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Cervical Cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Treatment with chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy achieves high local control, but recurrence with metastatic disease impacts survival. This highlights the need for predictive and prognostic biomarkers identifying populations at risk of poorer treatment response and survival. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in cervical cancer and is a potential source for biomarkers. Functional MRI (fMRI) can characterise tumour beyond anatomical MRI, which is limited to the assessment of morphology. This review summarises fMRI techniques used in cervical cancer and examines the role of fMRI parameters as predictive or prognostic biomarkers. Different techniques characterise different tumour factors, which helps to explain the variation in patient outcomes. These can impact simultaneously on outcomes, making biomarker identification challenging. Most studies are small, focussing on single MRI techniques, which raises the need to investigate combined fMRI approaches for a more holistic characterisation of tumour. [Display omitted] • fMRI has the potential to provide non-invasive biomarkers for cervical cancer. • Different fMRI techniques characterise tumour properties including cellularity, necrosis, vascular permeability and oxygenation. • Changes in quantitative fMRI parameters in treatment can correlate with tumour response and survival. • Combining fMRI techniques allows for more holistic characterisation of tumour properties in the context of patient treatment response and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of metal complexes of Ni(II), Zn(II), Sb(III), and U(VI) were synthesized by reacting the corresponding metal salts with the Schiff base ligand, S-benzyl-3-(4-methoxybenzylidine)dithiocarbazate. These metal complexes were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The molecular structures of the synthesized complexes were also explored by quantum computational calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The outcome of the spectroscopic and theoretical data revealed that the ligand was linked with metals through N and S donor atoms of the Schiff base. Based on analytical data, metal-ligand stoichiometry in complex formation was found to be a 1 : 2 molecular ratio. Analytical data allied with spectroscopic studies spilled that the Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes preferred square planar geometry and tetrahedral geometry, whereas Sb(III) and U(VI) complexes offered octahedral geometry, respectively. Both the Schiff base and its complexes were screened for antibacterial activity against some pathogenic bacterial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producing high yielding maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids well-adapted to many environments is the most important goal of the National Maize Research Program in Egypt. Genotype x environment interaction (GEI) continues to be a major challenging issue to plant breeders and production agronomists. The objective of this study was to identify maize hybrids with stable and high yield performance across different location under Egyptian conditions. Five yellow single crosses (SC Sk-149, SC Sk-150, SC Sk-151, SC Gm-111 and SC Gz-312); three red single crosses (SC Sk-1 Red, SC Sk-2 Red and SC Sk-3 Red); and two yellow commercial hybrids (SC 162 and SC 168) were evaluated at five sites in Egypt. Stability parameters for grain yield were performed to estimate both regression coefficient (bi), deviation from regression (S2di) and coefficient of determination (R²). Results showed that mean squares due to environments (E), hybrids (H) and their interaction (H × E) were significant, or highly significant for all traits. The best hybrids were SC Sk-3 Red for earliness, SC Gm-111 for highest plant; and SC Sk-149 and SC Sk-2 Red for resistance to late wilt disease. Superiority percentage for grain yield of two yellow promising crosses SC Gm-111 (22.78 and 19.69%) and SC Sk-150 (11.00 and 8.21%) were significantly out yielded the two checks SC 162 and SC 168, respectively. Four hybrids can be considered stable for grain yield based on the regression coefficient; as well as five hybrids based on deviation from regression and eight hybrids depending on coefficient of determination. Hybrids SC Sk-150 and SC Gm-111 had high grain yield and stable for R². Mean grain yield was significant and positively correlated with S2di; but not significant with bi and R². Also, R² was significant and negatively correlated with S²di, but not significant with bi also bi or with S²di. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacy value-added services were developed to make it easier for patients to refill their chronic prescriptions in public health facilities in Malaysia. However, little is known about patients' awareness, attitudes and practice towards pharmacy value-added services provided by health clinics. This study was conducted to investigate factors associated with the usage of pharmacy value-added services at public health clinics in Perlis, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021 at the pharmacy waiting area of all public health clinics in Perlis. All patients (≥18 years old) taking chronic medications and with the need to follow-up at the health clinic in Perlis were recruited in this study using quota sampling. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analyses on the usage, awareness and attitudes of respondents were performed, followed by multiple logistic regression. A total of 582 patients responded to this study (response rate, 97.0%). Only 12.9% of respondents used pharmacy value-added services offered by health clinics. Age, gender, ethnicity, education level, occupation, monthly household income, length of stay in Perlis, distance from home to the clinic, total awareness and attitudes scores were factors significantly associated with the practice of pharmacy value-added services after adjusting for other variables (p<0.05). In conclusion, the proportion of patients using pharmacy value-added services at health clinics in Perlis is still low. The study's findings suggest that a more extensive promotion of pharmacy value-added services is needed to ensure more patients could benefit from these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been widely involved in military reconnaissance and detection of moving targets. SAR active decoy can generate deceptive jamming signal and it can severely affect the content of SAR focused image. SAR range Doppler algorithm (RDA) is considered as one of the most common algorithms utilized in the image formation processor (IFP) in SAR sensors. In this paper, the inverse RDA (IRDA) deception jamming technique and its evaluation criteria on SAR are demonstrated. Mathematical formulations for SAR RDA with and without deception jamming