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This study aimed to systematically investigate the effects of event intensity and frequency on the judgment of procedural justice in fair and unfair situations. Data were collected using Qualtrics online survey questionnaires from 420 employees across different industries in the United States. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three frequency conditions (high, medium, and low), and within each frequency condition, two conditions of event intensity (high and low) were applied. Additionally, participants were randomly assigned to either fair or unfair situations. The findings indicated that frequent exposure to fair procedures had a positive impact on perceived procedural justice, underscoring the significance of maintaining fair practices for employee perceptions of justice. Conversely, the intensity of the event significantly influenced judgments of procedural justice. Unfair procedures in high-importance events could negatively affect employees’ perceptions of procedural justice. The study also revealed that specific combinations of procedural justice rules seemed to be applied based on the interaction of fairness, frequency, and intensity. Based on these findings, managers and supervisors should not overlook seemingly insignificant daily practices, as their cumulative effect can significantly affect employee perceptions of procedural justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A glass series of Te-glasses (70TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2) modified with 5mol % of different modifiers (WO3, Al2O3, CdO, SrO, BaO), that was then doped with 600ppm Er2O3 was prepared by melt quench technique. The effect of modifier oxide on the Teglass structure was studied using Raman spectroscopy. The Obtained Raman spectra reveal the characteristic structural units TeO4 and TeO3. Er2O3 doping along with the type of oxide modifier influenced the tellurite glass network and hence the Raman spectral features. The change in the Boson peak features depend on the rare earth ion doping. The obtained Raman spectra were deconvoluted to follow the structural changes. The deconvoluted data show a transformation of TeO4 to TeO3 upon the addition of metal oxides. Due to the higher coordination of WO3 and Al2O3 that offers more oxygens when compared with alkaline modifiers, the TeO3 structural group is dominated. Raman gain was calculated for the prepared glasses. Al2O3 modified glass sample has the highest Raman gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The loading rate dependent mechanical properties of UHP-FRC is investigated. • Influences of compressive strength and fibre content on mechanical properties of UHP-FRC are addressed. • Increasing fibre content (1.0–3.0%) enhances tensile properties and post-peak ductility. • Increasing fibre content (1.0–3.0%) has limited effect on compression properties. • Dynamic enhancement in flexural strength is inversely proportional to fibre content. Abstract This research investigates the loading rate dependent compressive strength, elastic modulus, and flexural strength of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC). This investigation is motivated by the lack of dynamic increase factor (DIF) models that can be used in dynamic numerical analysis of UHP-FRC. Five UHP-FRC series incorporating three different matrix strength (110, 130, 150 MPa); and three different fibre volume content (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%) are tested at six different strain rates ranging from the quasi-static (10−6 s−1) to impact level (5 s−1). Experimental results have revealed that increasing fibre volume content from 1.0 to 3.0% significantly increases the quasi-static tensile properties and post-peak ductility, however, it has a limited effect on quasi-static compression properties; the dynamic enhancement in the flexural (tensile) strength is inversely proportional to the fibre content. On the other hand, the effect of fibre content on the enhancement of compressive strength and elastic modulus is insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical investigation on assessing whether the concrete damage plasticity (CDP) constitutive model can be used to simulate new ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC) material under impact loading rates at different damage stages. The performance of the numerical models is verified by comparing numerical results to the experimental data that were previously tested by the authors. This paper also presents experimental tests that aimed to characterize the strain rate effect on UHP-FRC. The numerical simulations have been performed using ABAQUS/Explicit. CDP parameters are identified based on impact test results of a control specimen. Subsequently, the predictive capability of calibrated model has been investigated by simulating two UHP-FRC plates with varied steel reinforcement ratios tested under repeated drop-weight impact loads. It has been found that compressive and tensile strength enhancement predicted using CEB-FIP Model Code (1990) fits well with test results of the strain rate effect on UHP-FRC material. The numerical results demonstrate the feasibility of the CDP constitutive model for analyzing UHP-FRC under dynamic loading