Approximate Values Research Articles

RESEARCH OF COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICAL MODELS FOR TECHNICAL SYSTEMS

In the theory of analysis and synthesis of technical systems, mathematical modelling and optimization of multilayer systems containing sources of physical fields occupy an important place. This is due to the fact that their state is described by means of boundary value problems with multidimensional differential equations. To solve the boundary value problems and implement the process of optimizing the technical parameters of the modelled systems, it is necessary to conduct interdisciplinary studies of computational and applied optimization mathematical models. Fulfilment of the conditions for the existence of a single solution to boundary value problems by default is possible only when the object of study is a single-layer material under the action of load sources. If it is necessary to calculate and optimize the technical parameters of a multilayer material subjected to load sources, then it is impossible to immediately guarantee the correctness of the calculated and applied optimization mathematical models, since it is necessary to obtain the conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions to boundary value problems with systems of differential equations. Maximizing the technical parameters of load sources and averaging the characteristics of material layers will lead to approximate values of the objective function and technical parameters of the modelled system, which leads to irrational consumption of energy and heat resources and uncontrolled losses, and useless losses of the test material in the technological process. The article presents the conditions for the correctness of multipoint boundary value problems with multidimensional differential equations describing the state of a multilayer material under thermal action. It is advisable to use these studies to substantiate the correctness of other technical and biotechnological systems, which will increase the accuracy of the implementation of applied optimization problems of economic and mathematical modelling.

Ions Generated from a Premixed Methane-Air Flame: Mobility Size Distributions and Charging Characteristics

ABSTRACT Chemical ionization in combustion systems forms concentrated ions of both polarities. Applying electric fields and plasmas to combustion systems has been shown to reduce emissions (such as particulate matter) potentially by controlling the ionic properties. Detailed flame-generated ion properties need to be characterized to better understand and predict the dynamics and roles of these ions in combustion and particle formation processes. In this work, we used a high-resolution differential mobility analyzer (HR-DMA) to map the mobility and size distributions of positive and negative ions generated from a premixed methane-air flat flame under atmospheric pressure. Measurements were conducted over a wide range of stoichiometric ratios (0.8 to 1.2) and heights above the burner (HAB, 7–42 mm). Positively charged ions are relatively stable over the entire range of experimental conditions, showing two major modes, one at 1.16 nm, and another at 1.42 nm. The mode corresponding to 1.42 nm showed a gradual increase in size with HAB, indicating the charging of hydrocarbon precursors. With the mobility values of the ions, we calculated their approximate mass values based on the empirical mobility–mass relationship and estimated the charging characteristics of particles in the flame. The ion profiles and particle charging characteristics obtained in this study will improve our understanding of electrostatic interactions in flame systems.

Further Optimization of Maxwell-Type Dynamic Vibration Absorber with Inerter and Negative Stiffness Spring Using Particle Swarm Algorithm

Dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) are widely used in engineering practice because of their good vibration control performance. Structural design or parameter optimization could improve its control efficiency. In this paper, the viscoelastic Maxwell-type DVA model with an inerter and multiple stiffness springs is investigated with the combination of the traditional theory and an intelligent algorithm. Firstly, the expressions and approximate optimal values of the system parameters are obtained using the fixed-point theory to deal with the H∞ optimization problem, which can provide help with the range of parameters in the algorithm. Secondly, we innovatively introduce the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to prove that the algorithm could adjust the value of the approximate solution to minimize the maximum amplitude by analyzing and optimizing the single variable and four variables. Furthermore, the validity of the parameters is further verified by simulation between the numerical solution and the analytical solution using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Finally, the DVA demonstrated in this paper is compared with typical DVAs under random excitation. The timing sequence and variances, as well as the decreased ratios of the displacements, show that the presented DVA has a more satisfactory control performance. The inerter and negative stiffness spring can indeed bring beneficial effects to the vibration absorber. Remarkably, the intelligent algorithm can make the resonance peaks equal in the parameter optimization of the vibration absorber, which is quite difficult to achieve with theoretical methods at present. The results may provide a theoretical and computational basis for the optimization design of DVA.

Factor analysis, reliability and validity of a Pashto version of Hamilton rating scale for depression.

