic loading tests are presented. Then the theoretical studies on the dynamic constitutive models of RC materials, the dynamic increase factor (DIF) model for concrete and reinforcing steel and the proposed modified models of dynamic behavior parameter at the structural member level are summarized. Finally, the available modelling approach and the method for incorporating the dynamic effect in numerical simulation of RC structures are reviewed. Moreover, a brief introduction is made to the dynamic hysteretic model established on the experimental data, which provides an alternative approach to consider the dynamic effect beside the commonly used DIF method. This paper provides valuable reference for experimental studies and numerical simulations on the dynamic behaviors of RC structures, and also puts forward some issues that need to be solved in the future research works..

Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score is useful for the nutritional screening. We aimed to explore whether the CONUT score may predict a 3-month functional outcome in hemorrhagic stroke (AHS). Totally, 349 patients with incident AHS were consecutively recruited, and their malnutrition risks were determined using a high CONUT score of ≥ 2. Poor functional outcomes were defined as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≥ 3 at 3 months. A total of 328 patients (mean age, 60.4 ± 12.83 years; 66.8% male) were included, 172 (52.40%) patients at malnutrition risk and 104 (31.7%) patients with a poor prognosis. High-CONUT patients had lower total lymphocyte counts and total cholesterol levels than low-CONUT patients (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.012). At 3-month post discharge, patients with malnutrition risk had higher hospitalization costs (p = 0.021), lower Barthel Index (p = 0.001), and more infectious complications (p = 0.002) than those without, and there was a greater risk for poor functional outcomes in the high-CONUT compared with the low-CONUT patients at admission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-4.17). High-CONUT scores predict a 3-month poor prognosis in AHS, which may help identify the AHS patients who need additional nutritional managements.

Background: Post-operative pain and swelling are frequently observed after sinus lift procedures. The aim of the present study was a clinical evaluation of swelling and pain of two sinus lift different flaps technique measured through visual analogue scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS) and infrared thermal imaging (i.e., thermography). Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in fifteen patients treated for a total of 30 sinus randomly allotted into two groups. In patients of Group I, a triangular flap was performed, while in Group II modified triangular flap without anterior release was performed. Postoperative pain was scored by VAS and inflammation was recorded by VRS at 2, 4, 6 and 14 days. The facial temperature was recorded before and after sinus augmentation, at 2, 4, 6 day intervals for the first week and at 14 day, to check the course of healing. Results: In group I the pain intensity was recorded at 2 days after the surgery with a score of 38.67 ± 6.4 mm. Swelling was higher at 2 and 4 day, and it was absent at day 6. Facial temperature difference before and after the procedure was 3 (4.737 °C ± 0.37). In Group II the pain was lower than in Group I (p < 0,05). Swelling scored 2 on the first and second day, and it was reduced at day 4. After the second day the difference of temperature reduced significantly compared to day of surgery (0.77 °C), at 2 and 4 days no difference was registered. Conclusion: In conclusion based on the outcome of the present study, modified triangular flap can be used with success in sinus augmentation procedures and is to be preferred to trapezoidal flap.

In this study, we successfully synthesized a novel branched polyamide 6 with ε-caprolactam(CPL) and α-Amino-ε-caprolactam(ACL) through hydrolytic ring-open co-polymerization. The NMR characterization and rheological test result proved the existence of branched chain structure additionally. The branched chain structure caused a remarkable enhancement in the rheological properties. The met index(MFR),zero shear rate viscosity and storage modulus at low frequency region had a remarkable increase.The shear thinning phenomenon became more obvious. The thermal properties test determined by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) showed that the melting point and crystallinity of co-polymers decreased with the increase of ACL addition.However, the crystal structure of the samples remained unchanged. The appropriate addition amount of ACL can improve the tensile mechanical properties of the co-polymers. When the amount of ACL was 1%, the tensile strength and fracture elongation rate of the co-polymers had the most significant increase.

The feasibility of using zeolites, synthesized from components found in municipal solid waste fly ash (MSW-FA), as sorbents for the recovery of nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) and heavy metals is critically assessed in this review. The inherent drawbacks of utilising a highly contaminated, variable, and relatively Al- and Si-dilute source such as MSW-FA to synthesize zeolites are discussed, and different methods to extract and decontaminate zeolite precursor materials from MSW-FA are considered. Ways to synthesize tailored zeolites and how their properties as well as the operational conditions impact the adsorption of cations such as ammonium and heavy metals are summarized. The use of surface-modified zeolites to adsorb nitrate and phosphate is also reviewed. And subsequently, approaches to utilise directly or recover for reuse the adsorbed compounds are considered, discussing potential challenges and mitigating measures related to leaching of unwanted compounds from the zeolites. Moreover, the possibility to regenerate the adsorption capacity of the zeolites for multiple adsorption cycles is considered. In the final chapter of the review a more general discussion of the main challenges and existing research gaps is provided, giving directions for recommended studies.

The global environmental impact of plastic waste is significant, with only 9% being recycled, causing pollution and harming the environment and humans. Due to increased traffic, limited funding, and dwindling natural resources, Jordan's road network is deteriorating rapidly. Pavement performance can be improved through high-quality materials and sustainable construction practices. The research investigates using Polyethylene Terephthalate as a polymer additive in asphalt mixtures to enhance their properties. Basalt and limestone mixtures were applied to asphalt mixtures. The optimal binder content for the control mixture was 4.8% for basalt and 4.93% for limestone. When modified with 10% PET, the basalt mixture showed slightly better stability than the control mix, while higher PET proportions led to reduced strength. PET-modified mixtures consistently displayed higher flows and bulk densities, with a more pronounced impact on the basalt mixture. PET increased the air-void ratio in basalt but had minimal effect on VMA. PET offers economic and environmental advantages, saving 8.4% of the original bitumen cost. As a result, limestone mixture properties, which are inferior to basalt mixture properties, improved significantly compared to basalt mixture properties. PET has the potential to create sustainable and high-performing asphalt mixtures, providing valuable insights for road construction and environmental management.

The presence of dark matter, though well established by indirect evidence is yet to be observed directly. Various dark matter detection experiments running for several years have yielded no positive results so far. In view of these negative results, we had earlier proposed alternate models by postulating a minimum gravitational field strength (minimum curvature) and also a minimum acceleration. These postulates led to the modified Newtonian dynamics and modified Newtonian gravity (MONG). The observed flat rotation curves of galaxies had also been accounted for through these postulates. Here we extend these postulates to galaxy clusters and model the dynamical velocity-distance curves for such large-scale structures. The velocity-distance curve of the Virgo cluster, plotted with this model is found to be in accordance with that observed.

Abstract: This paper is focusing on the stabilisation of soil using jute fibre as soil stabilizer. Stabilisation is the process of modifying the properties of a soil to improve its engineering performance and used it for a variety of engineering works. This study examines the potential of soil stabilization with jute fibre when it is cut into roughly 30mm lengths as stabilizer. The varying percentages like 0.5%, 1%, 1.5 and 2% of pieces of jute fibre were used and mixed it with soil. The laboratory tests such as California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, modified compaction tests and direct shear strength tests have been conducted to observe the change in engineering properties of soil. On the basis of the experiments performed, it can be concluded that the stabilization of soil using 30mm pieces of jute as stabilizer improves the strength characteristics of the soil so that it becomes usable as one of the reinforcing material for the construction of roadways, parking areas, site development projects, airports and many other situations where sub-soils are not suitable for construction.

