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The intricate relationship between topology and disorder in non-equilibrium quantum systems presents a captivating avenue for exploring localization phenomenon. Here, we look for a suitable platform that enables an in-depth investigation of the topic. To this end, we delve into the nuanced analysis of the topological and localization characteristics exhibited by a one-dimensional dimerized Kitaev chain under periodic driving and perform detailed analyses of the Floquet Majorana modes. Such a non-equilibrium scenario is made further interesting by including a spatially varying quasiperiodic potential with a temporally modulated amplitude. Apriori, the motivation is to explore an interplay between dimerization and a quasiperiodic disorder in a topological setting which is also known to demonstrate unique (re-entrant) localization properties. While the topological properties of the driven system confirm the presence of zero and π Majorana modes, the phase diagram obtained by constructing a pair of topological invariants ( Z × Z ), also referred to as the real space winding numbers, at different driving frequencies reveal intriguing features that are distinct from the static scenario. In particular, at either low or intermediate frequency regimes, the phase diagram concerning the zero mode involves two distinct phase transitions, one from a topologically trivial to a non-trivial phase, and another from a topological phase to an Anderson localized phase. On the other hand, the study of the Majorana π mode unveils the emergence of a unique topological phase, characterized by complete localization of both the bulk and the edge modes, which may be called as the Floquet topological Anderson phase. Moreover, different frequency regimes showcase distinct localization features which can be examined via the localization toolbox, namely, the inverse and the normalized participation ratios. Specifically, the low and high-frequency regimes demonstrate the existence of completely extended and localized phases, respectively. While at intermediate frequencies, we observe the critical (multifractal) phase of the model which is further investigated via a finite-size scaling analysis of the fractal dimension. Finally, to add depth into our study, we have performed a mean level spacing analyses and computed the Hausdorff dimension which yields specific characteristics inherent to the critical phase, offering profound insights into its underlying properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dhaka's rapid urbanization, income inequality and unplanned growth have brought this megacity to international attention. Although limited elements of ethnoreligious segregation are prevalent in the city, a general concern in the existing literature is that the city is failing to provide distributive justice to its citizens. This paper explores the current socio-spatial division of Dhaka city to understand its patterns and underlying causes. The paper uses the isolation index ($$x{P_x}$$ x P x ), Moran's I (I) index and location quotient (LQ) to understand the pattern of segregation in Dhaka. At the same time, the local indicators for spatial association (LISA) contribute to recognizing clustering patterns in this city. In the context of limited national census data on urban services, this study triangulates its findings through geospatial analysis of existing census data, interviews, and field observations. Results suggest that the eastern part of the city is segregated because of poor urban service conditions. Small clusters of affluent neighborhoods are emerging in Dhaka, whereas enclaves of isolated neighborhoods with inadequate housing and service situations are evident at the city core. Limited housing supply, geographic constraints, elitist planning, the concentration of investment in the city core, budgetary limitations, and management failure have resulted in the isolation and clustering of neighborhoods with poor living conditions. In its conclusion, the paper cautions that segregation requires more policy focus and calls for policy interventions to address the underlying causes of segregation in Dhaka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although individual mental health is a growing concern for the Global South, the southern literature on health and planning has paid limited attention to space-sensitive neighbourhood studies on addressing the crisis. This paper highlights the importance of a holistic neighbourhood environment in shaping the mental well-being of citizens. Through a cross-sectional study of 14,222 households in 272 neighbourhoods of 13 cities across seven countries, the paper claims that there is a place effect on the mental well-being of citizens in rapidly urbanising Asian and African cities. This study demonstrates that the diverse physical and social attributes of neighbourhoods influence mental well-being. Better coverage of neighbourhood services, improved waste disposal services, quality neighbourhood health facilities and educational opportunities, high family solvency, safety, trust in neighbours, dwelling satisfaction, and habits of exercise are found to be the most influential attributes for good mental well-being. However, institutional attributes, like political leadership for neighbourhood management and neighbourhood-level associations, are less likely to be associated with good mental well-being. As the significance of influential attributes varies among neighbourhood wealth categories, cities and countries, a shift towards a place- and context-specific neighbourhood approach for policymaking can best address the mental well-being in rapidly urbanising cities in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective urban planning is said to be crucial for ensuring liveable, equitable and viable urban areas progress towards sustainability. This study combines a review of the relevant literature, key informant interviews and field observations to explore contemporary planning practices in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We problematize ineffective urban planning practice in Dhaka as a prime expression and reproduction of colonial planning, which manifests itself through institutional bureaucracy and centralization, technocracy, and ad hoc planning. We argue that these imprints have rendered