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Hotel quality rating systems play a crucial role in influencing tourists’ choices by shaping their expectations. This paper presents an innovative approach to objectively classify hotel quality within a stakeholder framework – considering perspectives of hotel management, market competitors, and virtual assessors. Our method combines the cross-efficiency paradigm of data envelopment analysis with the ordered weighted averaging operator for ranking the hotels, followed by K-means clustering for a robust five-star categorization. The efficacy of the approach is substantiated through the assessment of 58 hotels in Oman, showcasing its reliability and differentiation from the official hotel star-rating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-efficiency (CE) evaluation is an extension of the data envelopment analysis approach that allows decision making units (DMUs) to assess their peers by means of their own appreciation weights. As a result, each DMU is presented with a vector of CE scores, which need to undergo an aggregation operation to yield the ultimate ranking score. The aggregation is commonly carried out through an appropriate aggregation operator. In this paper, we propose an induced ordered weighted averaging (IOWA) operator with dual preference setting (2-IOWA) as a new aggregation device. The 2-IOWA aggregation novelty resides in its twined order inducing variables, which are defined by exploiting exclusively the appreciative properties of the CE matrix. The first-order inducing variable is the voting rank order that characterizes the preference voting system embedded within the CE matrix. The corresponding IOWA-level 1 aggregation produces a composite vote for each DMU by employing as arguments the individual votes assigned to it. The second-order inducing variable is represented by these composite votes, which are adopted to induce a common order on the rows of the CE matrix as a part of the IOWA-level 2 aggregation. The 2-IOWA aggregation process is conducted with OWA weights that are generated through different minimax disparity models by using different optimism level values in order to corroborate the influence of subjectivity on the structure of the ranking patterns besides evaluating the robustness of the proposed methodological framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the ordinary differential equations defined by a trigonometric polynomial field and we prove that any solution x admits a rotation vector ρ ∈ R n . More precisely, the function t ↦ x (t) − ρ t is bounded on time and it is a weak almost periodic function of slopeρ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinations between antibiotics and other antimicrobial substances such as plant essential oils represent one of the most promising advances against drug-resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of different combinations of two essential oils (EO) with its major components and antibiotics (cephalosporines) against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans using the microdilution method. Two plants widely growing in north Algeria, Thymus algeriensis and Salvia officinalis, were investigated. GC/MS was carried out to analyze the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from these plants through the hydrodistillation method. Extraction yields were evaluated at 2.3% for Thymus algeriensis and 3.18% for Salvia officinalis. GC/MS analysis revealed the existence of 29 and 18 essential oil components for Thymus algeriensis and Salvia officinalis, respectively. The major components were thymol (45.067%) and carvacrol (12.24%) for Thymus algeriensis, camphor (18.72%), 1,8-cineol (11.75%) and viridiflorol (10.57%) for Salvia officinalis. Synergistic interaction was observed with cefazoline-Thymus algeriensis essential oil, eucalyptol-Salvia officinalis essential oil and thymol-eucalyptol combinations tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans. Additional effect was noted with cefotaxime-alpha pinene and Thymus algeriensis essential oil-eucalyptol combinations tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. However, no significant action was observed among the following combinations: cefotaxime-thymol, eucalyptol-alpha pinene, and thymol-Thymus algeriensis essential oil tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus limon essential oil (CEO) is used as food ingredient due to its pleasant aroma and characteristic taste, as well as beneficial health effects. In this study, it was hypothesized that complex coacervation can be used to develop microcapsules able to protect CEO from oxidation reactions while allowing to modulate the terpenic compounds release along digestion. For this, gelatin (G) and carrageenan (C), two oppositely charged polymers, were used to encapsulate CEO recovered from lemon peel by steam distillation. The higher encapsulation yield (93 %) and efficiency (95 %) were obtained when using 1.4 g G, 0.2 g C, and 0.6 mL CEO, defined by a Box-Behnken design and a response surface methodology. The microcapsules had low crystallinity and water activity (a w = 0.2), 0.3 % moisture, 9.9 % hygroscopicity, and 41.7 % water solubility at 20 °C. The G/C microencapsulation did not prevent the early release of monoterpenic compounds and the later release of the less volatile sesquiterpenic compounds. The pleasant aroma of CEO can be perceived 8 months after its microencapsulation. At different pH, approaching gastrointestinal conditions, a fast CEO release from the microcapsules at the first 25 min was observed, allowing to infer its bioavailability. Therefore, G/C microcapsules can safeguard essential oils composition, potentiating their exploitation as functional food ingredients. [Display omitted] • Complex coacervation was used to develop stable gelatin/carrageenan microcapsules. • Gelatin/carrageenan microcapsules can protect Citrus limon essential oil (CEO). • Monoterpenic compounds had a fast release from microcapsules. • The fast CEO release from the microcapsules allowed to infer its bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Melanoma is known as the most aggressive form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing malignant tumors worldwide. Several computer‐aided diagnosis systems for melanoma have been proposed, still, the algorithms encounter difficulties in the early stage of lesions. This paper aims to discriminate melanoma and benign skin lesion in dermoscopic images. Methods: The proposed algorithm is based on the color and texture of skin lesions by introducing a novel feature extraction technique. The algorithm uses an automatic segmentation based on k‐means generating a fairly accurate mask for each lesion. The feature extraction consists of the existing and novel color and texture attributes measuring how color and texture vary inside the lesion. To find the optimal results, all the attributes are extracted from lesions in five different color