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Detecting hazardous and toxic gases and their removal from environment is essential for human health. 2D materials plays vital role for gas sensing or scavenging. Density functional theory (DFT) was applied to investigate the adsorption of six toxic gases (CO, COS, NO, NO2, CH4O, and CH2N2) on Cu-decorated Aluminene surface. Aluminene preserve its metallic character after copper decoration. The greater values of adsorption energy (-2.72 eV, -0.92 eV, -3.39 eV, -2.14 eV, -2.66 eV and − 2.95 eV respectively) proposed that Cu-decoration is favorable than pristine Aluminene. Electronic properties and adsorption energies suggested chemisorption behavior of CO, NO and NO2 while other gas molecules showed physisorption. Hybridization occurs between d-orbitals of the system and the gas molecules that improved the electronic properties. The study encompassed analyses of Density of States (DOS), charge distribution, Electron Localization Function (ELF), work function, charge density difference (CDD) and recovery time. Band gap found to be zero for the optimized system prior to and following gas adsorption. It represent good conductivity of the material, owing to the possibility of an efficient gas sensor. The recovery time analysis indicated that the material exhibited reversible gas sensing properties at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, it could potentially serve as a disposable sensor for industrial safety applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed pre-synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their derivatives, which are used for solid phase extraction to remove the anionic dye Orange-G. The solid phases were examined and identified using several techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESE), zeta potential measurement, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The solid phase amount for both systems was 0.01 g. The optimal initial concentration for Orange-G dye was 200–500 mg/L for MWCNTs derivatives and 600 mg/L for magnetic decorated systems. The ideal pH for MWCNT-tris was 5, while the pH for the other solid phases was found to be 3 in the first system. However, both systems used 25 mL of dye. The flow rate was 0.5–1.5 mL/min. The type and volume of elution were examined in this study, and it emerged that DMSO solvent was the optimal eluent with 2.5 mL for both systems. The study investigated two isotherm models, specifically Freundlich and Langmuir. The qmax was 990–1612 mg/g for the first system and 1724–1960 mg/g for the second one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction stir welding (FSW) processing of the joint is a technique to improve the quality of the weld. The present research employed the friction stir welding technique to butt-weld AA5754 plates, whereby the joints of every weld case were identified based on their tensile strength, hardness, and impact toughness. The plates were joined by varying the rotational speeds, welding speeds, and tool tilt angles. A multi-objective optimization Taguchi's design of experiments approach and grey relational analysis (GRA) were used in this study to assess the combined effects of the process variables. The developed models are evaluated for sufficiency, and then the most significant parameters are determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the ANOVA showed that the rotational speed has a maximum contribution of 55.24%, 59%, and 46.27% in obtaining the optimal values of tensile strength, hardness, and impact toughness, respectively. It was found that formability and mechanical behaviors increased with increasing tilt angle for the tilt angle range examined in the current study. The two methods provide the same results, and the optimal conditions are a rotational speed of 1000 rpm, a welding speed of 60 mm/min, and a tilt angle of 2.5°. The optimal values for tensile strength, hardness, and impact toughness, respectively, were found to be 136 MPa, 85.25 HV, and 13 J. Significant implications for the welding industry may arise from the highly favorable outcomes in terms of microstructure and mechanical attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically study the optical and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of various cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) derivatives using quantum chemical calculations. The designed derivatives are classified into three classes and each class have three types of derivatives as a, b and c. For example, compounds 1a, 2a, and 3a are formed by substituting nitrophenyl at the terminal positions of 2,6-diphenyl-4 H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene at the terminal positions to design V-shaped (Λ-shaped) compounds and similar pattered were adopted for other classes. The dipole moment (µ), linear isotropic and anisotropic polarizability along with second-order and third-order NLO polarizability are computed by applying density functional theory (DFT) methods at PBE1PBE/6-311G** level of theory. Among all the derivatives, 3a and 1a shows the maximum linear isotropic (αiso) and anisotropic (αaniso) polarizability of 120.4 × 10−24 and 161.4 × 10−24 esu respectively. The noteworthy effect of incorporating different electron donor and acceptor moieties to the overall NLO polarizability is observed. The largest average second-order NLO polarizability value is observed 92.59 × 10−30 esu for system 1a. The β// amplitude of 1a is ~ 1.5 to 11 times more as compared to other derivatives. Additionally, the nonlinear anisotropy of β// amplitudes is also seen significantly larger ranging from 4.96 to 129.63 which is due to the V-shaped structure of designed compounds. While on the other hand, some compounds shows the third-order NLO polarizability amplitudes which are ranging in thousands including 4107 × 10−36, 5020 × 10−36, 5857 × 10−36, 6412 × 10−36, 6700 × 10−36 and 9057 × 10−36 esu for compounds 1b, 2b, 3a, 2a, 3b and 1a, respectively. Strikingly, the β// and <γ> amplitudes of compound 1a are ~ 14 and ~ 1242 times greater than that of standard para-nitroaniline (prototype NLO molecule), respectively, as computed at same PBE1PBE/6-311G** method. The TD-DFT calculations are also performed to see origin of larger NLO polarizabilities. The molecular electrostatic potential maps and frontier molecular orbitals are drawn to get further insight into the structure-NLO property relationship of newly designed CPDT derivatives. Hence, we considered that the current investigation will interest the researchers to further explore the optical and NLO applications of these CPDT derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of naphthalimide Bis-Schiff bases (5a) and (5b) using a dual approach comprising computational and experimental techniques. The synthesized Bis-Schiff base compounds (5) were successfully characterized