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The Doppler beaming effect, induced by the reflex motion of stars, introduces flux modulations and serves as an efficient method to photometrically determine mass functions for a large number of close binary systems, particularly those involving compact objects. In order to convert observed beaming-flux variations into a radial-velocity curve, precise determination of the beaming factor is essential. Previously, this factor was calculated as a constant, assuming a power-law profile for stellar spectra. In this study, we present a novel approach to directly compute this factor. Our new method not only simplifies the computation, especially for blue bands and cool stars, but also enables us to evaluate whether the relationship between beaming flux and radial velocity can be accurately described as linear. We develop a Python code and compute a comprehensive beaming-factor table for commonly used filter systems covering main-sequence, subgiant, and giant stars, as well as hot subdwarf and white dwarf stars. Both the code and our table are archived and publicly available on Zenodo: doi:10.5281/zenodo.13049419. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Clinical Significance This study evaluated the completeness and accuracy of information in LCU instruction manuals from 40 manufacturers.Instruction manuals from 40 LCUs (20 from leading manufacturers and 20 budget units) were reviewed. Twenty‐eight parameters across five categories were assessed using a binary scale (0=incorrect/missing, 1=correct). The categories and their respective evaluation scores were: LCU characteristics (43%), instructions for use (7%), safety precautions (14%), maintenance recommendations (29%), and regulatory certification (7%). These scores were combined to produce a final score.Scores from leading manufacturers ranged between 46‐86%, while the budget category ranged from 18‐68%. All manuals provided information about the wavelength/spectrum of the LCU. Only Valo X and Valo Cordless reported power values and used the term “irradiance” instead of “intensity.” Details such as LED type and active tip emission area were often missing. Instructions on how to use the LCU to photo‐cure resins were frequently limited. Although most manuals addressed safety precautions, several lacked details on heat issues and general health precautions. All manuals included maintenance instructions, though information on replacement parts was often missing. Among the LCUs, 85% stated they were CE certified, 32% held both FDA and CE certification, and 63% claimed compliance with ISO and/or IEC standards.There were notable differences in the completeness and accuracy of the instruction manuals. Manuals from major manufacturers generally provided more comprehensive information than their budget counterparts.Instruction manuals should contain accurate information to help clinicians deliver the highest standard of care. The lack of important information about the LCUs in the manuals is concerning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health policymaking is a critical aspect of governmental decision-making that shapes the well-being of populations. In the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Kuwait, limited attention has been given to exploring the research capacities, engagement, and utilization among health policymakers. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating how Kuwaiti health policymakers incorporate evidence-based research into the formulation of health-related policies. Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted health policymakers in leadership positions within the Kuwait Ministry of Health (MOH). Using the Seeking, Engaging with and Evaluating Research (SEER) questionnaire, participants' capacities, engagement, and use of research were assessed. The targeted sample was all health policymakers in leadership positions, starting from the head of departments and above. The questionnaire comprises four domains, 14 sections, and 50 questions and utilizes Likert and binary scales, with aggregate scores predicting engagement actions and research use. The data were collected between March and July 2023. All the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v27, and the numerical and categorical variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, including t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation. Results: Out of 205 policymakers, 88 participated (42.9% response rate): predominantly male (51.1%) and married (78.4%). The mean age was 49.84 ± 7.28 years, with a mean MOH tenure of 24.39 ± 6.80 years. Participants demonstrated high value for research (mean score 4.29 ± 0.55) and expressed confidence in the research utilization. Organizational emphasis on research use exhibited nuanced perceptions, identifying areas where MOH support may be lacking. Access to research resources and processes for policy development guidance were highlighted as challenges. Conclusions: This study provides crucial insights into the research capacities and engagement of Kuwaiti health policymakers. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to align individual perceptions with organizational expectations, address confidence disparities, and enhance collaborative efforts. Organizational investments are crucial for fostering a dynamic research ecosystem to improve evidence-based policy development in Kuwait's healthcare landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut production in the Pacific Islands is threatened by coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). Distinctive feeding damage caused by adults is often the first indicator of CRB activity in a new location. Multiple approaches to damage assessment have been used, reflecting observers' experience. The lack of standardisation makes it difficult to compare CRB impacts on coconut palms over time. We examine damage assessment from three perspectives: participants, power and purpose. Participants applied binary, 3-point and 5-point damage scales consecutively to photographs of damaged palms. Participant responses were more accurate using the binary scale compared with the 5-point scale. Experience with CRB improved accuracy, but this did not wholly compensate for the effect of scale complexity. Calculations of statistical power determined minimum sample sizes to detect a 20% change in palm damage was 50 palms for the binary scale, 150 palms for the 3-point scale and > 200 palms for the 5-point scale, when the change in damage was spread across damage categories. More complex damage scales did not increase the likelihood of detecting significant changes in palm damage. With real-world examples, including detecting new outbreaks and managing established populations, recommendations were developed to standardise damage assessment for CRB on coconut palms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agreement studies often involve more than two raters or repeated measurements. In the presence of two raters, the proportion of agreement and of positive agreement are simple and popular agreement measures for binary scales. These measures were generalized to agreement studies involving more than two raters with statistical inference procedures