General Physical Features Research Articles

Management of a Bilateral Ectopia Lentis in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report

AIMS: to highlight the management procedure of a bilateral subluxated lens in a patient with marfan syndrome. Case Report: We report a case of a 51-year-old woman, with a family history of Marfan syndrome; who presented for a bilateral subluxated lens, iridodonesis and bilateral macular degeneration. Given the family history, the general physical features and the ocular findings, diagnostic of Marfan syndrome was established. The management of the ectopic lentis was very challenging. An intracapsular lens extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens fixed to the sclera was performed and the patient regained 2/10 visual acuity on the right eye and remained at counting fingers in the left. Conclusion: Marfan syndrome is a rare condition, with various ocular manifestations. The only guarantee for a better visual outcome is a well-designed therapeutic approach.

Ethnographic and functional perspectives of tilapia names among the Ewe of Ghana

Modern methods of rearing tilapia in recent years and the importation of same may have contributed to the increase in the consumption of tilapia in Ghana as a whole, particularly among the Eʋe. Most organisms, including animals and fish, are named but they may not respond to their names as humans do. Observation also shows that consumers of tilapia are mostly conversant with the generic name of the fish and less interested in particularising the different species with their names. This paper seeks to investigate the essence of animal names with particular reference to tilapia among the Eʋe of Ghana. The research questions that are germane to the study are the following: Does the composition of names of tilapia derive from their physical characteristics? What knowledge do the Eʋe have about the names of tilapia and how does their knowledge influence the production, marketing and consumption of tilapia. The paper adopts a descriptive design approach in data collection and analysis. It establishes that the idiosyncrasies and general physical features of tilapia reflect in their naming system. Analysis also reveals that the names are both free and bound morphemes. The data further shows that geographical location, vocation, sex and age dynamics affect knowledge on the names of tilapia. These, to some extent, influence the production, marketing and consumption of the fish. The paper, therefore, concludes that even though organisms may not respond to their names, the names of those organisms such as tilapia are relevant to the people who ascribe these names to them.

Tantalum half-Heusler alloys RbTaSi and RbTaGe: potential candidates for desirable thermoelectric and spintronic applications.

Heusler alloys have drawn the interest of researchers due to their possible technical significances and multifunctional use. Herein, a thorough theoretical analysis using "density functional theory (DFT)" is performed to investigate the general physical features of RbTaSi and RbTaGe alloys. The "generalised gradient approximation (GGA)" and "Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential" has been incorporated to model the electronic structures of RbTaSi and RbTaGe. The structural optimization results signify that these materials are stable in the ferromagnetic phase with a cubic F4̄3m structure, which is supported by the computed elastic parameters. In addition, cohesive energy and microhardness signify strong bonding. The spin-polarisation bands and density of states indicate the half-metallic nature of these materials. These materials have spin magnetic moment 2μB, thereby emphasizing the use of these alloys for spintronic applications. Transport and thermodynamic properties have been calculated, and their temperature dependence is illustrated. The behavior of transport coefficients with temperature futher implies the presence of half-metallic nature.

An analysis of the bicycle network in Banjaluka: Physical vs. Digital infrastructure

This article focuses on the relationship between the physical structures which enable cycling in a city, and the modern digital services supporting this type of transport. The contemporary urban context is conditioned not only by global technological trends, but also by the growing environmental awareness. The case of Banjaluka provides the background for the analysis of this ongoing urban process, emphasizing the importance of cycling, as well as the efficiency and functionality of its networks. After presenting the general condition and physical features of the cycling infrastructure in Banjaluka, the article analyzes both the potential of digital upgrading through the use of bicycle applications and the possible benefits of a dockless cycling system. As a result, suggestions and recommendations for the overall improvement of the cycling network are provided, on the level of both the physical and digital infrastructure. By introducing these emerging global concepts to the local level, the article also contributes to the popularization of cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.