using UV–visible, fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. In ethanol solvent, the experimental absorption peak was observed at 339 nm for compound 5a and at 341 and 433 nm for compound 5b. The computationally calculated absorption peak for compounds 5a was at ~ 343 nm and those for 5b were at 337 and 425 nm. The fluorescence emission bands of compounds 5a and 5b were observed at 383 and 549 nm, respectively, at an excitation wavelength of 338 nm. Additionally, quantum chemical studies of the synthesized compounds were performed to study their molecular structures linear optical and nonlinear optical (NLO) response properties. The molecular geometries were optimized to minimum energy ground state. Compounds 5a and 5b showed third-order NLO polarizability amplitudes of 391.8 × 10–36 and 489.0 × 10–36 esu, respectively, which are significantly larger than those of some standard NLO compounds. The results indicate that the Bis-Schiff base is a promising molecule for use in electronic and optoelectronic devices and biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: First-principles calculations were used to study the adsorption behavior of environmentally significant gases CO, CO2, NO, NO2, SO, and SO2 on pure buckled aluminene (b-Al) for gas sensing applications. Therefore, structural, electronic, and adsorption properties including adsorption energy values and recovery time have been calculated and discussed. Methods: All the structures were optimized using Amsterdam Density Functional (ADF) code BAND. In addition, triple zeta polarization basis with slater-type orbitals were utilized. Results: For every gas analyzed, we observed favorable adsorption energy values and charge transfer occurring between the gas molecule and b-Al. In the valance band, there was a strong hybridization between the p orbitals of gas and b-Al, this led to enhanced conductivity in the density of states (DOS). The recovery time suggested that the adsorption of NO, NO2, SO, and SO2 gases on b-Al is good for the application of reversible gas sensors. The recovery time indicated that the b-Al material is very sensitive to NO, NO2, SO, and SO2 gas molecules. Conclusion: The conclusion in light of all these results is that b-Al based materials can appear as a probable candidate for high gas sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is an attempt to fabricate aluminum (AA 5049) matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and consisting of exfoliated graphite nanosheets (EGNS/PAN) by utilizing friction stir processing (FSP) to improve the mechanical characteristics of AA 5049. The electrospinning method was used for fabricating PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers. The average diameter of the electrospun PAN nanofibers is 195 ± 57 nm, and after EGNS incorporation is 180 ± 68 nm. Dynamic recrystallization was the main process in the microstructure evolution of the stir zone during the FSP with PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers. According to PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers were used in the FSP procedure, the grain size reduced as a result of the pinning effects. PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofiber reinforcement enhanced the hardness to 89 and 98 Hv, respectively. Also, the ultimate tensile strength was raised to 291 MPa and 344 MPa, respectively. Tensile strength and hardness of the stir zone increased during the FSP with PAN and EGNS/PAN nanofibers due to the higher density of the strengthening mechanisms of grain boundaries and dislocations. The mechanical characteristics of AA5049 can be enhanced by the procedure of incorporating nanofibers, making them an ideal choice for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest malignancy in Egypt secondary to endemic hepatitis virus. Dual malignancy with HCC is infrequently reported. We herein retrospectively collected data of HCC patients with another primary tumor from a tertiary cancer center. Fifteen patients were enrolled in this case series, epidemiologic data, type of second malignancy, time interval between both tumors, treatment applied, and pattern of recurrence and survival are displayed. Third of the tumors were synchronous, while in the rest HCC was mostly the second malignancy. Breast cancer was the commonest encountered other primary. None of the second malignancies recurred after treatment except for prostate cancer which was not treated radically. The median overall survival of the patients was shorter than previously published series about 29 months. In conclusion, dual malignancy with HCC had more complicated treatment panels; however, they are not necessarily carrying a worse prognosis. HCC tumor outcome remains the main predictor of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality index (WQI) of Narora channel and health of endemic fish Bagarius bagarius and plant Eichhornia crassipes, district Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, India were studied. Among the physicochemical properties of water, pH, D.O, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cd were above the recommended standards. These factors lead to high WQI (4124.83), indicating poor quality and not suitable for drinking and domestic usage. In fish tissues, the highest metal load was reported in the liver (58.29) and the lowest in the kidney (33.73). Heavy metals also cause a lowering of condition indices. As expected, decreased serum protein (− 63.41%) and liver glycogen (− 79.10%) were recorded in the exposed fish. However, blood glucose (47.22%) and serum glycogen (74.69%) showed elevation. In the plant, roots (21.50) contained the highest, and leaves (16.87) had the lowest heavy metal load. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) > 1, indicates hyperaccumulation of all metals. E. crassipes roots showed the highest translocation factor (TF) > 1 for Ni (1.57) and Zn (1.30). The high mobility factor (MF) reflected the suitability of E. crassipes for phytoextraction of Mn, Cd, Zn, Fe, Ni, and Cu. Moreover, Bagarius sp. consumption could not pose any non-cancer risk. Although, lower cancer risk can be expected from Ni and Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are among the most destructive disasters because they cause immense damage to human life, property (land and buildings), and resources. They also slow down a country's economy. Due to the dynamic and complex nature of floods, it is difficult to predict the areas that are prone to flooding. In this study, an attempt was made to create a suitability map for future urban development based on flood vulnerability maps for the catchment area of Taif, Saudi Arabia. Three models were used for this purpose, including bivariate (FR), multivariate (LR), and machine learning (SVM) were used. Thirteen parameters were used as flood-contributing parameters. The