proposed on an empirical basis. We present two alternatives. The first is a Wald confidence interval using standard errors obtained by the delta method. The second involves Bayesian statistical inference not requiring any specific Bayesian software. These new procedures show better statistical behaviour than the confidence intervals initially proposed. In addition, we provide analytical formulas to determine the minimum number of persons needed for a given number of raters when planning an agreement study. All methods are implemented in the R package simpleagree and the Shiny app simpleagree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely employed screening tool for the severity of cognitive impairment. Among the MMSE items, the pentagon copying test (PCT) requires participants to accurately replicate a sample of two interlocking pentagons. While the PCT is traditionally scored on a binary scale, there have been limited developments of granular scoring scale to assess task performance. In this paper, we present a novel three-stage algorithm, called Quantification of Interlocking Pentagons (QIP) which quantifies PCT performance by computing the areas of individual pentagons and their intersection areas, and a balance ratio between the areas of the two individual pentagons. The three stages of the QIP algorithm include: (1) detection of line segments, (2) unraveling of the interlocking pentagons, and (3) quantification of areas. A set of 497 PCTs from 84 participants including their baseline and follow-up PCTs from the Rush Memory and Aging Project was selected blinded about their cognitive and clinical status. Analysis of the quantified data revealed a significant inverse relationship between age and balance ratio (beta = − 0.49, p = 0.0033), indicating that older age was associated with a smaller balance ratio. In addition, balance ratio was associated with perceptual speed (r = 0.71, p = 0.0135), vascular risk factors (beta = − 3.96, p = 0.0269), and medical conditions (beta = − 2.78, p = 0.0389). The QIP algorithm can serve as a useful tool for enhancing the scoring of performance in the PCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the orbital period variation of short-period binary systems has been important to understand several physical phenomena, such as the emission of gravitational waves, angular momentum loss via magnetic braking, matter transfer between the components, apsidal motion, quadrupole moment variation, and presence of circumbinary bodies. With the advent of large space missions, e.g. Kepler and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an enormous amount of high-precision photometric data with temporal coverage from years to decades has become available. Thus, in this work, we propose to study the orbital period variation of a sample of 253 binary that was observed by both Kepler and TESS and therefore with a temporal coverage of more than 10 yr. The main goal of this paper is the search and characterization of third bodies. Based on the periodicity analysis of the observed minus calculated (O − C) diagram of the sample, 75 of them showed periodic variation and therefore were classified as binary systems with third-body candidates, while the remaining 178 did not show periodic variations. This result is a two-fold increase in tertiary candidates around binary systems compared to the study carried out with only Kepler data. Although our estimated rate of third-body candidates (∼30 per cent) is higher than that obtained only with Kepler data (∼20 per cent), it should be taken as a lower limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase equilibria in the Al-Ta-V ternary system at 1000 °C and 1200 °C have been studied by using electron probe microanalysis and x-ray diffraction. τ-Al2.9Ta2.7V1.4 phase was found in the Al-Ta-V ternary system in both isothermal sections. The addition of V stabilizes the Al69Ta39 phase at 1000 °C. The line compound Al3(V,Ta) (D022-type) forms a continuous phase region from the Al-V side to the Al-Ta side at the two temperatures. Based on our experimental results, reported liquidus projection of the ternary Al-Ta-V system and thermodynamic data of the binary systems of Al-V, Al-Ta and V-Ta, a thermodynamic evaluation of Al-Ta-V system was carried out by CALPHAD method. A set of reliable thermodynamic parameters for the Al-Ta-V system was obtained. The current calculation results agree well with the available experimental data. The invariant reaction scheme of Al-Ta-V ternary system was presented. The present study could provide essential experimental and thermodynamic data for establishing a comprehensive Co-based superalloy database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binary number system is the basic number representation in computing. We can encode natural numbers with finite 0-1 sequences. The representation of natural numbers is based on this system. However, this poses problems and is technically not perfect. Several attempts have been made to handle integers (signed numbers). We mention only two: the balanced triple number system and the number system with base − 2 . Our paper introduces new possibilities. We also shed light on the graph theoretical background of the new number systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, explores the impact of microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) on vestibulopathy, a form of vestibular dysfunction. The study found that immediate postoperative vestibulopathy is common in patients undergoing microsurgery, but it has received less attention compared to facial nerve and hearing outcomes. The literature review revealed that most patients experience persistent vestibulopathy following microsurgery, with vertigo significantly impacting their quality of life. Female sex was found to be associated with worse compensation postoperatively. The study also suggests that postoperative vestibular rehabilitation may improve symptoms of vestibulopathy. However, there is limited evidence on the ability to improve pre-existing vestibulopathy with microsurgery. Overall, the article highlights the importance of understanding the effects of microsurgery on vestibulopathy for shared decision-making with patients considering this treatment option. [Extracted from the article]

