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We study a home health care (HHC) problem that is characterized by prioritized patients and uncertain demands. In practice, HHC supply chain networks often struggle to meet high demand due to a shortage of service vehicles. Additionally, disruptions caused by natural calamities and pandemics (e.g., COVID-19) further compound these challenges, necessitating the consideration of real-life characteristics such as patient priorities, infrastructure locations, and transportation of medical supplies with uncertain demands. To formulate the problem, we propose a multi-depot and multi-period chance-constrained optimization model with precedence constraints, assuming that the demand quantities for medical supplies are random variables. Since patients' medical conditions vary in severity, the priority of each patient is translated into a time-dependent potential healthcare cost that changes dynamically over the planning horizon. The solution to the proposed model determines the optimal locations for the base Mobile Health Facilities (MHFs) and the fleet size of HHC vehicles, and generates scheduling and routing plans to visit patients within specified time windows. We propose a unique three-phase solution approach, integrated with stochastic simulation, to address the problem. We then assess the robustness of the proposed model based on a realistic case of HHC service provision in Hong Kong and explore the optimal values for two model parameters, namely the Vehicle Threshold Index and the MHF Threshold Index. The performance evaluation tests show that the proposed solution method is efficient and effective for solving real-world problems. • A home health care problem characterized by prioritized patients and uncertain demands. • A multi-depot and multi-period chance-constrained optimization model with precedence constraints. • A three-phase solution approach, integrated with stochastic simulation, to solve the problem. • The proposed solution method shown to be efficient and effective for solving real-world problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent STAT3 (Single transducer and activator of transcription 3) activation is observed in many tumors and promotes malignant cell transformation. In the present investigation, we evaluated the anticancer effects of Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana methanol fraction (PJM) on STAT3 inhibition in HCCLM3 and MDA-MB 231 cells. PJM suppressed the activation of upstream kinases i.e. JAK-1/2 (Janus kinase-1/2), and c-Src (Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase c-Src), and upregulated the expression levels of PIAS-1/3 (Protein Inhibitor of Activated STATs-1/3), SHP-1/2 (Src-homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1/2), and PTP-1β (Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 β) which negatively regulate STAT3 signaling pathway. PJM also decreased the levels of protein products conferring to various oncogenes, which in turn repressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines. The growth inhibitory effects of PJM on cell-cycle and metastasis were correlated with decreased expression levels of CyclinD1, CyclinE, MMP-2 (Matrix metalloproteinases-2), and MMP-9 (Matrix metalloproteinases-9). Induction of apoptosis was indicated by the cleavage and subsequent activation of Caspases (Cysteine-dependent Aspartate-directed Proteases) i.e. caspase-3, 7, 8, 9, and PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) as well as through the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. These apoptotic effects of PJM were preceded by inhibition of STAT3 cell-signaling pathway. STAT3 was needed for PJM-induced apoptosis, and inhibition of STAT3 via pharmacological inhibitor (Stattic; SC-203282) abolished the apoptotic effects. Conclusively, our results demonstrate the capability of PJM to inhibit cancer cell-proliferation and induce apoptosis by suppressing STAT3 via upregulation of STAT3 inhibitors and pro-apoptotic proteins whereas the down-regulation of upstream kinases and anti-apoptotic protein expression. In future, one-step advance studies of PHM regarding its role in metastatic inhibition, immune response modulation for reducing tumor, and inducing apoptosis in suitable animal models would be an interesting and promising research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional cascaded multilevel inverter needs n DC voltage sources to give 2 n + 1 levels. As number of levels increased, the amount of switching devices, their proper related drive circuits and their controllers and other components are also increased excessively, making the inverter more complex and costly. A simple and low cost single-phase cascade multilevel inverter with no transformers can be implemented using only single-DC source with n -1 DC sources represented by capacitors and with reduced switches. So, current inverter hardware cost can be reduced abruptly as compared with conventional one. When the number of DC sources is increased, inverter output has higher harmonic content characterized by their transcendental equations that become more complicated and required more time to be solved. New technique is exhibited to find the inverter switching angles by executing modified fast recursive algorithm providing an on-line precise solution for the Harmonic Elimination (HE) problem. The suggested optimized algorithm technique have been used to find optimum switching angles necessary to eliminate any number of lowest order harmonics and maintain the desired fundamental voltage for driving an AC motor. Simulation results of cascade 7-level inverter with single-DC source under the optimized HE stepped waveform technique is used to eliminate the 3rd and 5th harmonics. Prototype design for the proposed inverter loaded by single-phase fan motor is built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the green production of H 2 through water splitting has prompted the search for solar energy harvesting materials, this still remains an ongoing challenge in the field. We report here a novel and cost-effective photocatalytic system, Co and Ni assisted CdS-NRs/g-C 3 N 4 nanohybrid, with the potential to significantly accelerate the solar-assisted water-splitting reaction. In this system, the co-catalysts (Co and Ni) are selectively incorporated as redox