are presented. Matlab simulation and results of SAR RDA under the proposed deception scenario are discussed. SAR point target simulation of the proposed deceptive jamming and false target insertion into real large scene are also introduced. Comparison of the proposed deceptive jamming to signal power ratio (JSR) required to counter SAR with other SAR jamming techniques is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early assessment of osteoarthritis is very crucial since articular cartilage has a very limited ability to regenerate and self-repair as the degeneration happened. Thus, MRI is the most important imaging modality for cartilage evaluation among all the other methods used to diagnose osteoarthritis. However, the cartilage image obtain from low-field MRI is still uncertain particularly in quantitative assessment. Hence this study aims to determine the effect of dehydration on the correlation between grayscale MRI image and biomechanical properties of articular cartilage. In this study, the cartilage specimens were obtained from bovine femoral head which were dehydrate in stages in terms of time expose to room temperature. The specimens were then scanned at every dehydration stage using 0.2 T MRI to obtain the cartilage image and characterized the image based on the grayscale's intensity. Subsequently, indentation test was conducted on specimens at every dehydration level to determine the cartilage biphasic properties of elastic modulus and permeability. The finding showed that the grayscale of cartilage had a moderate correlation with the cartilage biphasic elastic modulus and permeability. More importantly the low-field MRI was able to indicate the high rate of articular cartilage ability to loss its water content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthetic socket plays the most important role in lower limb prosthesis. The conventional fabrication process of prosthetic socket is labor intensive and time-consuming. The application of additive manufacturing technology may greatly simplify the process. One of the main concerns on the reliability of 3D printed prosthetic socket is its structural strength due to the various 3D printing parameters that may influence the strength of 3D printed products. Furthermore, most of the previous studies focused on single parameter and the effect on socket strength. Thus, this study aimed to examine the optimization of fused deposition modeling printing parameter of 3D printed prosthetic socket in term of strength, fabrication time and weight. Three FDM printing parameters were studied which included layer height, nozzle diameter and infill percentage. The data was analyzed using Taguchi and PCR-TOPSIS methods. Based on the result, it was concluded that the most effective combination of printing parameter is 1.0 mm nozzle diameter, 0.48 mm layer height and 30% infill percentage. In addition, infill percentage shown the highest influence towards the responsive values followed by layer height and nozzle diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish new weighted integral inequalities for differentiable hconvex and quasi-convex functions. Applications of our findings to continuous random variables and approximation of integrals are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, some new weighted Simpson's type integral inequalities are presented for the class of harmonically-preinvex functions by using power-mean integral inequality and Holder's integral inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate effect of wheat cultivates to herbicides. A field experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the Field Crops Department at the College of Agricultural, University of Tikrit during winter season 2017-2018. Factorial Experiment within Randomized Complete Block design with three replicates were used. This experiment contains two variables first was used the herbicide (Atlantis, Pallas, Chevalier) and control. The second variable includes four cultivates (Al-Hashimiyah, AlBaraka, Nor, and Door 29). The results Al-Baraka revealed that the highest plant height (75.91 cm), number of spikes (372.67 m²) and the number of shoots m2 (355.41), while the cultivate Noor had the highest value, number of grains spike-1 (42.67) and the total grain yield (4.82) ton ha-1. Atlantis herbicide recorded the highest number of tillers square meter-1 (387.50) and the treatment Balas recorded the highest value in the weight of a thousand grains (40.24 g) and total grain yield (2.00 tons . ha-1). The interaction between genotypes and pesticides produced highest grain yield (6.31) tons.ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the extent of the impact of the ownership structure on the cash flows in the service businesses registered on the Amman Stock Exchange. While the study sample included (25) service businesses registered on the Amman Stock Conversation for the period between (2010-2019), and the study used the descriptive and analytical approach. The results showed that there is a statistically significant effect at the level of significance (α 0.05≥) of the ownership structure on the cash flow of Jordanian joint-stock service businesses The attendance of a statistically important result at the equal of significance (α 0.05≥) for the concentration of ownership on the cash flow of Jordanian public service shareholding companies, as the study recommended on the work of Jordanian companies to focus on the percentage of foreign owners by providing many advantages to investors such as obtaining more profits in If the percentage of their investment in companies increased in order to raise the level of work and performance of companies for the better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty‐first‐century climate change projections are uncertain, especially on regional scales. An important source of uncertainty is that climate models exhibit biases, which limits their ability to predict climate. One of the largest biases is the too warm sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern tropical Atlantic (TA), reflecting deficient atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Here, we show that CO2‐forced TA‐sector climate changes simulated by state‐of‐the‐art climate models exhibit a strong mean‐state dependence. In particular, models simulating largest SST warming in the eastern TA, consistent with the warming observed since the mid‐20th century, typically exhibit a more realistic mean state than models simulating largest warming in the western TA. The former models exhibit a larger climate sensitivity, and predict stronger and in part qualitatively different climate changes over the TA sector, for example in precipitation. These findings may help to reducing uncertainty in TA‐climate change projections. Plain Language Summary: Twenty‐first‐century climate change projections are uncertain, especially on regional scales. An important source of uncertainty is