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[Display omitted] The LaCePO 4 :Dy3+ luminescence experiments revealed the excitation peak at 275 nm which gives the emission spectra in visible region with intensive peaks centered at 475 and 573 nm. The emission spectra showed the transition from 4F 9/2 to the ground energy state. The prepared phosphor may be useful for display applications in white light emission and thermoluminescence dosimeters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MCDM methods: AHP and TOPSIS. • AHP the decision-maker. • TOPSIS is stock to an ideal solution. Building an ideal stock portfolio is a difficult and important undertaking in the world of financial decision-making. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) technique and the Randomised Weighted Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are combined in this research to create a powerful model for selecting the best stocks for a portfolio. To improve the portfolio's robustness under various market scenarios, our model also incorporates sensitivity analysis. Given the inherent uncertainty in financial markets, the suggested approach starts by using modified fuzzy AHP based on introducing the randomized weights and the novel normalization to get expert views and assign suitable weights to the underlying selection criteria. Based on the established criteria and associated fuzzy scores, the TOPSIS approach is then used to rank and choose the best stocks. Our model also includes sensitivity analysis to evaluate the performance of the portfolio under various market conditions. Extensive empirical tests are performed utilizing historical stock market data to assess the effectiveness of our strategy. The outcomes show the suggested model's superiority in building stock portfolios that beat conventional approaches in terms of risk-adjusted returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backward Walking Speed (BWS), is suggested to assess balance and mobility deficits and preliminarily shown to associate with fall risk. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate whether psychometric measures have been clearly tested for BWS in clinical populations and whether uniform procedures have been used to measure BWS. Peer-reviewed articles indexed on PubMed, PEDro, and CINAHL published from 2000 to the present. The key words "backward walking" and "backward walking speed" were used. Studies that were included utilized BWS as an outcome measure in adults (>=18 years), objectively calculated BWS (as time taken or speed attained) and utilized BWS as an outcome measure. Studies were excluded if BWS was measured as part of a composite assessment, mechanistic studies aimed to understand the mechanisms of backward walking, and studies not written in English. A total of 42 studies were extracted that met the study eligibility criteria. Data quality for individual studies were assessed by two independent reviewers using the GRADE assessment tool. Only those studies that were at least moderate were included. 28 of the 42 studies met the eligibility and GRADE criteria and data were further extracted from these studies. The results of this systematic review revealed that BWS reliability has only been established in three clinical populations and validity in four clinical populations. Results also showed that majority of studies measure BWS at the self-selected speed (25/28) and on overground environments (27/28). However, instrumentation and distances used for BWS measurement greatly varied across studies. Distance used for BWS measurement ranged from 2.4 to 14m, with the most common distance being 5m. While mounting evidence highlights the potential of BWS as an outcome measure to assess balance and mobility in clinical populations, validation studies across different clinical populations is required. Importantly, there is an urgent need to validate a standardized protocol to measure BWS to minimize testing variations. There are no conflicts of interest related to this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether addition of a dual task (DT) to the five times sit to stand test (5STS) may better reveal balance and mobility limitations in older adults when compared to 5STS alone. Cross-sectional study. University Laboratory. Older adults 65 years and above, able to walk at least 10m without physical assistance, able to follow simple instructions, Mini-Mental State Examination score of > 23, and no other neurologic, severe musculoskeletal or cardiovascular diagnoses were recruited. 12 older adults (O; 9 Female, 3 Male; Mean Age: 69±3.5 years) and 12 younger adults (Y; 7 Female, 5 Male; Mean Age: 24±3.8 years) completed three trials each of 5STS and a DT (counting backwards by 3) 5STS. Not applicable. Time to complete 5STS was measured for each trial. For older adults, functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), knee and hip strength using a handheld dynamometer, fear of falling via the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and gait speed was calculated from 8 ft. walk test. Participants took more time to complete DT 5STS (Y, 8.4±1.8s; O, 10.9±1.9s) compared to the 5STS (Y, 7.5±1s; O, 9.4±2.1s; p=.001). Older adults took longer time to complete 5STS than younger adults (p=.002). Slower gait speed correlated with longer DT 5STS (r=-.59, p=.044) but not with 5STS alone (r=-.36, p=.26). Similarly, slower TUG times correlated with longer DT 5STS (r=.670, p=.017), but not with 5STS alone (r=.512, p=.089). Other relationships were non-significant for both DT 5STS and 5STS. Addition of a DT to the 5STS test may be more appropriate than a single task assessment of 5STS alone to assess balance and functional mobility limitations for older adults due to the presence of multi-tasking during everyday activities. Preliminary results support the need for additional research to determine the clinical utility of adding a DT to the 5STS test. There are no conflicts of interest related to this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fixed set of players of a cooperative game is assumed and a map is designed to assign each game a finitely additive set function to achieve certain properties. Also, a probability measure is constructed using a fixed subgroup of players' automorphisms plus their distinct orderings. Subsequently, using the consistency theorem, the random order value formula is derived for certain scalar and vector measure games.