mediators to impart electrons and holes away from CdS-NRs/g-C 3 N 4. As a result, an excellent H 2 production rate of 11376 μmol g−1h−1, turnover number (TON) of 1945 (after 24 h), and external quantum yield (EQY) of 4.4% were obtained at 420 nm and under mild reaction conditions. In addition, when the reaction media was tested in the absence of co-catalysts, a notable decrease in activity was observed indicating the promising role of Ni and Co as cocatalysts. The process of redox shuttle proceeds without adding sacrificial reagents, and relies entirely on the employed cocatalysts to competently separate the oxidation and reduction steps. It is anticipated that this unique cocatalysts-supported nanohybrid can create a synergistic effect between the cocatalysts and the CdS-NRs/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction, providing more active sites to the catalytic system for the subsequent water splitting redox reaction. The experimental results reveal that the selective and optimum use of dual cocatalysts can be a promising approach to trigger both the production of H 2 and improve the stability of the photocatalytic system for overall water splitting. Co-catalysts supported CdS/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction to modernize the photo-assisted water splitting module through Co and Ni cooperative redox mediation strategy. Image 1 • CdS/g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure was developed following the thermolysis process. • Co-catalysts supported CdS/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen production. • Remediation of issues associated with CdS and g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts. • Redox mediation strategy to enhance water splitting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential nowadays to investigate some unique and appropriate materials for optoelectronic applications. We deliberate here for the first time, the structural, optoelectronic, mechanical, vibrational, and thermodynamical properties of hexagonal structured selenium-based ternary chalcogenides AScSe 2 (A = K, Cs) by using Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof Generalized-Gradient-Approximation (PBE-GGA). The lattice angles for these materials are found as α = β = 90° and γ = 120°. KScSe 2 is optimized with lattice parameters a = b = 4.3 (Å), c = 7.81 (Å) whereas, CsScSe 2 is relaxed at a = b = 4.43 (Å) and c = 8.51 (Å). The hybrid Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06) functional overestimates the lattice parameters to the extent that for KScSe 2 these are found as a = b = 4.92 (Å), c = 7.10 (Å) and for CsScSe 2 a = b = 5.15 (Å), c = 7.09 (Å). The energy band gap confirms the semiconducting nature of these materials. Born's criteria endorses the mechanical stability of these materials. Moreover, the temperature dependence of thermodynamic potentials and specific heat at constant volume is also determined using the harmonic approximation. The negative value of free energy ensures their thermodynamical stability. The vibrational modes are calculated by plotting the phonon dispersion and the vibrational density of states (VDOS) where infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the vibrational modes. The optical parameters are examined at a smearing value of 0.5 eV that portray good absorptivity of the incident light from the Ultraviolet (UV) region. Thus, these materials may be potential ones to be utilized for energy harvesting applications via photovoltaic. [Display omitted] • Sufficient values of energy band gap show that these materials are semiconductors. • These materials are effective incident light absorbers in the UV region. • Lowest value of free energy at 1000 K such as −2.2 eV for CsScSe 2 and -1.9 eV for KScSe 2 is noted. • Comparatively, CsScSe 2 is more stable thermodynamically. • These compounds are found dynamically stable due to the absence of negative frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a rapidly growing awareness amongst the public of facilities where the design incorporates green construction principles. This paper aims to study the quality function deployment (QFD) concept and technique when implemented in the construction industry with a particular focus on supporting green hospital design by identifying the end-user factors (concerns) that affect the design. This research develops QFD tools for green hospital designs known as the House of Quality Green Design (HOQGD). Data were collected using a questionnaire survey distributed to public and private hospital end-users in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Findings revealed that end-users perceived “safety mechanisms during emergency” as being of the utmost importance and also the feature they were most satisfied with. The other demanded qualities were at an average degree of satisfaction; however, the end-users considered that green hospital design must make efforts to maximize the use of natural light and ventilation while considering the building orientation; materials should be free from toxicity and be environmentally friendly; the landscape should be strategically designed and the facilities should increase the sense of a healing environment, and water efficient equipment should be installed. Accordingly, these were prioritized and incorporated in the developed HOQGD to inform green hospital design for both public and private facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Axially protected new mixed ligand platinum(II) complexes. • Complexes have better activity than cisplatin. • Complexes have good DNA binding and damaging potential. This article presents six new [Pt(S 2 CNR 2)Cl(PAr 3)] complexes that offer phenanthriplatin type axial protection, a feature making them more active than cisplatin against three cancer cell lines (LU, MCF7 and Hepa-1c1c7). The DNA-binding, denaturing and cleavage studies revealed that these complexes can cleave DNA through complex-DNA adduct formation. Complexes have the potential to form mono-cationic species, [Pt(S 2 CNR 2)(PAr 3)]+, as manifested by DFT and chloride substitution studies. These axially protected mono-cationic complexes may safely reach the critical target DNA arresting its replication, ultimately growth of cancer cell, through monofunctional adduct formation with DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]