This paper examines the Italian folk concept of bella figura in the framework of politeness-theories and the various binary conceptions it provides for explaining the nature of human communication. BF is a culture-specific understanding of self-projection in everyday discourse: It is both, a cognitive concept concerning the "beautiful" embodiment of self, and a performative concept concerning the active "figuring out" of a bella figura in order to avoid its contrary, the brutta figura. Thus, the figura-concept represents a pragmatic principle for acting in line with socially accepted norms setting out a reference frame for judging social endeavours according to a culture-inherent value system. Accordingly, affinities can be assumed between the figura-concept and the sociopragmatic core notions 'face' and 'politeness'. A comparison of the figura-concept with the respective first- and second-order conceptions of the two, reflects a cultural version of 'impression management' conceiving an image of self which coincides with Goffman's, but not at all with Brown and Levinson's face-concept. This makes it difficult to identify figura in relation to politeness. Connections and disconnections are discussed alongside the paradigmatic binary scales and the positive/negative value-attributes. Finally, the findings are verified by comparing the use of the respective expressions as evaluation tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Last train timetable plays an important role in actual operation of metro systems, especially in big cities. Appreciable transfer passengers rely on last train connections to reach their destinations, which requires a coordinated last train timetable. This study is devoted to dealing with the last train timetabling problem in metro networks, and proposes an integer linear programing model to coordinate last train connections at transfer stations to improve the transfer accessibility in terms of served transfer passengers and effective last train connections. Several measures at the planning level are used to guarantee feasibility of the optimized last train timetable when applied in practice. Then, the schedule-based transfer network and pre-process method are presented to shrink the scale of binary variables, which can expedite the solution process when solving problems in large-scale networks. Finally, some experiments based on the Qingdao metro network are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the timetabling method, and results show that dwell time and service ending time have direct influence on network accessibility. Comparison analyses show that the proposed model is able to generate a coordinated enough last train timetable with higher transfer accessibility and better practicality, which can provide support for operators to improve the last train service in a metro network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable utilization of Sc2O3-containing metallurgical slag has attracted great interest in industries and the academic community in recent years. As the primary subsystem, the CaO-SiO2-Sc2O3 ternary system plays an essential role in recovering Sc2O3 from metallurgical slag. However, few thermodynamic data have been reported for Sc2O3-containing metallurgical slag systems, which greatly limits the sustainable utilization of Sc2O3. Therefore, based on the current phase diagram, thermodynamic and crystal structure data, the thermodynamic modeling of the CaO-SiO2, CaO-Sc2O3, and SiO2-Sc2O3 binary systems and CaO-SiO2-Sc2O3 ternary system. The thermodynamic parameters of CaO-SiO2-Sc2O3 system over the whole composition range are optimized with computer coupling of phase diagrams and thermochemistry approach. The modified quasi-chemical model and polynomial expansions of the excess Gibbs energy were used to simulate the liquid slag and solid solution, respectively. The solid phases are treated as stoichiometric compounds. A thermodynamic description of the CaO-SiO2-Sc2O3 ternary system and its Sc2O3-containing binary subsystem was given. The optimized phase diagram of the CaO-SiO2-Sc2O3 ternary system is in good agreement with the experimental data. The thermodynamic database generated in this study can be used to predict the high-temperature metallurgical recovery of Sc2O3 from calcia- and silica-containing slags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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UV-C light technology is used extensively for drinking water treatment but has yet to become popularized in fresh produce production in the central United States. Thus, it is imperative to investigate the major drivers for UV-C adoption (or lack thereof) by produce growers. A survey instrument was designed to determine factors that most impact the attitudes of fresh produce growers (n = 82) in Kansas and Missouri toward the adoption of UV-C technology for agricultural water treatment. Grower knowledge of UV-C light was measured by using five close-ended constructs evaluated on a binary scale (where 1 = correct; 0 = incorrect). An overall attitude score was calculated from eight constructs by using a 5-point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree). The data indicated a large variation in grower knowledge of UV-C (mean = 2.61; standard deviation = 1.32). Stepwise regression (n = 62) revealed that the overall attitudes were most influenced by grower knowledge of UV-C (P < 0.0001), farm size (P = 0.0199), farm income (P = 0.1047), and state (P = 0.1237). Growers perceived cost (27 of 81, 33.3%) and technical skills (25 of 81, 30.9%) as major barriers to UV-C light implementation, and 34.6% (28 of 81) felt the technology was not appropriate for their operation. These data improve the current understanding of different factors that could impact produce grower adoption of UV-C technologies for agricultural water decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed the first photometric study of the CSS J003106.8+313347 W Ursae Majoris (WUMa)-type system based on ground-based observations. We extracted times of minima from our observations and proposed a linear ephemeris based on the increasing incline of the orbital period using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. The PHOEBE Python code and the MCMC approach were used for the light curve analysis. This system did not need starspots for the light curve analysis. Mass ratio, fillout factor, and inclination were obtained as 0.699, 0.322, and 60°.6 respectively. We also estimated the absolute parameters of the system using the Gaia DR3 parallax. Therefore, the masses, radii, and luminosities have been determined to be M1 = 1.675, M2 = 1.171, R1 = 1.292, R2 = 1.097, L1 = 1.348, and L2 = 1.221. The orbital angular momentum J0 of the CSS J003106.8+313347 illustrates that this system is located in a region of contact binaries. The positions of the primary and secondary components on the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram are depicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two of the most important variables in coaching and goal attainment are (goal attainment) expectancy and (goal) commitment. The present study examined how these variables relate to age, gender and solution-focused scaling. 