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The advancement of biomarkers is critically important at present, as lung cancer is a leading cause of death. In the present study, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered as biomarkers to predict lung cancer. VOCs from seven different sources including breath, blood, urine, cell line, plerual fluid, cancer tissue and lung tissue are targeted to enhance the prediction reliability. Feature selection and models fusion have been focused on during this study. Five in-built and one proposed ensemble machine learning model have been utilised to investigate the different types of VOCs. The idea behind designing one ensemble model is to combine multiple individual models for better performance by using optimal feature sets. This reasoning led to the design of an ensemble model to predict breath VOCs. The AvNNet model has superior performance in predicting blood VOCs, cancer tissue VOCs, cell line VOCs, and urine VOCs compared to four other models, achieving accuracies of 70%, 80%, 70%, and 90% accordingly on the validation dataset. The Blackboost model achieved 90% accuracy on the validation dataset in its prediction of lung tissue VOCs. With 90% accuracy on a validation dataset, the random forest model predicts pleural fluid volatile organic compounds efficiently. When compared to individual models, the proposed ensemble model predicts breath VOCs more effectively and achieves 100% accuracy on the validation dataset.

Abstract Situations when field researchers are tempted to deviate from preselected sampling plan and to include nearby or related units in sample, then adaptive cluster sampling (ACS) offers a nearly completion solution. For rare and clustered populations, Thompson introduced ACS as an effective sampling method when data is not contaminated with outliers. However, traditional approaches produce distorted results when data includes outliers. Taking the same issue into consideration, the present study focuses on defining adaptive ratio-type regression estimators using OLS, Huber M, Mallows GM, Schweppe GM, SIS GM and Uk’s redescending M-estimation functions within ACS framework. Subsequently, we propose regression type estimators utilizing these functions within ACS framework. In this study, we have also derived mean square error properties of both adapted and proposed estimators in order to evaluate performance of these estimators, by using both real-life data and simulated data sets generated from a Poisson clustered process.

In the development of hybrid special polynomials, it is essential to incorporate the monomiality principle, operational rules, and other related properties. This research study adopts this approach and introduces a novel polynomial type called the two-iterated degenerate Appell polynomials, utilizing the monomiality principle. This study yields new findings that align with previous research efforts. The study presents explicit formulas and key properties of these polynomials, while also establishing connections with other polynomial types such as the Bernoulli, Euler, and Genocchi polynomials. These connections facilitate the derivation of additional results. By employing the monomiality principle and considering the aforementioned polynomials as initial members of the Appell family, this study contributes to the expansion of knowledge in the field of special polynomials.

This study introduces a new approach to the development of generalized 1-parameter, 2-variable Hermite–Frobenius–Euler polynomials, which are characterized by their generating functions, series definitions and summation formulae. Additionally, the research utilizes a factorization method to establish recurrence relations, shift operators and various differential equations, including differential, integro-differential and partial differential equations. The framework elucidates the fundamental properties of these polynomials by utilizing generating functions, series definitions and summation formulae. The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the properties of these polynomials and their potential applications.

This study presents a novel family of bivariate 2D-qq Hermite polynomials. We derive explicit forms and qq-partial differential equations and investigate numerical aspects associated with these polynomials. Furthermore, we deduce the monomiality principle and other key properties of the bivariate 2D-qq Hermite polynomials, including qq-recurrence relations and qq-difference equations. In addition, the graphical representations for the bivariate 2D-qq Hermite polynomials and qq-Hermite polynomials are explored for different values of indices.

Abstract Dinanath grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) is an extensively grown forage grass known for its significant drought resilience. In order to comprehensively grasp the adaptive mechanism of Dinanath grass in response to water deficient conditions, transcriptomic and metabolomics were applied in the leaves of Dinanath grass exposed to two distinct drought intensities (48-hour and 96-hour). Transcriptomic analysis of Dinanath grass leaves revealed that a total of 218 and 704 genes were differentially expressed under 48- and 96-hour drought conditions, respectively. The genes that were expressed differently (DEGs) and the metabolites that accumulated in response to 48-hour drought stress mainly showed enrichment in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, particularly phenolics and flavonoids. Conversely, under 96-hour drought conditions, the enriched pathways predominantly involved lipid metabolism, specifically sterol lipids. In particular, phenylpropanoid pathway and brassinosteroid signaling played a crucial role in drought response to 48- and 96-hour water deficit conditions, respectively. This variation in drought response indicates that the adaptation mechanism in Dinanath grass is highly dependent on the intensity of drought stress. In addition, different genes associated with phenylpropanoid and fatty acid biosynthesis, as well as signal transduction pathways namely phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, putrescine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, abscisic acid 8’-hydroxylase 2, syntaxin-61, lipoxygenase 5, calcium-dependent protein kinase and phospholipase D alpha one, positively regulated with drought tolerance. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses highlights the outstanding involvement of regulatory pathways related to secondary cell wall thickening and lignin biosynthesis in imparting drought tolerance to Dinanath grass leaves. These findings collectively contribute to an enhanced understanding of candidate genes and key metabolites relevant to drought response in Dinanath grass. Furthermore, they establish a groundwork for the creation of a transcriptome database aimed at developing abiotic stress-tolerant grasses and major crop varieties through both transgenic and genome editing approaches.

