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Abstract Background Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes can provide climate mitigation and improves soil fertility, biodiversity habitat, water quality, water flow, and human health, but these benefits must be achieved without reducing agriculture yields. Prior estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal potential from increasing tree cover in agriculture assumed a moderate level of woody biomass can be integrated without reducing agricultural production. Instead, we used a Delphi expert elicitation to estimate maximum tree covers for 53 regional cropping and grazing system categories while safeguarding agricultural yields. Comparing these values to baselines and applying spatially explicit tree carbon accumulation rates, we develop global maps of the additional CO2 removal potential of Tree Cover in Agriculture. We present here the first global spatially explicit datasets calibrated to regional grazing and croplands, estimating opportunities to increase tree cover without reducing yields, therefore avoiding a major cost barrier to restoration: the opportunity cost of CO2 removal at the expense of agriculture yields. Results The global estimated maximum technical CO2 removal potential is split between croplands (1.86 PgCO2 yr− 1) and grazing lands (1.45 PgCO2 yr− 1), with large variances. Tropical/subtropical biomes account for 54% of cropland (2.82 MgCO2 ha− 1 yr− 1, SD = 0.45) and 73% of grazing land potential (1.54 MgCO2 ha− 1 yr− 1, SD = 0.47). Potentials seem to be driven by two characteristics: the opportunity for increase in tree cover and bioclimatic factors affecting CO2 removal rates. Conclusions We find that increasing tree cover in 2.6 billion hectares of agricultural landscapes may remove up to 3.3 billion tons of CO2 per year – more than the global annual emissions from cars. These Natural Climate Solutions could achieve the Bonn Challenge and add 793 million trees to agricultural landscapes. This is significant for global climate mitigation efforts because it represents a large, relatively inexpensive, additional CO2 removal opportunity that works within agricultural landscapes and has low economic and social barriers to rapid global scaling. There is an urgent need for policy and incentive systems to encourage the adoption of these practices.

Iris N van Doorn,1 Filip Eftimov,1 Luuk Wieske,1,2 Ivo N van Schaik,1,3 Camiel Verhamme1 1Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, the Netherlands; 2Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Sint Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; 3Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, the NetherlandsCorrespondence: Camiel Verhamme, Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience and University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, 1105AZ, the Netherlands, Email c.verhamme@amsterdamumc.nlAbstract: Diagnosing Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) poses numerous challenges. The heterogeneous presentations of CIDP variants, its mimics, and the complexity of interpreting electrodiagnostic criteria are just a few of the many reasons for misdiagnoses. Early recognition and treatment are important to reduce the risk of irreversible axonal damage, which may lead to permanent disability. The diagnosis of CIDP is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, nerve conduction study findings that indicate demyelination, and other supportive criteria. In 2021, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) published a revision on the most widely adopted guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of CIDP. This updated guideline now includes clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP variants (previously termed atypical CIDP), updated supportive criteria, and sensory criteria as an integral part of the electrodiagnostic criteria. Due to its many rules and exceptions, this guideline is complex and misinterpretation of nerve conduction study findings remain common. CIDP is treatable with intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, and plasma exchange. The choice of therapy should be tailored to the individual patient’s situation, taking into account the severity of symptoms, potential side effects, patient autonomy, and past treatments. Treatment responses should be evaluated as objectively as possible using disability and impairment scales. Applying these outcome measures consistently in clinical practice aids in recognizing the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of a treatment and facilitates timely consideration of alternative diagnoses or treatments. This review provides an overview of the current perspectives on the diagnostic process and first-line treatments for managing the disease.Keywords: CIDP, treatment, diagnosis, NCS, imaging

Hardware implementations of networked control systems (NCS) are still rarely found in various research publications so that technical issues, such as how to measure random delay and substitute it into the control equation, still need to be studied further. This study is therefore aimed to compare the performance of NCS based on the used protocol in the ethernet network, i.e. user datagram protocol (UDP) or transmission control protocol (TCP), by applying it in room temperature plant. In this study, the controlled plant is influenced by the fan speed, heating, and window position plant. The heating plant is employed as the main control, while the others are set as sub-plants. The three plants use proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller where they are regulated by fuzzy logic as the master control unit (MCU). The MCU and three PID controllers are located in the master terminal unit (MTU) while the actuators and sensors are located in the three different remote terminal units (RTU). The verification experiment shows that there is no overshoot on TCP-based NCS, while UDP has 0.725%. For the risetime, the response on UDP is faster than TCP (110.22 as compared to 138.18 s). The same thing also happened to the settling time, where the time with UDP was 101.86 s and 128.44 s for TCP.

