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In this paper, we study quantum correlations in a Heisenberg XYZ model with the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction based on the Sharma–Mittal quantum discord and its limiting cases. The results obtained show that the Sharma–Mittal quantum discord is a faithful quantifier and that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction significantly enhances quantum correlations within the bipartite system. In contrast, temperature has the opposite effect, leading to a reduction in the quantity of quantum correlations in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water erosion in general is considered a natural danger that worsens with passing of years, and this is in the absence of human awareness and taking the necessary preventive measures to manage areas exposed to erosion. Most studies on water erosion have been subject to one framework, which is the evaluation of water erosion. This research contributed to the identification of soil erosion-prone areas in the sub-watershed of Boussellam and K'sob, Algeria, through the use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy Boolean Modeling and the Modified Global Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). A group of factors that affect soil erosion were used (Curvature, Slope, Aspect, Elevation, Rainfall Erosivity, Land use land cover, Drainage Density, K factor/Soil, Lithology, NDWI, Factor Ls, NDVI, Factor P, C Factor). Water erosion conditioning factors were integrated and erosion risk maps were extracted using the Geographic Information System. The study results, after using the RUSLE, fuzzy and AHP models, indicate areas with very high erosion risks occupied 12.91%, 12.98% and 9.49%, respectively, of the study area, and with the help of Receiver Operating Characteristics curves the risk maps were validated. Water erosion under the curve (AUC) and the results revealed that the models showed good predictive capabilities in determining soil erosion susceptibility zones with AUC values of 0.783, 0.806, and 0.644 for the AHP, fuzzy logic and RUSLE models, respectively. This study contributed to identifying the area's most vulnerable to water erosion to help decision-makers to intervene quickly and take the essential strategies to reduce this problem in the research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical teratomas are extremely rare germ cell tumours and it is much more common in newborn than adults, and in contrast to the paediatric cases adult teratomas have been highly malignant. Cervical teratoma incorporates lesions arising in the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck. This tumor can reach enormous size and cause airway obstruction and patients should be quickly treated. Surgery is the primary modality of treatment as malignant transformation can occur. Hereby, we present a case of benign teratoma of neck in adult which was completely misdiagnosed preoperatively due to its rare occurrence in adults.Even though cervical teratoma of adult is extremely rare, it should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in patient of midline cystic neck swelling. Preoperative radiological investigations requires high index of suspicion. Complete surgical resection is recommended. We believe that upper cervicotomy approach is a safe and effective method for the treatment of mature cervical teratoma with a few protruding into the superior mediastinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We considered the two-qubit Heisenberg XXZ spin chain in the presence of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya and Kaplan–Shekhtman–Entin–Wohlman–Aharony interactions in thermal equilibrium. As discord-type quantifiers of thermal non-classical correlations, we used trace distance discord and local quantum uncertainty. Depending on the thermal state of the system considered, the explicit analytical expressions of the suggested quantifiers are derived and their behaviors with respect to the various parameters of the system are examined. The results obtained showed that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya and Kaplan–Shekhtman–Entin–Wohlman–Aharony interactions considerably improve the quantum correlations contained in the bipartite system while the temperature tends to decrease their quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of aluminum-based alloys and the corrosion resistance are related to the microstructural parameters. The Al-13 wt.% Si alloy showed a smaller CTE than that of Al, due to the precipitation of a finely dispersed Si phase in the α-Al matrix. The difference of CTE and structures between Al matrix and Si particles produces a stress, thus increasing the dislocation density, while the Si particles improve the alloy hardness. The second part of this work is dedicated to the photo-electrochemical exploitation of CdS, n-type semiconductor for the cathodic protection of Al-13 wt.