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the performance of polypropylene (PP)/sisal fiber (SF)/banana fiber (BF) and chitosan-based hybrid (chitosan(CS)/SF)/BF) composite materials for the adsorptive removal of cadmium (Cd) ions from water waste. Polypropylene is harnessed for its importance in forming strong composite materials for various applications. Chitosan biopolymer encloses a great deal of amino and hydroxyl groups, which provide effective removal of Cd ions from wastewater. The batch adsorption studies proved that the removal of Cd ions was pH-dependent and attained optimum at pH 5.5 for both the composites. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied for the obtained experimental values. Based on the R2 values, it was evidenced that the adsorption process was best fitted with the Freundlich isotherm than Langmuir. The sorption capacity of CS/SF/BF hybrid composite (C max = 419 mg/g) is higher than PP/SF/BF composite (C max = 304 mg/g), and allows multilayer adsorption. Kinetics studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order model was followed during the removal of Cd ion from wastewater. The overall evaluation proved that though both the adsorbents are suitable for the removal of Cd ions, the efficiency of CS-based ternary composite material is better than PP-based composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) omental biopsy in patients with liver cirrhosis and compare these with the noncirrhotic patients. We retrospectively studied the US-guided omental biopsies (73 males, 14 females with mean age 52.71 ± 15.90 y) between January 2012 and December 2018. Patients with biopsy-proven liver cirrhosis (n = 31) who underwent omental biopsy were included in Group 1, and patients without any features of the chronic liver disease (n = 56) were included in Group 2. The technical success, diagnostic parameters, complications, imaging appearance, and histopathology spectrum were compared between the two groups. Also, univariate analysis was done to evaluate the association of a parameter with histopathology. The technical success, sample adequacy, diagnostic accuracy of Group 1 were 100%, 96.77%, and 96.77%, respectively, and for Group 2, these were 100%, 98.21%, and 98.21%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of Group 1 were 95%, 100%, 100%, 91.67%, respectively, and for Group 2, these were 97.92%, 100%, 100%, 88.89%, respectively. There was one complication of abdominal wall hematoma in Group 1 (3.2%), which was managed conservatively. Smudged imaging appearance and nonspecific inflammation on histopathology were more common in Group 1, and there was a significant association of increased omental thickening with specific pathology in Group 1. US-guided omental biopsy in patients with liver cirrhosis is safe and effective with comparable results to noncirrhotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of 10 L polypropylene (PP) transparent jerry cans (TJCs) to inactivate E. coli , MS2-phage and Cryptosporidium parvum via solar water disinfection (SODIS) was tested in well water or general test water under natural sunlight. Food-safe PP was used to manufacture the TJCs and a clarifying agent was added to improve optical transparency in the UV–visible range. 10 L PP TJCs and 2 L polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were filled with well water, spiked separately with (∼106 CFU/mL of E. coli, ∼106 PFU/mL of MS2 phage and 5 ×105 C. parvum oocysts per litre) and exposed to natural sunlight for 6 h. While the 10 L PP TJC prototype had poorer transparency (UV-B 0.001%, UV-A 4.29%, and visible 92% for TJCs without clarifier and UV-B 1.36%, UV-A 8.01%, and visible 90.01% for TJCs with clarifier) than standard 2 L PET (UV-B 0.72%, UV-A 10–85%, and visible 80–90%); log reduction values (LRVs) > 5, 2 and 0.8 for E. coli , MS2-phage, and C. parvum , respectively, were observed for the TJCs within six hours respectively, which is a minimum standard for drinking water established by the World Health Organisation (WHO). We observed similar inactivation kinetics for all three organisms in PP TJCs and PET bottles despite the poorer optical transparency properties of the SODIS jerry cans. Therefore, for effective SODIS, container optical transparency is not as important as previously believed. We conclude that good visible transparency is not a necessary requirement for containers intended for SODIS use. [Display omitted] • Effective SODIS can be achieved in 10 L polypropylene large volume containers with low optical transparency. • Incorporation of clarifying agents for improving optical transparency of SODIS containers is not necessary. • 9-month weathered TJCs were able to achieve > 5 LRV for E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present investigation, the saline tolerant organism Enterococcus faecalis was isolated for the degradation of protein content of soak liquor discharged from tanneries. The optimized conditions for the growth of organism were fermentation time, 96 h, pH, 9 and temperature, 40° C. The protease activity of the enzyme was determined to be 310 U/mg. The enzyme was stable and retained its maximum activity at pH 7–9, temperature 30–40 °C and Total dissolved solids (TDS) upto 40000 mg/L. The activity of protease in different solvent systems (polar & non polar), organic matter (lipids), metal ions and surfactants were evaluated. The effect of time, pH and temperature for maximum immobilization of protease on functionalized nano porous activated