For the next generation of photovoltaic devices, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) appear as a good choice because they are simple and convert energy to electricity very efficiently. Recent years have seen a great deal of interest in organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Nonetheless, additional commercialization of the Pb element is still restricted by its inevitable toxicity. To address the instability and toxicity of the lead hybrid perovskite, it is imperative to produce entirely inorganic lead-free perovskite nanocrystals. Cs4CuSb2Cl12 offers promising qualities and strong stability against light, heat, and humidity to overcome these drawbacks. It possesses an efficient photo-generated carrier and good carrier mobility. In this study, a lead-free perovskite solar cell with the novel configuration of FTO/WS2/Cs4CuSb2Cl12/CuSbS2/Ni has been optimized using SCAPS-1D simulation software and investigates the potential of Cs4CuSb2Cl12 nanocrystal solar cell. The impact of different characteristics of charge transport materials on Cs4CuSb2Cl12 nanocrystal solar cells has been reported. Additionally, the study computationally optimizes the thickness of perovskite layer, doping concentration, defect density, and other input parameters to propose an effective PSC with power conversion efficiency of 23.10 %, Voc of 1.1675V, and FF of 83.33 %.

This phenomenological research investigates how it is possible to determine the extent to which a chromatic colour appears white and black in order to use it to build a new Colour Rendering Index. We tested two methods of subjective evaluation; in the first, the perceptual presence of white (and black) in a colour alone was assessed on a unipolar intensity scale, independently for the two attributes. In the second method, evaluations of whiteness (and blackness) were conducted for colours presented in a sequence ordered from the least to the greatest presence of the respective attribute. In both tests evaluations were made either by moving an arrow on a slider from left (minimum) to right (maximum) or by choosing a grey cylinder that matched the same degree of similarity to white (and black) as the test colour. In four experiments, 16 colours of 4 hues and 4 different shades were studied; in a fifth experiment, 48 colours, 12 for each quadrant of the colour wheel, were studied; finally, in another test, 10 greys were studied. In the first three experiments, the results were unexpected, as the evaluations of whiteness and blackness were complementary, adding up to 100%, while in the current NCS, 100% includes not only the evaluation of white and black but also that of chromaticness, therefore white and black are not complementary. In the fourth and fifth experiments, the sum of the evaluations of white and black was always less than 100%, in accordance with the present NCS. In the last experiment, the evaluations of white and black given independently to the 10 greys samples were complementary, confirming the bipolar nature of white-black continuum. Suggestions have been provided to resolve the discrepancy between the results of this research and the structure of the current NCS.

Uncontrolled and unsafe use of pesticides can lead to acute and chronic toxicity in farmers, with neuropathy being one of the most common symptoms of chronic toxicity. However, the effects of this toxicity on farmers' electroneuromyography (ENMG) are still unclear. To address this, we conducted a cross-sectional study from July to October 2017 in Ngablak District, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Eligible farmers who were exposed to pesticides underwent electrophysiology examinations, as well as additional tests such as physical examination and laboratory testing. We collected general information such as age and work history by interview. In total, 64 farmers were included in this study. Out of these, 44 farmers were found to have polyneuropathy, with 41 of them having motor polyneuropathy and 19 of them having sensory polyneuropathy. Our findings showed that low blood cholinesterase was associated with distal latency prolongation (p-value: 0.014). The group exposed to organophosphate/carbamate pesticides was also significantly associated with prolonged distal latency (p-value: 0.012). However, motor polyneuropathy was significantly associated with chronic exposure to organophosphate/carbamate pesticides (p-value: 0.009) and not with low blood cholinesterase levels (p-value: 0.454). The study concludes that chronic exposure to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides could result in polyneuropathy disease, particularly in the motor system.

