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This study presents a piecewise non-linear binary subdivision scheme based on a four-point linear binary subdivision scheme. This scheme is first transformed into a piecewise linear subdivision scheme and then into a piecewise non-linear subdivision scheme. The non-linear subdivision approach removes artifacts and distortions from limit curves, producing better continuous curves. The study demonstrates that this technique is a workable technique for producing smooth curves, especially when avoiding bends, distortion, and oscillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a modified method for construction of a new design-control 6-point approximating refinement scheme. The construction of the new scheme is based on translation of the points of 4-point approximating refinement scheme to the new position according to the linear combination of certain displacement vectors. The initial and terminal points of these vectors are the refinement points of two 4-point approximating binary schemes. The new scheme contains three design-control parameters. These parameters increase the efficiency and flexibility of the new scheme. The mathematical and graphical analysis of the refinement scheme show that this scheme is good choice for curve modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the advanced classes of linear symmetric subdivision schemes for the fitting of data and the creation of geometric shapes. These schemes are derived from the B-spline and Lagrange's blending functions. The important characteristics of the derived schemes, including continuity, support, and the impact of parameters on the magnitude of the artifact and Gibbs oscillations are discussed. Schemes additionally generalize various subdivision schemes. Linear symmetric subdivision schemes can produce Gibbs oscillations when the initial data is taken from discontinuous functions. Additionally, these schemes may generate unwanted artifacts in the limit curve that do not exist in the original polygon. One solution is to use non-linear schemes, but this approach increases the computational complexity of the scheme. An alternative approach is proposed that involves modifying the linear symmetric schemes by introducing parameters into the linear rules. The suitable values of these parameters reduce or eliminate Gibbs oscillations and artifacts while still using linear symmetric schemes. Our approach provides a balance between reducing or eliminating Gibbs oscillations and artifacts while maintaining computational efficiency. In the second half, the piecewise parametric polynomial curves by using the blending polynomials used in the symmetric schemes are also presented. The majority of the properties of uniform quadratic and cubic B-splines with  G 2  geometric continuities are inherited by these polynomial curves. These curves can also be used for local interpolation of the control points with  G 2  continuity. Furthermore, by adjusting the value of the shape parameter, uniform cubic and quadratic B-spline curves can also be produced. These polynomial curves also satisfy the shape preserving properties of initial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unstable banking system may result in poor economic outcomes. By using SEM techniques through SMART-PLS; this study analyzes the data from N=380 key respondents of banks who are actively involved in adopting green banking technologies adoption and implementing climate change initiatives (i.e., renewable energy ). This study found that the adoption of green banking technologies (i.e., chatbots, facial recognition, fraud detection ) has significantly and positively improved bank stability and bank responses to climate change initiatives, partially and positively mediated the relationship between AI-based green banking technologies and bank stability. This study has both practical and theoretical significance for managers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cybersecurity Ventures anticipates that the worldwide expenses of cybercrime would increase by 15 percent yearly over the course of the next five years, reaching USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025, which is an increase from USD $3 trillion in 2015. It's imperative to investigate the implementation of new technologies and their outcome in raising the threat to the banking industry. Using CFA and EFA statistical analysis and gathering the data from N=291 respondents from the managerial level, blockchain consultants, and cybersecurity experts. The findings confirm that the implementation of blockchain technologies has efficiently reduced customer cyber security risks and enhanced the European banking sector's data integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of combined subdivision schemes with one tension parameter is proposed by the interpolatory and approximating subdivision schemes. The displacement vectors between the points of interpolatory and approximating subdivision schemes provide the flexibility in designing the limit curves and surfaces. Therefore, the limit curves generated by the proposed subdivision schemes variate in between or around the approximating and interpolatory curves. We also design few analytical algorithms to study the properties of the proposed schemes theoretically. The efficiency of these algorithms is analyzed by calculating their time complexity. The graphical representations and graphical properties of the proposed schemes are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a new subdivision scheme by using an interpolatory subdivision scheme and an approximating subdivision scheme. The construction of the subdivision scheme is based on translation of points of the 4-point interpolatory subdivision scheme to the new position according to three displacement vectors containing two shape parameters. We first study the characteristics of the new subdivision scheme analytically and then present numerical experiments to justify these analytical characteristics geometrically. We also extend the new derived scheme into its bivariate/tensor product version. This bivariate scheme is applicable on quadrilateral meshes to produce smooth limiting surfaces up to C 3 continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a procedure to construct a family of 2n-point approximating subdivision schemes is presented for an integer n > 4. Firstly, a least squares technique has been used to fit a polynomial of degree seven to data. Secondly, a family of 2n-point subdivision scheme is constructed. In