An Evaluation of the Main Physical Features and Circulation Patterns in the Black Sea Basin

Having as target the semi-enclosed basin of the Black Sea, the main purpose of the present paper is to provide an overview of its general physical features and circulation patterns. In order to achieve this goal, more than five decades of data analysis – from 1960 to 2015 – were taken into consideration and the results were checked against known data, both from satellite data over the last two decades and in-situ measurements from earlier decades. The circulation of the Black Sea basin has been studied for almost 400 years, since the Italian Count Luigi Marsigli first described the ‘two layer’ circulation through the Bosphorus Strait in the year 1681. Since climate change projections for the Black Sea region foresee significant impact on the environment in the coming decades, a set of adaptation and mitigation measures is required, therefore more research is needed. Nowadays, the warming trend adds a sense of immediate urgency because according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centre for Environmental Information, July 2020 was the second-hottest month ever recorded for the planet. Its averaged land and ocean surface temperature tied with July 2016 as the second-highest for the month in the 141-year NOAA’s global temperature dataset record, which dates back to 1880. It was 0.92°C above the 20th-century average of 15.8°C, with only 0.01°C less than the record extreme value measured in July of 2019.

On the Scope of Criminalistic Habitoscopy in the Implementation of Measures Against Modern Cyber Crime

The article presents an overview of modern possibilities of criminalistic habitoscopy in the conditions of global digitization. Methodological recommendations on the investigation and solution of cybercrimes should have a serious research and methodological basis, and criminalistic habitoscopy could provide such a basis. In the situation of global digitization and the use of virtual channels of communication (video conference calls), the characteristics of a persons outward features should include perceptibility, or the ability of the subject of perception (human sense organs or technical devices) to identity specific features of that persons look. In connection with this, the authors claim that a persons outward features are a complex system of elements that together form his or her appearance - an image that is visually perceived by other people or by devices. Taking into account the perceptibility of a persons outward look, his or her general physical features, besides the traditional ones, will include the geometry of hands, the vein structure on palm surfaces, finger thermogram, face and skull geometry, etc., all of which have a high criminalistic value. However, considering the current sanitary and epidemiology measures undertaken in Russia (wearing medical masks and gloves), climate (covering faces with scarves and kerchiefs) and cultural (women wearing national clothes that cover their faces, men with stubble or a beard) specifics, as well as the methods of falsifying anatomical features and counteracting criminalistic technologies already developed by the criminals, the authors view the research of the dynamic characteristics of a persons outward appearance in the form of digital behavior as the most perspective area. These characteristics primarily concern stylometry (keyboard handwriting) - a set of dynamic characteristics of pressing keys on a computer keyboard, which includes a system of subconscious automatic actions habitual to the user. Besides, the most relevant features of digital behavior should include digital handwriting, gestures, facial expression and lip movement.

DECOMPOSITIONAL METHOD FOR MODELLING AND STUDYING PULSE-WID PULSE-WIDTH AUTOMATIC CON TIC CONTROL SY TROL SYSTEMS BASED ON STEMS BASED ON DYNAMIC GRAPHS

Systems with pulse-width modulation are essentially non-linear automatic control systems. The complexity factors of pulse-width systems include multivariable, the multirate nature of the pulse-width modulators work, and the nonstationarity of control objects. Such systems have been known for a long time and are now widely used. Various exact and approximate methods have been proposed for the analysis and synthesis of PWM systems. The field of the practical application of known methods is limited to single-variable systems because classical approaches provide for the consideration of the initial structures as a whole. Hence, the root cause of the fundamental difficulties arising in the study of such systems.This article proposes a decompositional method for modelling and studying multivariable pulse-width automatic control systems based on the dynamic graph models. One of the key factor when create the one approach for mathematical formulation, analysis and synthesis of discrete dynamic systems is the maximum consideration of general physical special features in terms of these systems. The general fundamental singularity of systems concerned is the natural decomposition (structure discretization) on simple subsystems or structural states of Si . In the multivariable pulse-width systems, the model of each separate or cross channel is a singlevariable impulse system graph. Decomposition into processes in separate and cross channels allows to change the parameters of certain channels and to carry out interval correction of dynamic processes occurring in transmission channels. This method can be used for analysis and synthesis of both single-variable and multivariable systems

Examining pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of eleven analogues of saquinavir for HIV protease inhibition.

