Critical strategies for formulating a thesis statement

Good writing is about making good choice of a thesis statement. A thesis statement is not only our source of writing but also our limit and measure. Based on the structure and function of a thesis statement, three critical thesis statement formulating strategies are suggested. The thesis statement formulating strategies are targeted as the critical points in this paper because thesis statement formulating strategies can provide a learner with possibilities of selecting clear and concise thesis statements for writing purposes. These strategies ensure a learner to write effectively in English.

CAS 132-2006 Standard for Flat Panel Display TV Set Installation Service Formulating and Enforcing Main Point Explanation and Analysis

CAS 132-2006 formulation background and work courses Flat panel display technology is maturing alongside the development of science and technology. The prices of flat panel display TV sets are becoming lower and lower. Flat panel display TV sets have begun entering the mainstream and are now the first choice of some consumers when making new TV purchases.Display TV Set Installation Service Point Explanation and AnalysisRepair, Retreat and Change Duty Stipulations. Peculiar use conditions, usage environments, and the practical circumstances of user consumption service requirements, etc., were also taken into account on the basis of extensive investigation, testing, and verification.……

Development of a Process for Formulating Infant Flours from the Almonds of <i>Treculia obovoidea, Terminalia catappa</i>Linne as well as <i>Ipomoea batatas</i>Lam Leaves

In response to the malnutrition problem affecting children in Congo Brazzaville, we made three cooking-type infant flours from Treculia obovoidea, Terminalia catappa L. almonds and Ipomoea batatas L. leaves. The nutritional quality of the three infant flours we developed indicates 11.07% - 12.47% protein content, 9.92% - 14.87% fat content, 58.85% - 68.06% carbohydrate content, 1.50% - 2.18% ash and an energy intake varying between 399.84 and 439.37 Kcal. Functionally, our prepared flours have a water absorption capacity between 219.05 and 317.86 mL/g, an oil absorption capacity of 0.19 mL/g, a water solubility index varying from 29.66 - 41.03 and a swelling capacity of 250% - 320%.

Objective Model Selection in Physics: Exploring the Finite Information Quantity Approach

Traditional methods for selecting models in experimental data analysis are susceptible to researcher bias, hindering exploration of alternative explanations and potentially leading to overfitting. The Finite Information Quantity (FIQ) approach offers a novel solution by acknowledging the inherent limitations in information processing capacity of physical systems. This framework facilitates the development of objective criteria for model selection (comparative uncertainty) and paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of phenomena through exploring diverse explanations. This work presents a detailed comparison of the FIQ approach with ten established model selection methods, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each. We demonstrate the potential of FIQ to enhance the objectivity and robustness of scientific inquiry through three practical examples: selecting appropriate models for measuring fundamental constants, sound velocity, and underwater electrical discharges. Further research is warranted to explore the full applicability of FIQ across various scientific disciplines.

A novel relationship between elastic modulus and void ratio associated with principal stress for coral calcareous sand

Elastic moduli,e.g.shear modulus G and bulk modulus K,are important parameters of geotechnical materials,which are not only the indices for the evaluation of the deformation ability of soils but also the important basic parameters for the development of the constitutive models of geotechnical materials.In this study,a series of triaxial loading-unloading-reloading shear tests and isotropic loading-unloadingreloading tests are conducted to study several typical mechanical properties of coral calcareous sand(CCS),and the void ratio evolution during loading,unloading and reloading.The test results show that the stress-strain curves during multiple unloading processes are almost parallel,and their slopes are much greater than the deformation modulus at the initial stage of loading.The relationship between the confining pressure and the volumetric strain can be defined approximately by a hyperbolic equation under the condition of monotonic loading of confining pressure.Under the condition of confining pressure unloading,the evolution of void ratio is linear in the e-lnp0 plane,and these lines are a series of almost parallel lines if there are multiple processes of unloading.Based on the experimental results,it is found that the modified Hardin formulae for the elastic modulus estimation have a significant deviation from the tested values for CCS.Based on the experimental results,it is proposed that the elastic modulus of soils should be determined by the intersection line of two spatial surfaces in the G/K-e-p’/pa space(pa:atmosphere pressure).“Ye formulation”is further proposed for the estimation of the elastic modulus of CCS.This new estimation formulation for soil elastic modulus would provide a new method to accurately describe the mechanical behavior of granular soils.