particular, some important features of first three members of the family of 2n-point schemes are also discussed. Geometric performances of some members of the family are shown with the help of several examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present exploration was to develop novel pH-sensitive cross-linked Gelatin/Polyvinyl pyrrolidone hydrogels using different ratios of both the polymers and to investigate the effect of polymers and degree of crosslinking on dynamic, equilibrium swelling and invitro release pattern of the model drug (captopril). Grafting polymerization technique was used for the preparation of these hydrogels using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. These polymeric materials were then used as model systems to envisage various important characterizations like FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phosphate buffers of pH 1.2, 6.5 and 7.5 were used for swelling and invitro drug release profile investigation. Different parameters like swelling analysis, porosity, sol-gel analysis, average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), solvent interaction parameter (χ), volume fraction of polymer (V2,s) and diffusion coefficient that affects the drug release behavior were also determined. Higher swelling and release was observed at lower pH values. FTIR spectra showed interaction between gelatin and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and successful formation of cross-linked structure. Pulsatile drug release study showed the controlled delivery of model drug. The release of drug occurred through non-fickian diffusion or anomalous mechanism. Aforementioned characterizations reveal successful formation of copolymer. pH sensitive swelling ability and drug release behavior suggest that the rate of polymer chain relaxation and the rate of drug diffusion from these hydrogels are comparable which also predicts their possible use for site specific captopril delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B3LYP and MP2 calculations with the commonly-used 6-31+G(d) basis set predict qualitatively different structures for the Tyr-Gly conformer book1, which is the most stable conformer identified in a previous study. The structures differ mainly in the ψtyr Ramachandran angle (138° in the B3LYP structure and 120° in the MP2 structure). The causes for the discrepant structures are attributed to missing dispersion in the B3LYP calculations and large intramolecular BSSE in the MP2 calculations. The correct ψtyr value is estimated to be 130°. The MP2/6-31+G(d) profile identified an additional conformer, not present on the B3LYP surface, with a ψtyr value of 96° and a more folded structure. This minimum is, however, likely an artefact of large intramolecular BSSE values. We recommend the use of basis sets of at least quadruple-zeta quality in density functional theory (DFT), DFTaugmented with an empirical dispersion term (DFT-D) and second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2 ) calculations in cases where intramolecular BSSE is expected to be large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dimeric secoiridoid glycoside, trivially named oleferrugine B ( 1), has been isolated from the AcOEt-soluble part of the MeOH extract of leaves of Olea ferruginea Royle . The structure of the isolated compound was established on the basis of ESI-MS fragmentation patterns, and 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, including 1H- and 13C-NMR, HSQC, 1H,1H-COSY, HMBC, and NOESY experiments, and by comparison with literature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxic and antiviral potential of ivermectin and ribavirin was evaluated. Cytotoxicity was checked on chick primary fibroblast cell line through MTT assay. Antiviral potential was determined against Newcastle disease virus on 9-day old chicken embryos. Six different concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25µg/mL) of both the drugs were evaluated. The 100µg/mL concentration of ivermectin and higher were cytotoxic. The 25ug/mL concentration of ribavirin and higher were cytotoxic. Comparison of ivermectin and ribavirin showed that ivermectin was safe at 50ug/mL and lower concentrations. Ribavirin was protective for cell at 12.5µg/mL and 6.25µg/mL only. Comparison of antiviral activity indicated that ivermectin has strong antiviral potential at 100µg/niL and higher but same concentrations were cytotoxic. Ribavirin showed strong antiviral potential at all concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, have been shown to promote breast cancer progression. However, the mechanism by which cancer cells acquire and maintain abnormal DNA methylation is not well understood. We have previously identified an aberrant splice form of a DNA methyltransferase, DNMT3B7, expressed in virtually all cancer cell lines but at very low levels in normal cells. Furthermore, aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells have been shown to express increased levels of DNMT3B7 compared to poorly invasive MCF-7 cells, indicating that DNMT3B7 may have a role in promoting a more invasive phenotype. Using data gathered from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we show that DNMT3B7 expression is increased in breast cancer patient tissues compared to normal tissue. To determine the mechanism by which DNMT3B7 was functioning in breast cancer cells, two poorly invasive breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and T-47D, were stably transfected with a DNMT3B7 expression construct. Expression of DNMT3B7 led to hypermethylation and down-regulation of E-cadherin, altered localization of β-catenin, as well as increased adhesion turnover, cell proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth. The novel results presented in this study suggest a role for DNMT3B7 in the progression of breast cancer to a more aggressive state and the potential for future development of novel therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete set of NMR coupling constants (1JC-H, 2JC-H, 3JC-H, and 3JH-H) were calculated for the eight stereoisomers of quinic acid, at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)/PCM(methanol) level of theory. The Fermi contact term of the coupling constants was computed with a modified, uncontracted, version of the 6-311G(d,p) basis set, with additional tight polarization functions. 