Although sarcopenia is characterized by a loss of muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass, few studies have evaluated the effect of muscle strength on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. We separately evaluated the impact of sarcopenia-related factors (grip strength [GS] and the skeletal muscle index [SMI]) on the survival among lenvatinib-treated unresectable HCC (u-HCC) patients. This single-center cohort study was conducted at a university hospital. The study population included 63 lenvatinib-treated u-HCC patients managed between April 2018 and April 2020. A decreased GS and decreased SMI were found in 21 (33.3%) and 22 (34.9%) patients, respectively. The overall survival (OS) of the normal GS group was significantly higher than that of the decreased GS group, while that of the normal and decreased SMI groups did not differ markedly. There were no significant differences in the progression-free survival between the normal GS and decreased GS groups or the normal SMI and decreased SMI groups. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that ALBI2b (hazard ratio [HR] 4.39) and a decreased GS (HR 3.55) were independently associated with an increased risk of poor prognosis. In addition to the hepatic functional reserve, a decreased GS was a poor prognostic factor in lenvatinib-treated u-HCC patients.

By using Modified simple equation method, we study the Cahn Allen equation which arises in many scientific applications such as mathematical biology, quantum mechanics and plasma physics. As a result, the existence of solitary wave solutions of the Cahn Allen equation is obtained. Exact explicit solutions interms of hyperbolic solutions of the associated Cahn Allen equation are characterized with some free parameters. Finally, the variety of structure and graphical representation make the dynamics of the equations visible and provides the mathematical foundation in mathematical biology, quantum mechanics and plasma physics.

This article addresses the challenge of simulating rainstorm waterlogging in urban-scale areas where reliable drainage pipe network data is often lacking. Despite existing methods attempting to tackle this issue, there remains a gap in effectiveness. We present a novel approach, the Modified Equivalent Infiltration (MEI) method, building upon the foundation of the Equivalent Infiltration (EI) method. The study focuses on the outer ring area of Shanghai, utilizing data from the "In-Fa" typhoon period for simulation and comparison. Our findings reveal that the MEI method, requiring the same data inputs as the EI method, surpasses its predecessor in both principle and simulation results. Additionally, the MEI method demonstrates robustness in handling rainstorm waterlogging scenarios.

This research paper is about to obtain new soliton solutions to the M-fractional (1+1)-dimensional nonlinear Westervelt model by utilizing $\exp_a$ function and modified simplest equation techniques. The gained solutions involving dark, bright, periodic, dark-bright and other solitons. These results have many applications in wave propagation of sound waves, high amplitude in medical imaging and therapy. Achieved results are verified by Mathematica tool and the effect of M-fractional derivative on the solutions is explained through 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional and contour plots. At the end, these techniques are simple, fruitful and effective to deal with nonlinear FPDEs.

The selectin of a demand forecasting method is critical for companies aiming to avoid manufacturing overproduction or shortages in pursuit of sustainable development. Various qualitative and quantitative criteria with different weights must be considered during the evaluation of a forecasting method. The qualitative criteria and criteria weights are usually assessed in linguistic terms. Aggregating these various criteria and linguistic weights for evaluating and selecting demand forecasting methods in sustainable manufacturing is a major challenge. This paper proposes an extension of fuzzy Elimination and Choice Translating Reality (ELECTRE) I to resolve this problem. In the proposed method, fuzzy weighted ratings are defuzzified with the signed distance to develop a crisp ELECTRE I model. Moreover, an extension to ELECTRE I is developed by suggesting an extended modified discordance matrix and a closeness coefficient for ranking alternatives. The proposed extension can overcome the problem of information loss which can lead to incorrect ranking result when using the Hadamard product to combine concordance and modified discordance matrices. A comparison is conducted to show the advantage of the proposed extension. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method; furthermore, a numerical comparison is made to display the advantage of the proposed method.

Rationale. A biomaterial is proposed for closing extensive bone defects in the maxillofacial region. The composition of the biomaterial includes high molecular weight chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronate, heparin, alginate and inorganic nanostructured hydroxyapatite. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate morphological and histological early signs of reconstruction of a bone cavity of a critical size. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on 84 white female rats weighing 200 g. The control group of animals consisted of 44 individuals, the study group - 40. In all animals, three-walled bone defects 0.5 cm in size were applied subperiosteally in the region of the angle of the lower jaw and filled in the experimental group with a gel mass of chitosan -alginate-hydroxyapatite (CH-SA-HA). In control animals, the bone cavities were filled with an auto-blood clot. The follow-up periods were 3.5.7 days, 2.3.4.6.8 and 10 weeks. Results. The chitosan construct after implantation actively replaced defects early with the formation of a full-fledged new bone tissue compared to control animals. Morphological analysis of the walls of the bone defect on the 7th day showed signs of the formation of spongy bone tissue, after two weeks - a pronounced increase in bone volume (P<0.01), after 6 weeks after surgery, the closure of the defect was 70-80%, after 8 weeks - 100% without disturbing bone morphology with a high degree of mineralization. Conclusion The use of modified chitosan after filling eliminates bone defects of critical size in the maxillofacial region, reveals early signs of bone neoformation, and serves as a promising material in reconstructive dentistry.

Biocontainment techniques for genetically modified yeasts (GMYs) are pivotal due to the importance of these organisms for biotechnological processes and also due to the design of new yeast strains by using synthetic biology tools and technologies. Due to the large genetic modifications that many yeast strains display, it is highly desirable to avoid the leakage of GMY cells into natural environments and, consequently, the spread of synthetic genes and circuits by horizontal or vertical gene transfer mechanisms within the microorganisms. Moreover, it is also desirable to avoid that patented yeast gene technologies spread outside the production facility. In this review, it was evaluated the different biocontainment technologies currently available for GMYs. Interestingly, uniplex-type biocontainment approaches (UTBAs), which relies on nutrient auxotrophies induced by gene mutation or deletion, or the expression of simple kill switches apparatus, are still the major biocontainment approaches still in use with GMY. While bacteria like Escherichia coli account for advanced biocontainment technologies based on synthetic biology and multiplex-type biocontainment approaches (MTBAs), GMYs are distant from this scenario due to many reasons. Thus, a comparison of different UTBAs and MTBAs applied for GMY and genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) was made, indicating the major advances of biocontainment techniques for GMYs.

In this paper, we construct the degenerate poly-Fubini polynomials, called the type 2 degenerate poly-Fubini polynomials, by using the modified degenerate polyexponential function and derive several properties on the degenerate poly-Fubini polynomials and numbers. In the last section, we introduce type 2 degenerate unipoly- Fubini polynomials attached to an arithmetic function, by using the modified degenerate polyexponential function and investigate some identities for those polynomials. Furthermore, we give some new explicit expressions and identities of degenerate unipoly polynomials related to special numbers and polynomials.