130 participants -- randomly assigned to a binary or scaling condition -- were asked to identify an aspect of their lives with which they were dissatisfied. In the binary condition, participants indicated whether they were succeeding in the area that they had identified. In the scaling condition, participants rated the amount of success that they were having on a scale. Dependent variables were expectancy and commitment. Results indicated that age was negatively associated with expectancy (especially amongst males), whilst expectancy was positively associated with commitment. Scaling apparently did not enhance expectancy or commitment but scaling scores did predict expectancy. Amongst participants under the age of 30, females had lower expectancy than males. Results have important implications for coaching psychologists. Coaches would do well to consider clients' age and gender when working on expectancy. In addition, if clients can be led to consider current performance as (at least partially) successful then they may be more likely to expect further success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermodynamic description for the Fe-Nd-B-Cr quaternary system has been developed on the basis of six constituent binary systems and four critical ternary systems using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) method, which is based on the fact that a phase diagram is a representation of the thermodynamic properties of a system. The Fe-B binary system is modified, and Fe-Nd-Cr and Fe-Cr-B ternary systems are thermodynamically reassessed in order to obtain more reasonable thermodynamic parameters and more accurate phase relations. The assessment results for the Fe-Nd-Cr and Fe-Cr-B ternary systems are in good agreement with the available experimental phase relations, including the liquidus surface projection and the vertical sections, while for the other two ternary systems, the B-Nd-Cr and the Fe-Nd-B systems, the thermodynamic parameters are mainly adopted from optimization results reported in the literature, with slight modifications for the compatibility of all the constituent binary systems. Based on the metastable experimental information, a reasonable, self-consistent, and comprehensive thermodynamic description of the Fe-Nd-B-Cr quaternary system is developed, which is of interest for electronic and magnet materials. The developed thermodynamic description can be further extended as a thermodynamic database for permanent magnet alloy design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy uses multiple converging high-energy ultrasonic beams to produce thermal lesions in the thalamus. Early postoperative MR imaging demonstrates the location and extent of the lesion, but there is no consensus on the utility or frequency of postoperative imaging. We aimed to evaluate the evolution of MRgFUS lesions and describe the incidence, predictors, and clinical effects of lesion persistence in a large patient cohort. Methods: A total of 215 unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy procedures for essential tremor (ET) by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had MR imaging 1 day postoperatively; 106 had imaging at 3 months and 32 had imaging at 1 year. Thin cut (2 mm) axial and coronal T2-weighted MRIs at these timepoints were analyzed visually on a binary scale for lesion presence and when visible, lesion volumes were measured. SWI and DWI sequences were also analyzed when available. Clinical outcomes including tremor scores and side effects were recorded at these same time points. We analyzed if patient characteristics (age, skull density ratio), preoperative tremor score, and sonication parameters influenced lesion evolution and if imaging characteristics correlated with clinical outcomes. Results: Visible lesions were present in all patients 1 day post-MRgFUS and measured 307.4 ± 128.7 mm3. At 3 months, residual lesions (excluding patients where lesions were not visible) were 83.6% smaller and detectable in only 54.7% of patients (n = 58). At 1 year, residual lesions were detected in 50.0% of patients (n = 16) and were 90.7% smaller than 24 h and 46.5% smaller than 3 months. Lesions were more frequently visible on SWI (100%, n = 17), DWI (n = 38, 97.4%) and ADC (n = 36, 92.3%). At 3 months, fewer treatment sonications, higher maximum power, and greater distance between individual sonications led to larger lesion volumes. Volume at 24 h did not predict if a lesion was visible later. Lesion visibility at 3 months predicted sensory side effects but was not correlated with tremor outcomes. Discussion: Overall, lesions are visible on T2-weighted MRI in about half of patients at both 3 months and 1 year post-MRgFUS thalamotomy. Certain sonication parameters significantly predicted persistent volume, but residual lesions did not correlate with tremor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article carries out the temperature-dependent study of the band structures of bulk binaries such as AlAs, GaAs, InAs, and InP grown on different substrates thus showing the combined effect of substrate and temperature on the bandgaps of the binary systems under study. For the calculations of the band structures of the binary systems grown on different substrates, the k.p technique has been used. The results have been analyzed successfully. For all the binaries, it has been found that the bandgap is reduced with increasing temperature but the rate of reduction with temperature is different for dissimilar substrates. The outcomes of the calculations for the band structures of binaries grown on lattice-matched and unmatched substrates are very useful for understanding of device performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the new public version of the ketju supermassive black hole (SMBH) dynamics module, as implemented into gadget-4. ketju adds a small region around each SMBH where the dynamics of the SMBHs and stellar particles are integrated using an algorithmically regularized integrator instead of the leapfrog integrator with gravitational softening used by gadget-4. This enables modelling SMBHs as point particles even during close interactions with stellar particles or other SMBHs, effectively removing the spatial resolution limitation caused by gravitational softening. ketju also includes post-Newtonian (PN) corrections, which allows following the dynamics of SMBH binaries to sub-parsec scales and down to tens of Schwarzschild radii. Systems with multiple SMBHs are also supported, with the code also including the leading non-linear cross terms that appear in the PN equations for such systems. We present tests of the code showing that it correctly captures, at sufficient mass resolution, the sinking driven by dynamical friction and binary hardening driven by stellar scattering. We also present an example application demonstrating how the code can be applied to study the dynamics of SMBHs in mergers of multiple galaxies and the effect they have on the properties of the surrounding galaxy. We expect that the presented ketju SMBH dynamics module can also be straightforwardly incorporated into other codes similar to gadget-4 , which would allow coupling small-scale SMBH dynamics to the rich variety of galactic physics models that exist in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are increasing concerns regarding resident autonomy in the context of efficiency, legal ramifications, patient expectations and patient safety. However, autonomy is necessary to develop competent, independent surgeons. Therefore, educational paradigms that maximize opportunities for entrustability without sacrificing patient safety are necessary to ensure adequate training for surgeons. This is a prospective, qualitative study of intraoperative role reversal between surgeons and residents. Using Likert scales and binary questions, preintervention and postintervention surveys were collected, evaluating variables including intraoperative learning, decision making, communication, confidence, autonomy and opportunity for safe struggle. