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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]