inventory map was constructed using field surveys, historical data, analysis of RADAR (Sentinel-1A), and Google Earth imagery collected between 2013 and 2020. In general, 70% flood locations were randomly selected from the flood inventory map to generate the flood susceptibility model, and the remaining 30% of the flood locations were used for model validation. The flood susceptibility map was classified into five zones: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The AUC value used to predict the performance of the models showed that the accuracy reached 89.5, 92.0, and 96.2% for the models FR, LR, and SVM, respectively. Accordingly, the flood susceptibility map produced by the SVM model is accurate and was used to produce a flood vulnerability map with the help of urban and road density maps. Then slope and elevation maps were integrated with the flood vulnerability model to produce the final suitability map, which was classified into three zones: isolated zone, low suitability, and high suitability areas. The results showed that the highly suitable areas are located in the east and northeast of the Taif Basin, where the flood risk is low and very low. The results of this work will improve the land use planning of engineers and authorities and take possible measures to reduce the flood hazards in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectal cancer is a common tumor within a difficult anatomic constraint. Total mesorectal excision with longitudinal and circumferential free margins is considered imperative for good prognosis. In this article, the authors systematically reviewed all published literature with specific Mesh terms until the end of year 2019. Thereafter, retrieved articles were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and meta-analysis was conducted comparing local recurrence among 1-cm, 5-mm, and narrow (< 1-mm)/infiltrated margins. Thirty-nine articles were included in the study. Macroscopic distal margin < 1 cm carried a higher incidence of recurrence for those who did not receive neoadjuvant radiation, without affecting neither estimated overall nor disease-free survival. Less than 5-mm margin after radiation therapy is accepted oncologically. Infiltrated margins and narrow margins (< 1 mm) microscopically are associated with higher incidence of local recurrence and shorter overall and disease-free survival. Surgeons should aim at 1-cm safety margin in radiotherapy-naïve patients and microscopic free margin > 1 mm for those who received neoadjuvant therapy. The cost/benefit of reoperation for patients with infiltrated margins is still inadequately studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is now facing intolerable damage in all sectors of life because of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The discovery and development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs have become pragmatic in the time needed to fight against this pandemic. The non-structural protein 3 is essential for the replication of transcriptase complex (RTC) and may be regarded as a possible target against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we have used a comprehensive in silico technique to find potent drug molecules against the NSP3 receptor of SARS-CoV-2. Virtual screening of 150 Isatin derivatives taken from PubChem was performed based on their binding affinity estimated by docking simulations, resulting in the selection of 46 ligands having binding energy greater than −7.1 kcal/mol. Moreover, the molecular interactions of the nine best-docked ligands having a binding energy of ≥ −8.5 kcal/mol were analyzed. The molecular interactions showed that the three ligands (S5, S16, and S42) were stabilized by forming hydrogen bonds and other significant interactions. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed to mimic an in vitro protein-like aqueous environment and to check the stability of the best three ligands and NSP3 complexes in an aqueous environment. The binding energy of the S5, S16, and S42 systems obtained from the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area also favor the system's stability. The MD and MM/PBSA results explore that S5, S16, and S42 are more stable and can be considered more potent drug candidates against COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to develop a more complete theory regarding solutions to the problem of laminar flow in channels with porous walls. We establish new knowledge regarding the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions to a fourth order boundary value problem under consideration. In contrast to the previous literature, our strategy involves establishing new a priori bounds on solutions and draws on contractive mapping principles. This enables a deeper understanding of the problem by strategically addressing the questions of existence, uniqueness and approximation of solutions under one integrated framework, rather than applying somewhat disjointed approaches. Through this strategy, we advance current knowledge by extending the range of values of the Reynolds number under which the problem will admit a unique solution; and we furnish a sequence of functions whose limit converges to this solution, enabling an iterative approximation to any theoretical degree of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stratigraphy and macrofaunal content of the Lower Hanifa Formation (Hawtah Member) were studied at three localities: Al-Ghat, Jabal Al-abakkayn, and Al-Gaddiyah, central Saudi Arabia. The studied succession is conquered by limestone, calcareous shales, and several beds of tightly cemented calcarenites on oncolitic bed. The basal 5–8 m of the Member are significantly more shaley. Hawtah Member is highly fossiliferous, comprising brachiopods, gastropods, bivalves, ammonites, and echinoids. Twenty-seven species are recognized, including 7 species of corals, 8 brachiopods, 2 gastropods, 5 bivalves, and 5 cephalopods. Several taxa among the identified fauna are correlated with adjacent equivalent units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2002, Jordan sought to shift towards a knowledge economy through the adoption of several policies supporting the transition towards a knowledge economy. The current study aims to evaluate the transition process as Jordan moves towards knowledge economy. Majority of the indicators presented in this study showed regression, despite some important steps taken by Jordan. The results showed a noticeable decline in the knowledge economy indicators in Jordan and also that Jordan is going through difficult economic conditions on account of minimal global support. The pace of the transition towards the knowledge economy has been greatly affected by deteriorated economic situations of Jordan. However, Jordan has been able to obtain some positive indicators with respect to human capital and