rates. Computed responses are sensitive to CDP parameters related to the tension, fracture energy, and plastic volumetric change. The effect of tensile strain hardening response could be ignored in the nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis of UHP-FRC materials with low strain-hardening behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation has been conducted to assess the damage control properties of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC) in comparison to traditional concrete. Five identical reinforced concrete (RC) plates, with the exception of concrete material, are damaged gradually using repeated impact technique. Damage progression has been evaluated stepwise based on the change in dynamic parameters and validated by visual inspection, midpoint residual displacement and successive number of impact tests to each specimen. Test results showed that UHP-FRC exhibits superior damage characteristics. The damage rate of UHP-FRC materials are approximately in the range of 6–15% the damage rate of normal-strength concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative numerical study has been conducted to investigate the advantage of using ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC) material as an alternative to replace traditional cross sections of nuclear waste container. Three different finite element (FE) models of a typical waste container with identical dimensions and steel reinforcement detailing are developed. The cross section (HSC, HSC with steel liners, UHP-FRC) is varied parametrically to study its effect on mass, principal stresses, damage distribution, and plastic deformation. The current investigation considers the worst load case scenario by simulating accidental drops of the containers from a full stack height of 5.00 m. Two different accidental drop scenarios are considered (flat on-base and corner drop). The detailed 3D-FE models have been built considering nonlinear material properties and the simulations are performed using ABAQUS/Explicit. The material constitutive models have been calibrated based experimental tests. Based on the results of numerical comparative study, the UHP-FRC container suffered the least damage level and distribution among the three designs under considered loading cases. Both HSC, HSC with steel liners containers suffered high damage levels aligned between lid and container’s body which might lead to an opening of the container. On the other hand, stresses and damage levels at the lid to body interface are substantially improved in case of using UHP-FRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of matrix composition, coactivators, and excitation method on the luminescence kinetics of Eu ions in lithium-phosphate and lithium-phosphate-borate glasses activated by Eu, Eu/Tb, and Eu/Dy is studied. Luminescence is excited by a high current electron beam and a xenon lamp. It is found that, under photoexcitation, the europium luminescence decays more slowly than under electronic excitation. Depending on the content of cation modifiers ZnO and LiO, the decay time decreases with increasing amount of ZnO. The decay time weakly depends on the europium concentration. The decay of the luminescence of europium ions is well described by the Inokuti-Hirayama model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (U-HFRT) is non-inferior to moderate hypofractionation (M-HFRT) for local control following breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer and is safe in terms of normal tissue toxicity. Our objective was to evaluate early institutional experience of U-HFRT in a real-world setting at a large academic cancer center. Stage 0-II breast cancer patients who received adjuvant whole breast irradiation (WBI) or partial breast irradiation (PBI) between May 2020 and March 2021 were compiled. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: U-HFRT (26 Gy in 5 daily fractions) and M-HFRT (40.05 Gy in 15 fractions). Clinical and treatment characteristics were extracted from medical records and displayed using descriptive statistics. Physician-assessed skin toxicity was collected for patients treated with U-HFRT during RT and at follow-up visits using the RTOG radiation morbidity scale. Associations between toxicity and clinical/treatment characteristics were determined using mixed effects logistic regression, accounting for time. Comparisons between the U-HFRT and M-HFRT cohorts were performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test (continuous) and Chi-square/Fisher's exact test (categorical). Median age at diagnosis for the entire cohort was 60.5 years: U-HFRT 66.2 years and M-HFRT 55.1 years (p<0.001). For the U-HFRT cohort, 70% had hormone-receptor positive invasive breast cancer (70% pT1c, 95% pN0) and 20% had DCIS. WBI/PBI was delivered to 385 patients, of which 188 (49%) received U-HFRT. For these patients, the majority (72%) received WBI, 28% PBI and a boost was used in 26%, compared to 96%, 4% and 47%, respectively, for those treated with M-HFRT (p<0.001). Grade 1 RTOG skin toxicity significantly improved over time for patients who received U-HFRT: 37% during RT, 57% within 90 days post-RT and 6% >1-year post-RT (p<0.001). Grade 2 toxicity was minimal (5% within 90 days post-RT) and there were no grade 3 