To translate and validate the Hamilton Rating Scale (HAM-D) for Depression in Pashto language. The cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from June to November 2021, and comprised patients of either gender diagnosed with depressive illness. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was translated from English to Pashto by 3 bilingual experts using forward-backward method. The version was tested on the participants using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability and construct validity of the scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 26. Of the 507 patients with mean age 34.56±12.58 years, 317(62.5%) were females, 379(74.8%) were married and 308(60.7%) were uneducated. Factor analysis of HAM-D (Pashto) showed to be a four factor model and Bartlett's test showed significant results indicating that the items were inter-correlated. Regarding construct validity, the factor loading through Item Total Correlation scores revealed highly satisfactory correlation coefficients. Cronbach's alpha reliability of the Pashto version was 0.843, and confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit model (0.904) with root mean square error of approximation value 0.075. The scale showed 312(61.5%) participants were severely depressed. Married, uneducated patients and those with higher birth order were significantly severely depressed (p=0.000). The Pashto version of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was found to be a reliable instrument to measure depression and can be used in clinical settings.

Prototype of a Continuous Passive Motion device for shoulder rehabilitation

Continuous Passive Motion - CPM - is a therapeutic method that provides fast and safe patient rehabilitation. Considering the fact that the equipment performs the movement along with the patient, who also does it but passively, this treatment procedure can immediately be applied in the postoperative care period. Although this technique makes recovery faster, as strains will be spared from ligaments, muscles and tendons, not all clinics can offer CPM therapy due to its high cost. Bearing in mind the existence of such equipment that performs the aforementioned motion, the objective of this work was the development and manufacture of a prototype device for continuous passive shoulder movement, with costs reduced to an approximate value of USD$730.00 compared to the average price in the market which is around USD$1510.00. This difference in values would make it affordable for a greater majority of clinics and offices to purchase them and, thus, promote the accelerated timely recovery of the limb after operation, for a larger number of patients, allowing these patients to return to their daily tasks in shorter period of time. For the execution of the prototype, specific mechanical manufacturing methods, such us turning, milling and welding of materials, were applied in order to make the equipment safe and effective, provide comfort for the patient and, above all, make the device affordable for most physiotherapy clinics. The material used for the production was stainless steel, cables, pulleys, tilting automation kit and inductive sensors.

Potential Forage Hybrid Markets for Enhancing Sustainability and Food Security in East Africa.

The cattle sector is strategic for both the economic development and food security of Africa, but the low availability and quality of forage puts the most vulnerable population at risk. Hybrid forages are an alternative for enhancing both food security and sustainability of the sector but adoption levels are still low in Africa, which is related to various factors such as the availability of seeds. This document analyzes potential markets for new interspecific hybrids of Urochloa and potential hybrids of Megathyrsus maximus, adapted to the environmental conditions of eastern and partially western Africa, applying a four-step methodology based on estimating (i) required forage amounts for each country according to its dairy herd, (ii) potential hectares for forage cultivation based on (i), (iii) hectares that can be covered by the two hybrids of interest according to a Target Population of Environment approach, and (iv) potential market values for each country and hybrid. The results show a potential market of 414,388 ha for new interspecific hybrids of Urochloa and 528,409 ha for potential hybrids of Megathyrsus maximus, with approximate annual values of 73.5 and 101.1 million dollars, respectively. Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya hold a market share of 70% for Urochloa, and South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania a 67% market share for Megathyrsus maximus. The results will help different actors in decision-making, i.e., regarding private sector investments in forage seed commercialization or public sector incentives supporting adoption processes, and thus contribute to increasing food security and sustainability in the region.

Progression of vacuum level in successive vacuum suction boxes in a paper machine – Impact on dewatering efficiency and energy demand – A laboratory study

Producing tissue paper is an energy-demanding process; a significant amount of energy is expended when removing water by vacuum, mechanical pressing, and thermal drying. Because the water is most energy-demanding to remove in drying, making the preceding step of vacuum dewatering more efficient would benefit the whole process. This article focuses on developing a laboratory-scale method for verifying the nature of diminishing returns of water removal and investigating efficiency strategies of the vacuum dewatering. The theoretical concept of successive vacuum suction boxes with progressing vacuum levels was tested at the laboratory scale in order to show quantifiable results of the previously solely theoretical concept. The results confirmed that vacuum dewatering can be improved by adding progressively higher vacuum levels and that such a practice can benefit both outgoing dryness levels and expended vacuum pump energy. To truly examine the power of progression of vacuum levels, rewetting can be included in the calculations, by using an approximate value collected from pilot or full-scale measurements. For any new fiber mix, pulp type, vacuum level setup, basis weight, etc. the vacuum levels, rewetting, and dwell times need to be tuned to that specific case.