AI Fairness-From Machine Learning to Federated Learning

This article reviews the theory of fairness in AI-frommachine learning to federated learning,where the constraints on precision AI fairness and perspective solutions are also discussed.For a reliable and quantitative evaluation of AI fairness,many associated concepts have been proposed,formulated and classified.However,the inexplicability of machine learning systems makes it almost impossible to include all necessary details in the modelling stage to ensure fairness.The privacy worries induce the data unfairness and hence,the biases in the datasets for evaluating AI fairness are unavoidable.The imbalance between algorithms’utility and humanization has further reinforced suchworries.Even for federated learning systems,these constraints on precision AI fairness still exist.Aperspective solution is to reconcile the federated learning processes and reduce biases and imbalances accordingly.

Medcheck:A novel software for automated de-formulation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prescriptions by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Prescriptions are the main clinical application of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs).Common forms include Chinese patent medicines,Kampo formulas,and hospital decoctions.A new pre-scription called“famous classical formulas”is recently developed and expected to boom in the market.Identifying constituent me-dicinal plants in prescriptions is critical for new drug development and quality control[1],which could avoid safety issues from adulteration or substandard ingredients,as seen in the notorious Longdan Xiegan Pill event.

Comparison of ERA5 turbulent fluxes at the air-sea interface with measurements from a wave-following platform

Turbulent fluxes at the air-sea interface were estimated with data collected in 2011-2020 with a low-profile platform named OCARINA during eight experiments in five regions:2011,2015,and 2016 in the Iroise Sea;2012 in the tropical Atlantic;2014 in the Chilie-Peru upwelling;2017 and 2018 in the Mediterranean Sea,and 2018 and 2020 in Barbados.The observations were carried out with moderate winds(2-10 m s^(-1))and average wave heights of 1.5 m.In this study,the authors used the fluxes calculated by the bulk method using OCARINA-sampled data as the input.These data can validate the fluxes estimated from ERAS reanalysis data.The OCARINA and ERA5 data were taken concomitantly.To do this,the authors established an algorithm to extract the OCARINA data as closely as possible to the reanalysis data in time and position.The measurements of the OCARINA platform can conclude on the relevance of the widely used reanalysis data.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Effects of Silicon Formulations on Cold Tolerance of Rice Seedlings

To investigate the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings,Song Japonica 16(not cold tolerant)and Dongnong 427(cold tolerant)rice varieties were used as test materials and four different types of silicon formulations,Si-50-G,Si-60-G,Si-T-G,and Si-E-G,were applied as foliar sprays at the seedling stage,and a control group CK(equal amount of distilled water)was set up.One week after the first silicon spray,two types of rice were subjected to low-temperature stress treatments at day/night temperatures of 12℃/10℃for 2,4,6,and 8 days.The effects of different silicon formulations on the chlorophyll,proline(Pro)and soluble sugar contents as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT)activities of rice seedlings under low-temperature stress were compared to find out the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings.The results showed that silicon formulations could significantly increase the chlorophyll content of rice seedling leaves,with Si-50-G being the most effective,with a significant increment of 40.17%compared to the CK at 2 days of low temperature.Four silicon formulations significantly increased the proline content and soluble sugar content of rice leaves at low temperature for 4-8 days.For Song Japonica 16,the most significant increment in leaf POD activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment at 2,4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with 73.58%,20.95%and 217.24%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For 4 and 6 days of temperature stress,the most significant increase in CAT activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment,with 25.70%and 75.78%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For Dongnong 427,the Si-60-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf SOD activity for 4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 58.15%and 82.76%compared to the CK,respectively,and the Si-E-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf POD activity for 2 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 97.75%and 245.10%compared to the CK,respectively.It showed that the spraying of silicon formulations could significantly enhance the cold tolerance of rice.This study provided a scientific basis for the rational use of silicon formulations to enhance cold tolerance in rice and had important theoretical and practical significance for ensuring sustainable high and stable rice yields in Heilongjiang Province,as well as for the development of silicon fertilizers.