toxicities. Age, RT volume (WBI vs. PBI) and chemotherapy were not associated with toxicity for U-HFRT; however, increased toxicity was observed for patients who received a boost (p<0.001). Factors associated with increased usage of U-HFRT were older age, use of PBI, no boost and no breast reconstruction (p<0.001). U-HFRT was rapidly adopted at our institution for early-stage breast cancer and is associated with low rates of reported skin toxicity. The use of U-HFRT was greatest in patients with low-risk breast cancer, consistent with a conservative approach to implementation in a real-world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and Total Sales Performance (TSP), and whether EI contributes to predicting the performance of sales professionals in Kuwait. The sample was 218 sales professionals working for 24 different car dealerships. An ability model of EI was measured using the Assessing Emotions Scale (AES) developed by Schutte et al. (1998) and its Arabic version. The trait model of EI was assessed using the Effective Intelligence Scale (EIS). The findings showed a negative but weak correlation between TSP and the AES and all its subscales. No correlation was found between TSP and the EIS. A weak positive correlation existed between Objective Sales Performance and each of total EIS, Accuracy, and Patience subscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation has been conducted to collect fundamental data and to develop more understanding of the effect of steel reinforcement distribution on the dynamic response of reinforced concrete plates. Five high strength concrete (HSC) plates are tested using free-fall low-velocity impact technique. A total of 10 impact tests are conducted, including two tests on each specimen. The impact loads are applied at the mid-point of the HSC plates by dropping a 475 kg steel weight from a constant height of 4.15 m. Two parameters are investigated namely: the main bottom steel reinforcement ratio (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%); and the steel reinforcement arrangement (single or doubly reinforced plates). The top reinforcement of all doubly reinforced plates is kept constant as shrinkage reinforcement of 10 mm diameter spaced at 210 mm. The experimental results are evaluated focusing on the impact force characteristics and the impact behaviors of reinforced concrete plates. The test program was successful in providing a simple method for validating impact test setup using impulse–momentum theorem. Results showed that the change of reinforcement ratio and/or reinforcement arrangement has no significant effect on impulse and absorbed energy values for same impact loading condition. Additionally crack pattern and failure mode are found to be more dependent on the reinforcement arrangement rather than reinforcement ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of glass system with the composition (mol. %) 50PO-(50 - x)LiO - xZnO + 5 wt % DyO has been described. IR absorption spectra and the kinetics of cathodeluminescence at x ranges from 0 up to 50 has been investigated. With the replacement of Li by Zn, a decrease of the oxygen ions' packing density and the average phosphate chain length could be observed. The increase of the ZnO quantity in the glass composition results in the luminescence decay time decreased from 240 to 50 μs in the 481 and 573 nm bands: here, the branching coefficient for the F energy level undergoes changes. The luminescence kinetics are well described by the Inokyti-Hiroyama model for the dipole-dipole mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain new insights into laser-induced chemical material modifications, we introduce a novel combined approach of femtosecond pulsed laser-direct writing and in situ Raman microscopy within a single experimental apparatus. A newly developed scanning microscope, the first of its kind, provides a powerful tool for micro-/nanomachining and characterization of material properties and allows us to relate materials’ functionality with composition. We address the issues of light delivery to the photomodification site and show the versatility of the system using tight focusing. Amplified femtosecond pulses are generated by a Ti:sapphire laser oscillator and a chirped-pulse regenerative amplifier, both pumped by a diode-pumped frequency doubled neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser operating at 532 nm. Results of Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy images of femtosecond laser micro-/nanomachining on the surface and in the bulk of single-crystal diamond obtained from first trials of this instrument are also presented. This effective combination could help to shed light on the influence of the local structure fluctuations on controllability of the laser processing and the role of the irradiation in the ablation processes ruling out possible imprecisions coming from the use of the two independent techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: All physicians must care for some patients who are perceived as difficult because of behavioral or emotional aspects that affect their care. Reasons may be delivered from patient, physician, or health care system. To identify reasons behind perceiving some patients as 'difficult' from a family doctor's point of