planning institutions weak and fostered dependency on imported ideologies and practices. The situation, we further argue, not only stifles local planning creativity but also makes the planning profession unattractive. Apart from limited local innovations and political aspirations for meeting global development targets, urban planning and city management have followed a reductionist approach under neoliberalism. With little to no social resonance, attempts at creating ordered spaces are, instead, contributing to increased spatial fragmentation and segregation, informality, and widespread urban poverty. To promote urban sustainability, this paper urges the contextualization of colonial ideologies and practices against the social, political and economic realities of urban Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the interplay of a random off-diagonal (hopping) disorder with the on-site quasiperiodic potential in a one-dimensional Aubry-André (AA) chain. There is evidence for the absence of delocalized states, at least for a finite lattice, in presence of a weak disorder, thereby removing the possibility of a sharp transition from extended to localized regime. This renders testimony for the presence of a weakly localized phase which we denote as the "critical" phase. We also evaluate whether the random disorder helps or hinders the quasiperiodic term on either side of the "duality" point in inducing a complete localization phenomenon via computing a few relevant quantities, such as the inverse participation ratio (IPR), which estimates the extent of localization, and an extensive multifractal analysis to assess the nature of the disordered states. We observe that a weak random disorder corresponding to the strength of the quasiperiodic term above the critical value is more efficient in inducing the localization phenomenon as compared to a large disorder below the critical value. We also find that a large disorder is found to compete with the quasiperiodic term beyond its critical value in localizing the eigenstates, while it aids at strengths below the critical value, both of which are intuitively conceivable. Such a differential behavior of the random off-diagonal disorder and its interplay with the quasiperiodic potential albeit expected, have not been reported earlier in the literature. With regard to the multifractal analysis, we ascertain the nature of the critical phase and comment on the fractal dimension, the critical exponents and occurrence of rare events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While high-income countries have seen reduced incidence and mortality rates due to effective screening and HPV vaccination programs, these rates are still high in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recent efforts are improving public health initiatives and awareness. This retrospective cohort study evaluates clinical outcomes and treatment efficacy in cervical cancer patients at a tertiary cancer center in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. It analyzes treatment regimens, their effectiveness, and factors affecting survival, disease progression, and treatment completion. Methods and material The study included 275 cervical cancer patients treated between January 2008 and December 2021. Data were extracted from medical records, including demographic information, clinical characteristics, and treatment details. Statistical analyses, including Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cramér's V correlation matrix, were used to evaluate survival outcomes and the relationships between various categorical variables. Results The mean age of patients was 48.88 years, with the majority being non-nationals, 221 (80.37%). Histopathologically, there were 234 (85.18%) cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 33 (11.85%) cases of adenocarcinomas. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging indicated that 137 (49.80%) patients were in stage II and 60 (21.81%) were in stage III. Pelvic lymph node involvement was observed in 139 (50.54%) patients. The treatment modalities included surgery in 39 (14.18%) patients, 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in 247 (89.81%) patients, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in 11 (4.00%) patients, brachytherapy in 213 (77.45%) patients, and chemotherapy in 248 (90.18%) patients. The survival analysis showed no significant differences in survival among different treatment groups, as indicated by the Log-rank test (p = 0.4060). Conclusion The study highlights the demographic and clinical characteristics of cervical cancer patients in the UAE, emphasizing the prevalence of advanced-stage diagnoses and high-grade tumors. Despite significant efforts to improve screening and treatment, cervical cancer remains a concern in the UAE. The findings underscore the need for enhanced early detection and comprehensive treatment strategies. Addressing the study's limitations, such as the retrospective design and the absence of human papillomavirus (HPV) data, could further refine cervical cancer management and improve patient outcomes in future research., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Tawam Human Research Ethics Committee (T-HREC) issued approval MF2058-2021-794. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Balaraj et al.)

Models for cardiac arrhythmia currently exist primarily in in-vivo and computer simulation form. Towards the development of such a model in-vitro, a better understanding of electrical conduction in heterogeneous cultures is required. Increasing ratios of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts were cultured on 500x500 microm arrays of 36 microelectrodes to study the emergence and properties of action potential propagation in mixed cultures. A minimum ratio of 70% cardiomyocytes to 30% fibroblasts was found to be necessary for detection of electrical activity. However, the establishment of a continuous, homogeneous depolarization wave across the culture required a higher proportion of cardiomyocytes; even a 90:10 ratio was unable to consistently produce a unidirectional, uniform depolarization wave as is seen in controls. This model underlines the importance and sensitivity of tissue homogeneity in supporting electrical conduction, and is especially relevant to studies of arrhythmia (reentry) and stem cell grafts.