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A High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector has been used to measure the photon spectra in the majority of monoenergetic neutron fields produced at NPL (0.144, 0.250, 0.565, 2.0, 5.0 and 16.5 MeV). The HPGe was characterised and then modelled to produce a response matrix. The measured pulse height spectra were then unfolded to produce photon fluence spectra. The new spectra were used to improve the photon to neutron dose equivalent ratios from some earlier work at NPL with Geiger–Muller tubes and electronic personal dosemeters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a non-linear mathematical model that captures the dynamics of drinking prevalence within a population. The model is analyzed under an optimal control framework, dividing the total population into four compartments: susceptible, heavy drinker, drinker in treatment, and recovered classes. The model’s validity is affirmed through considerations of positivity, boundedness, reproduction number, stability, and sensitivity analysis. Stability theory is employed to explore both local and global stabilities. Sensitivity analysis identifies parameters with a significant impact on the reproduction number (R0{R}_{0}), with maximum sensitivity observed in parameters related to drinking transmission and transitions from heavy drinking to treatment stages. These parameters exhibit sensitivity indices of (0.538,1)\left(0.538,1), indicating that a 10% increase in these parameters would result in a (5.38,1)\left(5.38,1) increase in the threshold quantity. The study introduces an optimal control strategy that involves awareness campaigns and treatment as control variables. These controls aim to minimize the number of heavy drinkers while maximizing the number of recovered individuals. Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to solve optimal control problems. Additionally, the research explores various parametric settings for each compartment, enriching the study environment. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is evaluated through rigorous numerical simulations, highlighting its competitive edge. The results, validated using MATLAB simulations, are detailed throughout the article.

Mostly used material is concrete which has versatile quality for construction works. Fibrous concrete have significant factor that improve the scale and value to concrete for humid environments with significant role. Day by day abundant demand and use of concrete is increasing. It is considered as a 2nd largest building material due to the major productivity. By the use of fibrous concrete, some bonding and environmental issues have been addressed. Keeping in this view, an experimental based study is conducted to evaluate the strength of fiber reinforced concrete at different percentages 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. All percentages are added by the weight of concrete with all fibers. In this connection, one hundred and fifty-three cylinders of five mixes are prepared. Workability checked of fresh concrete during the pouring of concrete cylinders. Poured cylinders' samples are left for different curing ages at 7 and 28 days. One hundred and two cylinders for compression at 7 and 28days but fifty-one cylinders for split tensile test at 28days with all fibers i.e. glass fiber, steel fiber, coconut fiber and polypropylene fiber. After curing, compression and split tensile tests are performed to check the strength of hardened concrete. Workability of five mixes lies between 40-90mm.Fibrous concrete is suitable for humid environment where high strength and voids less concrete are required. Addition of fibers in concrete may improves the strength parameters as well as to increase the bonding and tensile properties of concrete. It reduces the quantity of water to be used in concrete. Also the use of different types of fibers has been proved to be economical and is considered as environmental friendly construction material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self healing concrete are the effective methods for solving concrete deterioration and improving durability. Keeping in this view, an experimental study is conducted to evaluate the strength and healing performance of concrete made with 4% fiber for all mixes and Effective Microorganism-1 (Expounded Cracks Healing Agent) of different percentages 0%, 2%, 4% and 6%, 8% and 10%. In this connection, 108 cylinders & 54 cubes of six mixes are prepared. Workability of six mixes lies between 1mm - 38mm which is increasing by the increase of EM-1.The workability of fresh concrete using W/C ratio 0.4 is evaluated. After performing slump test, mix the all ingredients of concrete and cast the cylinders and cubes. Poured cylindrical and cubical specimens are left for different curing ages at 7, 14 and 28 days. After curing, splitting tensile strength test is performed on cylindrical specimens only and compressive strength on hardened concrete cylinders and cubes are tested and then checked