creativity, and these endorse the significance of investing in human capital, reviewing the law and legal system, and education policies in Jordan. These results provide a guideline to Jordanian authorities so that they can take necessary measures to meaningfully invest in knowledge economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study reveals the inhibitory potential of novel bioactive compounds of mangrove actinomycetes against nsp10 of SARS-CoV-2. A total of fifty (50) novel bioactive (antibacterial, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory) compounds of mangrove actinomycetes from different chemical classes such as alkaloids, dilactones, sesquiterpenes, macrolides, and benzene derivatives are used for interaction analysis against nsp10 of SARS-CoV-2. The six antiviral agents sespenine, xiamycin c, xiamycin d, xiamycin e, xiamycin methyl ester, and xiamycin A (obeyed RO5 rule) are selected based on higher binding energy, low inhibition constant values, and better-docked positions. The effective hydrogen and hydrophobic (alkyl, π –sigma, π – π T shaped and π -alkyl) interaction analysis reveals the four antivirals sespenine, xiamycin C, xiamycin methyl ester, and xiamycin A are supposed to be the most auspicious inhibitors against nsp10 of SARS-CoV-2. Quantum chemistry methods such as frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential are used to explain the thermal stability and chemical reactivity of ligands. The toxicity profile shows that selected ligands are safe by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profiling and also effective for inhibition of nsp10 protein of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular dynamic simulation investigation of apo and halo forms of nsp10 done by RMSD of C α atoms of nsp10, all amino acid residues RMSF, count total number of hydrogen bonds and radius of gyration (Rg). MD simulations reveal the complexes are stable and increase the structural compactness of nsp10 in the binding pocket. The lead antiviral compounds sespenine, xiamycin C, xiamycin methyl ester, and xiamycin A are recommended as the most promising inhibitors against nsp10 of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abu Rusheid area is a part of the Arabo-Nubian basement exposures and is located in the southern Eastern Desert of Egypt, 95 km southwest of Marsa Alam City on the Red Sea coast. The Precambrian basement rocks include (a) ophiolitic metagabbros, (b) ophiolitic mélange, (c) mylonitic rocks, and (d) granites which were later intruded by lamprophyre dikes, pegmatite, and quartz veins. Geochemical studies revealed that both the mica schist and mylonite are mainly arkoses to greywacke in composition and confined to the passive margin tectonic setting. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns illustrate enrichment in HREEs in mica schist relative to LREEs, and there is a balance between them in mylonite. The minerals that have been identified in both mica schist and mylonite are soddyite, uranophane, kasolite, metazeunerite, thorite, uranothorite, and zinnwaldite. These mineralizations are related to shear zones and mainly coincide with the Najd fault (left lateral strike-slip) shear system. Field spectrometric measurements revealed that the average eU is 219 ppm and eTh is 451 ppm along trenches, whereas along channel samples the average eU is 64 ppm and eTh is 271 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious complication leading to painful episodes of parasthesia and numbness in hands and feet. The present drugs that have been used for symptomatic treatment yield inconclusive results in trials and assorted side effects. Thus, there is a pressing demand for development of therapeutically efficacious strategy to combat CIPN. The present study investigates about the effect of a marine sponge; Cliothosa aurivilli (CA) on paclitaxel (PT)–induced peripheral neuropathy in mice. Peripheral neuropathy was induced by intoxication with chemotherapeutic drug PT (2 mg/kg; i.p.) for 5 days consequently. Subsequent treatment with aqueous extract of CA (100 and 200 mg/kg) and standard drug methylcobalamin (MCA) (5 mg/kg) was done and results compared statistically. Neuropathic pain sensations were assessed using various behavioural and locomotory models and evaluated on 0th, 7th and 14th days. Kinovea software was used for video path-tracking of animals and total distance travelled calculated. The results indicated clear signs of improvement post 10 days of PT intoxication in CA-treated groups when compared PT challenged group. A significant reduction in pain behaviours in mechanical allodynia, cold chemical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia models, improvement in sensory motor coordination, locomotor activity, and distance travelled in closed field model reveals that CA possesses potential ameliorating effect against PT-induced neuropathic pain symptoms. The extract notably improved the movement of the PT challenged animals which was shown by the video path-tracking software and total distance travelled by those animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To be proactive in mountain hazard mitigation, landslide disaster assessments are becoming increasingly urgent. In this study, three modeling techniques, namely, support vector machine (SVM), convolutional neural network (CNN-1D), and (CNN-2D), were applied and their outcomes were compared for landslide susceptibility mapping at Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. As a first step, a landslide inventory map was developed from various data sources. A total of 181 landslide points were identified and divided into 70% training and 30% validation datasets. Thirteen landslide indicator factors (LIFs) were used, including elevation, aspect, distance to fault, geology, land use, plan and profile curvature, distance to road, slope length (LS), stream power index (SPI), topographic witness index (TWI), slope angle, and distance to streams. Experimental results of model accuracy using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (ROC, AUC), mean absolute error (MAE), and kappa index (K) showed that the CNN-1D and CNN-2D models (ROC = 86% and 89%, respectively) were more accurate than conventional machine learning model (SVM) (ROC = 82%) in predicting landslides spatially. Specifically, the results showed that CNN-1D and CNN-2D were 4.9% and 7.9% better than support vector machine (SVM) in terms of ROC, and that CNN-2D was 3.5% better than CNN-1D. Moreover, other statistical indices showed that CNN-2D produce the highest value of kappa index (0.855) and lowest value of mean absolute error (0.072), whereas SVM provides the lowest value of kappa index (0.562) and highest value of mean absolute error (0.223). Results indicate that the CNN-2D model is the optimal model for landslide susceptibility mapping. The generated