Machine tool vibrations play a significant role in hindering productivity during machining. The growing vibrations accelerate tool wear and chipping, cause a poor wave surface finish, and may damage the spindle bearing. Some research showed that tribological properties such as friction factors can have obvious influences on the topography of rough surfaces and the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of machine tool systems. Therefore, studying the vibration friction dynamic characteristics on the normal contact stiffness (NCS) of joints of CNC machine tools is absolutely necessary for improving the machining accuracy and precision of the whole system. The study results of NCS of joints of the CNC and the friction coefficient are discussed in this paper. The model of NCS based on fractal parameters was obtained. The models of deformations of the rough surfaces and contact surfaces were deduced. The results showed that the NCS based on the calculation method considering the elastic–plastic deformation of the asperity is much higher in precision than the methods considering only elastic or plastic deformation separately. The observations this paper described suggest that in the CNC machine tools system, higher D and G and higher friction coefficients lead to higher normal contact stresses (NCSs).

Improving the thermal decomposition performance of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) by appropriate methods is helpful to promote the combustion performance of CL-20-based solid propellants. In this study, we synthesized a sandwich structure of CL-20 and nanoporous carbon scaffolds film (NCS) and emphatically studied the thermal decomposition performance of the composite structure. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to measure the thermal decomposition process of the composite structure. The kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition were calculated by the thermal dynamic analysis software AKTS. These results showed that the thermal decomposition performance of the sandwich structure of CL-20 and NCS was better than CL-20. Among the tested samples, NCS with a pore size of 15 nm had the best catalytic activity for the thermal decomposition of CL-20. Moreover, the thermal decomposition curve of the composite structure at the heating rate of 1 K/min was deconvoluted by mathematical method to study the thermal decomposition process. And a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed. The excellent thermal decomposition performance is due to the sandwich structure enhances the interface reaction of CL-20 and NCS. This work may promote the extensive use of CL-20 in the field of solid rocket propellant.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy caused by impairment of the median nerve due to compression as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The current gold standard in diagnosing CTS and nerve damage is by electrophysiological nerve conduction study (NCS). However, 10 to 25% of NCS results are falsely negative. Moreover, NCS remains an expensive and time-consuming procedure for patients. Ultrasonography serves as a real-time, well-tolerated, portable, and noninvasive tool for assessing the carpal tunnel. This study aims to assess the role of high-frequency ultrasound of the median nerve at the wrist in evaluating CTS and correlate with NCS to determine whether sonography can be used as an alternative to NCS in diagnosing and grading CTS.

DNA repair pathways trigger robust downstream responses, making it challenging to select suitable reference genes for comparative studies. In this study, our goal was to identify the most suitable housekeeping genes to perform comparable molecular analyses for DNA damage-related studies. Choosing the most applicable reference genes is important in any kind of target gene expression-related quantitative study, since using the housekeeping genes improperly may result in false data interpretation and inaccurate conclusions. We evaluated the expressional changes of eight well-known housekeeping genes (i.e., 18S rRNA, B2M, eEF1α1, GAPDH, GUSB, HPRT1, PPIA, and TBP) following treatment with the DNA-damaging agents that are most frequently used: ultraviolet B (UVB) non-ionizing irradiation, neocarzinostatin (NCS), and actinomycin D (ActD). To reveal the significant changes in the expression of each gene and to determine which appear to be the most acceptable ones for normalization of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data, comparative and statistical algorithms (such as absolute quantification, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, and independent samples T-test) were conducted. Our findings clearly demonstrate that the genes commonly employed as reference candidates exhibit substantial expression variability, and therefore, careful consideration must be taken when designing the experimental setup for an accurate and reproducible normalization of RT-qPCR data. We used the U2OS cell line since it is generally accepted and used in the field of DNA repair to study DNA damage-induced cellular responses. Based on our current data in U2OS cells, we suggest using 18S rRNA, eEF1α1, GAPDH, GUSB, and HPRT1 genes for UVB-induced DNA damage-related studies. B2M, HPRT1, and TBP genes are recommended for NCS treatment, while 18S rRNA, B2M, and PPIA genes can be used as suitable internal controls in RT-qPCR experiments for ActD treatment. In summary, this is the first systematic study using a U2OS cell culture system that offers convincing evidence for housekeeping gene selection following treatment with various DNA-damaging agents. Here, we unravel an indispensable issue for performing and assessing trustworthy DNA damage-related differential gene expressional analyses, and we create a “zero set” of potential reference gene candidates.