the air content ratio of all six mixes which is within the acceptable ranges. After testing the cubes and cylinders are again kept in water for curing to check rate of healing and then checked the microstructure by SEM images. Cracks are small due to the use of fiber addition. By the use of EM-1, cracks can be healed. Maximum healing of crack width is between 0.04 mm to 0.07 mm if cracks width exceeds from 0.20 then it is difficult to restore. Results concluded that microorganism based self healing concrete is suitable at 6% addition in concrete which is suitable for humid environment and hydraulic structures where high strength and voids less concretes are required. Chopped strand mat can be used where concrete can be used without reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new development of an Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for a Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump (HGSHP). The HGSHP is equipped with a supplementary heat sink composter to process organic solid waste (OSW), utilizing excess hot air from the condensing unit to aerate the compost pile. The Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) was developed using data collected by effective sensors installed in the HGSHP system. The main objective is to control the water flow rate with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to improve overall system performance. The dataset for ANFIS has been created and trained using MATLAB® software, then implemented on a Raspberry Pi nano-computer with Python coding. This paper compares the performance of ANFIS with two different cases: ANFIS with Triangular Membership Function (TriMF) and ANFIS with Gaussian Membership Function (GaussMF). After implementing ANFIS with TriMF and GaussMF, the average COP during composter operation and system cooling significantly increased. In contrast, the HGSHP system power consumption is sufficiently reduced in both case studies. Moreover, ANFIS also benefits the composting process, as evidenced by the increase in composter operation time, and vice versa for system cooling time. Ultimately, the implementation of ANFIS can improve the HGSHP system performance in both the TriMF and GaussMF cases, with the TriMF case showing a significant improvement in the HGSHP system performance compared to the GaussMF case.

The influence of substrate temperature on the growth rate, crystal grain size and SiO2 mask stability in the selective epitaxial growth of silicon carbide deposited from SiH4, C2H4 and HCl on silicon dioxide masked silicon (100) was investigated. Results showed that deposition at atmospheric pressure and a Cl/Si ratio of 50 provided good selectivity. Raising the substrate temperature from 950 to 1000 deg C increased the growth rate and the crystal size and enhanced the film's surface morphology.

Since skewness plays a vital role in different engineering phenomena, its accurate measurement gains significance. Several measures have been taken to quantify the extent of skewness in distributions over the years, but each measure is subject to some serious limitations. In this regard, the present study aims to propose a new skewness measuring functional based on distribution function evaluated at mean with minimal assumptions and limitations. Four well-recognized properties for an appropriate measure of skewness were verified and demonstrated for the new measure. A comparison was made between the new measure and the conventional moment-based measure using both functionals over the range of distributions available in the literature. Furthermore, the robustness of the proposed measure against unusual data points was explored using influence function. The mathematical findings were verified through meticulous simulation studies; further, they were verified by real data sets derived from diverse fields of inquiries. As observed, compared to the classical moment-based measure, the proposed one passed all the checks with distinction. Given the computational simplicity, applicability in a more general environment, and preservation of c-ordering of distribution, the proposed measure may be regarded as an attractive addition to the family of skewness measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a nonlinear deterministic mathematical model that encapsulates the dynamics of the prevailing degree of corruption in a population. The objectives are attained by exploring the dynamics of the corruption model under fractional-order derivative in the Caputo sense. The outcomes of the research are facilitated by stratifying the population into five compartments: susceptible class, exposed class, corrupted class, recovered class, and honest class. The developed model is validated by proving pivotal delicacies such as positivity, invariant region, basic reproduction number, and stability analysis. The Ulam–Hyers stability technique is used to prove the stable solution. The Adam–Bashforth numerical scheme is employed to estimate the numerical solution. Moreover, the research environment is further