view; propose solutions for dealing with, and ultimately accepting and understanding them. Method: Cross sectional descriptive study. Participants: Data was collected from seventy board-certified family doctors currently working in primary care services. A structured questionnaire with answers scored on a 2 point scale (agree/disagree) was used to assess the perception of difficult patients. Twenty questions were related to patients, 8 were related to doctors, and 8 were related to administrative system. Results: The majority of doctors agreed that patient characteristics that render them difficult included psychological disorders (95.7%), life stresses (95.7%), social isolation (87.1%), multiple physical problems (78.6%), chronic diseases (82.9%), inability to communicate own needs (80.0%) and unrealistic expectations of the patient (77.1%). Most participants considered greater work loads (81.4%), lack of job satisfaction (72.9%), psychic condition of the doctor (68.6%), lack of training in counseling (78.6%) and communication skills (74.3%) were the main physicians reasons behind perceiving patients as difficult. Factors related to the administrative system were mainly absence of strategies to deal with difficult patients (91.4%), lack of a legal policy in the clinic (82.9%), free health services (82.9%), improper appointment system (81.4%), failing of registration to a single doctor (80.0%), unavailability of social services (72.9%), and untrained receptionists (71.4%). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the 'problems' do not lie exclusively with the patients. Doctors should analyze difficult patient encounters to identify the causes behind them. In the process they will possibly overcome their negative feelings and discover some of their educational needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Linear stability analysis is performed to study the effect of non-uniform basic temperature gradients on the onset of Bénard–Marangoni convection in a micropolar fluid. The influence of various parameters on the onset of convection has been analysed. The possibility of delaying the onset of convection by the application of a cubic basic state temperature profile is demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The onset of steady thermocapillary (surface-tension-driven Marangoni) instability in a horizontal fluid layer in the presence of a uniform heat generation is considered theoretically using stability theory. The fluid layer, heated from below, is bounded above by a deformable free upper surface and below by a rigid plane boundary. The stability of the fluid layer is investigated and subjected to a feedback control on the temperatures of the boundaries. An exact solution for marginal stability owing to an exchange of stabilities has been obtained. Long wavelength instability may coexist with a finite wavelength instability for certain sets of parameter values, often referred to as frontier points. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Investigation is conducted following the discovery of significant deformations and the presence of cracks in the vicinity of welded joints at the superheater tubes of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) in a Malaysian Electricity Company’s power plant. This study performs the finite element (FE) analyses in order to identify the possible root cause failure of the deformed superheater tubes using software package of MSC PATRAN/NASTRAN. The locations of maximum stress induced by the deformed tube are determined. The correlation between the maximum stress and allowable restriction condition is presented, and it shows good correlations with the findings obtained from the visual inspection on site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two studies conducted in Kuwait examined two models from the attribution-affect-action theory. The theory suggests that an individual's decision to help someone with AIDS is determined by his or her affective reactions of pity and anger, which are determined by an attribution of responsibility (model 1). Help giving, according to the theory, is not determined by causal attribution without the influence of emotion, especially when the person in need is a friend (model 2). In the first study, the two models were tested in a sample of 309 men from Kuwait University who read two vignettes about a friend with AIDS. The same two models were examined in the second study, but with a sample of 308 Kuwaiti women college students who also read two vignettes about a friend with AIDS. The implications of the findings for people living with AIDS are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b A 19 year old boy from a UNHCR camp presented to our hospital with an insidious onset of painless jaundice without any constitutional symptoms. It is a flexible, magnesium based stent pre-mounted on the balloon of an over-the-wire (OTW) stent delivery system. The radial strength of the biodegradable biliary stent support and maintained the patency across the distal biliary stricture. [Extracted from the article]