Heyingwuzi formulation alleviates diabetic retinopathy by promoting mitophagy via the HIF-1α/BNIP3/NIX axis

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the primary cause of visual problems in patients with diabetes.The Heyingwuzi formulation(HYWZF)is effective against DR.AIM To determine the HYWZF prevention mechanisms,especially those underlying mitophagy.METHODS Human retinal capillary endothelial cells(HRCECs)were treated with high glucose(hg),HYWZF serum,PX-478,or Mdivi-1 in vitro.Then,cell counting kit-8,transwell,and tube formation assays were used to evaluate HRCEC proliferation,invasion,and tube formation,respectively.Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess mitochondrial morphology,and Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels.Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis,reactive oxygen species(ROS)production,and mitochondrial membrane potential.Moreover,C57BL/6 mice were established in vivo using streptozotocin and treated with HYWZF for four weeks.Blood glucose levels and body weight were monitored continuously.Changes in retinal characteristics were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin,tar violet,and periodic acid-Schiff staining.Protein levels in retinal tissues were determined via Western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunostaining.RESULTS HYWZF inhibited excessive ROS production,apoptosis,tube formation,and invasion in hg-induced HRCECs via mitochondrial autophagy in vitro.It increased the mRNA expression levels of BCL2-interacting protein 3(BNIP3),FUN14 domain-containing 1,BNIP3-like(BNIP3L,also known as NIX),PARKIN,PTEN-induced kinase 1,and hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1α.Moreover,it downregulated the protein levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor and increased the light chain 3-II/I ratio.However,PX-478 and Mdivi-1 reversed these effects.Additionally,PX-478 and Mdivi-1 rescued the effects of HYWZF by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis and increasing mitophagy.HYWZF intervention improved the symptoms of diabetes,tissue damage,number of acellular capillaries,and oxidative stress in vivo.Furthermore,in vivo experiments confirmed the results of in vitro experiments.CONCLUSION HYWZF alleviated DR and associated damage by promoting mitophagy via the HIF-1α/BNIP3/NIX axis.

Establishment of Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee

On May 6th,2024,National Medical Products Administration issued Announcement on the Establishment of Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee(No.53 of 2024).According to the announcement,National Medical Products Administration is about to establish Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee,aiming at furthering implementing Regulations on Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics,and promoting the formulation and revision of the cosmetics standard(including toothpaste).

Formulation of Infant Flours Based on Fonio Enriched with Bambara Groundnut Anacardium (Cashew) and African Locust Bean Fruit Pulp

Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to enhance the quality of six formulated flours, all based on Fonio and supplemented with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernels. Results showed that Fonio had the highest carbohydrate content, while Bambara groundnut and Cashew kernels were rich in protein and lipid content. African locust bean fruit pulp was rich in fiber and Vitamin C, with a high β-carotene value. The cashew kernel had the highest energy value. Regarding mineral composition, African locust bean fruit pulp had the highest potassium content, while Bambara groundnut and African locust bean fruit pulp were rich in sodium. Cashew kernel and Fonio had higher iron and calcium content. Bambara groundnut had a higher zinc content, while cashew kernel had a higher magnesium content. The formulated flours made from fermented Fonio grains and enriched with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernel had varying protein, fiber, carbohydrate, ash, and fat contents. The flour formulated with sprouted Fonio and enriched with the same ingredients had higher protein content and energy value than the other fermented seed-based flours. The mixed flours produced with fermented seeds and the flour produced from sprouted seeds met international standards. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the formulated flours and their potential to combat infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Strategic Planning Practices of Hotels in Kenya