% Si alloy in seawater, one of the most corrosive media. The corrosion was significantly inhibited by short-circuiting the alloy to CdS irradiated by visible light (λ < 520 nm). The electrode potential of Al-13 wt.% Si is cathodically shifted under illumination, confirming the photo-electrochemical protection where the corrosion current density diminishes from 2.6 (in the dark) to 1.7 µA cm−2 under sunlight (103 mW cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adherence is a critical issue in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Approximately 40% of patients treated with CPAP are at risk of discontinuation or insufficient use (< 4 h/night). Assuming that the first few days on CPAP are critical for continued treatment, we tested the predictive value at day 14 (D14) of the Philips Adherence Profiler™ (AP) algorithm for adherence at 3 months (D90). Method: The AP™ algorithm uses CPAP machine data hosted in the database of EncoreAnywhere™. This retrospective study involved 457 patients (66% men, 60.0 ± 11.9 years; BMI = 31.2 ± 5.9 kg/m2; AHI = 37.8 ± 19.2; Epworth score = 10.0 ± 4.8) from the Pays de la Loire Sleep Cohort. At D90, 88% of the patients were adherent as defined by a mean daily CPAP use of ≥ 4 h. Results: In a univariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with CPAP adherence at D90 were older age, lower BMI, CPAP adherence (≥ 4 h/night) at D14, and AP™ prediction at D14. In a multivariate analysis, only older age (OR 2.10 [1.29–3.41], p = 0.003) and the AP™ prediction at D14 (OR 16.99 [7.26–39.75], p < 0.0001) were significant predictors. CPAP adherence at D90 was not associated with device-derived residual events, nor with the levels of pressure or leakage except in the case of very significant leakage when it persisted for 90 days. Conclusion: Automatic telemonitoring algorithms are relevant tools for early prediction of CPAP therapy adherence and may make it possible to focus therapeutic follow-up efforts on patients who are at risk of non-adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, Algeria has experienced rapid and irregular demographic growth, and this irregular change has inevitably led to periodic floods threatening human life. Urbanization, an anthropogenic cause, is rapidly evolving and has been considered as a non-negligible part in altering land use and land cover (LULC), despite the fact that precipitation characteristics are related to the climate of the region and may change over time. It is therefore essential to assess the changes in runoff as a result of LULC changes. Awareness of the relationship of rainfall and runoff is necessary for urban drainage network modeling and design. The implementation of Low-Impact Development (LID) is a popular strategy to minimize stormwater runoff and pollutant loads. In developed countries, software to estimate impacts of certain LID controls has expanded in recent years; however, readily available modeling approaches are still in high demand in developing countries, such as Algeria. In this article, we seek methods that can decrease runoff peaks and volume for the Guelma watershed located in northeast Algeria by integrating the Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) and a geographic information system (GIS). PCSWMM calibration is conducted by using the sensitivity-based radio tuning calibration tool. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) (0.70–0.88), coefficient of determination (R2) (0.76–0.96), and relative error (RE) (0.018–0.23) indicated good model performance in this urban watershed. The implementation of five LID practices, including permeable pavements, bioretentions, rain gardens, infiltration trenches, and rainwater harvesting systems, in scenarios explored could reduce peak runoff by 54.7% and reduce total runoff volume by 75.2%. The current research will assist decision-makers in improving and choosing the most appropriate LID designs that are effective in view of future climate changes and changes in LULC. This study can contribute to further applications of rainfall–runoff models in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine if recording of suprasternal pressure (SSP) can classify apneas and hypopneas as reliably as respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) belts and to compare the two methods to classification with esophageal pressure (Pes), the reference method for assessing respiratory effort. Methods: In addition to polysomnographic recordings that included Pes, SSP was recorded. Recordings from 32 patients (25 males, mean age 66.7 ± 15.3 years, and mean BMI 30.