Degree Of Homogeneity Research Articles

Impact of Multiple Drug Resistant Tuberculous Mycobacteria on the Outcomes of Lung Resection for Fibrous Cavernous Tuberculosis

The objective: to study the impact of multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) on the outcomes of comprehensive treatment with surgical resection of fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis.Subjects and Methods. A prospective retrospective cohort study was performed; 526 HIV negative patients with unilateral fibrous cavernous tuberculosis who underwent lung resection were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: multiple drug resistant tuberculosis - 216 subjects, drug susceptible tuberculosis - 310 subjects. Each group was divided into three subgroups: with the low (MDR TB - 105 subjects; DS TB 221 subjects), moderate (MDR TB - 67 subjects; DS TB - 68 subjects) and high activity (MDR TB - 44 subjects; DS TB - 21 subjects) of tuberculous inflammation.Results. The chances of adverse outcomes of comprehensive treatment with surgical resections of fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis are 2.5 times higher in MDR TB Group versus DS TB Group (p < 0.001; χ2, OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.6-3.9). At the time of the surgery, among patients with MDR TB, there were significantly more patients with moderate and high activity of tuberculous inflammation versus DS TB Group (p < 0.001; χ2). When comparing the groups of patients with a homogeneous degree of tuberculous inflammation activity, no significant impact of MDR TB on the outcomes of comprehensive treatment with resections was found. However, the course of the postoperative period differed, in MDR TB Group, pleural cavity empyema (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.7-5.5) and tuberculosis exacerbations (OR = 4.7; 95% - CI 2.1-10.7) were significantly more frequent compared to DS TB Group.

Overlapping Segments for State Park Visitors: A Canonical Correlation Analysis of Push-and-Pull Motivation

Market segmentation remains one of the most important approaches used in tourism to provide crucial information regarding visitors’ profiles. Considering the importance of state and national parks to the tourism industry, there is an increasing interest in examining the motivations of park visitors. Drawing on the push-and-pull theoretical framework of tourist motivation, this study employs a canonical correlation analysis and an overlapping segmentation approach to gen-erate market segments of visitors to a state park system in the United States. A total of 2,822 past and current visitors were surveyed and consequently assigned to three overlapping market segments based on the results of canonical correlation analysis. The segments were labeled as “Connecting with Nature,” “Experiential Recreation,” and “Family Bonding.” Specifically, the “Family Bonding” market seg-ment was found to have the most overlap with the other two groups. On the other hand, the segment of “Experiential Recreation” had the least overlap, suggesting that the members of this segment are uniquely defined and display a high degree of homogeneity. Additionally, 75 visitors were found to overlap across all three seg-ments. Such findings suggest that this group of respondents score positively on all motivation items and share the same preferences of state park systems’ attributes. Thus, park managers should refrain from assigning visitors to fit just one segment and target the potential visitors considering the substantial overlapping between groups. The study findings have important practical implications for state park sys-tem managers and provide critical insights to inform future marketing strategies and to improve parks’ offerings.

Abstract Number ‐ 95: Common Data Elements Analysis of Mechanical Thrombectomy Clinical Trials for Acute Ischemic Large Core Stroke

Introduction Various clinical trials addressing large core acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are ongoing from multiple international groups. Future development of clinical guidelines depends on meta‐analyses of these trials calling for a degree of homogeneity of elements across the different studies. The aim of this common data element study was to provide an overview of the key features of pertinent large core infarct trials. Methods PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were screened for published and ongoing clinical trials assessing mechanical thrombectomy in patients with AIS with large core infarct. Nested Knowledge AutoLit living review platform was utilized to categorize primary and secondary outcomes as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria for patient selection in the clinical trials. Results The most reported data element was ASPECTS score, but with varied definitions of what compromises large core. Non‐utility‐weighted modified Rankin Score (mRS) was reported in 6/7 studies as the primary outcome, while the utility‐weighted mRS was the outcome of interest in the TESLA trial, all of them at the 3‐months mark, with only LASTE looking for mRS shift at the 6‐months mark. Secondary outcomes had more variations. Mortality is reported separately only in 4/7 trials, all at the 3‐month mark. Additionally, the TENSION trial reports the frequency of serious adverse events, including mortality, at the 1‐week and 12‐month mark. Conclusions In the published and the ongoing large core trials, there is a large degree of variability in the collected data elements. Differences in definition and timepoints renders reaching a unified standard difficult, which hinders high quality meta‐analyses and cohesive evidence‐driven synthesis.