A 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) was electrochemically polymerized on a graphite rod electrode using potential cycling. The electrode modified by poly-9,10-phenanthrenequinone (poly-PQ) was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The poly-PQ shows variations in growth pattern depending on the number of potential cycles for the initiation of polymerization. Formed poly-PQ layer demonstrates good electric conductivity, great electrochemical capacitance and unique oxidation/reduction properties, which are suitable for broad technological applications, including applicability in biosensors, supercapacitors, and in some other electrochemical systems.

In the realm of construction industry, the management of claims constitutes a pervasive and multifaceted issue, with potential repercussions extending to project delays, cost overruns, work suspensions, and, in extreme cases, project termination. This challenge is a significant and unavoidable hurdle due to the unique features of construction projects, which are complex, involve many stakeholders and come with inherent risks. To address this complex issue, it becomes imperative to undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the claims management procedures employed within the industry, culminating in the presentation of findings within a risk-based framework. The overarching objective of this endeavour is threefold: firstly, to discern the pivotal attributes that affect each category of construction claims; secondly, to establish a coherent decision-making paradigm for the effective administration of such claims; and finally, to provide data that can be harnessed to either address concerns related to claims or enhance the effectiveness of the claims administration process. Keeping this in mind, this study serves to evaluate the factors associated with claim management gathered from a wide overview of literature, encompassing a range of construction projects, varying in terms of types, sizes/capacities and contractual arrangements. Hence, it advanced a refined method within the domain of fuzzy group decision-making, denoted as the Modified Fuzzy Group Decision-Making Approach (FGDMA) in addition to extensive statistical analysis using SPSS.V.25 software. They were applied to assess, analyze and prioritize claim about 108 claim management factors based on the responses obtained from the comprehensive questionnaire survey involving 104 industry professionals. This multi-faceted approach, which combines the insights from previous publications, along with the collective experience of the surveyed professionals with the analytical capabilities of the FGDMA- Statically Factor Analysis, reinforces the robustness and practical applicability of proposed methodology within the context of construction claims management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of swift responses and the necessity of dependable technologies for vaccine development. Our team previously developed a fast cloning system for the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vaccine platform. In this study, we report the construction and preclinical testing of a recombinant MVA vaccine obtained using this system. We obtained recombinant MVA expressing the unmodified full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein containing the D614G amino acid substitution (MVA-Sdg) and a version expressing a modified S protein containing amino acid substitutions designed to stabilize the protein a in a pre-fusion conformation (MVA-Spf). S protein expressed by MVA-Sdg was found to be expressed and correctly processed and transported to the cell surface, where it efficiently produced cell-cell fusion. Version Spf, however, was not proteolytically processed and despite being transported to the plasma membrane, it failed to induce cell-cell fusion. We assessed both vaccine candidates in prime-boost regimens in the susceptible transgenic K18-human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (K18-hACE2) mice and in golden Syrian hamsters. Robust immunity and protection from disease was induced with either vaccine in both animal models. Remarkably, the MVA-Spf vaccine candidate produced higher levels of antibodies, a stronger T cell response, and a higher degree of protection from challenge. In addition, the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the brain of MVA-Spf inoculated mice was decreased to undetectable levels. Those results add to our current experience and range of vaccine vectors and technologies for developing a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine

Magnetometric Resistivity(MMR) Method, which can use the power supply method of the traditional apparent resistivity method to measure the magnetic field. At present, the application research abroad is relatively extensive, but the domestic(China) research on the application of the MMR method is very few, and it is not even well-known. This paper is based on the MMR theoretical method under the point source DC condition, combined with the abnormal potential method and the modified Biot-Savart law, and using the three-dimensional numerical calculation method of the finite difference method to calculate the abnormal potential field, electric field, and magnetic field on the matlab2018a platform. Calculate, realize the multi-physics simulation in the electromagnetic field through Matlab platform programming, and verify the correctness of the algorithm by the spherical anomaly model with an analytical solution. Through the visual simulation of the three-dimensional data volume of the multi-physics field in the electromagnetic field, we can better understand the response mechanism of the electromagnetic field under DC conditions and grasp their three-dimensional spatial distribution rules. It is hoped that the research in this article can help the research of MMR Personnel better use this method for exploration.

Fractional differential mathematical model unfolding the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in India is presented and explored in this paper. The purpose of this study is to estimate the future outbreak of disease and potential control strategies using mathematical models in India as a whole country as well as in some of the states of the country. This model is calibrated based on reported cases of infections over the month of April 2020 in India. We have used iterative fractional complex transform method to find approximate solutions of the model having modified Riemann Liouville fractional differential operator. We have also carried out a comparative analysis between actual and estimated cumulative cases graphically, moreover, most sensitive parameters for basic reproduction number$(R_0)$ are computed and their effect on transmission dynamics of COVID-19 pandemic is investigated in detail.

Daily rainfall data was collected for the arid district of Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh state, India from 1981 to 2016 at the sub-district level and aggregated to monthly, annual and seasonal rainfall totals and the number of rainy days. The objective of this study is to evaluate the homogeneity, trend, and trend change points in the rainfall data. After quality checks and homogeneity analysis, a total of 27 rain gauge locations were considered for trend analysis. A serial correlation test was applied to all the time series to identify serially independent series. Non-Parametric Mann-Kendall test and Spearman’s rank correlation tests were applied to serially independent series. The magnitude of the trend was calculated using Sen’s slope method. For the data influenced by serial correlation, various modified versions of Mann-Kendall tests (Pre-Whitening, Trend Free Pre-Whitening, Bias Corrected Pre-Whitening and two variants of Variance Correction Approaches) were applied. A significant increasing summer rainfall trend is observed in 6 out of 27 stations. Significant decreasing trends are observed at two stations in the south-west monsoon season and at two stations in the north-east monsoon season. To identify the trend change-points in the time series, distribution-free Cumulative SUM test and sequential Mann-Kendall tests were applied. Two open-source library packages were developed in R language namely, ‘modifiedmk’ and ‘trendchange’ to implement the statistical tests mentioned in this paper. The study will benefit water resource management, drought mitigation, socio-economic development and sustainable agricultural planning in the region.

In quantum approaches to consciousness, the authors try to propose a model and mechanism for the mind-brain interaction using modern physics and some quantum concepts which do not exist in the classical physics. The independent effect of mind on the brain has been one of the challenging issues in the history of science and philosophy. In some recent mind-brain interaction models, the direct influence of mind on matter is either not accepted (as in Stapp’s model) or not clear, and there have not been any clear mechanism for it (as in Penrose-Hameroff’s model or in Eccles’s model). In this manuscript we propose a model and mechanism for mind’s effect on the matter using an extended Bohmian quantum mechanics and Avicenna’s ideas. We show that mind and mental states can affect brain’s activity without any violation of physical laws. This is a mathematical and descriptive model which shows the possibility of providing a causal model for mind’s effect on matter. It is shown that this model guarantees the realistic philosophical constraints and respects the laws of nature. In addition, it is shown that it is in agreement with the Libet style experimental results and parapsychological data. To propose this model, we obtained a modified (non-unitary) Schrödinger equation via second quantization method which affects the particle through a modified quantum potential and a new term in the continuity equation. At the second quantized level, which is equivalent to quantum field theory level (QFT), we can use the path integral formalism of Feynman. We show that there are three methods to extend Bohmian QM via path integral formalism, which has different interpretations. By numerical simulation of trajectories in the two-slits experiment, we show their differences and choose one of these methods for our mind-brain model which can be the basis for explaining some phenomena which are not possible to explain in the standard Bohmian QM.