spaces (RGB, HSV, Lab, XYZ, and YCbCr) and used as the inputs for three classifiers (K nearest neighbors, support vector machine , and artificial neural network). Results: The PH2 set is used to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm. The results of our algorithm are compared to the results of published articles that used the same dataset, and it shows that the proposed method outperforms the state of the art by attaining a sensitivity of 99.25%, specificity of 99.58%, and accuracy of 99.51%. Conclusion: The final results show that the colors combined with texture are powerful and relevant attributes for melanoma detection and show improvement over the state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A D -optimal design was employed to optimize the microencapsulation (MEC) of basil essential oil (BEO) within a biopolymer matrix using the complex coacervation technique. BEO microcapsules (BEO-MCs) obtained under the optimal conditions exhibited high yield and efficiency with 80.45 ± 0.01 % and 93.10 ± 0.18 %, respectively. The successful MEC of BEO with an average particle size of 4.81 ± 2.86 μm was confirmed by ATR-FTIR, X-RD, and SEM analyses. Furthermore, the thermal stability of BEO-MCs was assessed using TGA-DSC analysis, which provided valuable insights into the MC's thermal stability. Furthermore, the proposed model, with a high R2 value (0.99) and low RMSE (1.56 %), was the most suitable one among the tested models for the controlled release kinetics of the optimal BEO-MCs under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The successful optimization of BEO MEC using biopolymers through the D -optimal design could be a promising avenue for food and pharmaceutical industries, providing new strategies for the development of effective products. • D- optimal design optimizes basil EO microencapsulation for high yield and efficiency. • Biopolymer-based microcapsules show promise for food and pharmaceutical industries. • Advanced analyses confirm thermal stability of basil oil microcapsules (BEO-MCs). • MATLAB model accurately predicts controlled release kinetics of optimized MCs. • Optimization process enhances properties and applicability of BEO-MCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work focuses on the study of the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) on adsorbents based on zeolite HUSY and (γAl2O3-SiO2). To optimize the process of removing MB onto Ni/Co USY, different parameters were studied such as contact time, initial pH, initial dye concentration, zero charge's point, and adsorbent dosage. The adsorption isotherm follows the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of MB were 59.88 mg g−1 for Ni/Co USY and 43.86 mg g−1 for Ni/Co (γAl-Si) at 298°K. The thermodynamic parameters and activation energy's values obtained suggested that the adsorption was a physical process, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature. MB adsorption on Ni/Co USY may occur via electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and Lewis acid–base interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we prove the stability of some mean field systems similar to the Winfree model in the synchronized state. The model is governed by the coupling strength parameter κ and the natural frequency of each oscillator. The stability is proved independently of the number of oscillators and the distribution of the natural frequencies. The main result is proved using the positive invariant cone method for the linearized system. This method can be applied to other mean field models as in the Kuramoto model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands are globally declining due to habitat conversion, overgrazing, climate change, and changes in fire and drought regimes. Degraded grasslands are less able to support wildlife species, which contributes to the imperilment of many species. Biosolids are used by some ranchers as an organic amendment to support more plant growth and in turn more livestock. We worked on a large cattle ranch in central British Columbia, Canada, to determine how biosolids amendment affected small mammal populations, as mice and voles are major prey for many predators and contribute to seed dispersal and underground dynamics. We found that biosolids‐amended pastures had more grass cover and supported fewer deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) than did unamended pastures. Voles were scarce, likely due to a cyclic low. Although we sampled sites that had had biosolids applied 1 or 3 years prior to our work started, deermouse populations were similarly low across these sites. The reduction in deermice on sites with biosolids relative to unamended sites could be a signal of habitat restoration, because deermice prefer disturbed habitats rather than ones with high plant cover. Grass cover was more than twice as high on sites amended with biosolids, making these sites less suitable for deermice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic paper has drawn much attention in the recent years owing to its availability and remarkable physicochemical and mechanical properties that make it ideal support for new technologies. Combining cellulosic paper and conductive materials such as inherently conductive polymers and/or carbon nanotubes not only contributes to the composite science and technology sector but also to the development of new electronic applications. In this context, we have investigated new surface and interface chemical and sonochemical strategies in view of preparing robust conductive, electrochemical active paper sheets by sequential deposition of diazonium-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and in situ sonochemical synthesis of polypyrrole. Towards this end, CNTs were modified with amino- and sulfonatebenzenediazonium salts via in situ diazonium generation process in HBF 4 acid aqueous solution. The diazonium functionalization helped to easily disperse the CNTs in water and on the paper surface to provide a platform for sonochemical (US) synthesis of polypyrrole. The functionalized CNTs were characterized by Raman, XPS and SEM. The 1 h sonochemical film synthesis provided the best electrochemical behavior compared to the traditional chemical (Ch) route. The SEM analysis of the Paper@CNT@PPy, showed that the CNTs were coated uniformely with PPy forming a network of thicker core/shell CNT/polypyrrole nancomposite wires. Polypyrrole small particles topping the CNT/PPy-coated paper are densely packed and evenly distributed on the paper. These characteristics control the final physicochemical properties of the composite paper electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We considerNoscillators coupled by a mean field as in the Winfree model. The model is governed by two parameters: the coupling strength κ and the spectrum width γ of the frequencies of each oscillator centred at 1. In the uncoupled regime, κ = 0, each oscillator possesses its own natural