Velocity-based tuning of degree of homogeneity for finite-time stabilization and fault tolerant control of an ROV in the presence of thruster saturation and rate limits

Velocity-based tuning of degree of homogeneity for finite-time stabilization and fault tolerant control of an ROV in the presence of thruster saturation and rate limits

Homogenization of trees in urban green spaces along the moisture gradient in China

The species composition of urban green spaces (UGSs) in different climate areas has been found to be homogenized compared with that of rural forests (RFs). However, the homogenization degree in response to moisture as a single ecological factor is still unknown. Here, we used 18 cities in the temperate zone of China to analyse the tree species composition and diversity index of UGSs and compare them with those of RFs. The results showed that (1) a total of 462 tree species were recorded in the UGSs in 18 cities, and 88 species were found in the UGSs of more than 9 cities. Among the 88 species, 47 species occur in UGSs in humid, semiarid and arid areas, including Ginkgo biloba, Salix babylonica, Acer mono, and Pinus tabuliformis. (2) The tree species richness and Simpson index of UGSs tended to converge (CVUGS ≈ 1/2 CVRF) along the moisture gradient (mean annual precipitation 200–800 mm). (3) The similarity of tree species composition among UGSs (J ∼ 0.30) was significantly higher than that among RFs (J ∼ 0.07), revealing homogenization among cities in areas with different humidity conditions. (4) The similarity increased when the difference in moisture and per capita GDP (gross domestic production) of cities decreased, indicating that ecological and economic factors jointly affected the homogenization of UGSs. This study also provides guidance for the management of UGSs.

Finite-time stability analysis for switched homogeneous positive systems: A variable cyclic dwell-time approach

In this paper, the finite-time stability for a class of switched homogeneous positive systems (SHPSs) is discussed. First, each subsystem is assumed to be finite-time stable and the degree of homogeneity satisfies [Formula: see text]. A new variable cyclic dwell-time approach is proposed, which allows for greater flexibility in switching signal design than the existing cyclic dwell-time approach. By virtue of the variable cyclic dwell-time and switched max-type separated Lyapunov function methods, the finite-time stability criterion for SHPSs is established and the settling time is obtained. Moreover, the stability result is extended to SHPSs containing unstable subsystems. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.

In silico, in vitro and in vivo studies: Dibutyl phthalate promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation by activating Forkhead Box M1 and remission after Natura-α pretreatment

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, shampoos and medical devices. It is ubiquitous in the environment and greatly endangers people's health. Several studies have reported that being exposed to it can promote the development of lung cancer, breast cancer, hepatoma, and multiple myeloma. However, there are still few studies on the specific molecular mechanism and prevention methods of DBP promoting the progression of prostate cancer. This study, in silico, in vitro and in vivo, aims to explore the promoting effect of DBP on prostate cancer cell proliferation. In silico analysis, we obtained a set of DBP interactive genes by utilizing TCGA, CTD and GEO database. These genes are mainly enriched in cell cycle regulatory pathways and they have high degree of homogeneity. We found that these genes shared one transcription factor - Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) by performing Chip-X Enrichment Analysis (Version 3.0). FOXM1, once called the 2010 Molecule of the Year, aberrantly expressed in up to 20 kinds of tumors. In vitro experiments, we used DBP at concentrations of 10−8 M and 5 * 10−7 M to treat C4–2 and PC3 cells for 6 days, respectively. Cell viability was promoted significantly. When Natura-α was added in the background of above-mentioned concentration of DBP, this effect was significantly inhibited. In addition, we also found that DBP can interfering with the efficacy of enzalutamide therapy. The introduction of Natura-α can also reverse this phenomenon. In vivo, subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice, 800 mg/kg/day DBP can promote the growth of prostate cancer. This phenomenon was suppressed when Natura-α (100 mg/kg/day) was added. Based on the results of the above three levels, we confirmed that DBP can target FOXM1 to promote prostate cancer cell proliferation. Natura-α can reverse its cancer-promoting effect. This study provides new insights into the impact of DBP on prostate cancer.