Use of Risk Analysis Tools in Investment Construction Project Cost Management

The paper examines the possibilities of improving the accuracy of estimating the value of an investment and construction project based on various analysis and evaluation tools. Accurate estimates can be achieved using the Project Value Model at all stages of the project lifecycle. The stages of estimating the cost of an investment and construction project are considered, including costing, i.e. determining the costs of individual works depending on the calculation of the volume of work and pricing — determining the total cost of the project taking into account cost, profit and contingency provisions. The work carried out a comparative analysis of the methods of estimating the cost of the project: methods of high-level assessment, analog and method of parametric estimates, detailed assessment of the project costs, the use of which should be carried out iteratively. It is noted that risk management tools should be considered in combination with the project cost assessment due to the dependence of the goal in identifying and assessing risks with maximum performance and lowest cost. The article studied various approaches to assessment, in particular: estimating the cost of the project at the pre-investment stage in the form of a rough (approximate) value; estimate the project cost at the business planning stage as the estimated value of the cost justification Project Cost Estimation in the Process of Costing by Activity Type — Budget Cost Assessment Estimate the final planned project cost to be included in the project budget — accurately estimate the project cost. The article proposes the use of various tools and methods of risk analysis at the stages of the life cycle of an investment and construction project.

Bayesian spatial modeling of childhood overweight and obesity prevalence in Costa Rica

BackgroundChildhood overweight and obesity levels are rising and becoming a concern globally. In Costa Rica, the prevalence of these conditions has reached alarming values. Spatial analyses can identify risk factors and geographical patterns to develop tailored and effective public health actions in this context.MethodsA Bayesian spatial mixed model was built to understand the geographic patterns of childhood overweight and obesity prevalence in Costa Rica and their association with some socioeconomic factors. Data was obtained from the 2016 Weight and Size Census (6 - 12 years old children) and 2011 National Census.ResultsAverage years of schooling increase the levels of overweight and obesity until reaching an approximate value of 8 years, then they start to decrease. Moreover, for every 10-point increment in the percentage of homes with difficulties to cover their basic needs and in the percentage of population under 14 years old, there is a decrease of 7.7 and 14.0 points, respectively, in the odds of obesity. Spatial patterns show higher values of prevalence in the center area of the country, touristic destinations, head of province districts and in the borders with Panama.ConclusionsEspecially for childhood obesity, the average years of schooling is a non-linear factor, describing a U-inverted curve. Lower percentages of households in poverty and population under 14 years old are slightly associated with higher levels of obesity. Districts with high commercial and touristic activity present higher prevalence risk.

Abstract 4975: Anti-cancer effect of a probiotic bacteria-derived compound, 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid in prostate cancer