B Background: b Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for gallbladder disease. 7 patients need additional ports (1 port added in 3 patients, 2 ports added in 4 patients). The mean satisfaction score was 8.9 (range 7 - 10).4 patients (8.3%) developed grade 1 SSI at the umbilicus, which resolved with frequent dressing. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, the effect of mixture tying on a second-order 2D Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is studied as applied to the face recognition problem. While tying HMM parameters is a well-known solution in the case of insufficient training data that leads to nonrobust estimation, it is used here to improve the overall performance in the small model case where the resolution in the observation space is the main problem. The fully-tied-mixture 2D HMM-based face recognition system is applied to the facial database of AT&T and the facial database of Georgia Institute of Technology. The performance of the proposed 2D HMM tied-mixture system is studied and the expected improvement is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexes [ML2A2] or [ML2B] where M=Pd or Pt, L=5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione ion, A=tertiary monophosphines and B=tertiary diphosphines have been used effectively to prepare bimetallic complexes of the type [A2M(μ-L)2M′Cl2] or [BM(μ-L)2M′Cl2], where M′=Co, Pd or SnCl2. The prepared complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, IR and UV–Vis spectral data. 31P–{1H} NMR data have been applied to characterize the produced linkage isomers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Proposes a novel low-complexity separable but true 2D Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and its application to the problem of Face Recognition (FR). Proposed model that builds on an assumption of conditional independence in the relationship between adjacent blocks; Testing of the system on the facial database of AT&T Laboratories in Cambridge, England and the more complex facial database of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

B Background: b A 19 year old boy from a UNHCR camp presented to our hospital with an insidious onset of painless jaundice without any constitutional symptoms. It is a flexible, magnesium based stent pre-mounted on the balloon of an over-the-wire (OTW) stent delivery system. The radial strength of the biodegradable biliary stent support and maintained the patency across the distal biliary stricture. [Extracted from the article]

B Background: b Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for gallbladder disease. The mean age was 50.2 years(range:18-80).The mean BMI was 22.9(range:19.0-28.1).7 patients need additional ports (1 port added in 3 patients, 2 ports added in 4 patients). The mean satisfaction score was 8.9(range 7-10).4 patients (8.3%) developed grade 1 SSI at the umbilicus, which resolved with frequent dressing. [Extracted from the article]

Thermoluminescence (TL) response of newly synthetic silicon-activated Ca9AlP7O28 nanophosphor doped with different concentrations (0.3–10 mol%) (abbreviated as CAP: Six) were prepared by the sol–gel method. The optimum concentration of Si ions for the best TL response was found to be 0.3 mol% (CAP: Si0.3), which was selected for subsequent dosimetric measurements. Phase purity and the crystal structure of the CAP: Si0.3 sample were identified and verified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, where results obtained confirmed the successful synthetic method used in the preparation of the nanophosphor samples. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping revealed the localization of constituent elements and indicated the homogeneous distribution of Si-ions as well as the feasibility of dopants in the herein sample. The dosimetric properties of the CAP: Si0.3 sample, including glow curve structure, reproducibility, repeatability, dose–response and fading effect, were extensively investigated. The gamma irradiated CAP: Si0.3 sample exhibited a simple glow curve of a single prominent peak centred at 222 ± 1.33°C with considerably high TL intensity (1.22 relative to MTS-700 TLD detector). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of peak areas of CAP: Si0.3 were 5.25 and 2.7% for reproducibility and repeatability studies, respectively. These values of RSD were <10%, so they were acceptable internationally. A good linear dose–response relationship was achieved over a dose range of up to 20 Gy with an excellent correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9969 and a calibration factor of F = 51.75 × 107 a.u./Gy. Almost no fading was registered from the studied CAP: Si0.3 sample after irradiation. Zeff values were found to be in the range 11.62 to 11.61, which are closely related to that of natural bone (11.3 to 11.8). Minimum detectable dose of CAP: Si0.3 had a value of 11 μGy. The outstanding features of this herein-prepared sample make it a good TLD nanophosphor, very suitable for personnel and environmental dosimetry of γ-radiation within the studied dose range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on using Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) polymer as a broadening material for high intensity femtosecond laser pulses. The broadened pulse is recompressed using compressor such as pair of gratings or chirped mirrors in order to achieve simplified thin film compressor with compression factor of 