hazard maps are a crucial step in landslide prevention and management to identify the future landslides and avoid potentially problematic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation highlights the two-dimensional design of several interesting superalkali-doped borophene derivatives for efficient nonlinear optics (NLO). The combination effects and resulting NLO responses of borophene (B36) and superalkali units (Li3O) were evaluated by orienting superalkali clusters at various sites, such as the hub, rim, and bridge, around an B36 molecule. The charge analysis was characterized by frontier and natural bond orbital analyses, a narrowed HOMO–LUMO bandgap and greater intramolecular charge transfers. Molecular electrostatic potential surfaces demonstrated enhanced optoelectronic features of these complexes that are viable due to Li3O adsorption. Singly doped and doubly doped complexes were considered, and their NLO properties were calculated. Bandgap energy was reduced approximately threefold when doped with two Li3O. As a considerably high figure of merit, first hyperpolarizability (βo) values of up to five digits (including 10,611 au for complex A) prove that these systems can be utilized as promising candidates in various NLO applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a class of initial value problems for a nonlinear implicit fractional differential equation with nonlocal conditions involving the Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo fractional derivative. The applied fractional operator is based on a nonsingular and nonlocal kernel. Then we derive a formula for the solution through the equivalent fractional functional integral equations to the proposed problem. The existence and uniqueness are obtained by means of Schauder's and Banach's fixed point theorems. Moreover, two types of the continuous dependence of solutions to such equations are discussed. Finally, the paper includes two examples to substantiate the validity of the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) has emerged as an alternative method for the conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD). LBM has a few advantages over traditional CFD, namely easy to apply, thermodynamics can be naturally integrated into the transport equations, etc. The complex physics is added to the governing equations via source terms. Nevertheless, there are many issues related to the method that needs to be carefully investigated and evaluated. One of these issues is implementing the force term. Since there are a few methods in implementing the force term in the open literature, the topic needs to review and assess in helping the readers and researchers in selecting the appropriate method. The present work focuses on the issue of implementing the momentum forces into the LBM. The work reviews, summarizes, and evaluates the published forcing schemes. The advantages, disadvantages, and constraints of each of them are presented. The literature review shows that there are about twelve forcing schemes proposed in the open literature. To the authors' knowledge, there is no review published to compare and assess those schemes. The schemes can be classified according to implementing method into the LBM governing equation, namely implementing through the equilibrium distribution function, as a source term, and implementing through both equilibrium distribution function and source term. Also, the schemes can be grouped into four groups based on the form of the discrete lattice force term. Natural convection in a heated cavity is used as a platform for testing and comparing the reviewed schemes. The force term in the natural convection problem varies through the domain of integration, which is a function of the temperature. In other words, the force term is variable. The evaluated results show that all reviewed schemes yielded similar results and consistent with the benchmark solution. That refutes the claim of some authors that their scheme is more accurate than the others. We should mention that our conclusion is valid for single-phase flows. We are in the process of testing those schemes for multi-phase flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of fractional integral inequalities plays an intrinsic role in approximation theory also it has been a key in establishing the uniqueness of solutions for some fractional differential equations. Fractional calculus has been found to be the best for modeling physical and engineering processes. More precisely, the proportional fractional operators are one of the recent important notions of fractional calculus. Our aim in this research paper is developing some novel ways of fractional integral Hermite–Hadamard inequalities in the frame of a proportional fractional integral with respect to another strictly increasing continuous function. The considered fractional integral is applied to establish some new fractional integral Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities. Moreover, we present some special cases throughout discussing this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial effluents that contain various toxic substances have polluted our water and soil and posed major health issues. Thus, their removal or conversion to non-toxic products is highly crucial and desirable. This work emphasizes the synthesis of sulfur nanoparticles through precipitation method using anionic and cationic surfactants for exploring its catalytic efficiency in the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI). As-synthesized sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) were physically characterized by UV-Vis absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The SNPs prepared using both surfactants have narrow size distribution with great homogeneity (50–80 nm). Moreover, excellent efficiency for Cr (VI) to Cr (III) reduction was recorded for SNPs. Besides, cytotoxicity analysis against microalgae Picochlorum sp. was analyzed and the SNPs showed no negative effect on algal growth and chlorophyll a concentration. Finally, the SNPs were found to provide excellent sunlight protection. Our results highlight that SNPs have great potential for the treatment of industrial wastewater with greater reproducibility. Moreover, they are equally effective against harmful sun rays and are suitable in different skin care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine how changes in relative national prices affect trade flows, this study estimates the impact of changes in industry-specific effective real exchange rates on industry-level trade balances, exports, and imports. We analyze the variations in industry-specific intra-industry trade and vertical specialization, which may both govern the long-run relationship between real exchange rates and trade flows. We employ sample information from 13 manufacturing industries across