The industries are presently exploring the use of wired and wireless systems for control, automation, and monitoring. The primary benefit of wireless technology is that it reduces the installation cost, in both money and labor terms, as companies already have a significant investment in wiring. The research article presents the work on the analysis of Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) in a wireless real-time communication medium for a Networked Control System (NCS), and determining whether the simulated behavior is significant for a plant or not. The behavior of the MANET is analyzed for Ad-hoc on-demand distance vector routing (AODV) that maintenances communication among 150 nodes for NCS. The simulation is carried out in Network Simulator (NS2) software with different nodes cluster to estimate the network throughput, end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and control overhead. The benefit of MANET is that it has a fixed topology, which permits flexibility since mobile devices may be used to construct ad-hoc networks anywhere, scalability because more nodes can be added to the network, and minimal operating expenses in that no original infrastructure needs to be developed. AODV routing is a flat routing system that does not require central routing nodes. As the network grows in size, the network can be scaled to meet the network design and configuration requirements. AODV is flexible to support different configurations and topological nodes in dynamic networks because of its versatility. The advantage of such network simulation and routing behavior provides the future direction for the researchers who are working towards the embedded hardware solutions for NCS, as the hardware complexity depends on the delay, throughput, and PDR.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the role of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) compared to clinical scores and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Patients and methods We included 30 patients with diabetes mellitus complaining of neuropathy symptoms and 15 healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent evaluation using 1.5-T DTI of median nerves and NCS. Patients underwent clinical evaluation using the Neuropathy Deficit Score (NDS), Neuropathy Impairment Score in the Lower Limbs (NIS-LL), and Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) score. Results We found statistically significant differences between healthy volunteers and patients in fractional anisotropy (FA) of the distal segment (P = 0.016) and whole median nerve (P = 0.024), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of proximal (P = 0.027) and distal (P < 0.001) segments, and whole median nerve (P = 0.019). Distal segment FA was significantly correlated with NDS (P = 0.003), DNEs (P = 0.003), sensory amplitude (P = 0.048), and motor CV (P = 0.020). Distal segment ADC was significantly correlated with NDS (P = 0.007), NIS-LL (P = 0.003), DNEs (P = 0.01), and sensory amplitude (P = 0.032). The best cut-off value of distal segment for FA was 0.45 (87% sensitivity, 80% specificity) and of distal segment ADC was 1.217 (80% sensitivity and specificity). Conclusions Our results suggest that 1.5-T DTI examination of the median nerve can provide useful non-invasive information in patients with DPN. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03934970 . Registered on May 1, 2019

Aim: Absence of the F-wave may represent the inability of spinal motor neurons to be excited after periods of inactivity. Repetitive stimulation in an otherwise immobile patient acts as a voluntary movement therefore allowing for the production of an F-wave in a patient with previously demonstrated absent F-waves. Through this case report, we attempt to highlight that the absence of the F-wave may result from inexcitability of spinal motor neurons after reduced mobilization. Case: We present the case of a 48-year-old woman who had been hospitalized in an ICU setting for almost one month due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, pancreatitis, and respiratory failure. An electromyogram and nerve conduction study (NCS) was performed for weakness in all four extremities. On routine NCS, her F-waves were absent, but after repetitive stimulation was performed, her F-waves appeared. Discussion: This may be further evidence that the absence of the F-wave may result from inexcitability of spinal motor neurons after immobilization or reduced mobility rather than true pathology of the peripheral nerve. The ability to recover F-waves after an initial absence could assist in differentiating between inexcitability of the anterior horn cell and proximal nerve conduction block. This case presentation is an attempt to show that repetitive nerve stimulation may prove to be a useful technique to restore F-waves in patients who are unable to voluntarily contract their muscles, which may help exclude certain pathologic processes.