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2) were used to compare the classification of detected apneas and hypopneas by three methods of respiratory effort evaluation (Pes, RIP belts, and SSP). Signals were analyzed randomly and independently from each other. All recordings were analyzed according to AASM guidelines. Results: Using Pes as a reference for apnea characterization, the Cohen kappa (κ) was 0.93 for SSP and 0.87 for the RIP. The sensitivity/specificity of SSP was 97.0%/96.9% for obstructive, 93.9%/98.3% for central, and 94.9%/97.9% for mixed apneas. The sensitivity/specificity of the RIP was 97.4%/91.9% for obstructive, 87.5%/97.9% for central, and 85.6%/96.6% for mixed apneas. For hypopnea characterization using the Pes as a reference, κ was 0.92 for SSP and 0.86 for the RIP. The sensitivity/specificity of SSP was 99.7%/97.6% for obstructive and 97.6%/99.7% for central. The sensitivity/specificity of the RIP was 99.8%/81.1% for obstructive and 81.1%/99.8% for central. Conclusions: These results confirm the excellent agreement in the detection of respiratory effort between SSP, RIP belts, and Pes signals. Thus, we conclude that apnea and hypopnea characterization in adults with SSP is a reliable method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of tracheal sounds and nasal pressure sensor (TS-NP) allows the same detection of apneas and hypopneas as the recommended American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) method for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis, i.e., the combination of an oronasal thermistor and nasal pressure sensor (Therm-NP). Materials and methods: Polysomnographic recordings of 33 patients (6 females; mean age 52.9 ± 10.3 years; mean body mass index, BMI, 30.0 ± 5.2 kg/m2) were analyzed to compare detection of apneas by two different methods of combined airflow signals: a) Therm-NP and b) TS-NP. The two scoring methods were performed randomly and independently of each other. Respiratory event detection results and apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) obtained using Therm-NP signals as a reference were compared to those obtained by TS-NP signals. Results: The number of respiratory events scored using Therm-NP was 7268, while it was 7329 with TS-NP. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of TS-NP with respect to Therm-NP were 93.0 and 90.6, respectively. The average AHI for all patients was 29.8 ± 22.9 for Therm-NP and 30.0 ± 22.6/h for TS-NP. With the Therm-NP as a reference detection, a kappa statistic value of 0.86 for TS-NP revealed a high agreement for classifying OSA into the severity classes mild, moderate, and severe. However, 55% of total events scored by Therm-NP were hypopneas while 59% of events scored by TS-NP were apneas. Conclusion: These results show that TS-NP reliably detects the same number of respiratory events as Therm-NP, despite a difference in the apnea to hypopnea ratio between the two methods. The use of TS does not modify AHI calculations and guarantees accurate sleep apnea diagnosis and severity assessment. Thus, TS can be used as a substitute for an oronasal thermistor in sleep recording systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new metamaterial-inspired high frequency surface wave antenna is designed. An artificial magnetic conductor surface is introduced into the near field region of a vertical meander monopole antenna to improve its electromagnetic performances, where a split ring resonator-cell is selected as an artificial magnetic conductor. The return loss, the radiation pattern, the electric field distribution and efficiency are evaluated through the finite element method (FEM simulations). The designed antenna has advantages of low cost, small size, and light weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical parameters (pH, colour and texture), proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid and ash content), amino acid content, and taste profile of beef patties elaborated with soy (control), pulses (pea, lentil and bean) and microalgal (Chlorella and Spirulina) proteins were assessed. The pH, colour, ash content, total, essential and non-essential amino acids and amino acid content were significantly different among the beef patties studied. In this regard, beef patties prepared with pea protein presented the highest values for pH; whereas beef patties manufactured with pea also showed the highest values for lightness and patties elaborated with bean the highest values for redness. Similar textural parameters were observed among the six batches of beef patties manufactured. Regarding ash content, a significant higher content was observed in the beef patties prepared with soy compared to the other ones. On the other hand, the beef patties elaborated with bean and seaweeds showed the highest values for the total amino acids content. The inclusion of bean and seaweed proteins increased the concentrations of all amino acids in beef patties, being glutamic acids, lysine and aspartic acid the predominant amino acids. Regarding the taste analysis, a similar profile was found among the six batches of beef patties studied. Considering all studied parameters, beef patties elaborated with bean protein could be used as an alternative protein source respect to soy protein because of it showed a similar nutritional content and taste profile and higher amino acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a technique to suppress the surface wave propagation modes and consequently to increase the gain of a rectangular microstrip antenna fed by a coaxial probe using