carbon (f-NPAC) was optimized and it was confirmed through SEM and XRD analysis. The protein content of soak liquor was degraded by the protease immobilized functionalized nano porous activated carbon (Pr-NPAC) and the optimum conditions were studied. The degradation was achieved by 91% and it was confirmed through instrumental analysis such as FTIR, UV–vis and UV-Fluorescence spectroscopic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of firm-level corporate governance practices on firm performance for publicly traded Indian firms where founder ownership is concentrated. We develop a comprehensive measure of corporate governance and show that corporate governance is positively associated with firm performance. This relationship becomes stronger when founder ownership is high. We next focus on the specific channel through which governance improves firm performance, namely self-dealing by controlling owners. We find that better governance mitigates self-dealing by controlling owners and thereby improves future firm performance. Overall, our study substantiates the key relationship between the quality of corporate governance and firm performance in the presence of founder ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking of a moving target has attracted considerable interest in both military and civilian applications. There are different methods used for estimation of target position. One of these methods is to find the target position by using relative angle measurements of radiating source measured using direction finding sensors. In this method, direction finding sensors are deployed and their positions are known. The sensors provide relative bearing measurements of radiating source whose location has to be estimated. These bearing measurements and sensor position information are used to estimate the position of a target. In this paper we use two techniques (a) Single baseline model and (b) Least square estimation method for bearing only source localization. We also analyse the effect of noise on bearing measurements and the effect of number of sensors on position estimation error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an output only damage diagnostic algorithm based on frequency response functions and the principal components for health monitoring of laminated composite structures. The principal components evaluated from frequency response data, are employed as dynamical invariants to handle the effects of operational/environmental variability on the dynamic response of the structure. Finite element models of a laminated composite beam and plate are used to generate vibration data for healthy and damaged structures. Three numerical examples include a laminated composite beam, cantilever plate made of carbon–epoxy and a laminated composite simply supported plate. Varied levels of delamination of laminated composite plies and matrix cracking at varied locations in the plies are simulated at different spatial locations of the structure. Numerical investigations have been carried out to identify the spatial location of damage using the proposed principal component analysis (PCA) based algorithm. In order to limit the number of sensors on the structure, an optimal sensor placement algorithm based on PCA is employed in the present work and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm with a limited number of sensors is also investigated. Finally, the inverse problem associated with the detection of delamination and matrix cracking is formulated as an optimization problem and is solved using the newly developed dynamic quantum particle swarm optimization (DQPSO) algorithm. Studies carried out and presented in this paper clearly indicate that the proposed SHM scheme can robustly identify the instant of damage, spatial location, the extent of delamination and matrix cracking even with limited sensor measurements and also with noisy data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A structural health monitoring system consists of permanently installed sensors to collect structural information, and these sensors are required to be placed at ‘good’ positions for damage identification. Conventional sensor placement methods make use of dynamic characteristics of a structure, i.e., mode shapes and natural frequencies, to determine optimal sensor positions. The engineering community has traditionally relied on these modal methods and finite element analysis for dynamic predictions in the low frequency range. However, these techniques become ineffective in mid frequency range due to large number of modes and high modal density. In view of this, in this paper, an optimal sensor placement technique which can be employed for low as well as mid frequency range structures for structural health monitoring as well as structural system identification is presented. The frequency domain based optimal sensor placement technique (FEfi) presented in this paper makes use of principal components evaluated from frequency response functions at the desired frequency levels. Numerical examples with optimally placed sensors dictated by the proposed algorithm are presented and compared with the popular effective independence (Efi) technique based on mode shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A hybrid wind–thermal generating system is proposed. [•] An adaptive search inspired from AIS algorithm used for Gencos profit maximization. [•] Reduce number of binary string variables required for modeling the constraints. [•] Profit maximization and cost minimization analyzed for 10 thermal+2 wind units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New multi-objective optimisation algorithm for solving combinatorial problems. [•] Features built-in to maintain perfect balance between intensification and diversification. [•] Numerical experiments with varied number of objectives. [•] Constraint handling through correction scheme and treating as objective function. [•] Comparative performance studies with