frequency, and the difference between the phases of any two oscillators grows linearly in time. In the zero-width regime for the spectrum, the oscillators are simultaneously in the death state if and only if κ is above some positive value κ*. We say thatNoscillators are synchronized if the difference between any two phases is uniformly bounded in time. We identify a new hypothesis for the existence of synchronization. The domain in (γ, κ) of synchronization contains {0} × [0, κ*] in its closure. Moreover, the domain is independent of the number of oscillators and the distribution of the frequencies. We show numerically, on a specific family of Winfree models, that the above hypothesis seems to be a bifurcation criterion for the existence of synchronization domain. The transition is not, however, mathematically sharp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the potential of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As) as a novel approach to energy use optimization. The investigations are carried out through inverse data envelopment analysis (DEA). Contrary to traditional DEA approaches that restrict the energy savings to individual production units, the proposed methodology looks at the issue from the perspective of possible mergers among these units. The new methodology, which deploys over two stages, is applied to pairwise consolidations among 51 tomato greenhouse (GH) farms from Biskra, Algeria. An inverse DEA model is implemented in the first stage to discern all possibly productive post-merger GH farms, i.e., those mergers that are likely to generate energy gains. In the second stage, a new procedure is devised to find the best matchings among partners of potential mergers and derive the best merger plan out of the whole sample of GH farms. The results of the inverse DEA application revealed that potential gains per energy input can be substantial, reaching proportions as high as 80.78% and above. The derived optimal merger plan exhibited a post-merger energy saving index of 70.23%, that is, 33 times the index of the traditional DEA approach. Practically, these findings leave no doubt that mergers can contribute significantly to energy savings, enough to support new policies for promoting mergers as strategic options towards optimal energy consumption. The application scope of the proposed methodology can be duly extended to other sectors where energy optimization might be a critical issue. • First study on the contribution of Merger & Acquisition to optimal energy consumption. • Application of Inverse DEA to quantify such contribution in agricultural production. • New DEA approach to select best merging partners based on post-merger's outcomes. • A sample of 51 tomato GH farms from Biskra, Algeria, is adopted as a case study. • Post-merger energy saving index is 70.23%, i.e., 33 times the pre-merger index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinations between antibiotics and other antimicrobial substances such as plant essential oils represent one of the most promising advances against drug-resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by the microdilution method, the antibacterial effects of different combinations of two essential oils with their major components or antibiotics (cephalosporines) against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Serratia marcescens , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the antioxidant effect of the same essential oils combined with thymol or DL- α -tocopherol against DPPH free radical. Two aromatic plants widely growing in north Algeria, Thymus numidicus (Poiret) and Salvia officinalis (Linné), were investigated. Essential oils were extracted from these plants through hydrodistillation method. Extraction yields were evaluated at 1.83% for T. numidicus (Poiret) and 0.97% for S. officinalis L. Synergistic interaction was observed with DL- α -tocopherol- T. numidicus essential oil tested against DPPH free radical. Additional effect was noted with ciprofloxacine- T. numidicus essential oil combination tested against S. aureus . However no significant action was observed among the other combinations used in this study for the investigation of antibacterial or antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An inclusive DEA-based approach to compute a Composite Water Quality Index (CWQI). • CWQI fully ranks water sources via observed physicochemical factors. • OWA operator incorporates practical water treatment conditions into CWQI. • k-Means clustering analysis used to derive water quality ranges. • The new methodology is applied on 47 dams located in the Tellian region, Algeria. This paper introduces a new index, identified as Composite Water Quality Index (CWQI), for assessing water quality. The novelty of CWQI is rooted in the practical significance of the methodological approach that is developed for its computation. The CWQI is computed within an inclusive framework that integrates data envelopment analysis (DEA) Cross Efficiency (CE) and the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operator, using Optimistic Closeness Values (OCVs) as input variables. The OCV, which measures the potential of a water quality parameter to reach its best quality status, sets a solid preliminary ground for the assessment process. The DEA-CE approach enables a collective evaluation of the water quality, which bestows more inclusiveness on the quality assessment process and, hence, more robustness of the CWQI. The OWA operator extends the standard role of CWQI, as solely a water quality measurement device, to incorporate the practical conditions of water treatment for future decision plans. The new methodology has been applied on a sample of 47 dams, described with 10 physicochemical parameters, located in Northern Algeria. Adopting a wide range of water treatment conditions, the results reveal "Kissir" and "Bougara" as the best and the worst water sources, respectively. Meanwhile, the ranking patterns of the dams are found almost the same. The k-means clustering identified the Oranie–Chott–Chergui (OCC) basin as the poorest water quality zone and Algerois–Hodna–Sommam (AHS) basin as the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to synthesize polypyrrole (PPy) films on nonconducting cellulosic substrate and modified by copper oxide particles for use in the nitrate electroreduction process. Firstly, the chemical polymerization of polypyrrole onto cellulosic substrate is conducted by using 3 as an oxidant and pyrrole as monomer. The thickness and topography of the different PPy films obtained were estimated using a profilometer apparatus. The electrochemical reactivity of the obtained electrodes was tested by voltamperometry technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Secondly, the modification of the PPy film surface by incorporation of copper oxide particles is conducted by applying a galvanostatic procedure from a 2 solution. The SEM, EDX and XRD analysis showed the presence of particles in