enriched by studying each compartment with respect to a wide range of relevant parametric settings. The realizations of this study indicate that susceptible individuals remain subject to being influenced by corrupt individuals. In addition, it is observed that the population of exposed individuals, recovered individuals, and honest individuals asymptotically approach toward the corruption equilibrium point, whereas the magnitudes of susceptible individuals and corrupted individuals decrease asymptotically to the corruption equilibrium state. The compartment dynamics are witnessed to be sensitive for various fractional-orders indicating the utility of the fractional approach. The findings of this study support the fundamental understanding of conceptualizing corruption in accordance with the viral transmission of infectious disease.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while mild in most cases, has nevertheless caused significant mortality. The measures adopted in most countries to contain it have led to colossal social and economic disruptions, which will impact the medium- and long-term health outcomes for many communities. In this paper, we deliberate on the reality and facts surrounding the disease. For comparison, we present data from past pandemics, some of which claimed more lives than COVID-19. Mortality data on road traffic crashes and other non-communicable diseases, which cause more deaths each year than COVID-19 has so far, is also provided. The indirect, serious health and social effects are briefly discussed. We also deliberate on how misinformation, confusion stemming from contrasting expert statements, and lack of international coordination may have influenced the public perception of the illness and increased fear and uncertainty. With pandemics and similar problems likely to re-occur, we call for evidence-based decisions, the restoration of responsible journalism and communication built on a solid scientific foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The allelopathic water extracts (AWEs) may help improve the tolerance of crop plants against abiotic stresses owing to the presence of the secondary metabolites (i.e., allelochemicals). We conducted four independent experiments to evaluate the influence of exogenous application of AWEs (applied through seed priming or foliage spray) in improving the terminal heat and drought tolerance in bread wheat. In all the experiments, two wheat cultivars, viz. Mairaj‐2008 (drought and heat tolerant) and Faisalabad‐2008 (drought and heat sensitive), were raised in pots. Both wheat cultivars were raised under ambient conditions in the wire house till leaf boot stage (booting) by maintaining the pots at 75% water‐holding capacity (WHC). Then, managed drought and heat stresses were imposed by maintaining the pots at 35% WHC, or shifting the pots inside the glass canopies (at 75% WHC), at booting, anthesis and the grain filling stages. Drought stress reduced the grain yield of wheat by 39%–49%. Foliar application of AWEs improved the grain yield of wheat by 26%–31%, while seed priming with AWEs improved the grain yield by 18%–26%, respectively, than drought stress. Terminal heat stress reduced the grain yield of wheat by 38%. Seed priming with AWEs improved the grain yield by 21%–27%; while foliar application of AWEs improved the grain yield by 25%–29% than the heat stress treatment. In conclusion, the exogenous application of AWEs improved the stay green, accumulation of proline, soluble phenolics and glycine betaine, which helped to stabilize the biological membranes and improved the tolerance against terminal drought and heat stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: An imbalance of omega (n)‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during critical periods of development may have adverse effects on the health of the newborn in later life. Objectives: We hypothesized that breastmilk with higher n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA ratio will have higher inflammatory cytokines and initiate cellular events similar to insulin resistance and obesity. Methods: Breastmilk was collected from healthy women who gave natural birth at full term. Breastmilk fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography; samples were pooled based on the n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA ratio (high, medium and low), and soluble cytokines were measured. Pooled samples were used to treat 3T3‐L1 cells; mRNA expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase2, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1, leptin and RPLPO was measured. Results: Breastmilk with a higher ratio of n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA showed higher pro‐inflammatory cytokines; there was a direct correlation between n‐6 PUFA and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Breastmilk with a higher ratio of n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA increased the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis. Conclusions: Pro‐inflammatory