Abstract Cancer incidence has been increasing globally and the major cause for mortality associated with this disease is due to metastasis development. Followed by skin and lung cancer, prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers prevailing among older men in the United States. Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for PCa, most patients undergoing ADT eventually develop metastatic PCa. Moreover, other treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have toxic side effects and are ineffective in controlling advanced PCa. Hence, there arises a need for identifying alternative agents with possibly fewer side effects. The gut biome plays a significant role in regulating many bodily functions like digestion, immunity, and including cancer prevention. Probiotics, commonly known as 'good bacteria,' are living microorganisms that provide health promoting benefits. A probiotic metabolite, 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA), is an anti-inflammatory aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) agonist which is yet to be explored for its anticancer activity. Inhibiting the inflammatory signaling axis and activating Ahr by DHNA could be a promising strategy to counteract metastatic PCa. Cell viability assays revealed that 1,4-DHNA is highly toxic in metastatic prostate cancer cell lines such as DU145 and PC3 compared to normal prostate epithelial cells like RWPE-1 and human prostate stromal myofibroblast cell line, WPMY-1, with an approximate IC50 value of 5 µM in DU145 and PC3 and about 20 µM and 75 µM in WPMY-1 and RWPE-1 respectively. DHNA reduced the colony forming abilities of BPH-Cd, PC3, and DU145 in clonogenic assay and suppressed the BPH-Cd spheroid growth in spheroid formation assay, revealing its anti-tumorigenic potential. Trans-well migration assay using BPH-Cd, PC3, and DU145 showed a decrease in cell migration, hinting at the drug's anti-metastatic ability. G2/M phase arrest in cell cycle analysis and dose-dependent increase in apoptosis of DHNA-treated DU145, PC3, and LNCaP cell lines reiterated its anti-cancer potential. Western blot results in PC3 and DU145 showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of protooncogene β-catenin expression. Downregulation of cell cycle proteins like cyclin D1 and increased expression of effector caspase, cleaved caspase 7 support cell death promoting effects of DHNA via an intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Our pre-clinical data suggest that DHNA can be a potential drug for inhibiting both prostate tumor growth and metastasis. Further research is warranted to ascertain the anti-metastatic and underlying anti-cancer mechanisms to help translate the findings to clinical use. Citation Format: Shreeja Srinivas Bitla, Gnanasekar Munirathinam. Anti-cancer effect of a probiotic bacteria-derived compound, 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4975.

Synthesis, Electrochemical and Antioxidant Properties of New Thiazolylazo‐based Mixed Ligand Metal Complexes

AbstractThe complexes of 4‐(2‐thiazolylazo)resorcinol (TAR) and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), [M(bpy)(TAR)(H2O)]AcO [(M=CoII, CuII, ZnII] and [Mn(bpy)(TAR)AcO] were synthesized and their structure was determined by elemental analysis, thermal analysis (DTA/TGA), IR spectroscopy, molar conductivity, and magnetic measurements. The ligand 4‐(2‐thiazolylazo)resorcinol coordinated to metalII ions via azo and thiazolyl group nitrogens and one oxygen atom of resorcinol, while 2,2′‐bipyridine also contributed two coordination bonds via its nitrogen atoms. The electrochemical profile of the compounds was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) which confirmed their electrochemical activity. The results obtained by CV method pointed out that the electrode reactions were diffusion controlled. The total antioxidant capacities of the ligands and complexes were evaluated by using cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. The complexes displayed more antioxidant activity than their ligands. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) values of all complexes exhibited more higher and approximate values to Trolox but bpy ligand did not show any activity.

Calculations on Enhancement of Polycrystalline Diamond Bits through Addition of Superhard Diamond-Reinforced Elements

The paper is dedicated to the enhancement of Polycrystalline Diamond Bits (PDC) designed for oil and gas industry. A novel diamond-reinforced composite was applied for cutting inserts, with the addition of 4 wt% chromium diboride to the WC-Co matrix. The addition of CrB2 ensured improvement of bending strength and fracture toughness by nearly 30% and 40%, respectively, and enhanced the diamond retention force. The efficiency of PDC bits was further improved by incorporating constructional features in both bottomhole and reaming parts. An analytical relationship between the feeding speed and geometrical parameters was found, including the wings and calibrating inserts numbers, as well as the rotational speed of the cutter. Under the conditions of rock fracture by reaming inserts, the approximate value of the required power was calculated.

Return to Play, Performance, and Economic Analysis of National Football League Players After Lisfranc Injury.