the polymer films with dimensions less than 50 nm. From cyclic voltamperometry experiments, the composite activity for the nitrate electroreduction reaction was evaluated and the peak of nitrate reduction is found to vary linearly with initial nitrate concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prioritizing and ranking products' defects are important decision-making problems in many manufacturing sectors. This paper proposes a methodology for ranking defects based on the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator. The power of the proposed approach stems from its ability to rank defects with no restriction on the application context and no limitation on the number and type of variables used. Using a case study from the textile manufacturing industry, three OWA weights generating models have been implemented and it is shown that the OWA-based ranking approach is technically robust and practically flexible as a support for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow spherical micro-particles of polypyrrole film doped by ferrocyanide anions Fe(CN) 6 3− were synthesized by chronoamperometric mode at 750 mV/(Ag/AgCl) onto iron substrate from an aqueous solution containing pyrrole monomer, potassium hexacyanoferrate K 4 Fe(CN) 6 and potassium tetraoxalate (C 4 H 3 KO 8 ). The modified electrode PPy/FCN/Fe was characterized by XRD, FEG-SEM and EDX techniques and its electrochemical behavior toward uric acid oxidation was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The results show that the incorporation of Fe(CN) 6 3− anions into the polypyrrole matrix improves significantly the electrocatalytic activity of this film. The plot of the catalytic oxidation peak current as function of uric acid concentration gives rise to the obtaining of straight line with a correlation coefficient of 0.983 and a good sensitivity of 4.46 μA/mM. The detection limit was found to be equal to 23 μM in a wide range of uric acid's concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is in fact more than just being an instrument for measuring the relative efficiencies of a group of decision making units (DMU). DEA models are also means of expressing appreciative democratic voices of DMUs. This paper proposes a methodology for allocating premium points to a group of professors using three models sequentially: (1) a DEA model for appreciative academic self-evaluation, (2) a DEA model for appreciative academic cross-evaluation, and (3) a Non-DEA model for academic rating of professors for the purpose of premium allocations. The premium results, called DEA results, are then compared with the premium points “nurtured” by the Dean, called N bonus points. After comparing DEA results and N bonus points, the Dean reassessed his initial bonus points and provided new ones – called DEA-N decisions. The experience indicates that judgmental decisions (Dean's evaluations) can be enhanced by making use of formal models (DEA and Non-DEA models). Moreover, the appreciative and democratic voices of professors are virtually embedded in the DEA models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT In this work, the effect of adding a dumb-bell-shaped defected ground structure is used to suppress higher order harmonics of a small slotted patch antenna. This work is further extended to integrate a band pass filter (double-rejection bands) that simultaneously allows a central frequency and eliminates the lower and the outer frequencies. This is achieved by cascading the rectangular and the U-shaped slots in the ground plane. Measurement results on prototype antennas fully demonstrate the validity of the obtained structures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1981-1987, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, a dumbbell-shaped defected ground structure is proposed to suppress higher order harmonics of an electrically small antenna.A slot loading technique is applied to a well-known low-profile antenna, and the area miniaturization of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna by inserting a number of slits parallel to the radiating edges is investigated in relation to the quality factor. The antenna was designed to operate at 0.95 GHz (GSM). Measurement results on a prototype antenna fully demonstrate the performance of the proposed antenna. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:962-966, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27498 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable growth and technological development are achievable. This is possible when there is good governance striving for a vibrant entrepreneurship, with innovation at its very centre. In this regard, North African countries' records are strikingly lagging. Progress has been made, but remains far from expectations and potentialities. As globalisation has now pushed innovation to the top of the development agenda, new policies and strategies are needed. Successful integration into the world business requires innovation-based growth using all qualified people and initiatives. In these countries, competencies and creative forces do exist, but their effective utilisation requires greatest attention. As little is written about the issue, this paper aims at discussing obstacles of innovation in the countries in question and proposes some feasible solutions. The paper will draw from published and unpublished work and make reference of some factual records. Policy implications will be identified and specific actions will be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A polypyrrole containing ferrocyanide ions Fe(CN)6 3− (FCN) as doping anions were prepared by anodic electropolymerization onto iron and onto thermally pre-treated iron electrodes, in an aqueous solution containing pyrrole, potassium hexacyanoferrate (K4Fe(CN)6) and potassium tetraoxalate (C4H3KO8). The electrochemical behaviour of these modified electrodes was studied by cyclic voltammetry method. The electrostatic ability of these modified electrodes (PPy/FCN/Fe and PPy/FCN/Fe3O4/Fe) was demonstrated towards the oxidation of ascorbic acid (H2A). The results show that Fe(CN)6 3− anions incorporated into the PPy matrix improve the electrocatalytic activity of these films. The (PPy/FCN/Fe3O4/Fe) modified electrode showed greater ability and redox electroactivity than the (PPy/FCN/Fe) modified electrode and than the unmodified Fe electrode. It has been found that under optimum pH condition (pH 7), the oxidation of ascorbic acid at the surface of PPy/FCN/Fe3O4/Fe occurs at a potential about 200mV less positive than at PPy/FCN/Fe and at Fe surfaces. The catalytic oxidation peak current showed a linear dependence on the ascorbic acid concentration and a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range 0.5–9mM of ascorbic acid with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994 and good sensitivity (0.24μA/μM). The detection limit (2σ) was determined and found to be equal to 