five Asian countries from 2001 to 2015. Rather than country-level aggregate measures, we use disaggregated industry-specific real exchange rates, which provide better measures of relative national prices and may help to uncover different responses that are masked by aggregate data. Fixed-effect estimations reveal that greater price competitiveness, as measured by depreciation in industry-specific effective real exchange rates, increases industry-level trade balances. We find that the elasticity of industry-level trade balances with respect to industry-specific real exchange rates declines as vertical specialization increases. There is also some limited evidence that this elasticity increases as intra-industry trade increases. Taken together, our findings suggest that global supply chains are more important than intra-industry trade in examining the response of trade balances to real exchange rate changes. Importantly, these heterogeneous impacts imply that policies regarding exchange rate management may be of limited potency and will affect different industries in different ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor separation of powdered biochar from the liquid phase during toxic heavy metals adsorption poses serious environmental and human health challenges. The current study therefore investigated the removal of toxic heavy metal i.e., cadmium using a magnetically modified biochar derived from Eleocharis dulcis to combine its easy separation from liquid phase with enhanced adsorption capacity obtained from Eleocharis dulcis biochar. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by using various characterization techniques and its performance for cadmium adsorption was studied at varying parameters of time, temperature, pH and concentration. Both equilibrium and kinetic studies were performed at 30, 35, 40 and 45 °C. The equilibrium data was subjected to Langmuir equation and the thermodynamic parameters like ∆S°, ∆H° and ∆G° were calculated. The kinetic data fitted well to pseudo second order equation and the activation energy was calculated by using Arrhenius equation. The adsorption capacity of cadmium was found to be higher on the surface of magnetite biochar derived from Eleocharis dulcis as compared to many of the reported adsorbents proving it to be an effective adsorbent to remove cadmium from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to construct a firm mathematical foundation for the boundary value problem associated with a generalized Emden equation that embraces Thomas–Fermi-like theories. Boundary value problems for the relativistic and non-relativistic Thomas–Fermi equations are included as special cases. Questions of existence and uniqueness of solutions to these boundary value problems form a fundamental and important area of investigation regarding whether these mathematical models for physical phenomena are actually well-posed. However, these questions have remained open for the generalized Emden problem and the relativistic Thomas–Fermi problem. Herein we advance current understanding of existence and uniqueness of solutions by proving that these boundary value problems each admit a unique solution. Our methods involve an analysis of the problems through arguments that apply differential inequalities and fixed-point theory. The new results guarantee the existence of a unique solution, ensuring the generalized Emden equation that embraces Thomas–Fermi theory sits on a firm mathematical foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stomach cancer is a curative disease in early stages. The optimal extent and approach for gastric resection are still evolving. Patients and Methods: In this study, we examined the value, as well as, the predictors of omental disease spread, retrospectively, in a group of patients with gastric cancer who attended the Oncology Center, Mansoura University, in the period between January 2006 and April 2017. Results: Nodal metastasis, especially heavy disease (N2 and beyond), and advanced stage are predictors of the presence of omental disease. However, neither overall nor disease-free survival is affected by omental infiltration. Conclusion: Omental resection will continue being an integral part of gastric resection, but the level of omental cutting needs further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Our younger rectal carcinoma cases had poorer pathologic criteria but the therapy was the crucial factor affecting their survival. Full course of radiotherapy was crucial for better OS of the younger group (P = 0.014), while chemotherapy was crucial for better DFS/PFS in both the young and old age groups (P = 0.00). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy affecting females. Hormone-positive cancers carry a better prognosis. Many adjuvant and palliative endocrine therapies are in use, including surgical ablation. We retrospectively studied seventy-four patients who did bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO)/bilateral oophorectomy (BO) for factors affecting survival and prognosis. BSO was superior in overall and progression-free survival. Incidental ovarian metastasis carried a grave prognosis. Surgical hormonal ablation is a viable option with laparoscopic BSO as the approach of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New fast and efficient analytical method based on QuEChERS followed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was developed for extraction and pre-concentration of residues of ethion and bifenthrin insecticide/acaricides in palm date matrix. GC-MS was used for quantification of the pesticides. The developed method was validated according to the European regulations’ requirements. Method accuracy was 102.2% and 96.1% with a precision of 8.4% and 4.3% (intra-day) and 7.9 and 5.1% (inter-day) for ethion and bifenthrin, respectively. The validated QuEChERS and QuEChERS-DLLME methods were compared. Applying DLLME for preconcentration of pesticides lowered the limit of quantification nearly 20 times. By adding the DLLME step using chlorobenzene as extractant, the method achieved better sensitivity and enrichment factor. Matrix effects were evaluated. Developed methods were utilized in analysis of real samples originated from field trial and markets. For field trial, pre-harvest interval (PHI) and dissipation kinetics were investigated. QuEChERS-DLLME method detected ethion in all market samples and bifenthrin in two of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riyadh is a desert region characterized by large daily and seasonal ambient temperature variations. Air cooling using mechanical vapor compression requires high energy rates resulting in negative environmental impacts. The use of non-conventional cooling methods such as evaporative cooling is attractive and needs further investigations particularly in such critical weather conditions. This