cytokines in breastmilk are associated with higher levels of n‐6 PUFA in breastmilk and has the capacity to alter adipose tissue metabolism to likely predispose the newborn to a higher risk of obesity in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds pose a severe threat to wheat productivity in rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS). Mulching residues of allelopathic crops into soil could be one of the viable organic strategies to manage weeds and sustain productivity. A two-year field experiment was conducted to study the effect of residue mulch of allelopathic crops on the weed population in wheat. The study consisted of three allelopathic crop residue mulch (CRM) treatments (wheat, rice and sorghum) each applied at 4 t ha-1 and three nitrogen (N) sources (ammonium sulphate, calcium ammonium nitrate and urea) each applied at 125 kg N ha-1. Plastic mulch and no mulch were used as controls. Results indicated that all mulches significantly inhibited dry biomass and density of all types of weeds during both growing seasons; however, the highest inhibition of weeds was found with plastic mulch. Among allelopathic mulches, maximum suppression in dry biomass and density of narrow leaved weeds (NLWs), broad leaved weeds (BLWs) and total weeds (TWs) was found in wheat mulch followed by sorghum and rice mulch. Compared with the control (no nitrogen), nitrogen applications generally increased the growth of weeds in terms of thei dry biomass only. The highest grain harvest was recorded in plastic mulch treatments followed by sorghum and wheat mulch. Calcium ammonium nitrate exhibited higher grain yield than other nitrogen sources. A negative correlation was found for grain yield and soil water soluble phenolics with dry biomass and density of weeds. In crux, use of allelopathic CRMs may be a pragmatic approach to manage weeds, improving competitiveness of crop plants with weeds and wheat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is our experience that a deposition of an anesthetic solution in the ventral area of the paravertebral space near the parietal pleura and the sympathetic trunk produces extended unilateral block. Because sympathetic block effects in this extended paravertebral block are not reported yet, we undertook this singly blinded, controlled study on the sympathetic change in volunteers.Methods: A total of 22 ml 1% lidocaine was injected at the T11 level into the ventral area of the right-sided paravertebral space in 16 volunteers. The distribution of analgesia, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature (measured by 12 skin sensors) was monitored. On a later occasion the volunteers underwent a control injection of saline.Results: Unilateral analgesia (with no contralateral element) was induced in every subject injected with lidocaine, contrasted with no block induction with saline. Loss of pin-prick sensation was observed within 10 min after injection and involved a mean of 12 (range 8-13) dermatomes. A sympathetic block was indicated by cutaneous temperature increase within at least 6 dermatomes. Increase of arterial blood pressure was obtained in all volunteers with no change in pulse rate. No side effects or complications occurred. Epidural spread of the local anesthetic was unlikely because of the absence of contralateral cutaneous analgesia and temperature increase.Conclusion: One-sided extended analgesia (sensory loss) follows the paravertebral injection of lidocaine. A large ipsilateral sympathetic block is observed without change in pulse rate and with no hypotension. These are all characteristics of an optimal regional block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing demand for herbal and nutritional supplements in the Middle East. This study aimed to examine the use of supplements by college students in Qatar and to elucidate users' views about them. A total of 419 college students completed a self-administered questionnaire. Almost half of the respondents (49.6%) had used supplements (ever users), with 32.7% reporting using them in the previous 6 months (current users). Of the latter, 27.7% had used herbal supplements, 56.2% vitamins and minerals and 56.9% non-vitamin, non-mineral, non-herbal supplements. Many participants considered supplements to be safer and more effective than conventional medicines. Supplements were preferred over conventional medicines for the treatment of digestive conditions and common respiratory ailments and for weight management. Educating health-care providers about the benefits and risks of supplements is imperative and will enable health-care practitioners to guide patients in making informed decisions about supplement use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread and is growing worldwide. This cross-sectional study in Qatar examined the use of CAM and its correlates among Arab women in their midlife years. Women aged 40-60 years (n = 814) were recruited at primary care centres in Qatar and completed a specially designed, pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 