0.15mM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new Water Quality Index is devised through a DEA-based methodology. • New input variables are defined directly from the observed data. • Water quality can be improved with reference to local water source benchmarks. • Water treatment process can be prioritized via slack analysis. • New methodology is applied on 47 dams located in the Tellian region, Algeria. The present paper aims to develop a new Water Quality Index (WQI) based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Rather than using subjective weights of a judgmental process as inputs of the DEA model, we propose more objective variables, identified as "optimistic closeness values", appropriately derived from the observed values of the hydrochemical parameters. The proposed approach was employed to assess the water quality of 47 dams in Algeria, defined with a dataset of 10 hydrochemical parameters. The results of the DEA-based WQI application revealed that (i) 21.27%, 27.66%, 25.53%, 4.25% and 21.27% of the total dams are categorized as "Poor", "Marginal", "Medium", "Good" and "Excellent" water quality, respectively; (ii) the best water quality is found in "Kissir" and the worst one in "Bougara"; (iii) a priority scale on the hydrochemical parameters can be set for the treatment of water using the notion of slack value. Collectively, the new methodology has proven its effectiveness not only for categorizing or ranking sites based on water quality but also as an alternative tool to be used to assist decision-makers in allocating funds and managing water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional programming (FP) refers to a family of optimization problems whose objective function is a ratio of two functions. FP has been studied extensively in economics, management science, information theory, optic and graph theory, communication, and computer science, etc. This paper presents a bibliometric review of the FP-related publications over the past five decades in order to track research outputs and scholarly trends in the field. The reviews are conducted through the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) database of the Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics). Based on the bibliometric analysis of 1811 documents, various theme-related research indicators were described, such as the most prominent authors, the most commonly cited papers, journals, institutions, and countries. Three research directions emerged, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, and Applied Mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the performance of greenhouse production in the Sultanate of Oman in two-stages. In the first stage, Data Envelopment Analysis is used to estimate the efficiency of greenhouse farmers and pinpoint the wasted resources. The efficiency results show that 79% of greenhouse farmers are technically inefficient, with an average efficiency score of 73%. Moreover, slack analysis indicates that water and electricity consumption both exceed the efficiency norm by up to 54% and 46%, respectively. The second stage aims to identify the contextual (socioeconomic and environmental) factors that influence the efficiency of greenhouse farms. This is accomplished using a truncated regression model along with a double bootstrapping mechanism found in the greenhouse production literature. Results reveal that ground water salinity is the environmental factor that has the most negative impact on greenhouse efficiency. The socioeconomic factor that has the most positive effect on greenhouse efficiency is the secondary occupation of the farmer; especially when that occupation pertains to the government agricultural sector. To enhance efficiency of greenhouse farms two main courses of action are recommended. On the greenhouse farmer's side, training programs are needed to educate the farmers on methods that promote more rational resource consumption. For policies and regulations, a regulated water framework is essential, as well as an appropriate revision of the government's subsidy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In men, reduced levels of testosterone are associated with the prevalence and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and disabling demyelinating disorder. Testosterone has been shown to promote myelin repair. Here, we demonstrate that the cooperation between testosterone and CXCR4 signaling involving astrocytes is required for myelin regeneration after focal demyelination produced in the ventral mouse spinal cord by the infusion of lysolecithin. The testosterone-dependent remyelination of axons by oligodendrocytes was accompanied by an increase in astrocytes expressing CXCR4, its ligand CXCL12 and the androgen receptor (AR) within the demyelinated area. Depriving males of their testosterone or pharmacological inhibition of CXCR4, with the selective antagonist AMD3100, prevented the appearance of astrocytes expressing CXCR4, CXCL12 and AR within the demyelinated area and the concomitant recruitment of myelin forming oligodendrocytes. Conditional genetic ablation of either CXCR4 or AR in astrocytes also completely blocked the formation of new myelin by oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, the gain of function mutation in CXCR4 causing WHIM syndrome allows remyelination to take place, even in the absence of testosterone, but its potentiating effects remained observable. After testosterone deprivation or CXCR4 inhibition, the absence of astrocytes within the demyelinated area led to the incursion of Schwann cells, most likely derived from spinal nerves, and the formation of peripheral nerve type myelin. In patients with progressive MS, astrocytes expressing CXCR4 and AR surrounded myelin lesions, and their presence opposed the incursion of Schwann cells. These results highlight a mechanism of promyelinating testosterone signaling and the importance of normalizing its levels in combined myelin repair therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some geographically challenging areas (such as deserts, seas, and forests) where direct connectivity to a terrestrial network is difficult, space communication is the only option. In these remote locations, Internet of Space Things (IoST) applications can also be used successfully. In this paper, the proposed payload for IoST applications demonstrates how an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and a fire detection system can be used effectively. A space mission based on efficient and low-cost communication can use a constellation of nanosatellites to better meet this need. These two applications, which use a constellation of nanosatellites, can provide relevant university-level data in several countries as an effective policy for the transfer of space technology in an educational initiative project. To enhance educational participation and interest in space technology, this paper shares the lessons learned from the project feasibility study based on an in-depth design of a nanosatellite with several analyses (data budget, link budget, power budget, and lifetime estimation). Lastly, this paper highlights by experiments the development and application of a cost-effective sensor node for fire detection and the use of GPS to enable AIS capabilities in the IoST framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), in adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), appears to be increasing. The exact causes underlying this increased risk are still unknown, but a link with B regulatory (Breg) cells is possible as these cells suppress inflammatory responses, and maintain tolerance. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of circulating Breg cells were performed in a cohort of SCD patients with SLE, and their levels were correlated with key soluble mediators promoting autoreactive B cells. We demonstrated that levels of Breg cells were significantly decreased in SCD patients with SLE compared to patients with SCD only or healthy controls. Functional analysis of Breg cells from SCD patients with SLE revealed impairments in IL-10 production that correlated with lower levels of STAT3 phosphorylation, without abnormal expression of IL-10 receptor on Breg cells. On the other hand, BAFF levels were substantially elevated in SCD patients with SLE, but not significantly associated with Breg cell levels. Collectively, these results indicated numerical and functional deficits of Breg cells in SCD patients with SLE and their capacity to maintain tolerance and control inflammation is imbalanced, which leads to the development of autoimmune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by development of venous and/or arterial thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. Biological criteria are the persistent presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and/or anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and/or anti-B2GP1 autoantibodies’ positivity. The assays’ performances are of crucial importance. We evaluated a multiplex assay allowing simultaneous detection of IgG anti-cardiolipin, anti-B2GP1, and anti-factor II. 300 samples were tested. Patients were categorized according to clinical scores of APS from 0 to 3 based on presence or not of arterial or venous thrombosis, fetal loss, and autoimmunity. We used a multiplex assay for APS for simultaneous detection of aCL, anti-B2GP1, and factor II and compared its performances to ELISA assays. Presence of LA was also assessed. We performed a correlation study of the tested assays and compared their clinical efficacy by ROC curve analysis. We obtained significantly higher performances with the multiplex assay than ELISA with higher area under the curve (AUC). The disease rate increased with the number of positive markers from 9% for 1 marker to 100% for 4 markers positive for patients with high risk scores. The multiplex APS assay exhibited higher performances particularly in case of primary APS and is useful for rapid diagnosis of APS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of multiple optimal solutions is an important and interesting issue in data envelopment analysis (DEA), for it allows flexibility to estimate the optimal cross-efficiencies of all decision making units (DMUs). This paper uses the advantage of multiple optimal solutions, be in the cases of efficient and/or inefficient DMUs, to integrate both the first and second-order voices of all DMUs and proposes a most appreciative cross-efficiency DEA method. The paper deals with multiple optimal solution cases within the context of cross-efficiency models and suggest a model that is most appreciative for all DMUs being cross-evaluated by all others. The merits and appreciative superiority of the proposed method is proven theoretically; and illustrated practically through a ranking study chosen from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classification based on polarimetric data alone does not provide sufficient sensitivity for classes’ separation such as forests. The use of other characteristics such as texture provides a powerful tool to get better class discrimination. Thus, this article outlines an approach for texture modelling adapted to land identification using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) images. As radar images may contain a myriad of textures and to take into account their non-stationarity feature, the model is non-parametric and is based on a likeness measure between neighbourhoods. This measure is incorporated in probability formulation of the textural model. The latter is validated through texture synthesis applied to Brodatz’ natural textures. While having multiple applications, we focused here on the issue of terrain mapping of PolSAR images. Using Bayesian approach and some basic assumptions, we defined a classification scheme based on the textural model. It was tested on original Pauli decomposed images and filtered ones. The test area used is the Oberpfaffenhofen in Munich and the PolSAR images were acquired in the P band. For evaluation purposes, the classifications results obtained were compared with the Wishart classifier result performed on H–α partition showing interesting results and reaching classification rates ≈90%. Such an analysis has allowed us to assess the importance of texture considering and proved that the proposed texture model is able to describe the target's physical properties of PolSAR data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid (UA) detection is extremely necessary in both blood serum and urine. High UA concentration in blood serum may induce several diseases. It is very important to develop new methods based on their ecofriendly nature for synthesis new materials used in the detection of UA for diagnosing both hyperuricemia and hypouricemia. This study aimed to synthesis copper, nickel, and copper nickel alloy nanoparticles (NPs) by green voice using Rosmarinus officinalis plant aqueous extract at room temperature. Reduction to CuNPs, NiNPs, and CuNi alloy NPs was confirmed by UV-Vis analysis. The IR analysis is used to identify the chemical group present on the synthesized NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows nearly spherical shape of NPs, X Ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows face cubic center (fcc) structure and the crystallite range size was estimated to be about 19–49 nm. Then, the synthesized NPs were calcined at 500∘C and characterized by XRD witch confirmed the presence of NPs oxide. These oxidized NPs were used as catalysts to modify carbon paste electrode (CPE) in the study of the electrocatalytic determination of UA by using cyclic voltammetry technique. The result showed that the modified electrodes CPE with 10%CuO, 5%NiO, and 10%CuNiO alloy present the better electrocatalytic activity than uncalcined NPs modified electrodes toward the UA oxidation in phosphate buffer (pH = 6), and exhibited oxidation potential peaks at 515, 541, and 481 mV S C E , respectively. The 