that climate models exhibit biases, which limits their ability to predict climate. One of the largest biases is the too warm sea surface temperature in the eastern tropical Atlantic (TA), reflecting deficient atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Here, we show that CO2‐forced TA‐sector climate changes simulated by state‐of‐the‐art climate models exhibit a strong relationship to the quality of simulating the mean state. These findings may help to reducing uncertainty in climate change projections over the TA sector. Key Points: Climate projections for the tropical Atlantic sector depend on the quality of simulating present‐day conditionsLess biased climate models provide more reliable projectionsSpread in CO2‐forced climate changes over the Tropical Atlantic region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty‐first‐century climate change projections are uncertain, especially on regional scales. An important source of uncertainty is that climate models exhibit biases, which limits their ability to predict climate. One of the largest biases is the too warm sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern tropical Atlantic (TA), reflecting deficient atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Here, we show that CO2‐forced TA‐sector climate changes simulated by state‐of‐the‐art climate models exhibit a strong mean‐state dependence. In particular, models simulating largest SST warming in the eastern TA, consistent with the warming observed since the mid‐20th century, typically exhibit a more realistic mean state than models simulating largest warming in the western TA. The former models exhibit a larger climate sensitivity, and predict stronger and in part qualitatively different climate changes over the TA sector, for example in precipitation. These findings may help to reducing uncertainty in TA‐climate change projections. Plain Language Summary: Twenty‐first‐century climate change projections are uncertain, especially on regional scales. An important source of uncertainty is that climate models exhibit biases, which limits their ability to predict climate. One of the largest biases is the too warm sea surface temperature in the eastern tropical Atlantic (TA), reflecting deficient atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Here, we show that CO2‐forced TA‐sector climate changes simulated by state‐of‐the‐art climate models exhibit a strong relationship to the quality of simulating the mean state. These findings may help to reducing uncertainty in climate change projections over the TA sector. Key Points: Climate projections for the tropical Atlantic sector depend on the quality of simulating present‐day conditionsLess biased climate models provide more reliable projectionsSpread in CO2‐forced climate changes over the Tropical Atlantic region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of 3-methylcyclohexanone with ethyl formate in the presence of sodium methoxide afforded sodium (2-methyl-6-oxocyclohexylidene)methanolate which reacted with aminopyrazoles, aminotriazole, and aminotetrazole to produce fused quinazoline derivatives; its reactions with cyanothioacetamide, cyanoacetamide, and cyanoacetohydrazide gave tetrahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives. The reactions of 8-methyl-2-sulfanyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile with alkylating agents led to the formation of thieno[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives. DFT computational studies of the synthesized compounds were carried out using B3LYP/6−311+G** and HF/6−311+G** approximations. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies showed that charge transfer occurs in their molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. To describe our experience with the use of Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF) in the treatment of HIV-infected patients in Qatar including both naïve and treatment experienced. We also report the reasons for switching to EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF in treatment-experienced patients, response to treatment, and tolerability. Method. Review of the medical records of the first 100 HIV-infected patients treated with EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF. Results. Among the 100 HIV-infected patients who were treated with EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF, 64 were Qatari and the rest were from other nationalities. 80 patients were males and 20 were females. 29 were treatment naïve, and 71 were treatment experienced. Among treatment-experienced patients, the most common reasons for switch to EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF were safety concerns, followed by regimen simplification and adverse drug reaction of the previous regimen (40%, 14%, and 13%, respectively). Treatment response to EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF leading to undetectable viral load in naïve patients was 69%, and in treatment-experienced patients, it was 83% with an overall response among all patients of 79%. Excluding those who left the country and whose data were not available, the response rate will be 86%. Tolerability was excellent with mild side effects and no discontinuation due to side effects. Conclusion. Experience with the use of EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF in 100 patients with HIV infection in Qatar was favourable both in treatment naïve patients and in those who were treatment experienced with an excellent tolerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term predictability of the North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) is commonly attributed to buoyancy‐forced changes of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Here we investigate the role of surface wind stress forcing in decadal hindcasts as another source of extratropical North Atlantic SST predictability. For this purpose, a global climate model is forced by reanalysis (ERA‐interim) wind stress anomalies over the period 1979–2017. The simulated climate states serve as initial conditions for decadal hindcasts. Significant skill in predicting detrended observed annual SST anomalies is observed over the extratropical central North Atlantic with anomaly correlation coefficients exceeding 0.6 at lead times of 4 to 7 yrs. The skill is insensitive to the calendar month of initialization and primarily linked to upper ocean heat content anomalies that lead anomalous SSTs by several years. Plain Language Summary: Certain aspects of the climate can be predicted several years in advance. This is primarily due to the slow components of the climate system, especially the ocean, which can influence the atmosphere on time scales of years to decades. It is thus essential to start long‐term climate forecasts from a realistic ocean state. However, ocean observations, especially subsurface data, are limited. Hence, predictions are often only based on