38.2% of midlife women in Qatar had used CAM in the previous 12 months. Nutritional remedies and herbal remedies were the most commonly used CAM therapies, followed by physical methods. Qatari nationality and higher level of education were independently associated with CAM use. Menopause transition status was not independently associated with use of CAM. The prevalence of CAM use by women in Qatar was high, consistent with other reports worldwide. It is essential to educate and inform patients and health-care providers about the benefits and limitations associated with CAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is clear evidence of the effects of sex and age on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the interactions of dietary omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), sex, and age on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the offspring of C57BL/6 mice exposed to high, medium, or low n-3 PUFA at weaning and 16 weeks postweaning. There was an increase in plasma triglycerides from weaning to 16 weeks in male and female offspring; however, the high n-3 PUFA group showed a reduction in triglycerides in both sexes at 16 weeks. High n-3 PUFA caused an increase in plasma LDL-cholesterol from weaning to 16 weeks in male offspring; however, the LDL particle size was significantly larger in the high n-3 PUFA group. Plasma from male mice showed higher cholesterol efflux compared to females; high n-3 PUFA increased cholesterol efflux. Thus the effects of n-3 PUFA are age and sex dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims We prospectively evaluated the effect of insulin intensification on glycaemic control and lipid levels in children and young persons with Type 1 diabetes in relation to ethnicity. Methods In the first 2 years of a 3-year observation period, as part of routine clinical care, 231 children and young persons (40% white, 28% South Asian, 32% black) from a single clinic were offered intensive insulin therapy. After 2 years, 222 were on intensive therapy and their data were compared between ethnic groups at the end of year 3. Results We observed ethnic differences in HbA1c levels during the study [study beginning and end: white children and young persons 77 and 70 mmol/mol (9.2 and 8.6%) vs. South Asian 72 and 68 mmol/mol (8.7 and 8.4%) vs. black 83 and 79 mmol/mol (9.7 and 9.4%), P-value for ANCOVA = 0.007]. By study end, South Asians had the lowest HDL cholesterol (2.0 vs. 1.4 vs. 1.6 mmol/l, P-value = 0.03) and highest triglyceride levels (0.9 vs. 1.8 vs. 1.0 mmol/l, P-value = 0.001). In linear mixed modelling, after adjustment for socio-economic deprivation and other covariates: (1) black ethnicity was associated with poorer glycaemic control ( P < 0.001) and (2) South Asian ethnicity was associated with higher triglyceride levels ( P < 0.001), independent of HbA1c. Conclusions The effect of insulin intensification on glycaemic control and lipid profile in children and young persons with Type 1 diabetes differs in relation to ethnic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study, consisting of two independent experiments, was conducted to evaluate the role of seed priming with ascorbic acid (AsA) in drought resistance of wheat. In the first experiment, seeds of wheat cultivars Mairaj-2008 and Lasani-2008 were either soaked in aerated water (hydropriming) for 10 h or not soaked (control). In the second experiment, seeds of same wheat cultivars were soaked in aerated (2 m m) AsA solution (osmopriming) or water (hydropriming) for 10 h. In both experiments, seeds were sown in plastic pots (10 kg) maintained at 70 % and 35 % of water-holding capacity designated as well watered and drought stressed, respectively. Both experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with six replications. Drought caused delayed and erratic emergence and disturbed the plant water relations, chlorophyll contents and membranes because of oxidative damage; however, root length in cultivar Lasani-2008 was increased under drought. Hydropriming significantly improved the seedling emergence and early growth under drought and well-watered conditions; however, improvement was substantially higher from osmopriming with AsA. Similarly, osmopriming with AsA significantly improved the leaf emergence and elongation, leaf area, specific leaf area, chlorophyll contents, root length and seedling dry weight. Owing to increase in proline accumulation, phenolics and AsA, by seed priming with AsA, plant water status was improved with simultaneous decrease in oxidative damages. These improved the leaf emergence and elongation, and shoot and root growth under drought. However, there was no difference between the cultivars in this regard. In conclusion, osmopriming with AsA improved the drought resistance of wheat owing to proline accumulation and antioxidant action of AsA and phenolics, leading to tissue water maintenance, membrane stability, and better and uniform seedling stand and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]