Abstract Objective Detect the occurrence and characteristics of A-waves in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and demyelinating neuropathies (DN). Methodology Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of 28 patients (14 patients with ALS and 14 patients with DN) were reanalyzed to look for A-waves. Results We studied 61 nerves of the ALS group and 64 nerves of DN. In the ALS group, A-waves were detected in 21 nerves out of 61 nerves (34.4%). In the DN group, A-waves were recorded from 25 nerves out of 64 nerves (39%). In the DN group, A-waves were detected more often in nerves of upper extremities than lower extremities (out of a total of 25 nerves with A-waves, 18 median and ulnar nerves showed A-waves (72%) and that was statistically significant (P = 0.0021)). Complex A-waves (CAWs) occurred exclusively in patients with DN. Conclusion Most of the A-waves in the DN group were recorded more frequently from nerves of the upper extremities than those from lower extremities. CAWs occurred only in DN. Significance CAW seems to be a useful specific electrodiagnostic tool to distinguish DN from ALS.

The manifestation of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the mandible is uncommon. Classically, presence of swelling, teeth mobility, pain and paraesthesia intraorally are pathognomonic signs of oral malignancies. However, there are very few reported cases of oral manifestation of lymphoma with the only complaint being numb chin syndrome. Here, we report a 50-year-old patient who presented with numb chin syndrome and no clinical evidence of malignancy intraorally. Further investigations and biopsy confirmed the presence of diffuse B-cell lymphoma. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of silent presentation of B-cell lymphoma in the mandible. Furthermore, numb chin syndrome can be an early presentation of oral malignancy and hence, clinicians should have a low threshold for urgent referral to secondary care and for thorough investigation to avoid misdiagnosis and treatment delays.

Abstract Background Vitamin D is well known for its role in promoting calcium and phosphorus absorption and is recently associated with various neurological disorders. Objective To study the possible relation between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a sample of patients recruited from Beni-Suef governorate, north Upper Egypt Methods A case-control study included 25 type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 25 healthy controls. The patients included were subjected to clinical evaluation including Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and nerve conduction study. And all patients and control were subjected to assessment of fasting and 2-h post prandial blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and serum vitamin D level. Results Serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in patients compared to control (P value = 0.008). For the patients group, females and patients with Michigan neuropathy screening instrument score more than 4 had statistically significant lower vitamin D level (P value = 0.003 and 0.006, respectively). No statistically significant difference in vitamin D level was found between patients below and above the age of 50 years, duration of diabetes less and more than 5 years, different types of diabetes medications, or patients with fair and poor control (P value = 0.525, 0.700, 0.881 and 0.252, respectively). No significant correlation was found between vitamin D level and the results of nerve conduction study. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. Females and patients with severe form of neuropathy are more liable for lower vitamin D levels.

The model of a networked temperature control system is easily affected by its surrounding environment. Because of that, it is hard to identify an accurate model. This paper proposes an adaptive model output following control based on system identification for a networked thermostat system. First, the time-varying system model is built via some thermal laws, whose parameters are identified based on the least-squares method (LSM). The time delay is transferred to deterministic by setting the data buffer. The system stability is ensured by a feedback controller. Meanwhile, an adaptive model output following controller with a command generator tracker (CGT) is designed to adjust the forward control input based on system identification. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by simulation and experimental results.

The use of nanocarriers (NCs), i.e., nanomaterials capable of encapsulating drugs and releasing them selectively, is an emerging field in agriculture. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo testing of biodegradable NCs loaded with natural bioactive products was investigated for the control of certain phytopathogens responsible for wood degradation. In particular, NCs based on methacrylated lignin and chitosan oligomers, loaded with extracts from Rubia tinctorum, Silybum marianum, Equisetum arvense, and Urtica dioica, were first assayed in vitro against Neofusicoccum parvum, an aggressive fungus that causes cankers and diebacks in numerous woody hosts around the world. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the most effective treatment was further explored against another fungal pathogen and two bacteria related to trunk diseases: Diplodia seriata, Xylophilus ampelinus, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, respectively. Subsequently, it was evaluated in field conditions, in which it was applied by endotherapy for the control of grapevine trunk diseases. In the in vitro mycelial growth inhibition tests, the NCs loaded with R. tinctorum resulted in EC90 concentrations of 65.8 and 91.0 μg·mL−1 against N. parvum and D. seriata, respectively. Concerning their antibacterial activity, a minimum inhibitory concentration of 37.5 μg·mL−1 was obtained for this treatment against both phytopathogens. Upon application via endotherapy on 20-year-old grapevines with clear esca and Botryosphaeria decay symptoms, no phytotoxicity effects were observed (according to SPAD and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements) and the sugar content of the grape juice was not affected either. Nonetheless, the treatment led to a noticeable decrease in foliar symptoms as well as a higher yield in the treated arms as compared to the control arms (3177 vs. 1932 g/arm), suggestive of high efficacy. Given the advantages in terms of controlled release and antimicrobial product savings, these biodegradable NCs loaded with natural extracts may deserve further research in large-scale field tests.