surface observations. Here we demonstrate that the use of observed surface wind stress yields skillful predictions of the sea surface temperature (SST) over the extratropical North Atlantic at lead times of up to about 7 yrs. This is because the ocean circulation responds to the wind stress changes, which generate subsurface temperature anomalies that affect the surface with a time delay. These results may not only be of scientific but also of public and economic interest, because extratropical North Atlantic SST is thought to influence mean climate and extreme weather events over the adjacent continents. Key Points: Wind stress initialization yields skillful multiyear hindcasts of annual extratropical North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomaliesThe skill is essentially insensitive to the initialization calendar monthThe skill is linked to an upper ocean heat content anomaly that leads anomalous sea surface temperatures by several years [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corruption crime has recently received more attention from the police. The management of investigating corruption cases is an interesting problem and it has had a big influence on both political and state life. The purpose of this study was to explain and identify the leadership of the team of investigators in the corruption cases investigating management. This research used a qualitative approach combined with a descriptive research method. The results of this study concluded that leadership is a process used by leaders to direct the organization and to provide examples of behavior for their subordinates in the investigation team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of climate change and unsustainable land use management in the recent past, droughts have become one of the most devastating climatic hazards whose impacts may prolong from months to years. This study presents analysis of droughts for two major cropping seasons, i.e., Kharif (May–September) and Rabi (October–April), over the Potwar Plateau of Pakistan. The analysis is performed using various datasets viz. observational, reanalysis, and Regional Climate Models (RCMs), for the past (1981–2010) and future (2011–2100) time periods. The following two methods for the identification of dry and wet years, also referred to as drought and wetness, are applied: (1) the percentile rank approach and (2) the drought indices, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI). Future projections of droughts are investigated using RCM (RegCM4.4 and RCA4) outputs from CORDEX South Asia domain under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Generally, the indices show non-significant decreasing trends of drought severity in the recent past for all cases; however, significant increasing trends are observed for annual (0.006) and Kharif (0.007) cases under RCP4.5 scenario. The analysis of large-scale atmospheric dynamics suggests the significant role of low-level geopotential height anomalies over Tibetan Plateau (northwest of Pakistan) during Kharif (Rabi) season in controlling drought occurrence by transporting moisture from the Bay of Bengal (Arabian Sea). Moreover, composites of vertically integrated moisture transport, moisture flux convergence/divergence, and precipitable water anomalies show their marked contribution in maintaining the drought/wetness conditions over the Potwar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the modulation instability (MI) of a (1 + 1) -dimensional nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with general polynomial law nonlinearity and an external potential is investigated. Some new dark and bright soliton solutions are obtained for polynomial law nonlinearities of third and fifth orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional Climate Models (RCMs) are increasingly used to add small-scale processes at higher grid resolution that are not represented by their Lateral Boundary Conditions (LBCs). Rossby Centre regional atmospheric model, RCA4, has downscaled three Global Climate Models (GCMs), namely, CNRM-CM5, EC-EARTH and GFDL-ESM2M in the COordinated Regional climate Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) framework for Middle East North Africa (MENA) and South Asia (SA) domains. Arabian Peninsula is covered in both MENA and SA simulations, which gives a unique opportunity to study the effects of CORDEX domain and LBCs on the simulation of temperature and precipitation by RCM. It is examined by calculating the differences between MENA and SA simulations for different driving GCMs in the historical (1976–2005) and future (2071–2100) periods under RCP8.5 emission scenario, for both summer (dry) and winter (wet) seasons. RCA4 performs generally well when simulating the observed temperature and precipitation patterns, with some local wet biases over Asir Mountains and cold bias over the north eastern parts of Saudi Arabia. The simulations of temperature seem to be very sensitive to the simulation domain (i.e., MENA and SA) and less sensitive to different LBCs, whereas in case of precipitation LBCs seems to play a dominant role. The MENA simulations generally project about 2 °C warmer and drier climate compared to SA simulations by the end of this century, which is comparable to the differences arising due to different LBCs and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum is lightweight durable, versatile, non-toxic, and corrosion-resistant surface, which makes aluminum a perfect material for improving the corrosion properties of aluminum-carbon steel which is important in the radiation domain. In this study, six carbon steel alloys doped with different aluminum concentrations were studied and compared with the standard austenite stainless steel AISI316L. Different parameters for shielding and dosimetry such as mass attenuation coefficient, tenth value layer, mean free path, equivalent effective atomic and electronic numbers were calculated using WinXCom, while the exposure absorption buildup factors, thermal and fast neutron removal cross-sections were calculated using MCNPX and the effective conductivity was calculated using Phy-X/PSD program. Regarding the radiation shielding performance, the addition of aluminum to the carbon alloys has a significant influence on the shielding parameters. The results suggest that the addition of aluminum to the carbon steel alloys would improve its shielding properties so that it is a good result to be used in the field of dosimetry and radiation shielding. • Aluminum carbon steel alloys were developed to serve as a shielding material in the nuclear industry & applications. • Gamma shielding parameters were calculated and compared with the standard 316L alloy and found improvement with increasing the aluminum contents. • Thermal conductivity was calculated and showed an inverse relation with increasing aluminum contents. • Neutron removal cross section was calculated and