HIV is one of the most lethal viral diseases in the human population. Patients often suffer from drug resistance, which hampers HIV therapy. Eleven different structural analogues of saquinavir (SQV), designed using ChemSketch™ and named S1 through S11, were compared with SQV with respect to their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. Pharmacokinetic predictions were carried out using AutoDock, and molecular docking between macromolecule HIV protease (PDB ID: 3IXO) and analogues S1 - S11 as ligands was performed. Analogues S1, S3, S4, S9 and S11 had lower binding scores when compared with saquinavir, whereas that of analogue S5 was similar. Pharmacokinetic predictions made using ACDilab2, including the Lipinski profile, general physical features, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion parameters, and toxicity values, for the eleven analogues and SQV suggested that S1 and S5 are pharmacodynamically and pharmacokinetically robust molecules that could be developed and established as lead molecules after in vitro and in vivo studies.

Investigation of Electric Field Induced Mixing in Silicon Micro Ring Resonators

In this paper we present a detailed theoretical investigation of the electric field induced mixing effect, in which the up and down frequency-conversion processes are obtained by inducing an effective second order susceptibility via the periodic spatial distribution of reversed biased p-i-n junctions. The possibility of realizing a frequency generation process within an integrated microring resonator is demonstrated here, by simulations, in the silicon on insulator platform. Furthermore, general physical features have been investigated by means of a comparative analysis of the frequency generation performance as a function of the input pump power, the linear and nonlinear losses, and the coupling factors. A conversion efficiency of 627.5 %/W has been obtained for the second harmonic generation process. Therefore, an improvement of 4 to 50 times with respect to the straight waveguides is achieved, depending on the cavity ring radius. Finally, for the up/down conversion, from telecom idler to mid-IR and from Mid-IR to telecom signal, respectively, an efficiency of 85.9%/W and 454.4 %/W has been obtained in the silicon microring resonator, respectively.

Peakompactons: Peaked compact nonlinear waves

This paper is meant as an accessible introduction to/tutorial on the analytical construction and numerical simulation of a class of nonstandard solitary waves termed peakompactons. These peaked compactly supported waves arise as solutions to nonlinear evolution equations from a hierarchy of nonlinearly dispersive Korteweg–de Vries-type models. Peakompactons, like the now-well-known compactons and unlike the soliton solutions of the Korteweg–de Vries equation, have finite support, i.e., they are of finite wavelength. However, unlike compactons, peakompactons are also peaked, i.e., a higher spatial derivative suffers a jump discontinuity at the wave’s crest. Here, we construct such solutions exactly by reducing the governing partial differential equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation and employing a phase-plane analysis. A simple, but reliable, finite-difference scheme is also designed and tested for the simulation of collisions of peakompactons. In addition to the peakompacton class of solutions, the general physical features of the so-called [Formula: see text] hierarchy of nonlinearly dispersive Korteweg–de Vries-type models are discussed as well.

Investigation of mid-infrared second harmonic generation in strained germanium waveguides.

In this paper we present a detailed theoretical investigation of second harmonic generation in strained germanium waveguides operating at the mid infrared pump wavelength of 4 μm. The effective second order susceptibility has been estimated through a multiphysics approach considering the residual stress of the SiNx cladding film. Furthermore, general physical features have been investigated by means of a comparative analysis of SHG performance as a function of input pump power, linear and nonlinear phase mismatching, effective recombination carrier lifetime, and temperature, taking into account both continuous and pulsed regimes. Finally, periodically poled germanium devices have been explored with the aim to improve the SHG efficiency. In the same operative conditions, efficiencies of 0.6% and 0.0018% have been obtained in poled and not-poled waveguides, respectively.