Background: Internationally, healthcare providers share a common goal of providing safe and high-quality care to every patient. In South Africa, the National Core Standards (NCS) tool was introduced to improve the quality of healthcare delivery. Objectives: This article is aimed to determine the perceptions of nurses concerning the use of NCS as a tool to measure quality care delivery in tertiary hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, where a purposive sampling technique was used to select hospitals. Six strata of departments were selected using simple stratified sampling. In each stratum, every second ward was selected from the provided list of wards using a systematic random sampling. The population of professional nurses in selected departments was 3050, from which 437 participants were selected by systematic random sampling. The collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 25. Results: The study indicated that 53.5% respondents believed that the NCS tool allows them to identify areas of weakness, pointing to risks in basic human rights. However, only 49.7% respondents believed that the NCS tool allows staff inputs to identify relevant innovations. The study recommends improvement in the organisational climate and adoption of strategies that add value to patient care. Conclusion: Professional nurses perceived the NCS tool as a good tool for improving quality of healthcare delivery, but there is a need to improve environmental practice and involvement of all healthcare establishments to increase its effectiveness

This study proposes an optimal bandwidth allocation algorithm for a Networked Control System (NCS) that includes a time-driven sensor, event-driven controller and random channels. The authors predict resource demands at the next time step for the random channels, then calculate the resource demands from the event-driven and the time-driven channels. They allocate bandwidths for each channel by solving a convex optimisation problem based on the resource demands. When the total traffic exceeds the total capacity of the network, only the random and event-driven network bandwidths are allocated optimally. For time-driven channels, they increase the sampling period to reduce traffic volume and satisfy the total capacity constraint. This maintains sufficiently slow sampling to improve the quality of service in NCS. An upper bound on the sampling period is set to guarantee sufficiently fast sampling for control dynamics. Simulation results show that the proposed approach minimises network congestion.

Multi attribute group decision making with VIKOR (VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje) strategy has been widely applied to solving real-world problems. Recently, Pramianik et al. [S. Pramanik, S. Dalapati, S. Alam, and T. K. Roy. NCVIKOR based MAGDM strategy under neutrosophic cubic set environment, Neutrosophic Sets and Systems, 20 (2018), 95-108] proposed VIKOR strategy for solving MAGDM, where compromise solutions are not identified in neutrosophic cubic environment. To overcome the shortcomings of the paper, we further modify the VIKOR strategy by incorporating compromise solution in neutrosophic cubic set environment. Finally, we solve an MAGDM problem using the modified NC-VIKOR strategy to show the feasibility, applicability and effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Further, we present sensitivity analysis to show the impact of different values of the decision making mechanism coefficient on ranking order of the alternatives.

In this paper, we propose VIKOR strategy in neutrosophic cubic set environment, namely NC-VIKOR. We first define NC-VIKOR strategy in neutrosophic cubic set environment to handle multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems, which means we combine the VIKOR with neutrosophic cubic number to deal with multi-attribute group decision making problems. We have proposed a new strategy for solving MAGDM problems. Finally, we solve MAGDM problem using our newly proposed NC-VIKOR strategy to show the feasibility, applicability and effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Further, we present sensitivity analysis to show the impact of different values of the decision making mechanism coefficient on ranking order of the alternatives.