In this research, we leverage various $ q $-calculus identities to introduce the notion of $ q $-Hermite-Appell polynomials involving three variables, elucidating their formalism. We delve into numerous properties and unveil novel findings regarding these $ q $-Hermite-Appell polynomials, encompassing their generating function, series representation, summation equations, recurrence relations, $ q $-differential formula, and operational principles. Our investigation sheds light on the intricate nature of these polynomials, elucidating their behavior and facilitating deeper understanding within the realm of $ q $-calculus.

We present a novel framework for introducing generalized 3-variable 1-parameter Hermite-based Appell polynomials. These polynomials are characterized by generating function, series definition, and determinant definition, elucidating their fundamental properties. Moreover, utilizing a factorization method, we established recurrence relations, shift operators, and various differential equations, including differential, integrodifferential, and partial differential equations. Special attention is given to exploring the specific cases of 3-variable 1-parameter generalized Hermite-based Bernoulli, Euler, and Genocchi polynomials, offering insights into their unique features and applications.

The microwave-assisted fluidized bed two-stage novel, energy-efficient drying method was used for Agaricus bisporus drying which can be further utilised for mushroom protein powder, and soup. The effect of microwave heating time (MHT), fluidized bed drying temperature (FBDT), and slice thickness (ST) on rehydration ratio, total colour difference (TCD), and overall acceptability of white button mushroom (WBM) powder was investigated. The optimized values, i.e., 1 min (MHT), 60 °C (FBDT), and 2 mm (ST), were obtained during optimization using design expert software (ver. 13.0.1). The result revealed that MHT, FBDT, and ST affect the responses significantly. TCD was found to be increased while overall acceptability decreased as MHT and FBDT increased. Rehydration is an important criterion for using dry products in curry or soup since they may absorb water. The optimized WBM (O-WBM) powder was used to prepare the soup mix. Out of three formulations (F1, F2, and F3), F3 had a 9 % O-WBM powder score with a maximum mean value for colour, taste, flavor, consistency, and overall acceptability, followed by F2 with a 7 % O-WBM powder. The soup’s composition includes functional ingredients such as garlic, shallots, and milk powder, making it healthier.

Background: Agitation is frequently encountered in patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). The etiopathology for agitation is multifactorial. Melatonin has been widely used to study the effects of delirium in ICU, however, its effect on agitation is not well studied. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of melatonin administration on the prevalence of agitation and length of stay in patients with severe TBI, managed conservatively, or undergoing decompressive craniectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study with 70 patients undergoing various decompressive craniotomy or managed conservatively, and admitted to neurosurgical ICU was included in the study. Thirty-six patients were recruited from the control group and 34 patients received melatonin during their stay in the ICU. In this study, records of 70 patients who had suffered isolated TBI with no associated injuries were analyzed. The patients had a Glasgow coma score of 3–14 on admission to ICU. The patients were managed as per the standard protocols, as per the existing guidelines, and based on TBI guidelines. Results: A non-significant decreasing trend of agitation and reduced duration of ICU stay was noted in patients who received melatonin compared with the control group. The prevalence of agitation observed on modified Ramsay scale (Mean±SD) in patients who received melatonin on Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, and Day 9 were −1.67±3.01; −1.61±2.82; −1.2±2.55; −1.23±2.51; −1.23±2.11; −1.05±2.09; and 0.76±2.03, respectively. These scores were slightly lower than observed in the control group on Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, and Day 9 as −1.58±3.16; −1.33±2.72; −1.08±2.46; −1.13±2.25; −0.94±1.87; −0.52±1.7; and 0.52±1.36, respectively. The mean±SD duration of stay in ICU of patients receiving melatonin (13.14±3.37) and not receiving melatonin (14.52±3.73) was comparable (P=0.1). Conclusion: Although there was a decreased prevalence of agitation and a decrease in the mean duration of the ICU stay in patients who received oral melatonin, these beneficial effects did not show any statistical significance once compared with the control group.

OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency and antifungal susceptibility of the Candida albicans and non-albican species in diabetic foot infections from samples collected in a tertiary care hospital of district Peshawar. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to February 2021 in Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Specimen for culture swabs or tissue from diabetic foot ulcers was taken using aseptic methods. If pus was absent in the wound, ulcer scraping was collected. One tissue sample was soaked in 10% KOH for microscopy, while the second sample was used for fungal culture and sensitivity using Sabouraud dextrose agar. RESULTS: Of the 600 samples, 200 patients had diabetic foot ulcers with positive fungal culture from Males 102(51%) and Females 98(49%). The age range was 40-78 years. The frequency of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. famata, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. lusitaniae was 23(11.5%), 27(13.5%), 19(9.5%), 19(9.5%), 88(44%) and 24(12%). C. albicans was the most common fungal species. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done, and resistance to drugs like Amphotericin, Caspofungin, Fluconazole, Flucytosine, Itraconazole, Micafungin, Voriconazole which was 6.5%, 16%, 25.5%, 5.5%, 3%, 22.5%, 21% respectively. Resistance to Fluconazole, Micafungin and Voriconazole was the highest among all commonly used antifungal drugs. CONCLUSION: Fungal infection in diabetic foot ulcers usually does not respond to antibiotics. Candia albicans and non-albicans spp are also associated with diabetic foot ulcer infection and inflammation, and these fungi have the highest resistance to commonly used antifungal agents.

Background: Ultrasound has become the standard of care for the insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) in the intensive care unit. With the introduction of ultrasonography in CVC insertion, there has been an improvement in the success rate and a dramatic decrease in the rate of complications. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and ease of insertion of ultrasonically guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) with that of the supraclavicular subclavian vein (SCV) in adult patients undergoing various surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: All the patients in whom central venous cannulation was planned were assigned to two groups. Group I underwent ultrasound-guided IJV while as Group II underwent cannulation ultrasound-guided SCV cannulation. A comparison was made between the two groups, of the success rates, durations of procedure, number of attempts at needle redirections, difficulties if any during insertion of guidewires, and the complications encountered. Results: The IJV group had a higher proportion of first-attempt success (93.2% versus 62.7%). The IJV group had a lesser incidence (3.2%) of complications such as guidewire progression and needle redirections compared with SCV (15.2%). The frequency of adverse events did not differ between the two study groups with an incidence in 3.2% in IJV group and 9.6% in the subclavian group. Higher first-attempt success rates and fewer procedural complications were seen with ultrasound-guided IJV. Conclusion: IJV central venous catheterization is an easier and less invasive and less risky procedure for patients.

Background: The occurrence of delirium in patients who undergo elective surgeries is a common occurrence. Multiple studies have assessed the effect of different drugs in various elective procedures to decrease the prevalence of postoperative delirium. The effect of melatonin to decrease the prevalence of delirium and duration of neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) stay in patients undergoing neurosurgery has not been studied previously. The current study aimed to assess the same. Aims and Objectives: To assess the effect of preoperative and postoperative melatonin administration on the prevalence of delirium in patients undergoing elective ventilation in NSICU and to assess the effect of preoperative and postoperative melatonin administration on the duration of stay in NSICU. Methods and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 60 patients undergoing various neurosurgical procedures and admitted to NSICU were included. The patients were divided into two groups: one group received a placebo (Group P- tablet Sugarfree containing Aspartame) and another group received a tablet of melatonin 3 mg (Group M) in the preoperative and postoperative period. The effect of melatonin on the prevalence of delirium and duration of NSICU stay in these two groups was observed. Results: A decreasing trend of delirium was noted in both groups (Group M and Group P) with no statistical significance. A decreased prevalence of delirium was observed in patients of group M (33.3%) at the end of 12 h post-extubation compared to Group P (43.3%). The mean duration of stay for the patients in NSICU in Groups M and P were 2.7 and 3.2 days, with the range (1–14 Days) in Group M and Group P (1–20 days), respectively. Conclusion: Although there was a decreased prevalence of delirium and a decrease in the mean duration of the intensive care unit stay in patients who received oral melatonin, these beneficial effects did not show any statistical significance once compared with the control group.