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze results and compare responses between training years. Thirty-six general surgery residents comprising post-graduate year 1, 2, 4, and 5 acted as primary surgeon in a total of 36 cases. Preoperative knowledge scores were significantly higher in more senior residents (P < 0.001), but all residents had significant improvement in knowledge scores postoperatively (P < 0.001). The knowledge improvement was quantitatively larger for junior versus senior residents. Intraoperative decision making significantly improved after the intervention for all training levels (P < 0.001). 25 intraoperative "rescues" were performed by faculty for failure to progress or unsafe conditions (23 for junior residents, 2 for senior residents). Residents indicated that this intraoperative role reversal improved preparation, confidence, autonomy, and intraoperative communication. Intraoperative role reversal between residents and surgeons provides a safe opportunity for maximizing learning and increasing entrustability under direct supervision. • Structured autonomy improves knowledge, confidence, and operative autonomy. • Role reversal provides a safe learning challenge to improve operative progression. • Explicit role definitions may be helpful in promoting progressive operative autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study two new classes of spaces, called binary g*-pre regular and binary g*-pre normal spaces. Some basic properties of these separation axioms are studied by utilizing binary g*-pre closed and binary g*-pre open sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This systematic review examined the detection of the posterior superior alveolar artery, along with various anatomic characteristics, on cone-beam computed tomography images. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified electronically through the Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using a 5-item binary scale. The detection rate, location, and classified diameter of the posterior superior alveolar artery were estimated as prevalence values. The diameter of this artery, as well as the distances from the artery to the alveolar crest and sinus floor, were estimated as means with associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: Thirty-seven studies were enrolled, with 34 of these included in the meta-analysis. The mean detection rate was 79% (range: 72%-84%), and the mean diameter was 1.06±0.05 mm (range: 0.96-1.16 mm). The posterior superior alveolar artery was located intraosseously in 64% of cases. The mean distance of the artery from the alveolar crest was 16.71±0.49 mm (range: 15.75-17.68 mm), while the mean distance from the artery to the sinus floor was 8.85±0.4 mm (range: 8.05-9.64 mm). Conclusion: According to the findings of this meta-analysis regarding various anatomic characteristics of the posterior superior alveolar artery, severe hemorrhage after damage to this artery during sinus augmentation procedures is not a substantial clinical problem [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides being one of the fastest growing platforms since entering the social media fray in 2016, TikTok is notably monopolized by teenagers, which makes it a veritable source of information not to be overlooked by gerontologists. Currently, most studies regarding age stereotypes on social media have examined content on Twitter and Facebook. Our study explores how older adults are portrayed on TikTok and the factors associated with these portrayals. We analyzed 673 videos with the hashtags #Boomer and/or #OkBoomer that received over 5.4 billion views and categorized them into nine topics. Five of these topics (e.g., 'Warmth/Coldness') were extracted from previous studies on age stereotypes. The remaining four topics were unique to our dataset (e.g., 'Wealth Gap'). The outcome variable was 'Negative Age Stereotypes' which was rated on a binary scale. One in two videos about older adults featured negative content. As hypothesized, videos containing negative age stereotypes were more likely to be about the 'Values and Beliefs of Older Adults' (7 times), 'Negative Encounters with Older Adults' (8 times) or 'Older Adults Antagonizing the Young' (13 times). Conversely, videos which portrayed older adults as 'Warm' were 43% less likely to contain negative stereotypes. As the phenomenon of an aging population fast unfolds, it is imperative that society relinquishes its tendency to stereotype individuals on the grounds of age. By examining the possible mechanisms driving negative stereotypes of older adults on TikTok, our study provides the basis upon which such stereotypes can be counteracted. In doing so, it paves the way both to improve the well-being of older persons and to foster intergenerational solidarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction energy parameters of the Nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) equation for the Bi–Se, Pb–Se, Sb–Se, and Tl–Se binary systems were determined. The difference in the goodness of fit between the systems was discussed for each system. The activities of components at corresponding temperatures for the four binary systems were calculated and discussed using the NRTL equation. The mixing enthalpies and Gibbs free energies of these systems were obtained. The calculations for the four binary systems are in agreement with the experimental data from the literature. It shows that the NRTL equation is reasonable and accurate based on the concept of local composition and two-fluid theory, especially for binary systems containing liquid–liquid equilibria. The results we obtained using the NRTL equation can be very useful in performing vacuum experiments for crude selenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the result of the quadratic-in-spin interaction Hamiltonian for binary systems of rotating compact objects with generic spins, up to N3LO corrections within the post-Newtonian expansion. The calculation is performed by employing the effective field theory diagrammatic approach, and it involves Feynman integrals up to three loops, evaluated within the dimensional regularization scheme. The gauge-invariant binding energy and the scattering angle, in special kinematic regimes and spin configurations, are explicitly derived. The results extend our earlier study on the spin-orbit interaction effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adders are the vital arithmetic operation for any arithmetic operations like multiplication, subtraction, and division. Binary number additions are performed by the digital circuit known as the adder. In VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), the full adder is a basic component as it plays a major role in designing the integrated circuits applications. To minimize the power, various adder designs are implemented and each implemented designs undergo defined drawbacks. The designed adder requires high power when the driving capability is perfect and requires low power when the delay occurred is more. To overcome such issues and to obtain better performance, a novel parallel adder is proposed. The design of adder is initiated with 1 bit and has been extended up to 32 bits so as verify its scalability. This proposed novel parallel adder is attained from the carry look-ahead adder. The merits of this suggested adder are better speed, power consumption and delay, and the capability in driving. Thus designed adders are verified for