Three kinds of hydrophobic groups grafted starches of maleic anhydride grafted starch (MAH-g-starch), lactic acid grafted starch (LA-g-starch), and methyl acrylate grafted starch (MA-g-starch) were prepared by in-situ solid phase polymerization. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were confirmed successful grafting. The grafting ratios of MAH-g-starch, LA-g-starch and MA-g-starch were 6.50%, 12.45%, and 0.57%, respectively. Influenced by the grafting ratio, LA-g-starch had the best hydrophobic properties and the largest molecular weight, and those for MA-g-starch was the worst. The surfaces of grafted starches were covered with graft polymer, with obvious surface roughness and bond degree of MAH-g-starch and LA-g-starch. The crystalline structure of grafted starches showed some damage, with LA-g-starch exhibiting the greatest decrease in crystallinity, and less of a change for MA-g-starch. Overall, the grafting reaction improved thermoplasticity, with LA-g-starch the most improved, followed by MAH-g-starch, and then MA-g-starch.

Inverse Sumudu transform multiple shifting properties are used to design methodology for solving ordinary differential equations. Then algorithm applied to solve Whittaker and Zettl equations to get their new exact solutions and profiles which shown through Maple complex graphicals. Table of inverse Sumudu transforms for elementary functions given for supporting the differential equations solving using inverse Sumudu transform.

The exceptional Jordan algebra is the algebra of $3 \times 3$ Hermitian matrices with octonionic entries. It is the only one from Jordan’s algebraic formulation of quantum mechanics which is not equivalent to the conventional formulation of quantum theory. It has often been suggested that this exceptional algebra could explain physical phenomena not currently explained by the conventional approach, such as values of the fundamental constants of the standard model of particle physics, and their relation to gravitation. We show that this is indeed the case; and this also unravels the connection between general relativity and the weak force. The exceptional Jordan algebra also predicts a new U(1) gravitational interaction which modifies general relativity, and which provides a theoretical basis for understanding the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND).

New modied Hayward metric of magnetically charged non-singular black hole spacetime in the framework of nonlinear electrodynamics is constructed. When the fundamental length introduced, characterising quantum gravity effects, vanishes one comes to the general relativity coupled with the Bronnikov model of nonlinear electrodynamics. The metric can have one (an extreme) horizon, two horizons of black holes, or no horizons corresponding to the particle-like solution. Corrections to the Reissner-Nordström solution are found as the radius approaches to innity. As r -> 0 the metric has a de Sitter core showing the absence of singularities. The asymptotic of the Ricci and Kretschmann scalars are obtained and they are nite everywhere. The thermodynamics of black holes, by calculating the Hawking temperature and the heat capacity, is studied. It is demonstrated that phase transitions take place when the Hawking temperature possesses the maximum. Black holes are thermodynamically stable at some range of parameters.

The first part of this paper contains a brief description of the beginnings of modern cosmology, which, the author will argue, was most likely born in the Year 1912. Some of the pieces of evidence presented here have emerged from recent research in the history of science, and are not usually shared with the general audiences in popular science books. In special, the issue of the correct formulation of the original Big Bang concept, according to the precise words of Fred Hoyle, is discussed. Too often, this point is very deficiently explained (when not just misleadingly) in most of the available generalist literature. Other frequent uses of the same words, Big Bang, as to name the initial singularity of the cosmos, and also whole cosmological models, are then addressed, as evolutions of its original meaning. Quantum and inflationary additions to the celebrated singularity theorems by Penrose, Geroch, Hawking and others led to subsequent results by Borde, Guth and Vilenkin. And corresponding corrections to the Einstein field equations have originated, in particular, R², f(R), and scalar-tensor gravities, giving rise to a plethora of new singularities. For completeness, an updated table with a classification of the same is given.

Surface water distribution extracted from remote sensing data has been used in water resource assessment, coastal management, and environmental change studies. Traditional manual methods for extracting water bodies cannot satisfy the requirements for mass processing of remote sensing data; therefore, accurate automated extraction of such water bodies has remained a challenge. The histogram bimodal method (HBM) is a frequently used objective tool for threshold selection in image segmentation. The threshold is determined by seeking twin peaks, and the valley values between them; however, automatically calculating the threshold is difficult because complex surfaces and image noise which lead to not perfect twin peaks (single or multiple peaks). We developed an operational automated water extraction method, the modified histogram bimodal method (MHBM). The MHBM defines the threshold range of water extraction through mass static data; therefore, it does not require the identification of twin histogram peaks. It then seeks the minimum values in the threshold range to achieve automated threshold. We calibrated the MHBM for many lakes in China using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images, for which the relative error (RE) and squared correlation coefficient (R2) for threshold accuracy were found to be 2.1% and 0.96, respectively. The RE and root-mean-square error (RMSE) for the area accuracy of MHBM were 0.59% and 7.4 km2. The results show that the MHBM could easily be applied to mass time-series remote sensing data to calculate water thresholds within water index images and successfully extract the spatial distribution of large water bodies automatically.

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are widely investigated for the cost-effective use of titanium (Ti) alloys in various aerospace applications. One of the AM techniques developed for such applications is plasma transferred arc solid free-form fabrication (PTA-SFFF). Materials manufactured through AM techniques often exhibit anisotropies in mechanical properties due to the layer-by-layer material build. In this regard, the present study investigates the isothermal directional fatigue of Ti-TiB metal matrix composite (MMC) manufactured by PTA-SFFF. This investigation includes rotating beam fatigue test, electron microscopy, and fatigue calculations. The fatigue experiments were performed at 350 ºC using specimen with the test axis oriented diagonally (45º) and parallel (90º) to the AM builds directions. The fatigue values from the current experiments along with literature data find that Ti MMC manufactured via PTA-SFFF exhibit fatigue anisotropy reporting highest strength in 90º and lowest in perpendicular (0º) AM build directions. Further, the electron microscopy investigations on 0º, 45º, and 90º AM build specimens reveal frequent TiB clusters in all three AM build directions and suggest that the spread of these TiB clusters play a role in fatigue anisotropy. Moreover, the fatigue calculations were performed using both the Paris’ and recently reported modified Paris’ equations. Comparison of R^2 values for these calculations show that modified Paris’ equation predicts the fatigue life of AM Ti-TiB MMC more accurately than the Paris’ equation.