This study broadens perspectives of strategic planning procedures in hotels by analyzing hotel managers’perspectives on hotel strategy formulation and planning.The study was a descriptive quantitative study that targeted managers from various Kenyan hotels.180 questionnaires were returned from a sample of 280 hotel managers who had attended management development programs at a hospitality school.The primary goal of the study was to analyze two aspects of the strategic planning process:strategy formulation and strategic planning.The findings revealed that hotels in Kenya have developed methods and are keen on scanning their external environments.However,with the product offerings being so comparable,competitive analysis played an important role in the context.Creating a unique or specialty offering was not a popular option for most hotels.Cost-cutting was the most favored strategic inclination to achieve desired results.The balanced scorecard was underutilized in the sector.While managers were involved in the strategic planning process,other lower cadre employees were not,they were provided with the targets for the hotels’organizational goals to be achieved.The findings reveal that with similar products and services,the industry creates a hostile business climate with fierce rivalry and must invest in the most obvious alternative of cost reduction to survive.Alternative product innovation is not common in this industry for developing a differentiation approach that allows a property to control a market.

New paradigm of oral rehydration in patients affected by irritable bowel syndrome with chronic diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea is a very frequent clinical condition characterized by disabling intestinal symptoms.This disease presents with daily abdominal pain for at least 3 months related to defecation and associated with a change in the frequency of bowel movements and the shape of the stool.International surveys about this disease report a global prevalence of about 1.5%.A new amino acid based electrolyte solution has recently been commercialized for oral rehydration in diarrhea.It is composed of water,electrolytes,and five selected amino acids that function as sodium co-transporters without containing glucose.In recent years,some studies explored the effectiveness of the amino acid based electrolyte beverage in oncologic patients with gastrointestinal mucositis,reporting good results.Recently,a prospective study to evaluate the clinical impact of the amino acid based medical beverage was conducted in patients with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome.The research was based on a real-life methodology minimizing the disruption of the routine care.One hundred patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea drank a solution based on selected amino acids twice a day for 2 wk.Each enrolled patient completed the study and showed a significant response rate with regard to stool consistency and pain reduction.Based on this data,we can hypothesize that the amino acid based oral rehydration solution could be a valid tool in the treatment of patients affected by irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.It is certainly necessary to plan highquality clinical trials comparing glucose based oral solutions and amino acid based solutions in patients with persisting diarrhea.Probably in the near future all oral rehydration solutions will contain amino acids.

Efficacy of Botanicals on Parasitoids of Mango Fruit Flies in Burkina Faso

The effect of Capsicum annuum and Strophantus hispidus formulations was evaluated on Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. The formulations were obtained from the crude total extracts of C. annuum;S. hispidus and the adjuvant previously developed. The formulations were prepared according to three concentrations of extracts of each plant species (low, medium and high). These concentrations were calculated on the basis of 1.5 mg/mL of each formulation causing 18% and 15% mortality respectively in Ceratitis cosyra within 72 h. The effect of the formulations on D. longicaudata was tested using a Fisher block design with 8 treatments (C. annuum (3.75;7.5;12.5 g/L);S. hispidus (4.5;9;15 g/L);Success bait 2.4 g/L;control) and 5 replicates. For each formulation, 1.5 mL was poured into a vial containing 0.25 g of cotton. Then 20 adults of the parasitoid were added and the whole was covered with muslin and held in place with rubber bands. The parasitoids were examined after 24 and 72 hours, and those that did not react to the touch of a fine brush were considered dead. The results showed a difference between the treatments. After 24 hours of exposure, the parasitoid showed high mortality at the S. hispidus concentrations (15 g/L;4.5 g/L) followed by the Success bait. These concentrations resulted in mortality rates of 22.50% for S. hispidus and 20.50% for Success bait. After 72 h, low parasitoid mortality (35.81%) was obtained with 3.75 g/L C. annuum, but high mortality was observed with S. hispidus (59.95%;64.20%;57.15%) and Success bait (54.80%). The use of C. annuum formulations at 3.75 g/L could be recommended for conserving D. longicaudata in the nature.