different supply, delay, power, leakage and its performance is found to be superior to competitive Manchester Carry Chain Adder (MCCA), Carry Look Ahead Adder (CLAA), Carry Select Adder (CSLA), Carry Select Adder (CSA) and other adders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin contributions to the correction of the perihelion precession of binary systems, as a follow up to our previous paper, are obtained for systems such as the OJ287 system, which has a large discrepancy not satisfied by the Schwarzschild metric. In a previous paper, they use the Kerr metric to work out the spin contributions in addition to their previous formulation to make up for this discrepancy. In our method we use the de Sitter and Lense-Thirring precession, along with our alternate correction to the perihelion precession in our previous paper, for the inclusion of spin contributions for binary systems. With the addition of spin contributions, we obtain a theoretical value of 40.3 degrees for the total perihelion precession angle correction of the OJ287 system, very close to the observed value of 39.1 ± 0.1. We also obtain values for two other systems, such as the Sagittarius A*-S2, which also has a slight discrepancy, to test for consistency. We find that our methods are in close agreement with observed value of these binary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Au-Sb-Sn ternary system are important for the design of Au-based alloys as high-temperature lead-free solders to replace high-Pb solders. In this work, phase transition temperatures of five Sb-Sn alloys were measured using differential thermal analysis (DTA), and the temperatures of three invariant reactions were determined. Based on the measured experimental results in this work and the reported results, the Sb-Sn binary system was re-optimized using the CALPHAD method. The calculated results were in good agreement with available phase equilibria and thermodynamic data. This work was further combined with the previous assessments of the Au-Sn and Au-Sb binary systems and the present optimization of the Sb-Sn binary system to calculate the phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Au-Sb-Sn ternary system, according to the reported experimental results, including thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria. The calculated liquidus projection, isothermal sections, vertical sections, as well as enthalpy of mixing and activity of Sn in liquid alloys are consistent well with the reported experimental results. A self-consistent set of thermodynamic parameters was obtained to accurately describe Gibbs energies of various phases in the Au-Sb-Sn ternary system, which would serve as a sound basis for developing a thermodynamic database of multicomponent Au-Sn-based alloy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive theory exists regarding population sex ratio evolution that predicts equal sex ratio (when parental investment is equal). In most animals, sex chromosomes determine the sex of offspring, and this fixed genotype for sex has made theory difficult to test since genotypic variance for the trait (sex) is lacking. It has long been argued that the genotype has become fixed in most animals due to the strong selection for equal sex ratios. The marine copepod Tigriopus californicus has no sex chromosomes, multiple genes affecting female brood sex ratio, and a brood sex ratio that responds to selection. The species thus provides an opportune system in which to test established sex ratio theory. In this paper, we further our exploration of polygenic sex determination in T. californicus using an incomplete diallel crossing design for analysis of the variance components of sex determination in the species. Our data confirm the presence of extra‐binomial variance for sex, further confirming that sex is not determined through simple Mendelian trait inheritance. In addition, our crosses and backcrosses of isofemale lines selected for biased brood sex ratios show intermediate phenotypic means, as expected if sex is a threshold trait determined by an underlying "liability" trait controlled by many genes of small effects. Furthermore, crosses between families from the same selection line had similar increases in phenotypic variance as crosses between families from different selection lines, suggesting families from artificial selection lines responded to selection pressure through different underlying genetic bases. Finally, we estimate heritability of an individual to be male or female on the observed binary scale as 0.09 (95% CI: 0.034–0.14). This work furthers our accumulating evidence for polygenic sex determination in T. californicus laying the foundation for this as a model species in future studies of sex ratio evolution theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of the W± bosons measured in p–Pb collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon–nucleon collision s NN = 8.16 TeV and Pb–Pb collisions at s NN = 5.02 TeV with ALICE at the LHC is presented. The W± bosons are measured via their muonic decay channel, with the muon reconstructed in the pseudorapidity region −4 < η lab μ < −2.5 with transverse momentum p T μ > 10 GeV/c. While in Pb–Pb collisions the measurements are performed in the forward (2.5 < y cms μ < 4) rapidity region, in p–Pb collisions, where the centre-of-mass frame is boosted with respect to the laboratory frame, the measurements are performed in the backward (−4.46 < y cms μ < −2.96) and forward (2.03 < y cms μ < 3.53) rapidity regions. The W− and W+ production cross sections, lepton-charge asymmetry, and nuclear modification factors are evaluated as a function of the muon rapidity. In order to study the production as a function of the p–Pb collision centrality, the production cross sections of the W− and W+ bosons are combined and normalised to the average number of binary nucleon–nucleon collision 〈Ncoll〉. In Pb–Pb collisions, the same measurements are presented as a function of the collision centrality. Study of the binary scaling of the W±-boson cross sections in p–Pb and Pb–Pb collisions is also reported. The results are compared with perturbative QCD calculations, with and without nuclear modifications of the Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs), as well as with available data at the LHC. Significant deviations from the theory expectations are found in the two collision systems, indicating that the measurements can provide additional constraints for the determination of nuclear PDFs and in particular of the light-quark distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we will define some new class of locally closed sets called binary α-locally closed sets, binary α-lc*, binary α-lc*, binary α-dense and binary a-submaximal in binary topological spaces and study some of their characterizations and properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration dependence of linear viscoelastic properties of polymer solutions is a well-studied topic in polymer physics. Dynamic scaling theories allow qualitative predictions of polymer solution rheology, but quantitative predictions are still limited to model polymers. Meanwhile, the scaling properties of non-model polymer solutions must be determined experimentally. In present paper, the