Experimental tests and numerical analyses were carried out on short, thin-walled channel columns with modified cross-sectional shape. The columns were loaded with an axial compressive force applied at the center of gravity of the cross section. Tests were carried out on a universal testing machine, while numerical analyses were performed in ANSYS software. The purpose of the tests was to determine the values of critical forces for the compressed columns and to determine the values of maximum forces at which failure of the columns occurs. Critical forces were determined based on the strain-averaged method. Based on the study, it was found that the strength and resistance to loss of stability of columns is primarily affected by their stiffness, and therefore by the shape of the cross-sections. In addition, for short columns, it seems more important to determine the value of maximum forces than the values of critical forces.

Debates on climate change challenges around the world are moving in favour of nature-based solutions (NBS) as potential mitigation and adaptation options. Mangroves and associated blue carbon ecosystems are nature-based solutions against sea level rise and other coastal hazards. As such, protecting the existing mangrove forests and restoration of the degraded areas is integral in this aspect. However, conventional mangrove restoration approaches in high-energy areas result in poor performance due to the removal of seedlings by waves. Here, we assessed the efficacy of using modified Riley Encasement Methods in the restoration of eroding intertidal areas of Gazi Bay, Kenya. Vegetation and soil baseline data were collected in 49 square plots of 100m2; established along belt transects perpendicular to the waterline. The following mangrove vegetation data was collected; species composition, tree height (m), and stem diameter (cm); from which the importance value index (IV), basal area and standing density (stems/ha) were derived. Sediment cores were made in the center of each square plot for carbon and grain size analysis. Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) planting adopted a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in which the planting area was divided into three blocks (A, B, C). Within each block, treatments (bamboo and different-sized PVC pipes) were randomly assigned locations. Results show that seedlings grown within PVC encasements had high survival and growth rates, surpassing bamboo and control groups. This implies that PVC pipes offer better protection from external factors. These findings are critical in highlighting potential enhancements for the effectiveness of PVC pipes in mangrove restoration. They also reinforce on the need to consider the incorporation of PVC encasements as an alternative mangrove restoration technique in high-energy locations.

(1) Background: Retroareolar breast tumors are common, but they rarely progress to malignancy. This report presents a case of a 41-years-old woman with a superficial breast tumor, emphasizing the significance of considering a wide range of options when evaluating breast lumps. (2) Methods: The patient presented with a steadily growing, ulcerating superficial tumor in her left breast. To determine the nature of the tumor, a diagnostic assessment was conducted, which included a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and histological analysis. (3) Results: The diagnostic assessment confirmed the presence of a malignant Grade II superficial infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Following the diagnosis, the patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia. Subsequently, she received four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by taxol administrations. (5) Conclusions: This case report underscores the importance of conducting a thorough examination and maintaining a high index of suspicion for breast tumors. By documenting this case, the report contributes to the existing knowledge on various manifestations of breast cancer and highlights the necessity of early identification and aggressive treatment. This knowledge can be applied to identify and manage similar cases in the future, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) there is little information regarding whether seizure characteristics and treatment effectiveness change across age. Using an on-line survey, seizure characteristics, effectiveness of antiepileptic treatments, comorbidities and ASD diagnosis were collected from individuals with ASD and seizures. We previously reported overall general patterns of treatment effectiveness but did not examine the effect of seizure characteristics or age on antiepileptic treatment effectiveness. Such information would improve the personalized medicine approach to the treatment of seizures in ASD. Survey data from 570 individuals with ASD and clinical seizures were analyzed. Seizure severity (seizure/week) decreased with age of onset of seizures, plateauing in adolescence, with a greater reduction in generalized tonic clonic (GTC) seizures with age. Seizure severity was worse in those with genetic disorders, neurodevelopmental regression (NDR) and poor sleep maintenance. Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine were reported to be more effective when seizures started in later childhood while surgery and the Atkin’s/Modified Atkin’s Diet (A/MAD) were reported to be more effective when seizures started early in life. A/MAD and the ketogenic diet were reported to be more effective in those with NDR. Interestingly, atypical Landau-Kleffner syndrome was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and NDR, suggesting a novel syndrome. These interesting findings need to be verified in independent, prospectively collected cohorts, but none-the-less these data provide some insight into novel relationships that may assist in a better understanding of epilepsy in ASD and providing insight into personalizing epilepsy care in ASD.

As time continues to advance, the need for robust security threat mitigation has become increasingly vital in software. However, ensuring early effective security threat mitigation requires optimal test data and consistent test case design. It is a constant struggle to maximize test coverage through test data optimization. We conducted explanatory research to maximize test coverage of security requirements as modeled in Structured Misuse Case Description (SMCD) i.e., structured specification of misuse case, so as to improve consistency in optimal test data generation. We specified constraints upon Mal activity in Object Constraint Language (OCL) in order to minimize human dependency and improve consistency in optimal test data generation. It was evident through results that MC/DC generated optimal test data of security threats through SMCD in comparison to the Decision Coverage method thus resulting in designing a significantly lower number of test cases and yet maximizing test coverage of security threats. MC/DC generated test data with n+1, while Decision Coverage generated test data with〖 2〗^n, we, therefore, conclude that MC/DC maximizes test coverage through optimal test data from SMCD in comparison to Decision Coverage.

The basis of modern teeth whitening systems is the use of a whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of chemical and modified office teeth whitening systems on the mineral metabolism of oral fluid and to determine a safer method. The study covered 81 patients aged 22 to 35 years of both sexes with teeth color A2 and darker on the Vita Classic scale. Determination of the concentration of calcium and phosphates in the oral fluid was carried out on a spectrophotometer using ready-made Human kits. Chemical tooth whitening was performed using a gel based on 40% hydrogen peroxide. After the procedure, remineralization therapy with enamel-sealing liquid was performed for 14 days. The obtained results indicate that the most pronounced changes in the content of calcium (+74.4%, p &lt;0.001) and рhosphates (phosphorus) (-23.07%, p &lt;0.001) were observed when using a chemical bleaching system. After the teeth whitening procedure using a modified technique, less pronounced changes in the concentrations of calcium (+29.07, p &lt;0.001) and phosphorus (-14%, p &lt;0.001) were observed. The use of remineralizing agents led to a faster recovery of the initial levels of calcium and phosphates in the oral fluid. Both bleaching systems caused similar changes in the chemical composition of the oral fluid.

A growing number of clinical data suggests that the use of antiplatelets and/or statins pre-stroke are associated with reduced severity and better functional outcomes for ischemic stroke. Studies have shown that the long-term use of ACEI/ARB pre-stroke is beneficial in reducing severity at onset and improving functional outcomes. We aimed to compare stroke severity and early functional outcome between patients taking ACEI/ARB and those who were not, and to identify any additional effects to taking ACEI/ARB with antiplatelets, statins, or both. In this retrospective case-control study, we assessed 218 patients who presented with ischemic stroke to the stroke unit in Padeh-Poriyah Hospital between 2019-2020. Of these patients, 119 took ACEI/ARB pre-stroke. A significantly higher percentage of ACEI/ARB-treated patients had a history of hypertension (HTN) and hyperlipidemia and were taking antiplatelets and/or statins, compared to the non-ACEI/ARB group. We observed that pre-stroke treatment with ACEI/ARB is associated with worsened stroke severity and reduced early functional outcomes. No significant benefit to taking ACEI/ARB with antiplatelets and/or statins pre-stroke was observed. Due to the nature of our study, the data should be interpreted as suggestive. Thus, prospective studies of these medications on ischemic stroke severity and early outcomes are warranted.