A simple and rapid method for efficient synthesis of sulfonyl chlorides/bromides from sulfonyl hydrazide with NXS (X = Cl or Br) and late-stage conversion to several other functional groups was described. A variety of nucleophiles could be engaged in this transformation, thus permitting the synthesis of complex sulfonamides and sulfonates. In most cases, these reactions are highly selective, simple, and clean, affording products at excellent yields.

Triazolopyridines are a family of compounds that, owing to their biological activity, have many pharmaceutical applications. In this study, 3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine and 6-bromo-3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine were synthesized by using the chlorinated agent NCS for hydrazones under very mild conditions. The characterization of these compounds was achieved by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, MS and X-ray diffraction. The compound 3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P 21/c with a = 15.1413(12), b = 6.9179(4), c = 13.0938(8) Å, β = 105.102(6)°, V = 1324.16(16)Å3, Z = 4, and R = 0.0337. Also compound 6-bromo-3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P 21/c with a = 14.3213(11), b = 6.9452(4) (4), c = 12.6860(8)Å, β = 100.265(6)°, V = 1241.62(14)Å3, Z = 4, and R = 0.0561.

Delay and dropout are important parameters influence overall control performance in Networked Control System (NCS). The goal of this research is to find a model of delay and dropout of data communication link in the NCS. Experiments have been done in this research to a water level control of boiler tank as part of the NCS based on internet communication network using High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) cellular technology. By this experiments have been obtained closed-loop system response as well as data delay and dropout of data packets. This research contributes on modeling of the NCS which is combination of controlled plant and data communication link. Another contribution is statistical model of delay and dropout on the NCS.

This paper is part of a study of intelligent architectures for distributed control and communications systems. The study focuses on optimizing control systems by evaluating the performance of middleware through quality of service (QoS) parameters and the optimization of control using Quality of Control (QoC) parameters. The main aim of this work is to study, design, develop, and evaluate a distributed control architecture based on the Data-Distribution Service for Real-Time Systems (DDS) communication standard as proposed by the Object Management Group (OMG). As a result of the study, an architecture called Frame-Sensor-Adapter to Control (FSACtrl) has been developed. FSACtrl provides a model to implement an intelligent distributed Event-Based Control (EBC) system with support to measure QoS and QoC parameters. The novelty consists of using, simultaneously, the measured QoS and QoC parameters to make decisions about the control action with a new method called Event Based Quality Integral Cycle. To validate the architecture, the first five Braitenberg vehicles have been implemented using the FSACtrl architecture. The experimental outcomes, demonstrate the convenience of using jointly QoS and QoC parameters in distributed control systems.

The missing values are not uncommon in real data sets. The algorithms and methods used for the data analysis of complete data sets cannot always be applied to missing value data. In order to use the existing methods for complete data, the missing value data sets are preprocessed. The other solution to this problem is creation of new algorithms dedicated to missing value data sets.

Hybrid thin films that combine organic conjugated molecules and semiconductors nanocrystals (NCs) have been deeply investigated in the previous years, due to their capability to provide an extremely broad tuning of their electronic and optical properties. In this paper we review the main aspects of the basic physics of the organic−inorganic interaction and the actual state of the art of lasers and light emitting diodes based on hybrid active materials.

This paper proposes a new middleware solution called Network Adaptive Deadband (NAD) for long time operation of Networked Control Systems (NCS) through the Internet or any shared network based on IP technology. The proposed middleware takes into account the network status and the NCS status, to improve the global system performance and to share more effectively the network by several NCS and sensor/actuator data flows. Relationship between network status and NCS status is solved with a TCP-friendly transport flow control protocol and the deadband concept, relating deadband value and transmission throughput. This creates a deadband-based flow control solution. Simulation and experiments in shared networks show that the implemented network adaptive deadband has better performance than an optimal constant deadband solution in the same circumstances.

The present article illustrates how the use of a color notation system, particularly the Natural Color System (NCS), can help specify a color in an architectural design. It can specify it in regard to the definition of colors to be adopted, as well as in the specification for implementation. This is conducted to ensure that the colors defined in design are applied in construction and maintenance.