11. The Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (NLSE) is solved numerically to examine the combined effect of normal group velocity dispersion (GVD) and self phase modulation (SPM) in PMMA polymer. The effects of PMMA polymer thickness and input pulse intensity on the broadening factor are studied. It is noticed that higher time broadening factors could be obtained by increasing the input intensity and using larger thicknesses of PMMA. Depression of Small Scale Self Focusing (SSSF) effect is discussed in order to achieve the optimum conditions of laser pulse compression. Lower B-integral values are corresponding with input pulse intensities lower than 1 TW/cm2 and polymer thickness shorter than 100 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop due to its high forage and grain yield potential. The objective of this study was to assess mean performance and heterotic effects of 36 F1 hybrids with 4 checks under three planting densities, 24,000, 32,000, and 40,000 plants fed-1 at optimal sowing date (April 10th) and late one (May 28th) in the middle Egypt. Significant differences were recorded for all studied traits among maize hybrids in the six environments. The 2nd sowing date (SD) had negatively affected on all maize hybrids for all traits. The high plant density (HPD) and medium (MPD) one caused an increase in days to 50% tasseling (later in maturity), plant height (taller plants), and grain yield per feddan (increased by 17.77% and 1.01% in the 1st SD, and 14.8% and 8.65% in the 2nd SD under HPD and MPD, respectively). While, ear length, ear diameter, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per plant, 100- kernel weight, and grain yield per plant were reduced under MPD and HPD. Grain yield varied from 16.6 to 44.89 ardab fed-1 in the 1st SD and varied from 11.55 to 35.40 ardab fed-1 . in the 2nd SD. The hybrid L8×L9 had the highest average grain yield overall environments (35.13 ardab fed-1 ) followed by L1×L3, L1×L8, L3×L8, L3×L4, and L3×L5 (32.65, 32.65, 32.5, 32.49 and 32.34 ardab fed-1, respectively). Negative and significant desirable standard heterosis over check variety Pioneer 32D99 were recorded in crosses (L1×L4), (L1×L8), (L6×L7) and (L4×L8) for days to 50% tasseling and crosses (L3×L8), (L3×L9), (L5×L8) (L6×L7), (L6×L8), (L6× L9), (L7×L9) and (L8×L9) for plant height under most environments. Positive and significant heterosis estimates were recorded in crosses (L4 × L7) and (L4 × L9) for ear length in 2nd SD; cross (L1×L6) for ear diameter; crosses (L3×L8) and (L4 × L8) for number of rows per ear under most environments; crosses (L2×L6), (L2 × L9), (L4 × L7), (L6 × L9) and (L8 × L9) for number of kernels per row under all environments; cross (L8 × L9) for 100- kernel under all environments in the 1st SD and NPD in the 2nd SD as well as grain yield under HPD, it showed positive values. The percent heterosis for grain yield varied from -65.02 to 7.28%. Grain yield had positive and significant associations with plant height (0.672**), ear length (0.341*), ear diameter (0.375*), number of rows per ear (0.596**), and number of kernels per row (0.486**).The aforementioned promising hybrids are recommended for further inclusion in the breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of mosquito-borne diseases is a major health concern worldwide. An effective strategy to prevent the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases is using larvae control. Cinnamaldehyde, a substance from the cinnamon tree, is widely used in larvicide formulations, yet applications are limited due to the poor water solubility of cinnamaldehyde. Therefore, we prepared a sodium alginate–chitosan nanocomposite as a nanocarrier of cinnamaldehyde, and we tested the effect of this encapsulated cinnamaldehyde on Aedes aegypti larvae. The nanocomposites/cinnamaldehyde formulations were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, which evidenced encapsulation. A ratio of 150:1 w/w nanocomposite/cinnamaldehyde induced the highest encapsulation efficiency of 95.25%, a loading capacity of 81.42%. This extended the cinnamaldehyde release by 28 h and controlled mosquito larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of developing a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) utilizing a peripheral interface controller (PIC) is presented in this paper. The efficiency and adequacy of a PV depend on the temperature and the exposed position to the sun. Thus, there is an optimum point at which the operating power is at maximum. The goal is to operate the PV module at this point (MPP). It can be accomplished by using the MPPT algorithm designed with a DC-DC boost converter. The boost converter, MPPT circuit, PIC18F4550 microcontroller and PV panel are the main components used in this design. The current and voltage produced by the solar panel are observed continuously by a closed-loop control system. The microcontroller-based control system adjusts the duty cycle of the converter to extract the maximum power. With a DC input voltage of 15 V, the boost converter is capable of generating an output voltage of an approximately 60 Vdc at a maximum power of 213.42 W with minimum voltage ripple as compared to 84 W without the MPPT. It proved the effectiveness of the developed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Morbidity