Originally developed within the realm of mathematical physics, integral transformations have transcended their origins and now find wide application across various mathematical domains. Among these applications, the construction and analysis of special polynomials benefit significantly from the elucidation of generating expressions, operational principles, and other distinctive properties. This study delves into a pioneering exploration of an extended lineage of Frobenius-Euler polynomials belonging to the Hermite-Apostol type, incorporating multivariable variables through fractional operators. Motivated by the exigencies of contemporary engineering challenges, the research endeavors to uncover the operational rules and establishing connections inherent within these extended polynomials. In doing so, it seeks to chart a course towards harnessing these mathematical constructs within diverse engineering contexts, where their unique attributes hold the potential for yielding profound insights. The study deduces operational rules for this generalized family, facilitating the establishment of generating connections and the identification of recurrence relations. Furthermore, it showcases compelling applications, demonstrating how these derived polynomials may offer meaningful solutions within specific engineering scenarios.

This study explores the evolution and application of integral transformations, initially rooted in mathematical physics but now widely employed across diverse mathematical disciplines. Integral transformations offer a comprehensive framework comprising recurrence relations, generating expressions, operational formalism, and special functions, enabling the construction and analysis of specialized polynomials. Specifically, the research investigates a novel extended family of Frobenius-Genocchi polynomials of the Hermite-Apostol-type, incorporating multivariable variables defined through fractional operators. It introduces an operational rule for this generalized family, establishes a generating connection, and derives recurring relations. Moreover, the study highlights the practical applications of this generalized family, demonstrating its potential to provide solutions for specific scenarios.

Biodiversity loss is a pressing global issue, with protected areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) identified as crucial strategies for conservation. This study investigates the contribution of wilderness networks beyond existing protected areas to biodiversity conservation in Central Asia, proposing a comprehensive framework for wilderness network assessment and identifying potential OECM areas. Using Boolean overlay and weighted linear combination approach, the research delineated core wilderness patches and assessed their spatial relationship with existing protected area. The study employed multi-scenario assessment framework to reconstruct twelve landscape ecological networks, results exposed the potential of wilderness networks as supplementary areas to existing protected area networks. The study also identified 241 critical pinch points essential for maintaining regional wildlife habitat connectivity and species migration. The research advocates for the integration of wilderness networks with OECMs to achieve the 30×30 conservation goal. The study's findings underscore need for additional conservation measures beyond existing protected areas and importance of considering human activity disturbances, maintaining landscape connectivity, as well as evaluating cost-effective conservation strategies. It also highlights the necessity for cross-border collaboration in regional-scale wilderness research. This study contributes to the planning and development of policies for wilderness conservation and provides a replicable framework for similar global assessments.

Introduction A patient safety culture primarily refers to the values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors within a healthcare setup in a community that assists in prioritizing patient safety and encouraging the reporting of errors and near-misses in that facility. There is a direct impact of patient safety culture on how well patient safety and quality improvement programs work. The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to investigate the practices to improve patient safety culture and adverse event reporting practices among healthcare professionals in a tertiary care hospital located in Mirpur Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Methods In the non-probability convenience sampling of this cross-sectional study, Divisional Headquarters Teaching Hospital in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Surveys on Patient Safety Culture Hospital Survey to collect data about the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding patient safety culture within their hospital to assess the trends of patient safety culture by obtaining longitudinal data. A pre-validated questionnaire that has undergone a rigorous trial of testing to maximize the reliability and accuracy of the outcomes was distributed among clinical staff (healthcare professionals who interact with patients on a daily basis, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians) and administrative staff (medical superintendent, deputy medical superintendent, assistant medical superintendent, heads of departments). Results A total of 312 questionnaires were returned (response rate, 76%). The study found that the dimension “supervisor/manager expectation and action promoting safety” had the highest positive response rate (65.16%), and “nonpunitive response” had the lowest (27.4%). Higher scores in “nonpunitive response to error” were associated with lower rates of medication errors, pressure ulcers, and surgical site infections, and higher scores in “frequency of event reporting” were associated with lower rates of medication errors, pressure ulcers, falls, hospital-acquired infections, and urinary tract infections. Conclusion We suggest that in order for hospital staff to continue providing excellent, clinically safe treatment, a well-structured hospital culture promoting patient safety is necessary. Moreover, further study is needed to determine strategies to improve patient safety expertise and awareness, and lower the frequency of adverse occurrences.