Associated factors related to first spermatorrhea and menarche among high and primary school students, in Chongqing

To understand the status and correlative factors on menarche and first spermatorrhea among children and adolescents, in Chongqing, in order to provide theoretical basis for carrying out sex and health education in this population. By random stratified and cluster sampling, 10 498 students (5 372 boys and 5 126 girls), 5 to 18 years old and living in Chongqing urban districts, were enrolled. General situation and physical features of the population were studied. Statistics analysis system included logistic regression methods, t-test and chi-square test. For urban kids, first experience of spermatorrhea was 0.218 years later than those living in the rural areas (Z=-73.287,P<0.001), but median age for girls in urban areas was 0.073 years earlier than in rural areas (Z=-71.589,P<0.001). Except for factor as mother's education level in the family (χ(2)=21.564, P<0.001), other family or environment related factors did not show significant difference between the two groups of boys (P>0.05). However, significant difference appeared in average family income (χ(2)=6.175,P=0.046) between two groups of girls. Data from the logistic analysis showed that BMI, hip circumference, height, weight, number of children in the family, time of sleep and the diet structure were associated with menarche. Correlative factors of boys' first spermatorrhea would include: high-energy snacks, hip circumference, weight, height, school type and mother' s education level (P<0.05). First spermatorrhea and menstruation of boys and girls were closely related to environment of the family, diet and the time of sleep.

Bullying among Jordanian schoolchildren, its effects on school performance, and the contribution of general physical and dentofacial features

The aims of this study were to investigate the experience of bullying in a representative sample of Jordanian schoolchildren in Amman, to look at its effect on school attendance and perception of academic performance, and to look at the contribution of general physical and dentofacial features to this phenomenon. This was a cross-sectional study in which a representative sample of sixth-grade students (11-12years of age) from randomly selected schools was asked to complete questionnaires distributed in the classroom in the presence of the researchers. The final sample size was 920 children (470 girls, 450 boys). The prevalence of bullying was 47% (n= 433); significantly more boys reported being bullied than girls (P<0.001). The percentage of students subjected to name-calling was 40.9%. A significantly greater proportion of victims of bullying reported playing truant from school and disliking school than those who were not bullied. Teeth were the number 1 feature targeted for bullying, followed by strength and weight. The 3 most commonly reported dentofacial features targeted by bullies were spacing between the teeth or missing teeth, shape or color of the teeth, and prominent maxillary anterior teeth. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of bullying in Jordanian schools, with many children experiencing bullying because of their dental or facial appearance.

The NUITM-KEMRI P3 Laboratory in Kenya: Establishment, Features, Operation and Maintenance

A biocontainment facility is a core component in any research setting due to the services it renders towards comprehensive biosafety observance. The NUITM-KEMRI P3 facility was set up in 2007 and has been actively in use since 2010 by researchers from this and other institutions. A number of hazardous agents have been handled in the laboratory among them MDR-TB and yellow fever viruses. The laboratory has the general physical and operational features of a P3 laboratory in addition to a number of unique features, among them the water-air filtration system, the eco-mode operation feature and automation of the pressure system that make the facility more efficient. It is equipped with biosafety and emergency response equipments alongside common laboratory equipments, maintained regularly using daily, monthly and yearly routines. Security and safety is strictly observed within the facility, enhanced by restricted entry, strict documentation and use of safety symbols. Training is also engrained within the operation of the laboratory and is undertaken and evaluated annually. Though the laboratory is in the process of obtaining accreditation, it is fully certified courtesy of the manufactures’ and constructed within specified standards.

Structure and Dynamics of Reentrant Nematics: Any Open Questions after Almost 40 Years?