A Lisfranc injury can occur to either the ligament or bone, which causes instability when attempting to perform strength and balance maneuvers. The study's aims were to (1) analyze the return-to-play (RTP) rate and performance level of players in the National Football League (NFL) after Lisfranc injury and (2) determine the economic and financial impact of Lisfranc injuries to the NFL. We hypothesized that there would be a low RTP rate following Lisfranc injury in the NFL. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Multiple online public records were used to identify NFL players with Lisfranc injuries between the 2009 and 2020 seasons. Players were assessed according to their RTP statistics: snap count, approximate value (AV), games played, and games started. Nonparametric methods were used to compare player statistics before and after injury. Also, player salaries while injured were calculated (in 2022 US dollars after adjusting for inflation) to approximate economic loss for those players who returned to play. A total of 33 NFL athletes sustained a Lisfranc injury during the study period. Most Lisfranc injuries were experienced by offensive linemen (n = 8; 24.2%), followed by running backs (n = 7; 21.2%). Overall 27 players (81.8%) returned to play after injury at a median of 11.0 months (IQR, 10.2-11.8 months). There were no significant differences between pre- and postinjury snap counts or number of games played and started. In terms of player performance, there was a statistically significant decrease in AV at 1 year postinjury (median [IQR], 6.0 [4.0-10.0] preinjury vs 5.0 [2.5-7.5] postinjury; P = .022). The overall cost of recovery amounted to $104.7 million, with quarterbacks (n = 4) accounting for the greatest cost at $32.6 million. The next 2 most expensive positions were offensive and defensive linemen (n = 5 each) at $19.4 million each. Our results did not support the hypothesis, as the RTP rate for NFL athletes sustaining Lisfranc injuries was 81.8%. This injury was associated with a significant decrease in AV 1 year postinjury. In terms of economic impact, quarterbacks accounted for almost one-third of expenses while constituting only 14.8% of injuries.

Spatial patterns of biomass change across Finland in 2009–2015

Forest characteristics vary largely at the regional level and in smaller geographic areas in Finland. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions is related to changes in biomass and the soil type (e.g. upland soils vs. peatlands). In this paper, estimating and explaining spatial patterns of tree biomass change across Finland was the main interest. We analysed biomass changes on different soil and site types between the years 2009 and 2015 using the Finnish multi-source national forest inventory (MS-NFI) raster layers. MS-NFI method is based on combining information from satellite imagery, digital maps and national forest inventory (NFI) field data. Automatic segmentation was used to create silvicultural management and treatment units. An average biomass estimate of the segmented MS-NFI (MS–NFI–seg) map was 73.9 tons ha−1 compared to the national forest inventory estimate of 76.5 tons ha−1 in 2015. Forest soil type had a similar effect on average biomass in MS–NFI–seg and NFI data. Despite good regional and country-level results, segmentation narrowed the biomass distributions. Hence, biomass changes on segments can be considered only approximate values; also, those small differences in average biomass may accumulate when map layers from more than one time point are compared. A kappa of 0.44 was achieved for precision when comparing undisturbed and disturbed forest stands in the segmented Global Forest Change data (GFC-seg) and MS–NFI–seg map. Compared to NFI, 69% and 62% of disturbed areas were detected by GFC-seg and MS–NFI–seg, respectively. Spatially accurate map data of biomass changes on forest land improve the ability to suggest optimal management alternatives for any patch of land, e.g. in terms of climate change mitigation.

A Scoping Review of Cerebral Doppler Arterial Waveforms in Infants.

Cerebral Doppler ultrasound has been an important tool in pediatric diagnostics and prognostics for decades. Although the Doppler spectrum can provide detailed information on cerebral perfusion, the measured spectrum is often reduced to simple numerical parameters. To help pediatric clinicians recognize the visual characteristics of disease-associated Doppler spectra and identify possible areas for future research, a scoping review of primary studies on cerebral Doppler arterial waveforms in infants was performed. A systematic search in three online bibliographic databases yielded 4898 unique records. Among these, 179 studies included cerebral Doppler spectra for at least five infants below 1 y of age. The studies describe variations in the cerebral waveforms related to physiological changes (43%), pathology (62%) and medical interventions (40%). Characteristics were typically reported as resistance index (64%), peak systolic velocity (43%) or end-diastolic velocity (39%). Most studies focused on the anterior (59%) and middle (42%) cerebral arteries. Our review highlights the need for a more standardized terminology to describe cerebral velocity waveforms and for precise definitions of Doppler parameters. We provide a list of reporting variables that may facilitate unambiguous reports. Future studies may gain from combining multiple Doppler parameters to use more of the information encoded in the Doppler spectrum, investigating the full spectrum itself and using the possibilities for long-term monitoring with Doppler ultrasound.