a new electromagnetic band gap structure (EBG). The EBG structure consists of perforated cylindrical holes periodically distributed around the perimeter of two ellipses with different radius. The antenna design and the parametric analysis of the band gap structure and their integration are carried out. The performance of the proposed antenna using a full-wave method are presented and compared to conventional microstrip antenna operating at the same frequency. Obtained results show a gain enhancement of 1.9 dB in the E-plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undoped zinc oxide and iron-doped zinc oxide thin films have been deposited by the sol-geldipcoating method. The Fe/Zn nominal volume ratio was 5% in the solution. The effects of Fe incorporation on morphological, structural, and optical properties of ZnO films were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy measurements showed that the surface morphology of the prepared thin films was affected by Fe doping. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the thin films showed that doped incorporation leads to substantial changes in the structural characteristics of ZnO thin films. The optical absorption measurements indicated a band gap in the range of 3.31 to 3.19 eV. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that Fe is incorporated in the ZnO matrix with 6.5 atomic percent (at %). The energy dispersive spectroscopy studies indicated the formation of ZnO with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to have a user-friendly, noninvasive bedside procedure at our disposal in order to study swallowing and swallowing disorders in the elderly in view of the frailty of this age group. In the present work, respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) is proposed as an appropriate clinical tool for such studies. An automated process for the detection of swallowing is used involving the derivative of the respiratory volume signal. The accuracy of the automated detection is given by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and is found to be greater than 0.9. At the optimal threshold, RIP constitutes a reliable and objective bedside clinical tool for studying swallowing in the elderly, as well as being user-friendly and noninvasive. In addition, RIP can be used to monitor swallowing in order to analyze swallowing disorders and put in place medical supervision of swallowing for individuals who might aspirate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were obtained against the surface antigens of the Eimeria falciformis sporozoite by immunizing mice with whole homogenized sporozoite. The hybridomas were selected by their reactivities against oocyst extracts, then against glutaraldehyde-treated sporozoites. Three mAbs recognized both the surface of E. falciformis, E. tenella, and E. acervulina and their refractile bodies, whereas a fourth mAb recognized only one epitope on the refractile bodies. All mAbs bound to the same immunoaffinity-purified antigens in Western-blot analysis (P27 for E. falciformis and P25 for E. tenella and E. acervulina). Thus, the mAbs define at least two shared epitopes between sporozoite antigens from different eimerian species. Two of these mAbs are involved in the in vitro phagocytosis of E. falciformis sporozoites by macrophages and also in their lysis by neutrophils. Altogether, these properties showed that the four mAbs came from different activated B-cells. The P27 antigen recognized by our mAbs represents a major target of the in vitro destructive immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical analysis approaches have been developed to predict the biological response to nanoparticles, especially quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. But one major limitation remains the quantitative lack of data to build accurate models. The aim of this study was to investigate if simple alternative mathematical models could rank nanoparticles in a very binary way (i.e., toxic or not) in case of small dataset. We synthesized and characterized 25 nanoparticles from 6 metal (hydr)oxide families with particle size and shape tuning. We assessed their toxicity on RAW 264.7 cells and investigated relationships with both physicochemical and dimensional descriptors. A simple partial least square (PLS) regression analysis allowed ranking nanoparticles with respect to their toxicity, without false-negative results. But this model was not predictive due to the specific response of each family to dimensional parameters variations. A classification tree extracted the same main bulk descriptor as PLS, but interestingly showed the relevance of dimensional descriptors for the second and third node. We thus recommend the development of family-specific models and propose the combination of these two simple methods as pre-screening tools, a compromise to bridge the gap between case-by-case studies (expensive and time-consuming) and sophisticated nano-QSAR models (not suitable for small datasets). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]