showed improvement in the shielding with increasing the aluminum contents which is invers relation to the thermal conductivity. • The developed samples can be used in the nuclear applications data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations reveal the presence of supermassive black holes (SMBH) as early as ∼700 million years after the big bang. Their formation path is still subject to current debate. We explore the influence of magnetic fields, which are strongly amplified via the turbulent small-scale dynamo, on the formation of SMBH seeds within the direct collapse scenario. In this study, we perform for the first time cosmological magnetohydrodynamic large eddy simulations that employ a model for unresolved, compressible MHD turbulence. In total we perform 36 simulations for nine haloes each with two different initial magnetic field strengths, and with and without employing the unresolved turbulence model. We make use of the adaptive mesh refinement approach to achieve an effective spatial resolution of less than one proper astronomical unit. We consider a regime where cooling is regulated by atomic hydrogen and the molecular hydrogen gets dissociated by a strong radiation field. Our main finding is that the majority of the gas properties in the haloes at the final output are predominantly determined by the run-away gravitational collapse. Turbulence is supersonic and super-Alfvénic in all cases, and magnetic fields are amplified to an approximately dynamically relevant regime. Finally, fragmentation during the collapse is intermittent and mass accretion rates range from 0.2 to 3 M |$\odot$|  yr−1. This suggests that the presence of strongly amplified magnetic fields and turbulence provides additional pressure support on small scales and makes the direct collapse a viable scenario for the formation of massive objects under the required ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a general identity involving a di¤erentiable mapping is established. By using mathematical analysis, Hölder inequality and some auxiliary results, new generalized Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for differentiable harmonically-convex functions are established. It is expected that the results established in this paper contain previously established results as special cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a controversy about the origin of the recent decadal Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) slowing observed at 26.5°N and concurrent sea surface temperature cooling in the central and eastern mid-latitude North Atlantic. We investigate decadal AMOC slowing events simulated in a multi-millennial preindustrial control integration of the Kiel Climate Model (KCM), providing an estimate of internal AMOC variability. Preindustrial control integrations of 15 models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 also are investigated, as well as historical simulations with them providing estimates of AMOC variability during 1856–2005. It is shown that the recent decadal AMOC decline is still within the range of the models' internal AMOC variability and thus could be of natural origin. In this case, the decline would represent an extreme realization of internal variability provided the climate models yield realistic levels of AMOC variability. The model results suggest that internal decadal AMOC variability is large, requiring multi-decadal observational records to detect an anthropogenic AMOC signal with high confidence. When analyzing the strongest decadal AMOC slowing events in the KCM, which have amplitudes similar to or larger than the recently observed decadal AMOC decline, the following composite picture emerges: a very strong decadal AMOC decline is preceded by a decadal rise in atmospheric surface pressure over large parts of the mid-latitude North Atlantic. The change in low-level atmospheric circulation drives reduced oceanic heat loss over and diminished upper-ocean salt content in the Labrador Sea. In response, oceanic deep convection and subsequently the AMOC and northward oceanic heat transport weaken, and anomalously cold sea surface temperatures develop in the central and eastern mid-latitude North Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A weighted version of Ostrowski type integral inequalities is established. We use a newly developed special type of three steps kernel. Our findings give some new error bounds for various quadrature rules. We apply our results to cumulative distributive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new identity involving a geometrically symmetric function and a differentiable function is established. Some new Fejér type integral inequalities, connected with the left part of Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for geometrically-arithmetically convex functions, are presented by using the H¨older integral inequality and the notion of geometrically-arithmetically convexity. Applications of our results to special means of positive real numbers are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Schiff base containing the nitrogen-sulfur donor chain [(CH3)2N-C6H4-CH=N-NH-C(S)-SCH2C6H5] was prepared by the condensation of 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde and S-benzyldithiocarbazate and coordinated with Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II). The Schiff base and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, electronic absorption spectroscopy and some of their physicochemical properties were determined. The Schiff bases behaved as a bidentate uninegative ligand in all the complexes, giving square-planar geometrical structures with Ni(II) and Cu(II) and a tetrahedral structure with Zn(II). The Schiff base and its complexes were screened for antibacterial activity. The biological activity testing results showed that the complexes were more potent antibiotics than the free ligand. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes displayed high antibacterial potency and Zn(II) was moderately active against bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black holes with masses of |$\rm 10^6\text{-}10^9\,M_{\odot }$| dwell in the centres of most galaxies, but their formation mechanisms are not well known. A subdominant dissipative component of dark matter with similar properties to the ordinary baryons, known as mirror dark matter, may collapse to form massive black holes during the epoch of first galaxies formation. In this study, we explore the possibility of massive black hole formation via this alternative scenario. We perform three-dimensional cosmological simulations for four distinct haloes and compare their thermal, chemical, and dynamical evolution in both the ordinary and the mirror sectors. We find that the collapse of haloes is significantly delayed in the mirror sector due to the lack of |$\rm H_2$| cooling and only haloes with masses above |$\rm \ge\!10^7\, M_{\odot }$| are formed. Overall, the mass inflow rates are |$\rm \ge\!10^{-2}\,M_{\odot }\,yr^{ -1}$| and there is less fragmentation. This suggests that the conditions for the formation of massive objects, including black holes, are more favourable in the mirror sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments investigating the fine structure of the Isovector Giant Dipole Resonances (IVGDR) have been carried out on target nuclei 40,42,44,48Ca with 200 MeV proton inelastic scattering reactions using the high-energy resolution capability and the zero-degree set-up at the K600 magnetic spectrometer of the iThemba LABS, Cape Town, South Africa. Quasi-free scattering background contributions in the experimental data have been removed by applying a novel method of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) analysis. Energy scales extracted are compared with the state-of-the-art theoretical calculations within the framework of the Quasiparticle- RPA and Relativistic Quasiparticle Time Blocking Approximation (RQTBA). For 40,48Ca, these calculations consider all major processes (Landau damping, escape width, spreading width) contributing to the damping of the IVGDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth will exhibit continued global surface warming in response to a sustained increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Massive meltwater input from the Antarctic ice sheet into the Southern Ocean could be one consequence of this warming. Here we investigate the impacts which this meltwater input may have on Earth's surface climate and ocean circulation in a warming world. To this end a set of ensemble experiments has been conducted with a global climate model forced by increasing atmospheric CO2-concentration and an idealized Antarctic meltwater input to the Southern Ocean with varying amplitude and spatial pattern. As long as the atmospheric CO2-concentration stays moderate, i.e. below approximately twice the preindustrial concentration, and if a strong meltwater forcing of either 0.05 or 0.1 Sv is applied, enhanced Antarctic sea-ice cover and surface air temperature cooling over most parts of the Southern Ocean is observed. When the atmospheric CO2-concentration becomes larger than twice the preindustrial concentration, the meltwater only plays a minor role. The Antarctic meltwater drives significant slowing of the Southern Ocean meridional overturning circulation (MOC). Again, the meltwater influence only is detectable as long as the CO2-forcing is moderate. Much larger MOC changes develop in response to highly elevated atmospheric CO2-levels independent of whether or not a meltwater forcing is applied. The response of the Antarctic circumpolar current (ACC) is nonlinear. Substantial and persistent ACC slowing is simulated when solely the meltwater forcing of 0.1 Sv is applied, which is due to the halt of Weddell Sea deep convection and subsequent collapse of the Southern Ocean MOC. When the increasing atmospheric CO2-concentration additionally drives the model the ACC partly recovers in the long run. The partial recovery is due to strengthening westerly wind stress over the Southern Ocean, which intensifies the Ekman Cell. This study suggests that Southern Hemisphere climate projections for the twenty-first century could benefit from incorporating interactive Antarctic ice sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-standing difficulty of climate models is to capture the annual cycle (AC) of eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) sea surface temperature (SST). In this study, we first examine the EEP SST AC in a set of integrations of the coupled Kiel Climate Model, in which only atmosphere model resolution differs. When employing coarse horizontal and vertical atmospheric resolution, significant biases in the EEP SST AC are observed. These are reflected in an erroneous timing of the cold tongue's onset and termination as well as in an underestimation of the boreal spring warming amplitude. A large portion of these biases are linked to a wrong simulation of zonal surface winds, which can be traced back to precipitation biases on both sides of the equator and an erroneous low-level atmospheric circulation over land. Part of the SST biases also is related to shortwave radiation biases related to cloud cover biases. Both wind and cloud cover biases are inherent to the atmospheric component, as shown by companion uncoupled atmosphere model integrations forced by observed SSTs. Enhancing atmosphere model resolution, horizontal and vertical, markedly reduces zonal wind and cloud cover biases in coupled as well as uncoupled mode and generally improves simulation of the EEP SST AC. Enhanced atmospheric resolution reduces convection biases and improves simulation of surface winds over land. Analysis of a subset of models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) reveals that in these models, very similar mechanisms are at work in driving EEP SST AC biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between TL response of synthetic fused quartz with 60Co gamma source and 90Sr/90Y beta source are discussed. In the present study the thermo luminescence response of two batches of synthetic fused quartz irradiated simultaneously with gamma and beta rays were obtained with Thermo Electron Corporation manual TLD Reader Model number 3500 TLD reader. The result revealed that this phosphor tends to exhibit a very close TL glow shapes for different test doses using the two irradiation sources. There seems to be a significant relationship in the dose response and the fading of the phosphor with the different irradiation sources. The seeming distinct properties of this phosphor with the two types of irradiators suggest the suitability of this material for mixed radiation dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest plantations are seen as a potential alternative to natural forest for timber supply. Leaders in forest plantation development include China, India, the Russian Federation, United States and Japan, which accounted for 65% of planted area in 2000. Other countries with increasing forest plantation development include Malaysia. Initiatives for large-scale forest plantation establishment in Malaysia started with an envisaged production of pulp, then second, an effort to augment timber supply with selected fast-growing species within 15 years, and third, to establish 375,000 ha of commercial forest plantation in stages. The first two initiatives ended up as failures due to shortcomings such as seed viability, mismatched downstream industry to the species planted and logistic unfeasibility. The third initiative looks promising as plantations are owned by the industry with the government providing loans and technical assistance. One industry has already entered its third rotation. Large hectarages of land are an advantage to have harvesting in perpetuity based on seven-year rotations. Choosing the right species that