Analysis of Changes in Soot Content in Engine Oils under Operating Conditions

Oil has an enormous influence on the condition of the engine. Determining its degradation allows companies to maximize the availability of a specific vehicle and fleet of vehicles in general. In the evolution of engine oil degradation, one of the variables considered to be the most important is soot content. This article examines the direction and severity of soot content and dispersion changes in engine oil occurring during actual engine operation during four complete change intervals. The oil under study was operated in a city bus. It belonged to the fleet of vehicles of a transport company from new to the mileage of about 200,000 km. Soot content was determined in accordance with ASTM E2412-10, while dispersion size was determined using the dried drop test in accordance with ASTM D7899. The results obtained provide the basis for the conclusion that the direction of change in soot content in each interval is characterized by a high degree of homogeneity. With respect to the degree of soot build-up, a high level of similarity was observed between the intervals studied. The study of change in the degree of oil dispersion using the “drop on blotter” method made it possible to confirm the trend of decreasing dispersion as the run increases. The obtained results led to the development of a statistical model describing these relationships.

The Microstructural Degradation of Ni-Based Superalloys with Segregation under the Super-Gravity Condition

The Ni-based superalloy is used as the turbine blade, which is subject to the coupling effect of temperature and super-gravity during service. As the Ni-based superalloys are difficult to become homogenous after using the solid solution heat treatment, a study on morphology and composition distribution of Ni-base superalloys with segregation during microstructural degradation is necessary. This study investigates the microstructure of the ex-service turbine blade and cast samples subjected to the high-temperature centrifugal test. The difference in the size and shape factor of the γ′ phase decreased with the stress caused by the super-gravity condition, indicating a higher magnitude of homogenization degree. The higher stress will also promote the merge of the sub-grain boundaries, leading to a lower density and higher orientational deviation of the sub-grain boundaries.

From harmonic analysis of translation-invariant valuations to geometric inequalities for convex bodies

The Alesker–Bernig–Schuster theorem asserts that each irreducible representation of the special orthogonal group appears with multiplicity at most one as a subrepresentation of the space of continuous translation-invariant valuations with fixed degree of homogeneity. Moreover, the theorem describes in terms of highest weights which irreducible representations appear with multiplicity one. In this paper, we present a refinement of this result, namely the explicit construction of a highest weight vector in each irreducible subrepresentation. We then describe how important natural operations on valuations (pullback, pushforward, Fourier transform, Lefschetz operator, Alesker–Poincaré pairing) act on these highest weight vectors. We use this information to prove the Hodge–Riemann relations for valuations in the case of Euclidean balls as reference bodies. Since special cases of the Hodge–Riemann relations have recently been used to prove new geometric inequalities for convex bodies, our work immediately extends the scope of these inequalities.

Homogeneity vs. Heterogeneity: An Identity crisis of the communities in the Jiu Valley

The history of the Jiu Valley has gone through multiple stages that have polished the identity of the communities. The development of mine exploitation has attracted immigrants from all over the country and from abroad. This has led to the emergence of two types of local identity communities: the natives and the newcomers. The relations between them have influenced the strategies used in building their constitution of identity. This paper focuses on the idea that these two types of identity are directly responsible for the degree of community homogeneity. In this respect, the natives belonged to a homogeneous community, with one dominant source of collective identity, while the arrival of the newcomers transformed the community into a heterogeneous one, with pluralistic sources of identity. These aspects reflect in the identity narratives which can be found in the Jiu Valley nowadays. The analysis of these narratives shows a common history, filled with tension, negation, disappointment, and acceptance.

Attributes of intergranular corrosion in AA6061-AA7075 double sided friction stir weld

The present study aims to observe the distinguishable progression of intergranular corrosion (IGC) in dissimilar AA6061-AA7075 double-sided friction stir welds (DSFSW) with and without employing secondary heating. Transverse weld specimen sectioned along the weld line, to separate advancing and retreating side, are electrochemically corroded. Secondary heating helps in impeding the most accelerated corrosion rate dominated over the AA7075 region by approximately 50%. The double stirred region remains least susceptible to corrosion due to the dissolution and break down of precipitates. The degree of homogenization during stirring of dissimilar alloy controls the degree of material depletion during corrosion, making intercalated structure unfavourable in terms of corrosion. IGC is found more aggressive in AA7075 structurally intercalated with AA6061 in stir zone. The coarse grain, wider precipitate free zones and continuity of the precipitates along grain boundary (GB) are interpreted as most influential factors. Additional/secondary heating resulted into retardation of IGC within the AA7075 but resulted continuous IGC along the GBs of AA6061. Low angle GBs appears more resistive against IGC as they allow the formation of lean precipitates on contrary to high angle GBs. Secondary heating boosts breakdown and dissolution of corrosion sensitive secondary phase particles reducing the intergranular corrosion tendency.