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were determined at the same level using the gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method. The magnitude of the spin-spin coupling constants was found to be affected by the orientation (axial or equatorial) of the coupling proton and the orientation of the hydroxy group on the coupling carbon, whereas the chemical shifts depend on the presence or absence of electron-withdrawing hydroxy groups attached to the carbon atoms involved.Nuclear magnetic resonance coupling constants, computed with density functional theory, can be used to differentiate and identify the different stereoisomers of quinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study cefixime and azithromycin nanoparticles were prepared by antisolvent precipitation with syringe pump (APSP) and evaporator precipitation nanosuspension (EPN) methods. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA. X-ray diffraction pattern of cefixime samples showed the amorphous form, while azithromycin samples showed crystalline form. The FTIR spectra of parental drugs and synthesized nanoparticles have no major structural changes detected. The SEM images showed that nanoparticles of both drugs have submicron sized and nanosized particles. TGA analyses showed that above 30°C the decomposition of cefixime samples starts and their weight gradually decreases up to 600°C, while, in case of azithromycin, 30°C to 250°C, very small changes occur in weight; from above 250°C decomposition of the sample took place to a greater extent. The antibacterial activities of raw drugs and prepared samples of nanoparticles were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, E. coli, and Salmonella typhi by agar well diffusion method. Every time the nanoparticles samples showed better results than parental drugs. The dissolution rates of raw drugs and prepared nanoparticles were also determined. The results were always better for the synthesized nanoparticles than parental drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A late maturing (End Aug to Mid Sept) Pakistani mango cv. Sufaid Chaunsa has high export potential, particularly in neighboring markets of Iran and China. However, market access is conditional with hot water (HW) phytosanitary treatment protocol for disinfestation of fruit fly as agreed with both countries (Iran: HW dip at 45°C for 75 min; China: HW dip at 48°C for 60 min). Objectives of present studies were to evaluate the effect of obligatory market access protocols on Sufaid Chaunsa mangoes; and to optimize storage temperature (10 & 12°C) under the prospective of shipping the treated mangoes to these countries. For this purpose, uniform mature mangoes were subjected to hot water treatment (HWT) at 45 and 48°C for 75 and 60 min, respectively. Some more fruit were also subjected to HWT of 48°C for 60 min with additional dip of hot carbendazim (40 g/100 L) at 52°C for 5 min. Non-treated fruit were considered as control. Treated fruit were divided into two equal lots and stored at 10 and 12°C (80-85% RH). During storage, fruit peel color and softness were recorded on 21, 27 and 32 days, while disease development, physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics were assessed at ripe stage. Fruit subjected to HWT (48°C for 60 min) with additional treatment of hot carbendazim (40 g/100 L) at 52°C for 5 min were more firm and had higher levels of total sugars as compared to the fruit of other treatments. Higher fruit peel color development score (after 21, 27 & 32 days of storage) and higher total carotenoid levels (at ripe stage) were recorded in fruit stored at 12°C, irrespective of HW treatment effect. Higher titratable acidity was recorded in fruit subjected to HWT at 45°C for 75 min at 10°C storage. Among organolaptic characteristics, better pulp color score with better taste, texture and aroma was recorded in fruit stored at 10°C by the taste panel. HW treated fruit showed lesser anthracnose incidence as compared to fruit with no treatment. In conclusion, HW phytosanitary protocols for export of mango to Iran and China had no negative effect on fruit quality attributes of cv. Sufaid Chaunsa; and 10°C was found as the better shipping temperature. However, control of diseases especially stem end rot is critical and aroma volatile production warrants further research for successful sea shipments for export of this cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the major goals of computational chemists is to determine and develop the pathways for anticancer drug discovery and development. In recent past, high performance computing systems elicited the desired results with little or no side effects. The aim of the current review is to evaluate the role of computational chemistry in ascertaining kinases as attractive targets for anticancer drug discovery and development., Methods: Research related to computational studies in the field of anticancer drug development is reviewed. Extensive literature on achievements of theorists in this regard has been compiled and presented with special emphasis on kinases being the attractive anticancer drug targets., Results: Different approaches to facilitate anticancer drug discovery include determination of actual targets, multi-targeted drug discovery, ligand-protein inverse docking, virtual screening of drug like compounds, formation of di-nuclear analogs of drugs, drug specific nano-carrier design, kinetic and trapping studies in drug design, multi-target QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) model, targeted co-delivery of anticancer drug and siRNA, formation of stable inclusion complex, determination of mechanism of drug resistance, and designing drug like libraries for the prediction of drug-like compounds. Protein kinases have gained enough popularity as attractive targets for anticancer drugs. These kinases are responsible for uncontrolled and deregulated differentiation, proliferation, and cell signaling of the malignant cells which result in cancer., Conclusion: Interest in developing drugs through computational methods is a growing trend, which saves equally the cost and time. Kinases are the most popular targets among the other for anticancer drugs which demand attention. 3D-QSAR modelling, molecular docking, and other computational approaches have not only identified the target-inhibitor binding interactions for better anticancer drug discovery but are also designing and predicting new inhibitors, which serve as lead for the synthetic preparation of drugs. In light of computational studies made so far in this field, the current review highlights the importance of kinases as attractive targets for anticancer drug discovery and development., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)