The objective of this work was to determine soybean resistance inheritance to Heterodera glycines Ichinohe (soybean cyst nematode - SCN) races 3 and 9, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of direct and indirect selection in a soybean population of 112 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from the resistant cultivar Hartwig. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in Londrina, PR, Brazil. The estimated narrow-sense heritabilities for resistance to races 3 and 9 were 80.67 and 77.97%. The genetic correlation coefficient (r g = 0.17; pO objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a herança da resistência da soja às raças 3 e 9 de Heterodera glycines Ichinhoe (nematóide-de-cisto-da-soja - NCS), e avaliar a eficiência da seleção direta e indireta em uma população de 112 linhagens recombiantes endogâmicas (RIL) derivadas da cultivar resistente Hartwig. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em Londrina, PR, Brasil. A herdabilidade em sentido restrito para resistência às raças 3 e 9 foi de 80,67 e 77,97%. O coeficiente de correlação genética (r g = 0,17; p

The objective of this work was to validate microsatellite markers associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) races 3 and 14, in soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes, for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs. Microsatellites of soybean linkage groups A2, D2 and G were tested in two populations, and their selection efficiencies were determined. The populations were 65 F2:3 families from Msoy8001 (resistant) x Conquista (susceptible) cross, and 66 F2:3 families of S5995 (resistant) x Renascença (susceptible) cross, evaluated for resistance to races 3 and 14, respectively. Families with female index up to 30% were considered moderately resistant. Markers of A2 and G linkage groups were associated with resistance to race 3. Markers Satt309 and GMENOD2B explained the greatest proportion of phenotypic variance in the different groups. The combinations Satt309+GMENOD2B and Satt309+Satt187 presented 100% selection efficiency. Resistance to race 14 was associated with markers of G linkage group, and selection efficiency in the Satt309+Satt356 combination was 100%. The selection differential obtained by phenotypic and marker assisted selection showed that both can result in similar gains.O objetivo deste trabalho foi validar marcadores microssatélites associados à resistência às raças 3 e 14 do nematóide-de-cisto (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) da soja (Glycine max L.), para serem utilizados em programas de seleção assistida por marcadores moleculares (SAM). Microssatélites dos grupos de ligação A2, D2 e G da soja foram testados em duas populações, e suas eficiências de seleção foram determinadas. As populações foram 65 famílias F2:3, do cruzamento Msoy8001 (resistente) x Conquista (suscetível), e 66 famílias F2:3, do cruzamento S5995 (resistente) x Renascença (suscetível), avaliadas para a resistência às raças 3 e 14, respectivamente. Famílias com índice de fêmeas de até 30% foram consideradas moderadamente resistentes. Marcadores dos grupos de ligação A2 e G apresentaram associação com a resistência à raça 3. Os marcadores Satt309 e GMENOD2B explicaram a maior proporção da variância fenotípica nos diferentes grupos. As combinações Satt309+GMENOD2B e Satt309+Satt187 apresentaram eficiência de seleção de 100%. A resistência à raça 14 foi associada com marcadores do grupo de ligação G, e a eficiência de seleção da combinação Satt309+Satt356 foi de 100%. Os diferenciais de seleção fenotípica e de seleção assistida mostraram que os dois tipos de seleção podem proporcionar ganhos similares.

Este texto pretende analisar como a utilização de um sistema de notação cromática, particularmente o NCS - Natural Color System, pode contribuir na especificação cromática no projeto arquitetônico, não só no que se refere à definição das cores a serem adotadas, mas na especificação para a execução, de forma a garantir, na obra ou em sua manutenção, a fidelidade às cores previamente definidas. Em uma primeira etapa o texto aborda algumas formas com as quais a cor pode participar e auxiliar no processo de desenvolvimento do projeto arquitetônico, destacando a importância do conhecimento das características tecnológicas da cor na formação do arquiteto. Em uma segunda parte o texto foca os principais sistemas de notação cromática, características e aplicações para, em seguida, discorrer sobre o NCS, origem, características e aplicações. Optou-se por abordar o NCS, uma vez que esse sistema vem sendo cada vez mais utilizado por arquitetos, inclusive sendo padrão em diversos países, assim como adotado freqüentemente em trabalhos acadêmicos como referência, quando se aborda a questão da cor.