four popular meta-heuristic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a damage detection technique combining proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) with self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm for structural health monitoring considering environmental variability and measurement noises. The damage detection methodology consists of three stages. Identification of the exact time instant of damage and exact spatial location of damage using proper orthogonal modes constitutes the first two stages. The damage severity assessment is the third stage and is formulated as a constrained optimisation problem, solved using newly proposed self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm. Numerical simulation studies indicate that the proposed method is robust and can be used effectively in SHM applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stereoselective total synthesis of decarestrictine O, a polyketide natural product is described. The synthesis involves MacMillan α-hydroxylation, C1-Wittig olefination, hydrolytic kinetic resolution and ring closing metathesis (RCM) as key steps. Improved efficiency was achieved by using the DIBAL mediated reductive transformation of trans-dimethyl l-tartrate acetonide into ε-hydroxy α,β-unsaturated ester in a single step. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) is heterogeneous. Longitudinal follow-up revealed that patients with “A-β+” KPD (absent autoantibodies and preserved β-cell function) segregated into 2 subgroups with distinct evolution of β-cell function and glycemic control. Generalized linear analysis demonstrated that the variable that most significantly differentiated them was presence of a clinically evident precipitating event for the index diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Hence, we performed a comprehensive analysis of A-β+ KPD patients presenting with “provoked” compared with “unprovoked” DKA. Clinical, biochemical, and β-cell functional characteristics were compared between provoked and unprovoked A-β+ KPD patients followed prospectively for 1 to 8 years. Human leukocyte antigen class II allele frequencies were compared between these 2 groups and population controls. Unprovoked A-β+ KPD patients (n = 83) had greater body mass index, male preponderance, higher frequency of women with oligo-/anovulation, more frequent African American ethnicity, and less frequent family history of diabetes than provoked A-β+ KPD patients (n = 64). The provoked group had higher frequencies of the human leukocyte antigen class II type 1 diabetes mellitus susceptibility alleles DQB1*0302 (than the unprovoked group or population controls) and DRB1*04 (than the unprovoked group), whereas the unprovoked group had a higher frequency of the protective allele DQB1*0602. β-Cell secretory reserve and glycemic control improved progressively in the unprovoked group but declined in the provoked group. The differences persisted in comparisons restricted to patients with new-onset diabetes. “Unprovoked” A-β+ KPD is a distinct syndrome characterized by reversible β-cell dysfunction with male predominance and increased frequency of DQB1*0602, whereas “provoked” A-β+ KPD is characterized by progressive loss of β-cell reserve and increased frequency of DQB1*0302 and DRB1*04. Unprovoked DKA predicts long-term β-cell functional reserve, insulin independence, and glycemic control in KPD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stereoselective total synthesis of decarestrictine-J, a polyketide natural product is described. The synthesis involves the Prins cyclisation and Ring Closing Metathesis (RCM) as key steps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to allow electronic components to coexist without harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) it is necessary to develop new shielding and absorbing materials with high performance and a large operating frequency band. Conducting polymer composites have been found to be suitable for EMI shielding and for the dissipation of electrostatic charge. In the present study polyaniline–polyurethane (PANI–PU) composite was considered for these applications. The microwave absorption, microwave reflection and EMI shielding properties of PANI–PU composite is evaluated both at S-band and X-band frequencies. The material is found to have good microwave absorption and is a potential candidate for EMI shielding applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Older patients may regard some medications, particularly psychotropic medications, as discretionary compared with what they perceive as more "essential "nonpsychiatric medications. Patients' concerns about psychotropic medication costs under Medicare Part D may reinforce these impressions. Design: The authors examined which Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs) would be least expensive for beneficiaries considering the costs of 1) all medications; and 2) only nonpsychiatric medications. Setting: The authors collected data from the PDP online comparison tool provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Participants: Hypothetical Medicare beneficiaries. Measurements: The authors examined four clinical scenarios from older outpatients with both chronic medical and psychiatric conditions (including psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and dementia with behavioral disturbances). Results: The authors examined data from all 1 60 plans available in CMS PDP regions in May 2007. There were frequent discrepancies in the least expensive PDPs within region, depending on considering the costs of all medications, or just nonpsychiatric medications. In the clinical scenarios, patients selecting a PDP based on nonpsychiatric medications alone would pick an unnecessarily more expensive plan 74%-100% of the time (when they took any brand name medication), suggesting that excluding psychiatric medications from PDP choices may be excessively costly. However, brand