THE SELF-RATED PRESTIGE BASED SOCIAL STATUS OF THE PEASANTS IN TWO VILLAGES OF BANGLADESH

Peasants usually lack financial, social, physical, and human capital in nearly every aspect of their lives. Many parts of the world depict them as a subjugated and low-status group. Many studies have found a correlation between peasants prestige-based social status and their degree of homogeneity as measured by objective class. Nevertheless, the association between objective class and social status may differ according to a persons subjective interpretation of social status. This study examines how peasants perceive their own social status, as well as how their income, land ownership, and educational attainment correlate with prestige-based social status. Two villages in TanoreUpazilaof Rajshahi, Bangladesh were selected as study villages. In this study, quantitative and qualitative data were combined to minimize the weaknesses of each data type and to improve their accuracy and validity. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the research problem, focus groups and pre-tested questionnaire surveys were conducted simultaneously. The results of the study indicate that even though peasants do not possess large farmland, higher income, or higher educational attainment, a significant number of respondents claim to be in the good or very good social status category. According to the survey, approximately 62% of the peasants rated their social status as good (53.70%) and very good (7.70%). A noteworthy finding is that only 3.80% of respondents ranked their social status as bad or very bad. Survey results indicate that 38.40% of respondents claim to be in the middle of the social status spectrum. Income, ownership of farmland, and educational attainment do not represent a strong association with the prestige-based social status of the peasantry. Rather, in settings where peasants cultivate their land, grow their own food, and provide food for others, they regard their occupation as more prestigious. Respondents reported that they scored highly in their occupation because they are not entirely dependent upon the market for their daily needs, especially for food. While there may be a degree of heterogeneity among peasants in terms of income, education, and occupation, they are still referred to as sons of the soil in general. Thus, the peasants appear to be homogenous, and they value their status as well.

Generalized homogeneous control with integral action

AbstractA generalized homogeneous control with integral action for a multiple‐input plant operating under uncertainty conditions is designed. The stability analysis is essentially based on a special version of the nonsmooth Lyapunov function theorem for differential equations with discontinuous right‐hand sides. A Lyapunov function for analysis of the closed‐loop system is presented. For negative homogeneity degree, this Lyapunov function becomes a strict Lyapunov function allowing an advanced analysis to be provided. In particular, the maximum control magnitude and the settling‐time of the closed‐loop system are estimated and a class of disturbances to be rejected by the control law is characterized. The control parameters are tuned by solving a system of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs), whose feasibility is proved at least for small (close to zero) homogeneity degrees. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical simulations.

Evaluation of the Influence of Grain Sizes of Nanostructured WO3 Ceramics on the Resistance to Radiation-Induced Softening.

The main purpose of this study is to test a hypothesis about the effect of grain size on the resistance to destruction and changes in the strength and mechanical properties of oxide ceramics subjected to irradiation. WO3 powders were chosen as objects of study, which have a number of unique properties that meet the requirements for their use as a basis for inert matrices of dispersed nuclear fuel. The grain-size variation in WO3 ceramics was investigated by mechanochemical grinding of powders with different grinding speeds. Grinding conditions were experimentally selected to obtain powders with a high degree of size homogeneity, which were used for further research. During evaluation of the strength properties, it was found that a decrease in the grain size leads to an increase in the crack resistance, as well as the hardness of ceramics. The increase in strength properties can be explained by an increase in the dislocation density and the volume contribution of grain boundaries, which lead to hardening and an increase in resistance. During determination of the radiation damage resistance, it was found that a decrease in grain size to 50-70 nm leads to a decrease in the degree of radiation damage and the preservation of the resistance of irradiated ceramics to destruction and cracking.