This paper explores the operational principles and monomiality principles that significantly shape the development of various special polynomial families. We argue that applying the monomiality principle yields novel results while remaining consistent with established findings. The primary focus of this study is the introduction of degenerate multidimensional Hermite-based Appell polynomials (DMHAP), denoted as An[r]H(l1,l2,l3,…,lr;ϑ). These DMHAP forms essential families of orthogonal polynomials, demonstrating strong connections with classical Hermite and Appell polynomials. Additionally, we derive symmetric identities and examine the fundamental properties of these polynomials. Finally, we establish an operational framework to investigate and develop these polynomials further.

The construction of green infrastructure networks is an effective measure to guide orderly city expansion and ensure ecological security. However, limited research has been conducted to explore practical strategies for enhancing ecosystem services threatened by urban development, particularly in plateau cities with constrained natural resources. Xining, the largest and most densely urbanized city on the Tibetan Plateau in China, faces a significant conflict between urban expansion and ecosystem service conservation that is limited by an uninhabitable climate and mountainous topography. It is the only central city on the Tibetan Plateau, with a population of 2.47 million (2020). From 2000 to 2020, the urban area expanded by 37.42%; thus, reconciling the escalating demand for natural resources driven by urban development and promoting synergistic development between ecosystem services and urbanization remains a challenge. Here, we propose a modeling framework to reconstruct ecosystem service values using improved temporal (pi) and spatial (di) difference indices, highlighting the temporal sensibility and spatial aggregation of multiple ecosystem services. The material quantities (di) and monetary values (pi) of seven ecosystem services were estimated using experimentally verified local parameters as a case study in Xining from 2000 to 2020. The green infrastructure network and its interactions were identified based on the reconstructed ecosystem service value using the gravity modeling toolbox proposed in our previous study. The results illustrated that the identified green infrastructure network comprised 48 ecological sources and 96 corridors, covering an area of 162318.3 hm2; while this includes approximately one-fifth of the total study area, but it contributes to one-third of the overall ecosystem service value. The conservation priority and planning construction areas in the Xining City Master Planning (2021–2035) outlines were then optimized based on the identified green infrastructure network. Overall, these optimized urban planning scenarios would reserve 59.3 million CNY of the reconstructed ecosystem service value encroached on by urban sprawl. The opportunity cost is transferring 14.7% of the planned construction area overlapping with the green infrastructure network. This study provides a distinctive example for establishing a green infrastructure network based on the spatiotemporal dynamic sensitivity of ecosystem services and provides a strong reference for sustainable development and ecosystem service conservation, particularly in plateau cities.

The rapidly evolving field of cloud-based data sharing faces critical challenges in ensuring comprehensive privacy protection and trust for both data producers and seekers. Current methodologies often fall short, addressing only one facet of these issues—either privacy or trust—while also struggling with inefficient resource allocation in dynamic cloud environments. This research introduces a novel hybrid paradigm that addresses critical challenges in cloud-based data sharing by integrating enhanced privacy protection, trust generation, and optimized resource allocation. The framework utilizes k-anonymity to protect the privacy of both data producers and seekers by anonymizing participants, thus reducing the risk of data re-identification. For resource allocation, the framework employs the Time-aware modified best fit decreasing (T-MBFD) algorithm, which adapts to fluctuating workloads. Key input parameters for T-MBFD include available resources, job size, and time constraints, while output parameters focus on optimized resource distribution and minimizing wastage. To strengthen trust evaluation, the framework combines an optimized Levenberg algorithm with the Firefly Algorithm. This integration uses trustworthiness scores and service performance as input parameters, resulting in improved accuracy and reliability in trust assessments. Simulation results on a dataset of 95,000 records demonstrate the frameworks robustness and scalability. The proposed framework achieved an average accuracy of 96.416%, an F-measure of 0.976, a precision of 0.958, and a recall of 0.989. Moreover, the framework recorded an AUC-ROC value of 0.990 and specificity of 0.960, with an execution time of 0.22 seconds. These metrics indicate superior performance in privacy protection and trust generation compared to existing approaches, which typically report lower accuracy and trust evaluation metrics. Benchmarking against current models shows consistently higher accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure values, underscoring the frameworks enhanced capability to safeguard data privacy and accurately assess trust. This study significantly advances secure cloud-based data sharing by offering a robust solution for privacy preservation, trust enhancement, and resource efficiency.