Pseudo(-) in French and Greek: Categorization and approximation

Pseudo(-) is generally considered to be a prefix or a prefixoid unit with an evaluative value of pragmatic approximation and negative polarity: pseudo(-)X presents a distortion with respect to a standard X. It then enters the paradigm of expressions responsible for infusing subjectivity into the discourse. The interpretative mechanisms in play exploit two dimensions, semantic and pragmatic, according to principles that will be explained in this paper. Furthermore, our contribution aims to highlight the semantic dimension in the interpretation of pseudo(-) both in Greek and French and to show how it exploits the semantic and categorial properties of the nouns that are postposed to it, leading to three main types of categorization (pseudo(-)X belongs to the category X but it is not a good exemplar, pseudo(-)X is clearly not an X the categorization remains undecidable) and to several readings.

Reliability and validity of the Toileting Behaviors-Women's Elimination Behaviors scale in a Turkish pregnant population.

Toileting behaviors are related to lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder dysfunction and are an important factor affecting bladder health. The aim of this study was to translate the Toileting Behaviors-Women's Elimination Behaviors (TB-WEB) Scale into Turkish and to validate its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct and criterion validity for use in Turkish pregnant women. The research was conducted with 226 pregnant women who presented to the antenatal outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Türkiye for antenatal follow-up. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire prepared by the researchers and the TB-WEB Scale. Descriptive data were analyzed using numbers, percentage and mean values, whereas psychometric analysis of the scale was performed using semantic equivalence, content validity, explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's α, item-total correlation, and test-retest analysis. The scale consisted of 20 items and five subscales. The content validity index of the items was found to be 93%. Cronbach's α coefficient was found to be 0.77 for the whole scale; 0.60 for the place preference for voiding subscale; 0.73 for the premature voiding subscale; 0.84 for the delayed voiding subscale; 0.83 for the straining voiding subscale; and 0.88 for the position preference for voiding subscale. The scale mediates 62% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis found that item factor loadings varied between 0.31 and 0.99 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) value was found 0.078. The Turkish version of the TB-WEB Scale is a valid and reliable instrument in evaluating women's toileting behaviors during pregnancy.

The emergence of approximative values in the Italian prefixes semi- and para-

This paper examines the diachrony of two neoclassical prefixes in Italian, namely semi- (from Latin sēmi- ‘half’) and para- (from Ancient Greek parà close to’), based on data extracted from corpora. The diachronic analysis reveals that until the 20th century, both the prefixes semi- and para- were mostly used in scientific terminology, where they conveyed their original meanings: degree and spatial proximity respectively. A cursory synchronic analysis based on data extracted from two newspaper corpora shows that in the last decades, semi- and para- have been productively used to express evaluative values (i.e., attenuation and approximation). The present study enriches the literature on the sources of approximating morphological markers and the relationship between attenuation and approximation, considered here as two distinct values placed along a continuum.

Approximation in morphology: A state of the art

This paper offers a state of the art of approximation within the larger domain of evaluative morphology. It provides an overview of the formal means employed by the morphology of different languages to express approximative meanings, as well as a survey of the specific approximative values that can be conveyed. We further discuss the (input and output) lexical categories involved in the expression of approximation crosslinguistically. On an intralinguistic level, we address the issue of competition between different strategies.

The Relationship Between Social Support and Family Functioning Among Married Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Iran with the Mediating Role of Spiritual Experiences and Moral Foundations.

When a married family member suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), the collective physical and psychosocial well-being of the family is impacted and much of the burden is on the healthier spouse. The purpose of the present study was to determine the contribution of psychosocial support from spouses, friends, and others in overall family functioning in respect of Iranian patients with MS, considering the mediating role of spiritual experiences and moral foundations. Spouses of patients with MS were chosen through the judgmental sampling method. The research instruments comprised the Family Assessment Device, Social Support Appraisals Scale, Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and Moral Foundations Questionnaire. Data analysis was done through the path analysis technique. The subjects comprised 220 spouses of MS patients. We found a significant relationship between family support path and overall functioning mediated by the variable 'spiritual experiences', the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) value being < 0.001. Similarly, the relationship between spiritual experiences and moral foundations had a significant effect on overall family functioning (RMSEA < 0.001). After eliminating insignificant relationships and estimating fit indicators, the modified (adjusted) model indicated goodness of fit with data. This study found, for the first time in the Iranian community, a significant effect of family support focused on spouses of MS patients compared to the support from friends and others, with regard to family functioning. The mediating roles of spiritual experiences and moral foundations were confirmed. Further studies are suggested to delve into the role of family support for MS patients in developing countries.