Preparation of Polyester/ Micro Eggshell Fillers Composite as Natural Surface Coating

To fabricate an inexpensive surface coating with excellent mechanical properties with good water resistance and thermal diffusion, white eggshell fibers with particle size (~1micrometer) has been added by different weight percentages (1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 %) to Unsaturated Polyester. The weight ratio (4%) of eggshell powder is a good ratio to be added to polyester to improve its mechanical properties, such as hardness, impact strength, and wear resistance. The hardness was improved by (3.75%); impact strength has the same value as polyester, flexural strength by (8.43%) and high improvement in wear resistance (74.4%), as well as to get further improvements in mechanical properties of polyester, the eggshell powder was added with (5%), where the hardness was improved by (3.63%), impact strength improved by (~23%) and the flexural strength by (23.23%)but the wear resistance by (2.15%) only . The resistance to thermal of polyester was improved to (9.95%) and (13.77%) by adding the eggshell powder with ratios (of 4%) and (5%), respectively. (Polyester/ 4% eggshells). And (Polyester/ 5% eggshells) composites have a higher resistance to water diffusion after being immersed in water between (1-4 weeks). The electron microscope image was used to observe the degree of homogeneity in polyester composite microstructure, which improved the results mechanical and thermal results.

Evaluation of Water Quality Parameters for Narta Lagoon

The coastal area of Albania is characterized by specific constructions, parts of which are the coastal wetlands and its lagooning. Lagoons are very specific bodies of water that acquire an interesting status along with the indisputable values they have. The value of knowing the physico-chemical properties of the water of the Narta Lagoon is related to many processes that occur within the lagoon and in the environments around it. The study was carried out on the Narta Lagoon to identify the chemical and physical characteristics of the water. For the determination of the physico-chemical properties, a certain methodology has been followed, which includes the establishment of a network of five stations for sampling the water of the lagoon and the determination of the level of certain physico-chemical parameters. The physico-chemical parameters that were determined are: temperature (T), pH, dissolved oxygen (O2), BOD5, S%, Cl-, ECw, NH4+, NO2-, P-PO43-, hardness. The most pronounced differences of the physico-chemical levels are those that belong to the data of the south-east station. According to the level of different components for all the stations, a degree of homogeneity in the physico-chemical composition is observed. Only the physico-chemical feature of the water at south-eastern part of the lagoon makes a difference, which is related to the influence of the urban discharge channel of the city of Vlora. The physico-chemical parameters that interpret pollution such as: dissolved oxygen (O2), BOD5, NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, PO43-, hardness is higher than in other stations of the lagoon.

Influence of cutting ceramics on the formation of the thermoplastics supramolecular structure

The question of the efficiency of turning processing of thermoplastic polymer materials with cutting ceramics is considered. The fact of a decrease in the values of the cutting force when turning the investigated thermoplastics with a tool made of ceramic material KNT16 was experimentally established. It has been experimentally proven that turning caprolon and fluoroplastic using a KNT16 cermet cutting insert leads to the formation of a supramolecular structure of a high degree of homogeneity.

Development of technology for the production of cheese “Caciotta” for farms

Relevance. Russian farmers in recent years have begun to open small cheese factories. When meeting the requirements of production technology, farmers' cheeses are not inferior in quality to industrially produced cheeses. In this regard, the relevance of the development of technologies for the production of cheese in a farm is high. Research is aimed at developing a technology for the production of cheese “Caciotta” for farmers.Methods. The mass fraction of protein in milk was determined by the Kjeldahl method, the mass fraction of fat — by the acid method, the mass fraction of dry matter and dry skimmed milk residue — by the calculation method. The mass fractions of milk fat, protein, lactose, dry milk residue, dry skimmed milk residue, mineral salts, the amount of added water, density, freezing point, degree of homogenization, and temperature were determined by ultra-sonic method. Active acidity and titratable acidity, redox potential and temperature of milk were determined on a milk analyzer.Results. Under laboratory conditions, a technology for the production of semi-hard “Caciotta” cheese was developed, which is recommended for production on a farm.

Conversion of a Gaussian-distributed circular beam to a flat-top-distributed square beam in laser shock processing based on a micro-lens array structure

A novel beam homogenisation system based on a micro-lens array and beam expansion structure is proposed to convert a Gaussian-distributed circular beam to a flat-top-distributed square beam of size 2–5 mm and a homogeneity degree exceeding 95%. The novel micro-lens array based on a cylindrical lens element can potentially be widely applied in practice because of the absence of the preparative limitations of size and focal length. By employing this beam homogenisation system, laser shock processing experiments were performed on 7050 titanium alloy. The laser shock processing parameters were optimised. When the laser repetition frequency was 1 Hz, pulse width was 15 ns, and laser energy was 20 J, a residual stress of > 400 MPa was achieved on the titanium alloy. The experimental results demonstrate the ability of this beam-homogenisation system to perform laser shock processing.