paper deals with the analysis of the performance of a direct evaporative cooling in hot and arid weather conditions. Theoretical models using heat and mass transfer, exergy and cost analysis are first developed and presented. Such models have been systematically validated using available experimental and theoretical results from previous studies. The second part of the work concerns the analysis of the performance of a direct evaporative cooler under a metropolitan central Arabian Peninsula (Riyadh, KSA) weather conditions using average hourly temperature and relative humidity of the month of July. The optimum operating parameters of the cooler have been then selected. The analysis shows that the effect of the cooler effectiveness on the exergy efficiency is not significant. The suitable value of the effectiveness of the evaporative cooler working under summer weather of the studied location is found to be between 0.7-0.8. Such a value achieves comfortable conditions at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a common complication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and it was considered a relative contraindication for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) by many centers. This study aimed to assess the outcomes after TACE in patients with branch PVT regarding Child classification, radiological response, and 1-year survival.Methods: Thirty HCC patients (24 male, 6 females) Child A cirrhotics with branch PVT underwent TACE. Follow up was done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after first TACE. All patients underwent laboratory investigations including liver function tests to assess deterioration in liver functions and triphasic spiral computed tomography to assess radiological response according to modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) criteria, and survival analysis was recorded.Results: TACE succeeded to achieve disease control in 93.3%, 86.3%, 57.7%, and 44.4% of patients after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Post-TACE liver decompensation occurred in the form of ascites in 30%, jaundice in 10%, and hepatic encephalopathy in 3.3% within 1 month of TACE. One month survival after TACE was 100%, 3 months was 96.6%, 6 months was 86.6%, and 1-year survival was 60%. Mean overall survival of the included patients was 17 months (SE = 1.59).Conclusion: TACE seems an alternative option for patients with unrespectable HCC with portal vein thrombosis in patients with good liver function tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the correlation between the preoperative clinical diagnosis and the final histopathology of hysterectomy specimens. Methods: This is a retrospective study by the authors of all cases who underwent a hysterectomy over a 2- year period (2008-2009). All hysterectomies performed for malignant indication were excluded. Results: During the 2- year study period there were a total of 137 cases eligible for analysis. 107 patients had hysterectomy alone and 30 patients had hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy. The abdominal route was used in 122 cases (89%) and the vaginal one in 15 patients (11%). The mean age at the time of hysterectomy was 49.1 years (range 35-76 years). Heavy menstrual loss was the most common indication for hysterectomy accounting for 39% of the cases. The rest of the indications included, fibroids, abdominal pain, postmenopausal bleeding, uterine prolapse and others. The histopathology of the endometrium prior to hysterectomy was reported in 68% of the cases and the most common finding was an endometrium with signs of hormonal imbalance. In the final histopathology reports of the hysterectomy specimens, fibroid was the most common finding reported in 36.5% of the cases. Adenomyosis was reported in 28% of the cases, endometrial hyperplasia in 12%, no specific pathology in 10% and malignancy in 5%. Conclusions: Hysterectomy will remain a common gynecological operation in both developing and developed countries. The clinical and the pathological correlation are poor, when abdominal pain or dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) was the preoperative clinical diagnosis. However, there was a very high correlation when the clinical diagnosis was a fibroid. All hysterectomy specimens should be sent for histopathology regardless of the preoperative histopathology of the endometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic response of dams is significantly influenced by foundation stiffness and dam-foundation interaction. This in turn, significantly effects the generation of hydrodynamic pressures on upstream face of a concrete dam due to inertia of reservoir water. This paper aims at investigating the dynamic response of dams on soil foundation using dynamic centrifuge modelling technique. From a series of centrifuge tests performed on model dams with varying stiffness and foundation conditions, significant co-relation was observed between the dynamic response of dams and the hydrodynamic pressures developed on their upstream faces. The vertical bearing pressures exerted by the concrete dam during shaking were measured using miniature earth pressure cells. These reveal the dynamic changes of earth pressures and changes in rocking behaviour of the concrete dam as the earthquake loading progresses. Pore water pressures were measured below the dam and in the free-field below the reservoir. Analysis of this data provides insights into the cyclic shear stresses and strains generated below concrete dams during earthquakes. In addition, the sliding and rocking movement of the dam and its settlement into the soil below are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural examination and thermoelectric power measurement are made on Bi1.75Pb0.35Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 samples sintered at different conditions. Thermoelectric power of all samples was found to be positive and it increases almost linearly with the decrease of temperature up to ∼140 K, before falling to zero at Tco. However, the thermoelectric power changes slightly with increasing sintering temperature and time. The normal state results are analyzed in terms of a two-band model with an additional linear part T. The effects of sintering temperature and time on the parameters related to this model have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure examination, resistivity, and thermopower measurements were made on samples of Bi1.75Pb0.35 Sr2Ca2Cu3O y sintered for different time periods. Thermoelectric power of all samples was found to be positive and changes slightly with sintering time prolongation. The normal state resistivity was analyzed using only the equation ρ n = ρ(0)+ aT which was found to be satisfactory. The superconducting fluctuation behavior has been investigated using the Aslamazov and Larkin (AL), Lawrence and Doniach (LD), and Varlamov and Livanov (VL) models. In agreement with the theoretical prediction, the ln (Δ σ/ σ 300)−ln ( ε) plots exhibited three different regions, namely critical, mean field, and short wave fluctuation regions. Some parameters such as critical exponents, zero temperature coherence length ζ(0), the interlayer spacing d, the interlayer coupling ν, and the Fermi energy E F have been estimated. The effect of sintering time on such estimated parameters has been studied. The critical exponent λ values have indicated dimensionality cross-over from 2D to 3D for all the investigated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline samples of Bi2Se3 and stoichiometric ternary compounds in the quasi-binary system SnSe-Bi2Se3 were characterized by measurements of temperature and field dependence of electrical conductivity. The current density–electric field characteristics were found to be non-linear, especially when the applied electric field exceeds a certain value which is dependent on the temperature T. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity can be enhanced by the applied electric field. The characteristic length a(T) seemed to be enhanced with increasing temperature. Electrical conductivity measurements elucidated the semiconducting behaviour of both compounds, especially when the temperature of measurement exceeds a certain value for SnBi4Se7, and hopping and band type conduction are dominant at low and high ranges of temperature, respectively. Below 200 K, the electrical conductivity of SnBi4Se7 decreases with increasing temperature. Meanwhile, additional scattering and hopping seemed to characterize the behaviour of SnBi4Se7 due to the Sn doping of Bi2Se3 resulting in additional states at the Fermi level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: We present a series of 14 Saudi patients diagnosed to have adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). The clinical and laboratory pattern of AOSD in our series is more or less similar to that in other reported series, apart from having lower cardiac and pulmonary involvement than western series. The disease course was relatively benign, with only half the cases showing recurrences, which were controlled by alterations in the dosage of corticosteroid and NSAIDs. A comparison with other series is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localization of epidermoid cysts to the pineal region is rare. The 7-year-old boy now reported presented with an 18-month history of progressive ataxia. CT and MRI scans demonstrated a 2.5×2.5 cm cyst at the pineal region with obstructive hydrocephalus. At surgery via an occipital transtentorial approach, a characteristic “pearly tumour” was encountered, and complete resection was achieved. We present the management of this child with pineal region epidermoid cyst and review 11 cases reported in the literature since 1968. In all, 8 of the 12 patients were males. The age at the time of diagnosis ranged from 7 years to 69 years. Parinaud's syndrome and hydrocephalus are the most common presenting findings. All but 1 patient underwent direct surgical resection; 1 had stereotactic decompression. Surgical treatment brought about complete resolution of the presenting symptoms and signs in 10 of the 12 cases. One patient had persistent upgaze palsy. One patient died from progression of the pineal region mass. This patient presented with hemiparesis, which is a marker of clinical aggressiveness. The authors advocate direct surgical attack as opposed to stereotactic diagnosis and aspiration to: (1) obtain maximal resection and thereby limit the potential for recurrence and delayed complications of the cyst; (2) possibly avoid shunt placement in patients who present with hydrocephalus; and (3) decrease the likelihood of sampling error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the catalytic debutylation of tert-butylphenols by some Jordanian, Bulgarian and Turkish natural clays, Jordanian kaolin and bentonite were found to be the most active catalysts among the clays studied. The activity of these clays to convert o-tert-butylphenol to phenol, p-tert-butylphenol and other minor products is in the following order: Jordanian kaolin >Jordanian bentonite>Turkish bentonite> Bulgarian bentonite. While for the conversion of p-tert-butylphenols, Jordanian clays showed moderate activity, with bentonite being the most active, the other clays were not active. Also, all the clays studied were ineffective towards conversion of m-tert-butylphenol. As to the debutylation selectivity of the ortho isomer, Jordanian bentonite proved to be slightly debutylation selective, whereas Jordanian kaolin showed a relatively high selectivity toards ortho to para isomerization. The para isomer produced only debutylation products and none of the other isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Animal Health & Production is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Heavy ion reactions with a neutron transfer are considered. Reactions with the different heavy ionsB,C,N,O,O andS are incident on the different targetsC,O,Al,Si,S,Ca,Ca,Fe,Ni andPb with the reaction process of a neutron stripping or a neutron pick-up. The energies of the incident heavy ions have values in the range between 36 MeV and 155 MeV. Theory of these transfer reactions is studied using DWBA approximations. Numerical calculations of the differential cross-sections are carried out using the DWBA calculations. Good agreement between the theoretical calculations and the experimental measurements is obtained. From the comparison of the present theoretical calculations and the experimental data of the angular distributions, spectroscopic factors are extracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medifoxamine is a monoamine reuptake inhibiting antidepressant drug. We have investigated its pharmacokinetics in normal healthy volunteers. After an overnight fast, ascending doses of 200, 500, 750 and 1000 mg of medifoxamine were taken orally. Plasma samples were analysed using a specific HPLC method. Medifoxamine was well tolerated and exhibited a first order linear pharmacokinetic profile. It underwent rapid absorption and peak plasma concentrations were achieved about 1.0 h after administration. Thereafter the elimination profile was biphasic with a mean terminal half life less than 3 hours. We found a linear relationship ( r=0.80) between administered dose and AUC values for the four doses. High values were obtained for the apparent volumes of distribution and the plasma clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local measurements of the phase function and of two components of the velocity can be performed in transparent porous media by means of particle image displacement velocimetry (P.I.D.V.). Some preliminary results are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]