In this paper, we study quantum gravity effect on the symmergent black hole which is derived from quadratic-curvature gravity. To do so, we use the Klein-Gordon equation which is modified by generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). After solving the field equations, we examine the symmergent black hole's tunneling and Hawking temperature. We explore the graphs of the temperature through the outer horizon to check the GUP influenced conditions of symmergent black hole stability. We also explain how symmergent black holes behave physically when influenced by quantum gravity. The impacts of thermal fluctuations on the thermodynamics of a symmergent black holes spacetime are examined. We first evaluate the model under consideration's thermodynamic properties, such as its Hawking temperature, angular velocity, entropy, and electric potential. We evaluate the logarithmic correction terms for entropy around the equilibrium state in order to examine the impacts of thermal fluctuations. In the presence of these correction terms, we also examine the viability of the first law of thermodynamics. Finally, we evaluate the system's stability using the Hessian matrix and heat capacity. It is determined that a stable model is generated by logarithmic corrections arising from thermal fluctuations.

This study explores optimizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation scheduling for multi-imaging missions in densely targeted areas using an in-house developed Modified Dynamic Programming (MDP) algorithm. By employing Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) to define the mission planning problem, the research aims to maximize observation of high-value targets within restricted planning horizons. Numerical simulations, covering a wide range of target numbers and satellite configurations, reveal the MDP algorithm’s superior mission allocation efficiency, enhanced success rates, and reduced revisit times, compared to the Greedy algorithm. The findings underscore the MDP algorithm’s improved operational efficiency and planning robustness for complex imaging tasks, demonstrating significant advancements over traditional approaches.

The approach based on molecular modeling was developed to study dNTP derivatives characterized by new polymerase-specific properties. For this purpose, the relative efficiency of PCR amplification with modified dUTPs was studied using Taq, Tth, Pfu, Vent, Deep Vent, Vent (exo-), and Deep Vent (exo-) DNA polymerases. The efficiency of PCR amplification with modified dUTPs was compared with the results of molecular modeling using the known 3D structures of KlenTaq polymerase–DNA–dNTP complexes. The dUTPs were C5-modified with bulky functional groups (the Cy5 dye analogs) or lighter aromatic groups. Comparing the experimental data and the results of molecular modeling revealed the decrease of PCR efficiency in the presence of modified dUTPs with an increase in the number of non-covalent bonds between the substituents and the DNA polymerase (about 15% decrease per one extra non-covalent bond). Generalization of the revealed patterns to all the studied polymerases of the A and B families is discussed herein. The number of non-covalent bonds between the substituents and polymerase amino acid residues is proposed to be a potentially variable parameter for regulating enzyme activity.

The potentially active A subunit of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII-A) is an intracellular transglutaminase expressed in various cell types including platelets and monocytes/macrophages. It is involved in stabilizing protein structures by cross-linking through Nε-(?-L-glutamyl)-L-lysyl iso-peptide bonds. Macrophages are major cellular constituents of the atherosclerotic plaque and are important in determining its structural/functional features. Two of their important functions are the accumulation of oxidized LDL in the lipid core, and by cross-linking structural proteins they may stabilize the plaque and protect the thrombi of atherogenic origin against fibrinolytic degradation. It is important to know whether these functions operate in parallel utilizing the same cellular compartments. First, we showed that monocyte-derived human macrophages significantly increase their FXIII-A content when up-taking oxidized LDL. This phenomenon is very likely independent of the process of transformation into foam cells, as the transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells into foam cells fails to result in the expression of FXIII-A. FXIII containing macrophage-like cells are abundant in the plaque and FXIII-A is also present in the extracellular core. Several cells co-stained for FXIII-A and for Oil Red O suggest that expression of FXIII-A and lipid up-take are common features of macrophages present in the atherosclerotic plaque.

olten salt reactors (MSRs) utilize salts as coolant or as the fuel and coolant together with fissile isotopes dissolved in the salt. It is necessary to therefore understand the behavior of the salts to effectively design, operate, and regulate such reactors, and thus there is a need for thermodynamic models for the salt systems. Molten salts, however, are difficult to represent as they exhibit short range order that is dependent on both composition and temperature. A widely useful approach is the modified quasichemical model in the quadruplet approximation that provides for consideration of first and second nearest neighbor coordination and interactions. Its use in the CALPHAD ap-proach to system modeling requires fitting parameters using standard thermodynamic data such as phase equilibria, heat capacity, and others. Shortcoming of the model is its inability to directly vary coordination numbers with composition or temperature. Another issue is the difficulty in fitting model parameters using regression methods without already having very good initial values. The proposed paper will discuss these issues and note some practical methods for the effective genera-tion of useful models.

: Nanotechnology options to road surface maintenance offers several advantages compared to traditionally used materials. The small particle sizer of hydrophobic Nano-Silane modified Nano-Polymers (NSNP) enables these nanotechnology products to deeply penetrate existing road surfaces, sealing micro-cracks and render surfacings to be water-resistant for extended periods of time. In comparison, traditionally used products contain minimum partial sizes of about 1 – 5 microns, that provide a superficial protection that wears off in a relatively short period of time. These traditional products are often associated with vehicle contamination while drying and requires the re-instatement of road markings. None of these disadvantages are associated with applicable NSNP technologies that are quick drying, with no vehicle contamination risks and is equivalent to a “clear-seal” requiring no reinstatement of road markings. In a similar vein, pot-hole repairs can be done using applicable, easy to use, pre-packed and treated pot-hole repair kits that are water-repellent and quick-drying at a fraction of the costs of conventional cold-mix products. Resurfacing using NME binder slurries can be done labour-intensively on a pre-treated NSNP surfacing, restoring cracked surfacing and providing a water-resistant long-lasting protective layer without the removal of existing cracked areas. The implementation of nanotechnology solutions for road surface maintenance operations is directly associated with ease of use, labour-intensive operations, prevention of considerable deterioration in riding quality due to removal and manual re-instatement of cracked surfaces, time and cost savings and a reduction in the risk of water damage to the sub-structure. TRANSLATE with x English ArabicHebrewPolish BulgarianHindiPortuguese CatalanHmong DawRomanian Chinese SimplifiedHungarianRussian Chinese TraditionalIndonesianSlovak CzechItalianSlovenian DanishJapaneseSpanish DutchKlingonSwedish EnglishKoreanThai EstonianLatvianTurkish FinnishLithuanianUkrainian FrenchMalayUrdu GermanMalteseVietnamese GreekNorwegianWelsh Haitian CreolePersian TRANSLATE with COPY THE URL BELOW Back EMBED THE SNIPPET BELOW IN YOUR SITE Enable collaborative features and customize widget: Bing Webmaster Portal Back TRANSLATE with x English ArabicHebrewPolish BulgarianHindiPortuguese CatalanHmong DawRomanian Chinese SimplifiedHungarianRussian Chinese TraditionalIndonesianSlovak CzechItalianSlovenian DanishJapaneseSpanish DutchKlingonSwedish EnglishKoreanThai EstonianLatvianTurkish FinnishLithuanianUkrainian FrenchMalayUrdu GermanMalteseVietnamese GreekNorwegianWelsh Haitian CreolePersian TRANSLATE with COPY THE URL BELOW Back EMBED THE SNIPPET BELOW IN YOUR SITE Enable collaborative features and customize widget: Bing Webmaster Portal Back