Study of Sands from Bamendou-West Cameroon: Valorization for Concrete Mix Design

Bamendou (West Cameroon), has a huge potential in natural resources, especially sands. However, the use of these materials in civil engineering works leads to the appearance of numerous pathologies which in some cases lead to the total ruin of the works. In order to overcome these infrastructural problems, the main objective of this study is set at the improvement of the service life of structures built in Cameroon using local materials formed under climatic, geological and geotechnical conditions similar to those of materials in Bamendou. Eight sand samples were taken from the most representative and exploited quarries. The identification and classification of the sand taken from the most representative quarries in the study area show that they are mainly clayey, with an average sand equivalent of 57.54. In terms of granulometry, the curves of several sand samples do not fall within the granular range of sands used in the formulation of concrete. The modulus of fineness obtained by particle size analysis varies from 2.91 to 3.92 with an average of 3.31.

Formulation of Motor Oil from Blends of Rubber Latex Cup Bottom Oil (RLBO) and Used Frying Oil (UFO)

Most motor oils are made from mineral oils derived from petroleum, the reserves of which are limited and exhaustible. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize motor oil formulations based on mixtures of rubber latex cup bottom oil (RLCBO) and used frying oil (UFO). The results show that these formulations have a density between 0.91 and 0.92. These densities evolve linearly with the proportion of cup bottom oil and temperature. Similarly, the kinematic viscosity of the blends follows an exponential relationship with temperature. By plotting the logarithm of these kinematic viscosities against the inverse of the temperature, we were able to determine the activation energy of the various blends and deduce that the formulations behave Newtonian.

Least Square Finite Element Model for Analysis of Multilayered Composite Plates under Arbitrary Boundary Conditions

Laminated composites are widely used in many engineering industries such as aircraft, spacecraft, boat hulls, racing car bodies, and storage tanks. We analyze the 3D deformations of a multilayered, linear elastic, anisotropic rectangular plate subjected to arbitrary boundary conditions on one edge and simply supported on other edge. The rectangular laminate consists of anisotropic and homogeneous laminae of arbitrary thicknesses. This study presents the elastic analysis of laminated composite plates subjected to sinusoidal mechanical loading under arbitrary boundary conditions. Least square finite element solutions for displacements and stresses are investigated using a mathematical model, called a state-space model, which allows us to simultaneously solve for these field variables in the composite structure’s domain and ensure that continuity conditions are satisfied at layer interfaces. The governing equations are derived from this model using a numerical technique called the least-squares finite element method (LSFEM). These LSFEMs seek to minimize the squares of the governing equations and the associated side conditions residuals over the computational domain. The model is comprised of layerwise variables such as displacements, out-of-plane stresses, and in- plane strains, treated as independent variables. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the response of the laminated composite plates under various arbitrary boundary conditions using LSFEM and compared with the 3D elasticity solution available in the literature.

Curriculum Reform Practices in “Cosmetic Product Formulation Design and Preparation Technology” Under the Perspective of Integration of Industry, Education, and Research

With the upgrading of industries,the cosmetics industry has posed new requirements for technical talents.As a professional core course in cosmetic technology,“Cosmetic Product Formulation Design and Preparation Technology”serves as the foundation for cultivating students’abilities in cosmetic development and preparation.To foster high-quality skilled talents capable of adapting to the rapid growth of color cosmetics and to better promote the deep integration of scientific and technological industries with curriculum teaching,the teacher team embarked on active explorations and practical teaching research for curriculum teaching reform from four dimensions:strengthening top-level design,enriching teaching content,optimizing teaching design,and reforming assessment methods.These efforts have enhanced students’comprehensive vocational qualities and innovative consciousness,contributing to the teaching reform in higher vocational colleges under the integration of industry,education,and research.