name psychotropic medications significantly increased the costs of the least expensive plans. The latter finding might persuade patients to avoid taking needed psychiatric medication due to cost. Conclusion This research highlights the complexity that patients with psychiatric and cognitive disorders face when choosing a Medicare PDP. Policymakers and clinicians should be aware of the tradeoffs that beneficiaries with psychiatric disorders face when making PDP plan choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providers’ failure to administer vaccines in accordance with established recommendations is a well-recognized barrier to national immunization efforts. This study evaluated the ease of use of two different formats of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) adult immunization schedule by physicians in private practice, where the majority of adult immunizations are administered. Methods: A series of focus groups was conducted with 94 physicians and other clinical staff in 11 private practices (family medicine and internal medicine) in six U.S. cities. Each session was based on a structured set of questions that explored barriers to adult immunizations, followed by three mock clinical scenarios to examine how each of two graphical depictions of the 2003–2004 adult immunization schedule (one from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the other from the Immunization Action Coalition) might facilitate assessments of recommended immunizations. Group dialogue and individual participants’ written responses to the scenarios and the alternate schedule formats were analyzed. Results: Providers perceived multiple barriers to adult immunization independent of immunization schedule formats, chiefly patients’ low interest in immunization and refusal of vaccines. Most participants were not familiar with either format of CDC’s adult immunization schedule before the study, but quickly developed strong preferences for one versus the other (usually the second format that they encountered). About half of the providers changed their vaccine recommendations for clinical scenarios when they consulted either schedule format, although some of the changes were not clinically appropriate. Participants suggested several ways to enhance the availability of the information contained in the schedule formats, especially through electronic means. Conclusions: This qualitative study suggests ways in which graphic depictions of an adult immunization schedule may address adult immunization barriers. Greater provider familiarity with schedule formats will be critical to their appropriate application in clinical encounters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 subgroups or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms are associated with severe retinopathy in younger Type 1 diabetic patients. Twenty-four Type 1 diabetic patients who had received panretinal photocoagulation for severe nonproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy were compared with 24 Type 1 diabetic patients (participating in a photographic screening program with regular fundus examinations) with no or minimal retinopathy, matched for age at onset and duration of diabetes. The HLA-DRB1–DQA1–B1 haplotype 04–03–0302 represented 22/48 (46%) in the severe and 21/48 (44%) in the no/minimal retinopathy group, respectively (n.s.). The most common genotype, 03–0501–0201/04–03–0302, occurred in 8/24 (33%) with severe and 10/24 (42%) with no/minimal retinopathy, respectively (n.s.). There were no statistical differences between patients with severe and no/minimal retinopathy whether DRB1, DQA1, or DQB1 alleles, haplotypes, or genotypes were analysed. The ACE gene polymorphism was almost identical between patients with severe and no/minimal retinopathy, and serum ACE levels did not differ. Thus, in the present study on a small group with carefully characterised diabetic retinopathy phenotypes, there was no indication that HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 subtypes or ACE gene polymorphisms were associated with severe retinopathy in younger Type 1 diabetic patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundThe occurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD) after heart transplantation may represent an accelerated inflammatory and thrombotic response to coronary vascular endothelial cell injury. Several common mutations involving hemostasis and cellular adhesion proteins have been associated with genetic susceptibility to native coronary heart disease. The clinical setting of heart transplantation provides a unique opportunity to examine the relative contribution of circulating (i.e., recipient) vs local vascular (i.e., donor) hemostatic components to the occurrence of CAD.: MethodsWe performed genotyping for several common hemostatic polymorphisms among 53 cardiac transplant patients and their heart donors. Patients were observed for an average of 43 months, and the presence of transplant CAD was determined by coronary angiography.: ResultsThe development of transplant CAD did not relate to recipient hemostatic genotype, but 2 donor polymorphisms (PAI-1 4G/5G and α2 integrin C807T) were important predictors of transplant CAD. The risk ratio (RR) of transplant CAD associated with donor PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–6.2) and was modified by recipient cytomegalovirus status, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and recipient factor XIII Val34Leu genotype. The RR of transplant CAD associated with donor α2 integrin 807 T/T genotype was 7.4 (95% CI, 2.5–22.0).: ConclusionsGenetic and metabolic factors contributed by both donor and recipient may interact at the level of the coronary vessel wall in the development of transplant-associated CAD, and this finding may provide additional support for the importance of local thrombotic response to endothelial injury in the pathogenesis of this disorder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]