Emission, propagation, and reflection of light as mechanical phenomena in inertial frames are based on the behavior of balls at the limit when their mass is zero. The kinematics of massless balls is like that of balls with mass. Light as a wave or particle is a massless entity. Therefore, it is natural to apply the kinematics of the massless balls to light. Consequently, the kinematics of light depends on its kinetics of electromagnetic nature and its kinematics of mechanical nature in its interactions of emission and reflection with the matter. The study of the physics phenomena in the frame at absolute rest includes those in the inertial frames. Considering this and applying the emission, propagation, and reflection of light as mechanical phenomena in the vacuum of the frame at absolute rest, this study derives formulas for the speed of the wavefront of a ray of light reflected by a fixed and moving mirror when the light comes from a fixed and moving source. The derived formulas apply to the modified Michelson interferometer, employed independently by R. Tomaschek and D. C. Miller in their experiments.

The time symmetry of T_c = CT is redefined based on the 4-D Euclidean space. The time inversion symmetry of T_c = CT changes the signs of the charge (q) and absolute time (ct) of the particle. The P symmetry changes the signs of the space momenta and handedness of the particle. The T_c symmetry changes the signs of the time momentum (P_t=E/c) and charges. The handedness are classified as the left-handedness and right-handedness on the 3-D space. The charges (|q| = cDt) and energies (E= cDtDV) of the particles are originated from the upward warping (q>0) and downward warping (q<0) of the particles along the time axis. The evolution of our matter universe with P_t > 0 since the big bang can be interpreted based on the CTP symmetry with the partner antimatter universe with p_t < 0. The photon space is called as the vacuum space. Then the E and M waves are the space fluctuations, and the gravitational G wave is the time fluctuations. And the E, M and G fields are newly explained. The zero E and M fields of the photon space indicates that the photon space and gamma ray are the 2EM waves. The rest mass energy of the particle is the 4-D space volume of the warped photon space. In the present work, the quantum wave function is considered as the 4-D vector with the space wave function and time axis wave function in the 4-D Euclidean space. The warped photon space corresponds to the squared wave function which is the probability density. It is concluded that, in the quantum mechanics, the imaginary number concept is introduced in the quantum wave functions instead of the time axis component of the 4-D wave function vector. The left-handed neutrino puzzle is explained from the handedness partner relation with the right-handed dark matters. Finally, the modified Lorentz transformations derived in the 4-D Euclidean space are compared with the Lorentz transformations of the special and general relativity theories in the 4-D Minkowski space.

Ti64 alloy plays a significant role in the biomedical applications such as bioimplants for its excellent biocompatibility. Its usage can be further extended by improving the surface hardness and wear resistance. In this respect, laser surface glazing (LSG), an advanced surface modification technique, is very useful which can produce thin hardened surface layer and strong metallurgical bonding. Investigation of temporal and spatial temperature distributions of laser glazed surface of materials are essential because temperature plays significant role in achieving required surface properties. Therefore, in this study, a 3D Finite element analysis has been developed to perform transient thermal analysis of LSG for Ti64 alloy. The model investigated temperature distribution, depth of modified zone and heating and cooling. The results show that the peak temperature is attained 2095 K for 300 W laser power, 0.2 mm beam width and 0.15 ms residence time. Since this temperature is above the melting point (1933 K) of Ti64 alloy, the melt depth is calculated 22.5 μm. Furthermore, from the simulation results, the average heating and cooling rates are estimated 1.19×10⁷ Ks^-1 and 2.71×10⁶ Ks^-1 respectively which indicate the presence of hard phases in the modified zone.

SARS-CoV-2 virulence is known to increase with lowering of environmental temperature and solar ultraviolet radiation; therefore, we have focused our real-world nationwide study concerning with COVID-19 trends and dynamics on the coldest seasons of the year in Italy, the Western country hardest hit at the onset of the pandemic, comparing the autumn-winter of 2020 (before mass vaccination but when the emergency machinery was fully operative in terms of tracing and swabs) with the autumn-winter of 2021 (after mass vaccination), and analyzing the mortality burden by age groups and life stages in the years 2019 (pre-COVID-19), 2020 (before mass vaccination) and 2021 (after mass vaccination). Methods: During the state of national health emergency, the Civil Defense Department released the aggregate data coming from the Higher Institute of Health, the Ministry of Health, the Italian Regions, and the Independent Provinces, to inform the population (58.85 million people) about the pandemic situation, daily. Among these data there were the number of contagions, performed swabs, hospitalizations in Intensive Care Units (ICU), non-ICU patients, and deaths. By means of a team effort, we have collected and elaborated all these data, comparing the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy during the autumn-winter of 2020 with the autumn-winter of 2021. Moreover, we have extracted from the database of the National Institute of Statistics the total number of annual deaths in Italy during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, comparing them to each other in order to evaluate the mortality burden attributable to COVID-19. Results: From the autumn-winter of 2020 to the autumn-winter of 2021, the contagions increased by ≈285%, however against a ≈290% increase in the performed swabs; therefore, the mean positivity rate passed from 8.74% before mass vaccination to 8.59% after mass vaccination. The unprecedent vaccination campaign allowed a ≈251% abatement in COVID-19 deaths, and a reduction of ≈224% and ≈228% in daily ICU and non-ICU hospitalizations due to COVID-19, respectively. Regarding COVID-19 deaths, in 2020 there was a mortality excess of ≈14.3% quantifiable in 105,900 more deaths compared to 2019, the pre-COVID-19 year; 103,183 out of 105,900 deaths occurred in older adults (≥60 years), which is equivalent to ≈97.4%, while in adults over 50, the segment of population just below older adults, in 2020 there were 2807 more deaths than in 2019. Surprisingly, from the analysis of our data, it is emerged that under the age of 40 in the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 there were 7103, 6808 and 7165 deaths, respectively. This means that in subjects under 40 during 2020 there were 295 fewer deaths than in 2019, while during 2021 there were 357 more deaths than in 2020, equivalent to ≈5.2% more. Conclusions: COVID-19 is a potential life-threatening disease mainly in older adults, as they are the most vulnerable due to inherent immunosenescence and inflammaging. Extensive vaccination in this segment of population with up-to-date vaccines is the means to reduce deaths, hospitalizations, and ICU pressure in the public interest. In the event of future threats, a new mass vaccination campaign must not be implemented without taking into account the individual age; it should primarily be aimed at people over 60 and at patients of any age with immune deficits, and secondly at people over 50. COVID-19 vaccination shows a favorable benefit-risk balance in older adults, while this balance falls under the age of 40; this younger segment of population should be therefore exempt from any mandatory vaccination.