10%CuNiO/CPE electrode gives a good sensitivity (17.58 μ A mM − 1 ) towards UA oxidation compared with the 10%CuO/CPE (6.83 μ A mM − 1) and 5%NiO/CPE (10.74 μ A mM − 1 ) electrodes. The detection limits were found to be equal to 100, 100, and 50 μ M for 10%CuO/CPE, 5%NiO/CPE, and 10%CuNiO/CPE, respectively, in awide range of UA concentration. These electrodes also exhibited a high selectivity towards UA in the presence of other interference as well as can be applied for the detection of UA in human urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cellulosic paper strips were coated with diazonium-modified carbon nanotubes. • The paper strips were further coated with polypyrrole and served as chemiresistive gas sensors. • The paper-based gas sensors were highly selective towards ammonia. • The limit of detection was found to be as low as 0.04 ppb. Low-cost, conductive Pap@CNT-NH 2 @PPy composites were prepared through sonochemical polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of oxidizing agent and tosylate co-dopant (TS) on cellulosic paper strips decorated with aminophenyl-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT-NH 2). The modified paper electrodes were examined by XPS, Raman, and SEM. The characterization of the electrochemical properties of the paper electrodes was conducted by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The Pap@CNT-NH 2 @PPy end materials served as chemiresistive NH 3 sensors and exhibited an outstanding response of 525% to 0.1 ppm level of NH 3 at RT with good stability for a long period of time. The LOD was found to be as low as 0.04 ppb. To sum up, this work demonstrates that combining aryl diazonium-modified carbon nanotubes and in situ sonochemical polymerization on paper surface permits to provide low cost, functional materials for gas sensors other paper electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil obtained by microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) and hydrodistillation (HD) techniques from the peel of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi. L) from Algeria was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography ⁄ mass spectrometry (GC⁄ MS). Twenty-one constituents were identified in essential oils obtained by HD and twentyeight constituents in essential oils by MAHD, representing respectively 99.11% and 99.74% of the total oil. The main constituents were limonene (85.54%-87.51%) for MAHD and HD, β-myrcene (2.99%-3.24%), nootkatone (1.78%-1.80%). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated by disc diffusion method. The results showed interested inhibition growth against the tested bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginos, and Staphylococcus aureus)and the yeast (Candida albicans),with an inhibition zone ranging from 4 to 20 mm.Both essentials oils showed no effect against Aspergilusniger, Verticillium sp and Thielaviopsis sp. The insecticidal activity was investigated against adults ceratitis capitata. Both essential oils showed a toxic effect against this insect (LD50:9.12μl EO/ml of acetone; LD90: 13.18 μl EO/ml of acetone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calystegines are polyhydroxylated alkaloids that mimic carbohydrate structures. In this study, nortropane alkaloids were extracted from Hyoscyamus albus in order to evaluate their antioxidant and In-vivo anti-inflammatory activities. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of several calystegines in the plant (leaves, flowers and seeds), and highlighted the existence of calystegines A 5 and B 4 in seeds and flowers; in fact the occurrence of these two compounds in the plant has been showed for the first time in this study. Antioxidant tests (DPPH, ABTS, reducing power assay and inhibition of human erythrocyte hemolysis mediated by peroxyl free radicals) showed potent activity of seeds calystegines with an EC 50 of 60.83 μg/ml in DPPH scavenging test, TEAC value of 111.4 μmol Trolox/g in ABTS assay and gave 54.03% human membrane RBC s hemolysis protection at 2.5 mg/ml. Similar trend was found in anti-inflammatory test, where H. albus extracts showed strong activity, being seeds extract the strongest. This extract enriched in calystegines inhibited mice paw edema induced by carrageenan at 100 and 200 mg/kg 2 h after injection comparably to the standard Indomethacin. In conclusion, seeds extract had the strongest antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity, which can be related with the highest content of calystegines compared to leaves and flowers and this can support the traditional uses of this plant in many countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hyoscyamus albus L. ( Solanaceae ) an old medicinal plant is a rich source of tropane and nortropane alkaloids which confers to this plant a number of very interesting and beneficial therapeutic effects. Purpose Calystegines that are polyhydroxylated alkaloids and imino-sugars poccess significant glycosidases inhibitory activities and are therefore good candidats for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Study design Calystegines extracted from Hyoscyamys albus seeds were tested for teir acute oral toxicity and investigated for their in-vivo antidiabetic effect on Streptozotocine induced diabetes in mice. Methodes Calystegines were extracted from the seeds plant using an Ion exchange column; the remaining extract was then administrated orally to mice at several single doses for acute toxicity assay. A dose of 130 mg/kg streptozotocine was injected to mice to induce diabetes mellitus, and diabetic mice were treated orally during 20 days with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg calystegines and 20 mg/kg glibenclamide as the reference drug. Results Acute oral toxicity showed that calystegines are not toxic up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg with absence of any signs of intoxication and damages in Liver and kidney tissues. The nortropane alkaloids markedly reduced blood glucose levels and lipid parameters of diabetic mice to normal concentrations after 20 days of treatment at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/ kg ( p < 0.05). Histopathological study of diabetic mice pancreas indicated that calystegines of Hyoscyamus albus have minimized streptozotocine damages on β-cells of islets of langerhans, stimulated β-cells regeneration and improved with this insulin secretion. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that calystegines are potent antidiabetic agents with antihyperglicemic and hypolipidemic effects, and a protective fonction on pancreas in streptozotocin induced diabetes in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of serological tests such as IgA anti-transglutaminase autoantibodies has become increasingly important in celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. However, the efficiency of these tests for patient follow-up is controversial. We investigated the correlation of 12 different serological tests, including recent deamidated gliadin and actin IgA tests, with villous atrophy (VA) in a retrospective cohort of treated celiac patients. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 100 treated CD patients who had intestinal biopsy in the course of their follow-up. Antibodies against transglutaminase, deamidated gliadin peptides, and native gliadin were measured, along with IgA anti-actin. The biopsy slides were all blind-reviewed and scored according to Marsh classification. Results: For all deamidated gliadin and transglutaminase tests, we found that a positive result was significantly associated with persistence of intestinal VA, with a diagnostic efficacy up to 80%. Furthermore, antibodies titers directly correlated with the degree of VA, indicating a strong link between disease activity and presence of antibodies in the serum. Interestingly, the tests with the highest association with persistent VA were those for deamidated gliadin IgG. Using a test positivity pattern analysis, we were also able to identify several groups of patients with distinct antibody profiles that showed significant differences in intestinal damage and diet compliance. Conclusions: Altogether, these results show that deamidated gliadin antibodies are strongly correlated with VA and should be considered valuable tools in CD follow-up and that multiplex serologic analysis for treated CD represents a promising tool for personalized patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) are in vivo sequence diversification machines that are widely distributed in bacterial, phage, and plasmid genomes. They function to introduce vast amounts of targeted diversity into protein- encoding DNA sequences via mutagenic homing. Adenine residues are converted to random nucleotides in a retrotransposition process from a donor template repeat (TR) to a recipient variable repeat (VR). Using the Bordetella bacteriophage BPP-1 element as a prototype, we have characterized requirements for DGR target site function. Although sequences upstream of VR are dispensable, a 24 bp sequence immediately downstream of VR, which contains short inverted repeats, is required for efficient retrohoming. The inverted repeats form a hairpin or cruciform structure and mutational analysis demonstrated that, while the structure of the stem is important, its sequence can vary. In contrast, the loop has a sequence-dependent function. Structure-specific nuclease digestion confirmed the existence of a DNA hairpin/ cruciform, and marker coconversion assays demonstrated that it influences the efficiency, but not the site of cDNA integration. Comparisons with other phage DGRs suggested that similar structures are a conserved feature of target sequences. Using a kanamycin resistance determinant as a reporter, we found that transplantation of the IMH and hairpin/ cruciform-forming region was sufficient to target the DGR diversification machinery to a heterologous gene. In addition to furthering our understanding of DGR retrohoming, our results suggest that DGRs may provide unique tools for directed protein evolution via in vivo DNA diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Dans le but de déterminer les aspects évolutifs, pronostiques et la mortalité dans la maladie de Behçet, nous avons étudié le devenir d’une cohorte de 480 patients (337 hommes et 143 femmes), colligés en 27 ans dans 4 services de médecine interne. Tous ces patients répondaient aux critères de classification du Groupe international de recherche sur la maladie de Behçet (MB). Le pronostic a été évalué sur : la présence de manifestations viscérales sévères au début de la maladie et à la date des dernières nouvelles, le sexe, l’âge de début précoce avant 20 ans, le délai diagnostique, la nature du premier symptôme, l’existence des cas familiaux, la positivité de l’antigène HLA B5-51, l’intensité du syndrome inflammatoire biologique et enfin la durée d’évolution. L’analyse des données a été réalisée au moyen du logicielEpi info ® Version 6.04. Nous avons utilisé le test du Chi 2 pour la comparaison des pourcentages, le test de Student « t » et l’analyse de la variance pour la comparaison de moyennes. Le seuil de signification a été fixé dans tous les cas à 0,05. Résultats Dans cette série, l’âge moyen des patients était de 33,25 ans ± 9,28 au moment du diagnostic (extrêmes : 12–59 ans et médiane à 33 ans). Les hommes représentaient 70,20 % des cas. Les formes féminines étaient significativement moins sévères ( p < 0,001). Après une durée moyenne d’observation de 10,5 ± 6,7 ans, des complications viscérales de la maladie, essentiellement vasculaires, oculaires et neurologiques d’occurrence isolée ou associée chez un même malade, ont été observées dans 79,29 % des cas. Ces complications étaient significativement plus fréquentes chez les hommes et étaient statistiquement liées à la nature du premier symptôme ainsi qu’à l’intensité du syndrome inflammatoire lors des poussées ( p ≤ 0,01). En revanche, il n’a pas été démontré de relation significative entre ces atteintes viscérales et la positivité de l’antigène HLA B5-51, l’âge précoce de début, ni l’existence de formes familiales de la maladie. Le pronostic de la MB a été bon dans son ensemble, puisque la survie à 8,58 ans ± 4,35 était de 95,05 % (extrêmes 1 an et 17 ans et médiane à 4 ans). En dehors des patients perdus de vue,16 (14 hommes et 2 femmes) sont décédés, soit une mortalité de 4,15 %. Au moment du décès, ces malades étaient âgés de 34,1 ans ± 10,15 (extrêmes 16 et 51 ans et médiane à 36 ans]. Le décès était survenu, 8,25 ans ± 6,56 après le début de la maladie (extrêmes de 1 et 20 ans). Cinq décès sur seize étaient survenus dans les 3 premières années après l’éclosion de la maladie. La quasi-majorité des patients décédés présentait une forme clinique grave. Le décès était directement lié à la MB dans dix cas sur seize : 4 ruptures d’anévrismes artériels pulmonaires, 1 coma hépatique, 3 ruptures de varices œsophagiennes/syndrome de Budd-Chiari et 2 hémorragies cérébrales. Les séquelles de la maladie, observées dans 28,34 %, étaient représentées par la cécité (12,73 %) et le handicap neurologique (40 %). Conclusion En l’absence de manifestations neurologiques, vasculaires ou digestives, le pronostic vital de la MB est rarement menacé et il est bien admis aujourd’hui que la sévérité de la maladie s’amenuise avec le temps. Ainsi, Dans notre travail, nous avons démontré que le taux de mortalité dans la MB était faible et que les facteurs de mauvais pronostic étaient : le sexe masculin, le tableau clinique initial ainsi que l’intensité des marqueurs biologiques de l’inflammation mais pas la positivité de l’antigène HLA B5-51 comme rapporté dans les résultats des grandes séries de la littérature. Il est donc important de rappeler qu’un diagnostic précoce et la détection rapide d’éventuelles complications de la maladie permettent d’améliorer le pronostic fonctionnel et la survie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]