matches industry needs, improved planting materials and correct silvicultural practices are important factors, while having integrated downstream processing is an advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the group classification is presented for Fisher equation with time-dependent coefficients. The analysis provided many new solutions that take the form of doubly periodic-like solutions and soliton-like solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, some new integral inequalities of Hermite-Hadamard type are presented for functions whose nth derivatives in absolute value are (α,m)-logarithmically convex. From our results, several inequalities of Hermite-Hadamard type can be derived in terms of functions whose first and second derivatives in absolute value are (α,m)-logarithmically convex functions as special cases. Our results may provide refinements of some results for (α,m)-logarithmically convex functions already exist in the most recent concerned literature of inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, using Lie symmetry method, we obtain some new exact traveling wave solutions of the Camassa–Holm–Degasperis–Procesi (CH–DP) equation. Some new bright and dark soliton solutions are obtained. Also, some new doubly periodic solutions in the form of Jacobi elliptic functions and Weierstrass elliptic functions are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims UDP-sugars can act as extracellular signalling molecules, but relatively little is known about their cardiovascular actions. The P2Y 14 receptor is a G i/o -coupled receptor which is activated by UDP-glucose and related sugar nucleotides. In this study we sought to investigate whether P2Y 14 receptors are functionally expressed in the porcine coronary artery using a selective P2Y 14 receptor agonist, MRS2690, and a novel selective P2Y 14 receptor antagonist, PPTN (4,7-disubstituted naphthoic acid derivative). Methods and results Isometric tension recordings were used to evaluate the effects of UDP-sugars in porcine isolated coronary artery segments. The effects of the P2 receptor antagonists suramin and PPADS, the P2Y 14 receptor antagonist PPTN, and the P2Y 6 receptor antagonist MRS2578, were investigated. Measurement of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation using flow cytometry was used to assess changes in cAMP levels. UDP-glucose, UDP-glucuronic acid UDP- N -acetylglucosamine (P2Y 14 receptor agonists), elicited concentration-dependent contractions of the porcine coronary artery. MRS2690 was a more potent vasoconstrictor than the UDP-sugars. Concentration dependent contractile responses to MRS2690 and UDP-sugars were enhanced in the presence of forskolin (activator of cAMP), where the level of basal tone was maintained by addition of U46619, a thromboxane A 2 mimetic. Contractile responses to MRS2690 were blocked by PPTN, but not by MRS2578. Contractile responses to UDP-glucose were also attenuated by PPTN and suramin, but not by MRS2578. Forskolin-induced VASP-phosphorylation was reduced in porcine coronary arteries exposed to UDP-glucose and MRS2690, consistent with P2Y 14 receptor coupling to G i/o proteins and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. Conclusions Our data support a role of UDP-sugars as extracellular signalling molecules and show for the first time that they mediate contraction of porcine coronary arteries via P2Y 14 receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Understanding the effects of climate change and global warming on the South Asian summer monsoon rainfall trend is critically important for millions of inhabitants of this region. This study investigates seasonal (June–September) rainfall trend over the Indo‐Pakistan subcontinent by using 36 climate model outputs from the World Climate Research Programme's Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project Phase 5. The historical (1951–2005) and future (2006–2100) simulations under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, are analysed for this purpose. Model reproducibility is evaluated based on spatial correlation of seasonal rainfall and vertically integrated meridional moisture transport between simulated and observed fields. It is found that the majority of models shows reasonable skill in capturing the observed pattern of rainfall climatology and trend over the subcontinent. Our results showed that the models are more skilful in simulating seasonal mean moisture transport than trend over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Of the 36 models analysed, only two models HadGEM2‐AO and CNRM‐CM5 closely approximate both the climatology and trend based on statistical performance metrics. Our results suggest that the strengthening of northwards moisture transport over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is a likely reason for the increasing rainfall trend over Indo‐Pakistan subcontinent in a warmer climate. The RCP8.5 indicates marked increase in both rainfall and moisture transport trends compared to RCP4.5 forcing scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we prove Hermite{Hadamard type inequalities for m-convex and (α,m)-convex functions for fuzzy integrals. Some examples are also given to illustrate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential therapeutic value of Moringa oleifera extract (MOE), due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, has been reported previously. In this study, Hymenolepis nana antigen (HNA) in combination with MOE was used in immunization against H. nana infection. Adult worm and egg counts were taken, while histological changes in the intestine were observed. Mucosal mast (MMCs) and goblet cells (GCs) were stained with specific stains, while serum and intestinal IgA were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were assayed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of mRNA expression in ileum tissue. The results demonstrated an improvement in the architecture of intestinal villi, decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) and TBARS, and increased GSH in HNA, MOE and MOE +HNA groups. In the same groups, an increase in GCs, mucin 2 (MUC2), interleukins (IL)-4, -5 and -9, and stem cell factor (SCF) versus a decrease in both interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) expression appeared. HNA and MOE +HNA increased serum and intestinal IgA, respectively. MOE decreased MMCs and achieved the highest reductions in both adult worms and eggs. In conclusion, MOE could achieve protection against H. nana infections through decreased TGF-β, IFN-γ and MMC counts versus increased GC counts, T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines and IgA level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is characterized by a seasonal phase locking, with strongest eastern and central equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies during boreal winter and weakest SST