Liquid crystals have attracted enormous interest because of the variety of their phases and richness of their application. The interplay of general physical symmetries and specific molecular features generates a myriad of different phenomena. A surprising behavior of liquid crystals is the reentrancy of phases as temperature, pressure, or concentration are varied. Here, we review the main experimental facts and the different theoretical scenarios that have guided the understanding of bulk reentrant nematics. Recently, some computer simulations of a system confined to nanoscopic scales have found new dynamical features of the reentrant nematic phase. We discuss this prediction in relation with the available experimental evidence on reentrant nematics and with the dynamics of liquids in strongly confined environments.

Determinants of customer satisfaction with thermal hotels

This study aims to identify tourists' level of satisfaction with thermal tourism, using Structural Equation Models (SEM). In order to understand tourists' level of satisfaction, both the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were applied to the data sets using the SPSS and LISREL statistical package programs. The results of the EFA found five factors that make up tourists' satisfaction. The analysis indicates that while the tourists' perception of the ‘Cleanliness of Private Units’ has the greatest influence on ‘Private Thermal Unit’ features, the perception of ‘Additional Services’ has it on ‘General Physical Features’ on tourists' level of satisfaction with thermal tourism.

Age estimation in 25-45 yrs. old females by physical and radiological methods

Aim:The purpose of this study was to estimate the age in living females in the later years (25 to 45 years) from general physical features and radiographic changes in the sternum and the mandible.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 females (32 subjects in each study and control group). All the subjects were physically examined for graying of scalp, body, pubic hair, and for wrinkling of skin of the forehead, temporal region, and below the eyes. A right lateral view of the chest was taken to determine fusion of the components of the sternum. Combined Hair Score, Combined Skin Score, and Combined Bone Fusion Score were calculated. An orthopantomogram of each patient was traced for lower jaw, mandibular canal and teeth, and D1, D2, A values were calculated. SPSS Software Version 10.1 was used for the execution of the regression command on the 32 cases of the control group, whose ages were known.Results:Combined skin score, mandible right D2, mandible right angle, and mandible left angle turned out significant in the prediction of age. Using the regression equation obtained, the age of the 32 subjects in the study group was estimated. In 9.3% of cases, the predicted ages exactly matched the actual ages. A variation of 1–4 years was seen in 75% of the cases. A variation of 6–7 years was seen in 15.6% of the cases.Conclusion:This study succeeded in most instances in predicting the ages of the study group and in arriving at a formula for age estimation between the ages of 25 and 45 years without using any invasive, costly, time - consuming, or troublesome method.

Statistical physics of active processes in cells

Simple concepts from statistical physics are discussed to describe the transduction of chemical energy of a fuel to mechanical work on the molecular level. Such approaches can characterize general physical features of motor proteins that generate forces in the cell cytoskeleton. In integrated cellular systems such as cilia and hair bundles, cytoskeletal filaments and motors form complex structures and interact in large numbers. In such systems the interplay of filaments and motors can lead to emergent dynamic behaviors such as oscillating collective modes or to wave-like patterns. We discuss general aspects of such dynamic states and relate them to the dynamics of cytoskeletal structures in cells.

Structure of the oxide damage under progressive breakdown

The I– V characteristics of ultra-thin gate oxides under progressive breakdown (BD) show a common behavior, indicative of well-defined general physical features of the BD spot. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations give some hints about this structure and on this basis we propose a physical model of the post-BD current, which is in good agreement with data.

Shielding and charging of dust particles in the plasma sheath.

General physical features of the ion particle distribution function in the plasma sheath derived theoretically and observed experimentally are used for describing the dust shielding and charging in the sheath. It is shown that the shielding and charging of dust depend strongly on the degree of anisotropy of the ion distribution function and on the difference in the ion temperatures parallel and antiparallel with respect to the ion flow. Regions of "antishielding" appear both along the ion flow and perpendicular to it. The potential wells can be responsible for the attraction of other dust particles and for the creation of dust aggregates. This effect is related to the change of the sign of the dielectric function in the range of wave vectors corresponding to the strong Landau damping.