The structure of existing activated models is inherently deficient in reflecting the major role of the membrane filtration. This study developed and proposed a novel model, MASM, for the membrane activated process. The effective filtration size imposed by the membrane module, entrapping larger size particles was adopted as the basis of the proposed model. The model defined a modified COD fractionation, accounting for the captured COD fractions as additional model components and utilizing related mass balance relationships. It was implemented for testing the fate of soluble hydrolysable COD and system performance of super-fast membrane activated sludge based on real data for the characterization and process kinetics of domestic sewage and denim processing effluents. Model evaluation was carried for parallel systems with gravity settling and membrane filtration operated at a sludge age range of 0.5-2.0 d. Results reflected significantly better performance of super-fast membrane activated sludge system for both wastewaters, underlining that it was crucially important to account for the captured COD fractions to provide an accurate evaluation of system behavior and effluent quality. This should also be identified as the major shortcoming of the ASM models for evaluating and predicting system performance of activated sludge configurations with membrane separation.

In this paper, the new optical wave solutions of truncated M-fractional perturbed Kundu-Eckhaus model with full non-linearity are obtained by utilizing the expa function technique and modified extended tanh expansion function technique. The solutions are in the form of dark soliton, bright soliton, singular solitons and other form of solutions. The gained solutions are helpful for the further development of concerned model. The obtained results have also been presented graphically in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats to discuss the dynamical features as well as the parametric dependence of the constructed solutions. The study offers a highly spectacular and acceptable techniques to combine various intriguing wave demonstrations for more sophisticated models of the modern day.

Patients with Peripheral-artery-disease (PAD) are prone to risks of major-adverse-limb-events (MALE), and major-adverse-cardiovascular-events (MACE). CHA2DS2-VASc is a prognostic score for Atrial fibrillation stroke risk, however, no study exists that evaluated its predictability for MALE and MACE in PAD patients. In this study, patients with PAD were stratified into four risk groups based on CHA2DS2-VASc score. Cox-proportional hazards models,10-fold cross-validation and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were utilized to evaluate the predictability of CHA2DS2-VASc for predicting MALE, MACE, and MALE+MACE. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the survival-probability of risk-groups. CHA2DS2-VASc was found to be a significant predictor of MACE (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval; P) = 3.47 (0.99 - 12.18; 0.052), 4.12 (1.19 - 14.14; 0.024), and 5.06 (1.48 – 17.28; 0.009), for moderate-, high- and very-high-risk groups, respectively, while for MALE and MALE+MACE significance was achieved only for high-risk group. MACE demonstrated AUC > 0.8, good-discrimination (c-index > 0.8) and good-calibration. However, MALE and MALE+MACE models failed to achieve good performances. Based on all findings, CHA2DS2-VASc could potentially serve as a risk stratification score for predicting MACE in patients with PAD but failed to qualify as a good predictor for MALE.

Parasite control strategies such as blanket anthelmintic treatment of all horses in a herd or interval treatment regimen based on egg reappearance remain widely followed practices for the last several decades. These practices have resulted in the fast emergence of resistance in equine strongyles to all major classes of drugs on the market. In this regard, the guidelines set by the American Association of Equine Practitioners advocate evidence-based strongyle control in horses. It recommends targeted treatment of all heavy egg shedders [&gt; 500 eggs per gram (EPG) of feces] while the low shedders (0-200 EPG) are left untreated to maintain susceptible parasite refugia in a herd. As 50-75% of adult horses in a herd are low shedders, preventing them from unnecessary anthelmintic exposure is critical to tackling resistance. There are various fecal egg count (FEC) techniques with many modifications and variations in use, but none is identified as a gold standard and methods comparison studies are lacking. We hypothesized that the diagnostic performance of commonly used quantitation methodologies differs and the FEC methods must be evaluated to determine the gold standard. In this regard, we performed methods comparison studies using polystyrene beads with size and specific gravity comparable to strongyle eggs, as proxy. The linearity of 12 commonly used FEC methodologies (3 techniques with 4 different solutions) was studied using bead standards in the clinically applicable range (63 to 1,000) to determine their suitability for strongyle egg counts. Deming regression analysis identified Mini-FLOTAC with sugar (specific gravity 1.33) as the test with the greatest coefficient of determination. All tests underestimated the true bead count, and we determined a correction factor (CF) for each test to estimate the true count. CF negates the preference for a gold standard test. Finally, we analyzed the validity of CF for 5 tests with R2&gt;0.95 to accurately quantify strongyle eggs from 40 different horses. Overall, this study identified methodologies with the highest diagnostic performance and the limitations to standardizing routine FEC tests to promote uniformity in implementing AAEP parasite control guidelines.

The use of naturally available materials not conforming to traditional specifications or standards, in the base and sub-base layers of road pavement structures, stabilised with New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME), have been tested, implemented and successfully verified through Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) in South Africa. This was made possible through the development and use of a design procedure addressing fundamental principles and based on scientific concepts, which are universally applicable. The understanding of and incorporation of the chemical interaction between the mineralogy of the materials and a NME stabilising agent (compatibility between the chemistry of the reactive agents and material mineralogy) into the design approach is key to achieving the required engineering properties. Stabilised materials evaluation is done using tests indicative of the basic engineering properties (physics) of compressive strengths, tensile strengths and durability. This article describes the basic materials design approach developed to ensure that organofunctional nano-silane modified emulsions can successfully be used for pavement layer construction utilising naturally available materials, at a low risk. The enablement of the use of naturally available materials in all pavement layers can have a considerable impact on the unit cost and life-cycle costs of road transportation infrastructure. TRANSLATE with x English ArabicHebrewPolish BulgarianHindiPortuguese CatalanHmong DawRomanian Chinese SimplifiedHungarianRussian Chinese TraditionalIndonesianSlovak CzechItalianSlovenian DanishJapaneseSpanish DutchKlingonSwedish EnglishKoreanThai EstonianLatvianTurkish FinnishLithuanianUkrainian FrenchMalayUrdu GermanMalteseVietnamese GreekNorwegianWelsh Haitian CreolePersian TRANSLATE with COPY THE URL BELOW Back EMBED THE SNIPPET BELOW IN YOUR SITE Enable collaborative features and customize widget: Bing Webmaster Portal Back

In advanced world stroke is one of the disabling cause of death that can be managed with thrombolysis if presents early despite further risk of intracerebral haemorrhage. Secondary prevention is an important objective in ischaemic stroke where recurrence is very high with subsequent stroke. Carotid End Arterectomy impact a definitive and effective role for both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis for secondary stroke prevention in selective cases. Thrombolysis is a potential primary management for certain group whereas carotid surgery employs secondary preventative measure in a specified ischaemic stroke group.