post hepatectomy still remain persistent throughout decades compared to other surgery. Modern approach have been introduced to improve safety and reduce morbidity whilst at the same time enhance patient recovery. Thus, enhanced recovery after surgery or fast track recovery program for liver resection was initiated. Objective: The aim of this study was to achieve discharge by postoperative day 3 for minor resection and day 5 for major resection. Design and Setting: This is a prospective study conducted in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) from September 2014 till April 2015. Material and Methods: All patients undergoing open liver resection were included in the study. They were then managed post operatively according to ERAS protocol that was drawn up based on previous studies. Patient's demographics data, intra operative parameters, postoperative complications and adherence to postoperative recovery protocol were recorded. Results: Seventeen patients (7 major and 10 minor resection) were recruited. The mean length of hospital stay for minor resection was 5.9 and major resection was 9.6 .With regards to the targets, 4 out of 10 (40%)patients in minor resection group and 4 out 7 (57.1%) in the major group were discharged on time. 9 patients had postoperative complications with no mortality recorded. In terms of the ERAS protocol targets, the PCA morphine discontinuation target was achieved in 15 patients (88.3%) ,nasogastric tube removal (13 patients -76.5%) , urinary cathether removal (6 patients - 35.3%), abdominal drains removal (9 patients-52.9%) and resumption of full diet was achieved by 82.4% (14 patients). Conclusion: From these overall achievement, most of our targets have been met and this shows that our ERAS protocol is safe to be applied to patient undergoing hepatectomy. Limitations: Some patients had achieved their target but not discharged for unknown reason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the hypoglycaemia risk and safety of dapagliflozin compared with sulphonylurea during the fasting month of Ramadan. In this 12-week, randomized, open-label, two-arm parallel group study, 110 patients with type 2 diabetes who were receiving sulphonylurea and metformin were randomized either to receive 10 mg (n = 58) of dapagliflozin daily or to continue receiving sulphonylurea (n = 52). The primary outcome was to compare the effects of dapagliflozin and sulphonylurea on the proportions of patients with at least one episode of hypoglycaemia during Ramadan, as well as to assess the safety of dapagliflozin when used to treat patients observing Ramadan. A lower proportion of patients had reported or documented hypoglycaemia in the dapagliflozin group than in the sulphonylurea group: 4 (6.9%) versus 15 (28.8%); p = 0.002. The relative risk of any reported or documented hypoglycaemia in the 4th week of Ramadan was significantly lower in the dapagliflozin group: RR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.68; p=0.002. No significance differences were observed between the two groups regarding postural hypotension (13.8 vs 3.8%; p = 0.210) or urinary tract infections (10.3 vs 3.8%; p = 0.277). In conclusion, fewer patients exhibited hypoglycaemia in the dapagliflozin group than in the sulphonylurea group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The luminescence of Li 2 O–B 2 O 3 –P 2 O 5 –CaF 2 scintillation glass doped Tb 3+ , Ce 3+ under electron beam excitation are investigated. Changing the cerium concentration of 0.2–1 wt% leads to an increase in luminescence intensity of Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ ions. Luminescence decay of cerium time is 30 ns and weakly depends on the ion concentration and the density of the excitation energy. The luminescence spectrum of the Tb 3+ ions and excitation spectrum are dependent on the concentration of Ce 3+ . The radiative level of cerium ion does not participate in the process of energy transfer from the cerium to terbium. The transfer of energy between Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ occurs non-radiatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present limits of the upper part of the nuclear map are very close to stability while the unexplored area of heavy neutron-rich nuclides along the neutron closed shell N = 126 is extremely important for nuclear astrophysics investigations and, in particular, for the understanding of the r-process of astrophysical nucleosynthesis. This area of the nuclear map can be reached neither in fusion-fission reactions nor in fragmentation processes widely used nowadays for the production of exotic nuclei. A new way was recently proposed for the production of these nuclei via low-energy multi-nucleon transfer reactions. The estimated yields of neutron-rich nuclei are found to be significantly high in such reactions and several tens of new nuclides can be produced, for example, in the near-barrier collision of Xe with Pb. A new setup is proposed to produce and study heavy neutron-rich nuclei located along the neutron closed shell N = 126. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collectors are popular technologies towards harvesting solar energy. A PV/T collector is a combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal components integrated into one system that capable of producing both electrical and thermal energy simultaneously. The concept and design of a PV/T collector are being developed in order to improve the electrical efficiency of a photovoltaic module at high temperature. This paper elaborates literatures of the design developed and the performances of a PV/T air base collector. Early research works in this area until recently are focusing on their design characteristics and results. This report also covers research works on future development of a PV/T collector as a building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPVT) system. It clearly shows that, by appropriate architectural design and configuration, the future of a PV/T collector can be encouraging as an alternative application in the residential, industrial and commercial buildings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents investigation study on the failed reheater tube by finite element modeling, dimensional measurements and microscopic examinations. The failed tube was situated in horizontal position and facing directly to the incoming hot flue gas from furnace region. Scale thickness of as-received tube samples of the failed tube and its neighbor tubes is measured in order to estimate the average scale growth rates. The estimated scale growth rate is used to generate geometries of the scale for finite element models. Operational and allowable stresses of the tube at the corresponding average tube temperatures and service hours are presented. Results obtained from finite element analysis are shown to be in good conformity with the findings from the microscopic examination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The success of imatinib mesylate has become a paradigm shift in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. However, despite its high efficiency, resistance to imatinib has emerged as a significant problem, which may in part be caused by pharmacogenetic variability. Genetic variations of ABCB1 gene, an efflux pump transporter, may affect intracellular drug import. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the 3 most relevant polymorphisms (C1236T, G2677T/A, C3435T) may influence response to imatinib. Materials and Methods: Sixty nine CML Tunisian patients, undergoing imatinib therapy, were included in this study. According to European leukemia guidelines, 35 patients were responders to imatinib and 34 patients were resistant. ABCB1 polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing approach. Pairwise linkage desequiliribium tests and haplotypes analysis were also assessed in CML patients. Results: our results showed that the optimal response rate to imatinib did not differ significantly between C1236T or C3435T genotypes. However, heterozygous variant G2677A was fond only in 4 imatinib non-responders' patients, the remainder harbored the GG, GT and TT genotypes. This results is statistically insignificant due to the small number of patients with this form of A allele. In addition, haplotype analysis showed that the 1236C-2677A-3435C haplotype was observed only in imatinib non-responders' patients suggesting that CAC haplotype was linked to higher risk of imatinib resistance. Conclusion: analyses of ABCB1 haplotypes should be taken into account to study the relationship between ABCB1 genotypes and imatinib efficacy in CML Tunisian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The above article, published in print in the Jan 2018 issue of the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry and online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by the JCPP Editor‐in‐Chief, Edmund Sonuga‐Barke, and John Wiley & Sons. Following a series of communications from readers highlighting concerns about the paper (now published on the journal website), the journal editors requested that the authors send them the raw data from the trial. In response the authors informed the editors that; (i) the electronic data base had been lost following a computer outage and (ii) that they could send only 95 out of 120 hard‐copy participant data sheets as one site had closed and was no longer contactable. The substantial data loss in and of itself posed a serious difficulty in verifying the correctness of the data presented in the paper. The JCPP then analysed the data from the 95 cases itself. A number of significant discrepancies emerged between the re‐analysis and the findings reported in the paper both in terms of means and standard deviations of key outcome variables across the trial. These involved very substantial differences that we judged to be extremely unlikely to have arisen due to variations in composition of the original and re‐analysed samples. We also discovered previously unidentified/reported problems with missing data and recording irregularities regarding changes in treatment regimen and subject identifiers. As a result of these issues the Editors no longer have confidence in the findings reported in the original paper. Based on all these matters combined and following published guidance from the Committee on Publishing Ethics (COPE) and Wiley's Best Practice Guidelines on Publishing Ethics, we have decided that the only course of action available to us is to retract the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]