time–concentration superposition (TCS) of experimental data is shown to be a robust procedure for studying the concentration scaling properties of binary and ternary polymer solutions. TCS can not only identify whether power law scaling may exist or not, and over which concentration range, but also unambiguously estimate the concentration scaling exponents of linear viscoelastic properties for a range of non-model polymer solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to identify the prevalence of parafunctional habits and common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in young individuals reporting to the Watim Dental College Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out by a survey and clinical examination over a period of six months from September 2021 to February 2022. Data from 103 patients, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination regarding their parafunctional habits and temporomandibular joint symptoms. Informed consent was filled out by all the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. A descriptive analysis was calculated for both quantitative and qualitative variables. Results: The prevalence of oral parafunctional habits among the study sample was quantified on a binary scale (yes/no) where nail-biting was observed to be highly prevalent (38%), followed by mouth breathing (27%). The most frequently reported temporomandibular joint symptom was noise (clicking or crepitation) which was 66%. Difficulty in mouth opening was the least common (20%) of all the symptoms noted. Conclusion: It may be concluded from our study that amongst parafunctional habits nail biting is the most common habit amongst young individuals and amongst the temporomandibular joint disorder clicking and crepitation is the most common symptom persistent with the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative analysis of semi-empirical methods based on the Kohler, Bonnier, and Toop models for predicting the surface tension (ST) of ternary systems has been performed. Surface tension–concentration dependence calculations have been carried out in the indium–tin–lead and indium–tin–gallium systems. The ternary indium–tin–lead system is characterized by the fact that the excess surface tension isotherms of all the side binary melts are symmetrically shaped with respect to the equimolar composition, and such systems are called symmetric. In the ternary indium–tin–gallium system, the excessive surface tension isotherms of side binary indium–gallium and tin–gallium systems have pronounced asymmetry with respect to the equimolar composition, and such systems are called asymmetric. It has been shown that a method based on the Kohler model rather precisely describes the concentration dependence of the surface tension of symmetric ternary systems. However, this method does not predict the concentration dependence of the surface tension of asymmetric systems. It has been revealed that the Bonnier and Toop models can predict the surface tension–concentration dependence for asymmetric ternary systems with strong asymmetry in the excess surface tension isotherms of two side binary systems independently of the degree of complexity in these isotherms within overall error of experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is the processes of managing the consumption of anti-icing materials during the winter maintenance of highways. The main hypothesis of the research is the application of mathematical modelling methods to optimize the consumption of anti-icing materials. The study considered the factors that affect the use of both individual types and anti-icing materials as a whole. It was determined that the temperature of the road surface and the selected winter maintenance strategy taking into account the level of service (LOS) are significant factors. A mathematical model of material consumption optimization based on the binary numbering system is proposed. Additional limitations to the model have been established: compliance with the criteria of reliability, preservation of assets, road safety, compliance with user expectations (social factor), environmental friendliness, efficiency of the use of materials. An algorithm for the application of the method of optimizing the consumption of anti-icing materials during the winter maintenance of highways has been developed. It was determined that the developed method solves the main problem of minimizing the costs of anti-icing materials, taking into account the requirements of the level of service, the chosen strategy, the temperature of the road surface and the criteria of impact on winter maintenance. It is proposed to implement the calculation according to this method using the built-in «Parameter selection» function in the Microsoft Excel license environment (USA). The results obtained by the optimization method, based on real data, showed the possibility of saving materials by about 23 %, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The results of calculations based on the method of optimization of material consumption have practical value and can be used to make management decisions regarding the justification of winter road maintenance operations. The proposed method can be used both for the cost planning phase and in the case of analysis in the post-implementation period. This is an important aspect in the conditions of financial and resource uncertainty, including those related to circumstances of force majeure, in particular, martial law in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an orbital solution and light curve analysis for the three newly discovered W UMa systems: V0757 And, IK Lyn, and V0996 Per by means of first CCD observations. New times of minima were estimated and the observed light curves were analyzed using the most recent version of Wilson-Devinney modeling code (WD code) based on model atmospheres by Kurucz. The accepted models revealed some parameters describing the orbit of each system which showed that the primary components in all systems are massive and hotter than the secondary components. The spectral types of the systems' components were adopted and the locations of the systems on the theoretical mass-luminosity and mass-radius relations revealed a good fit for all the systems components except the secondary components of the systems V0996 Per and V0757 And are located above the TAMS track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article describes for the first time the book of Vaclav Josef Pelikan titled Arithmeticus Perfectus Qui tria numerare nescit. Seu Arithmetica dualis, In qua Numerando non proceditur, nisi ad duo, & tamen omnes quaestiones Arithmeticae negotio facili enodari possunt , published in Prague in 1712. The book is written in Latin on 86 pages and consists of a dedication, a message to the reader and four chapters. Operations in the binary system, including the extraction of square and cube roots, methods of converting numbers from the decimal system to the binary system and vice versa, etc., are given. In general, we may say that the book by Vaclav Josef Pelikan is the first fully fledged and methodologically sound textbook of arithmetic using the binary number system as well as containing original methods of solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare NEDOCS with ICMED in predicting clinicians' concerns regarding crowding in the Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Accident & Emergency Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Dec 2021 to Jan 2022. Methodology: This study was conducted at the Accident and Emergency Department over 14 different days, 30 data sets of 3-hour intervals each were collected using the NEDOCS and ICMED proforma. NEDOCS Scores and ICMED scores were calculated. In addition, perceptions of the staff regarding crowding and danger to the patient's status were recorded on Visual Analogue scales. Results: The mean recorded NEDOCS score was 577.94±251.57, with 29 'extremely overcrowded' and 1 'overcrowded' data set. The mean ICMED score was 2.86±0.83. Twenty-four (80%) sets did not have crowding, with only six (20%) sets being categorized as 'crowded'. The NEDOCS score had a moderately positive correlation with the crowding perception of the staff (Correlation coefficient (r)=0.593). Conclusion: NEDOCS was a more suitable measure for recording ED crowding in Pakistan, as it recorded the quantitative component of waiting time. ICMED, on the other hand, only recorded waiting time on a binary scale, with the waiting time impact not translated fully on the total score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiplication is one of the most basic processes, in digital signal processing applications. To process the instructions, most processors require multiplication. Because multipliers are employed in almost all arithmetic operations, they consume the majority of time and power. As a nutshell, the multiplier's efficiency is critical in terms of enhancing processor performance. The array multiplier is one of the most efficient multipliers since it is both quick and simple. However, power consumption is high. The basic components of an array multiplier are adders. The multiplier's efficiency will improve if the adders are much more efficient. The prior study used Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) to construct a Quaternary Carry-Lookahead Adder (CLA) that substitutes the adder circuit in the array multiplier. Quaternary number system circuits are quicker than binary number system circuits and can execute arithmetic operations without carry. However, Quaternary circuits take up more space. As a solution, the Quaternary Carry Increment Adder (CIA) is proposed. The proposed adder consumes less power and occupies less area than the existing Quaternary CLA. In the array multiplier, the Quaternary CIA substitutes the Quaternary CLA. This helps to lower the multiplier's power and area consumption. Tanner EDA tool is used to designing the circuits and were simulated with 180 nm technology. Various parameters such as delay, power and power-delay product of the existing and the proposed are measured and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every beginning music student has gone through the four main musical scales: major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. And some might wonder, why those four and not five, or six, or just three? Here we show that a mathematical classification can be used to identify these scales as representatives of certain scale families. Moreover, the classification reveals another scale family, which is much less known: the harmonic major scale. We find that each scale family contains exactly seven scales, which include the modes (dorian, phrygian,...) and other scales such as the Romanian, Gypsi or Hindu-scales. Besides giving a complete classification of proper heptatonic scales, we also emphasize the pedagogical potential of these {0, 1}-representations of scales, as these can help students to navigate and remember complicated scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Thirring's condition, the thermodynamic equilibrium is not possible between two systems with negative heat capacities. Since the existence of negative heat capacity is a rule rather an exception in astrophysics, we would like to analyze the possibility of the thermodynamic equilibrium for a paradigmatic astrophysical situation: the binary system. The possible explanation arises after decomposing the dynamical variables into internal and collective degrees of freedom, which enables us to reinterpret binary systems as two systems A and B that interact between them through a third low dimensional system C. Our central result is the derivation of a Langevin equation to describe the dynamics of the collective degrees of freedom. Our preliminary analysis evidences that the proposed framework is able not only to describe the system stability, but also unstable processes, such as escape or collapse of the binary system. These processes crucially depend on the angular momentum, the quadrupole–orbit coupling among internal and collective degrees of freedom, as well as internal temperatures of each system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) offers improved visualisation and dexterity compared to laparoscopy. As a result, RAS is considered an attractive option for performing rectopexy, particularly in the confines of the lower pelvis. The aim of this study was to explore the benefits of RAS in rectopexy by analysing the views of a group of surgeons will have published on robotic rectopexy. Methods: A three-round Delphi process was performed. Combined qualitative, Likert scale and binary responses were utilised in rounds one and two with binary responses seeking overall consensus in round two and three. Particular areas that were studied included: clinical aspects of patient selection, technical aspects of using RAS to perform rectopexy, ergonomic factors, training, and consideration of the 'learning-curve'. Consensus was defined as agreement > 80% among participants. Potential experienced RAS rectopexy surgeons were identified using PubMed where authors of studies reporting outcomes from RAS rectopexy were searched and invited. Results: Twenty surgeons participated from the following countries: France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, and USA. Participants had median operative experience of 75 (range 20–450) rectopexies (all techniques) and 11(range 0–300) robotic-rectopexies for all indications. All participants agreed that patient-reported functional outcomes and improved quality-of-life were the most important outcomes following rectopexy. Participants agreed the most significant benefits offered by RAS for rectopexy were improved precision due to better visualisation (80%), improved dexterity (90%) and improved overall accuracy e.g., for suture placement (90%). Ninety percent agreed that the superior ergonomics of RAS rectopexy improved their performance on several steps of the operation, in particular: mesh fixation (85%) and rectovaginal dissection (80%). Consensus on the learning curve for RAS abdominal rectopexy was not achieved: forty-five percent (n = 9) reported the learning curve as 11–20 cases and 55% (n = 11) as 21–30 cases. Conclusions: A panel of surgeons who had published on RAS view that it positively improves performance of rectopexy in terms of technical skills, improved dexterity and visualisation and ergonomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]