anomalies during boreal spring. In this study, key feedbacks controlling seasonal ENSO phase locking in the Kiel Climate Model (KCM) are identified by employing Bjerknes index stability analysis. A large ensemble of simulations with the KCM is analyzed, where the individual runs differ in either the number of vertical atmospheric levels or coefficients used in selected atmospheric parameterizations. All integrations use the identical ocean model. The ensemble-mean features realistic seasonal ENSO phase locking. ENSO phase locking is very sensitive to changes in the mean-state realized by the modifications described above. An excessive equatorial cold tongue leads to weak phase locking by reducing the Ekman feedback and thermocline feedback in late boreal fall and early boreal winter. Seasonal ENSO phase locking also is sensitive to the shortwave feedback as part of the thermal damping in early boreal spring, which strongly depends on eastern and central equatorial Pacific SST. The results obtained from the KCM are consistent with those from models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Lie point symmetry analysis method is used to investigate the (2+1)-dimensional Burgers equations. We have obtained the optimal system of Lie subalgebras. Some new exact solutions for the (2+1)- dimensional Burgers equations are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most widespread and effective environmental factors is the infection with enteroviruses (EVs) which accelerate β cell destruction in type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study represented a comparison between diabetic EV+ and EV- children as well as correlation analysis between autoantibodies, T1D markers, cytokines, complement activation products and anti-coxsackievirus (CV) immunoglobulin (Ig)G. EV RNA was detected in Egyptian children with T1D (26·2%) and healthy controls (0%). Detection of anti-CV IgG in T1D-EV+ resulted in 64% positivity. Within T1D-EV+, previously diagnosed (PD) showed 74 versus 56% in newly diagnosed (ND) children. Comparisons between populations showed increased levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide (NO), glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin and islet cell autoantibodies [glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), insulin autoantibodies (IAA) and islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), respectively], interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL −10, IL −12, IL −17, C3d and sC5-9 in T1D-EV+ versus T1D-EV-. Conversely, both IL-20 and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) decreased in T1D-EV+ versus EV-, while IL-4, −6 and −13 did not show any changes. Correlation analysis showed dependency of accelerated autoimmunity and β cell destruction on increased IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 versus decreased IL-4, −6 and −13. In conclusion, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 played an essential role in exacerbating EV+-T1D, while C3d, sC5b −9, IL-10 and −20 displayed distinct patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The watershed is a space that has an important role in maintaining the environment and hydrological stability of an area. The causes that often occur are land conversion in the form of vegetation, as well as other land that affects the decline in hydrological functions. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in land use, the stability of the hydrological function of the DAS Air Bengkulu, and spatial pattern-based directions for the DAS Air Bengkulu. The analytical methods used is manual digitization, image visual interpretation, FRC statistical calculations, and watershed management guidelines. Based on the results of the analysis of changes in land use in 2010-2015 there was an increase in the area dominated by residential land (674.97 ha), plantations (606.98 ha), and a dominant decrease in forest land (1,177.25 ha). In the 2015-2020 period, there was a significant increase in dry land/fields of (1,383.09 ha), as well as a dominant decrease in plantation land with an area of (1,202.91 ha). The results of hydrological analysis in 2012 had a low class value of 33.03; in 2015, a low class value of 25.91; and in 2020, a very high class value of 313.49. Based on the land use scenario, the low class in 2012 and 2015 is classified as good so that the hydrology of the watershed runs according to its function with the dominant land use of plantations, which has increased by 62.65% in 2010 and 63.82% in 2015, but the KRA condition in 2020 is included in the bad classification. The land use that caused the KRA class was very high, caused by changes in forest land use, namely 19.77% and plantations, 61.51%, which experienced a decrease in area, while settlements, fields/moors, shrubs, and mines increased. The spatial planning scenario produced by combining KRA classes results in 65% conformity of land use and spatial patterns, 16% transition, and 19% non-alignment. The majority of land uses that are not aligned with spatial patterns come from forests, mining, and plantations. So it is necessary to manage the Air Bengkulu River Basin in a category that is not in line with the directives on land use and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenolepis nana is the most commonly known intestinal cestode infecting mainly human. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of chitosan particles ( CSP) to enhance the immune system against H. nana infection. Determination of worm burden, egg output, histopathological changes, oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione), goblet ( GCs) and mucosal mast cells ( MMCs) counts in intestinal ileum was performed. In addition, levels of intestinal mRNA expression of interleukin ( IL)-4, IL-9, stem cell factor ( SCF), type I and II interferons ( IFN)- α/ γ, tumour necrosis factor ( TNF)- α, mucin 2 ( MUC2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOs) were investigated using real-time PCR. The results indicated induced reductions in adult worm and egg counts in infected mice after CSP treatment. This was associated with improvement in tissue morphometric measurements and oxidative stress which were altered after infection. Expression levels of iNOs, IFN- α, IFN- γ, TNF- α and IL-9 were decreased by CSP. Conversely, expression levels of MUC2, IL-4 and SCF increased compared to infected untreated group. In addition, GCs and MMCs counts were normalized by CSP. In conclusion, this study could indicate the immunoprotective effect of CSP against H. nana infection. This was characterized with Th2 anti-inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the concept of GA-convex functions on the co-ordinates is introduced. By using a concept of GA-convex functions on the co-ordinates, Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for this class of functions are settled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]