COVID-19 mortality paradox(United States vs Africa):Mass vaccination vs early treatment

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)mortality rate in 55 African countries is almost 4.5 times lower than in the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)despite Africa having over 4.2 times more people.This mortality paradox is also evident when comparing Nigeria,a heavily populated,poorly vaccinated and weakly mandated country to Israel,a small,highly vaccinated and strictly mandated country.Nigeria has almost 4 times lower COVID mortality than Israel.In this Field of Vision perspective,I explain how this paradox has evolved drawing upon my academic,clinical and social experience.Since April 2020,I’ve developed and been using the Egyptian immune-modulatory Kelleni’s protocol to manage COVID-19 patients including pediatric,geriatric,pregnant,immune-compromised and other individuals suffering from multiple comorbidities.It’s unfortunate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is still evolving accompanied by more deaths.However in Africa,we’ve been able to live without anxiety or mandates throughout the pandemic because we trust science and adopted early treatment using safe,and effective repurposed drugs that have saved the majority of COVID-19 patients.This article represents an African and Egyptian tale of honor.

Solving the Olbers’s Paradox, Explaining the “Red-Shift”, and Challenging the Relativities by “Sun Matters Theory” and “Sun Model of Universe”, an Evolution of the Einstein’s Static Universe Model

Olbers’s paradox, known as the dark night paradox, is an argument in astrophysics that the darkness of the night sky conflicts with the assumption of an infinite and eternal static universe. Big-Bang theory was used to partially explain this paradox, while introducing new problems. Hereby, we propose a better theory, named Sun Matters Theory, to explain this paradox. Moreover, this unique theory supports and extended the Einstein’s static universe model proposed by Albert Einstein in 1917. Further, we proposed our new universe model, “Sun Model of Universe”. Based on the new model and novel theory, we generated innovative field equation by upgrading Einstein’s Field Equation through adding back the cosmological constant, introducing a new variable and modifying the gravitationally-related concepts. According to the Sun Model of Universe, the dark matter and dark energy comprise the so-called “Sun Matters”. The observed phenomenon like the red shift is explained as due to the interaction of ordinary light with Sun Matters leading to its energy and frequency decrease. In Sun Model, our big universe consists of many universes with ordinary matter at the core mixed and surrounded with the Sun Matters. In those universes, the laws of physics may be completely or partially different from that of our ordinary universe with parallel civilizations. The darkness of night can be easily explained as resulting from the interaction of light with the Sun Matters leading to the sharp decrease in the light intensity. Sun Matters also scatter the light from a star, which makes it shining as observed by Hubble. Further, there is a kind of Sun Matters named “Sun Waters”, surrounding every starts. When lights pass by the sun, the Sun Waters deflect the lights to bend the light path. According to the Sun Model, it is the light bent not the space bent that was proposed in the theory of relativities.

Evaluation of Generalized Error Function via Fast-Converging Power Series

A generalized form of the error function, Gp(x)=pΓ(1/p)∫0xe−tpdt, which is directly associated with the gamma function, is evaluated for arbitrary real values of p>1and 0x≤+∞by employing a fast-converging power series expansion developed in resolving the so-called Grandi’s paradox. Comparisons with accurate tabulated values for well-known cases such as the error function are presented using the expansions truncated at various orders.

Resolution of Grandi’s Paradox as Extended to Complex Valued Functions

Grandi’s paradox, which was posed for a real function of the form 1/(1+ x), has been resolved and extended to complex valued functions. Resolution of this approximately three-hundred-year-old paradox is accomplished by the use of a consistent truncation approach that can be applied to all the series expansions of Grandi-type functions. Furthermore, a new technique for improving the convergence characteristics of power series with alternating signs is introduced. The technique works by successively averaging a series at different orders of truncation. A sound theoretical justification of the successive averaging method is demonstrated by two different series expansions of the function 1/(1+ ex ) . Grandi-type complex valued functions such as 1/(i + x) are expressed as consistently-truncated and convergence-improved forms and Fagnano’s formula is established from the series expansions of these functions. A Grandi-type general complex valued function is introduced and expanded to a consistently truncated and successively averaged series. Finally, an unorthodox application of the successive averaging method to polynomials is presented.

The seeming paradox of adenosine receptors as targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: agonists or antagonists?

Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, and its incidence is relatively high among elderly people, affecting about 1-2% of the population between 60-65 years old and rising dramatically （about 30%） in people aged 80 years or older （Selkoe, 2002）. Nowadays, considering the increasing mean lifespan of populations in developed countries, the disease is becoming more and more a health concern, and the search for an effective cure has turned into＂a real need＂.

Coral reef ecological pump for gathering and retaining nutrients and exporting carbon:a review and perspectives

How coral reefs with high productivity and biodiversity can flourish in oligotrophic tropical oceans has inspired substantial research on coral reef ecosystems.Increasing evidence shows that similar to water in an oasis in the desert,there are stable nutrient supplies to coral reefs in oligotrophic oceans.Here,with emphasis on the fluxes of organic matter,we summarize at the ecosystem level(1)the multiple input pathways of external nutrients,(2)the storage of nutrients in reef organisms,(3)the efficient retaining and recycling of dissolved and particulate organic matter within coral reef ecosystems,(4)the distinctly high phytoplankton productivity and biomass inside and near oceanic coral reefs,and(5)the export of reef-related organic carbon to adjacent open oceans.These properties enable coral reefs to function as ecological“pumps”for gathering nutrients across ecosystems and space,retaining and recycling nutrients within the ecosystem,supporting high phytoplankton productivity,and exporting organic carbon to adjacent open oceans.Particularly,the high phytoplankton productivity and biomass make waters around coral reefs potential hotspots of carbon export to ocean depths via the biological pump.We demonstrate that organic carbon influx is vital for coral reef ecosystems’carbon budget and carbon export.The concept of the coral reef ecological pump provides a framework to improve the understanding of the functioning of the coral reef ecosystem and its responses to disturbance.Prospects of the coral reef ecological pump in coral reef studies are discussed in changing oceans driven by human activities and global change in the Anthropocene.

Parrondo's paradox for chaos control and anticontrol of fractional-order systems

We present the generalized forms of Parrondo＇s paradox existing in fractional-order nonlinear systems. The gener- alization is implemented by applying a parameter switching （PS） algorithm to the corresponding initial value problems associated with the fractional-order nonlinear systems. The PS algorithm switches a system parameter within a specific set of N 〉 2 values when solving the system with some numerical integration method. It is proven that any attractor of the concerned system can be approximated numerically. By replacing the words ＂winning＂ and ＂loosing＂ in the classical Parrondo＇s paradox with ＂order＂ and ＂chaos＂, respectively, the PS algorithm leads to the generalized Parrondo＇s paradox： chaos1 ＋ chaos2 ＋..- ＋ chaosN = order and order1 ＋ order2 ＋.-. ＋ orderN = chaos. Finally, the concept is well demon- strated with the results based on the fractional-order Chen system.

Large eustachian valve fostering paradoxical thromboembolism:passive bystander or serial partner in crime?

Catheter-based closure of patent foramen ovale(PFO)is more effective than medical therapy in the prevention of recurrent stroke[1].It is likely that a proportion of patients evaluated for potential transcatheter PFO closure has actually different anatomical variants particularly common in the right atrium such as eustachian valve,Chiari network,Thebesian valve and Crista Terminalis.Notably,the eustachian valve may represent an increased risk factor for left circulation thromboembolism beyond that associated with PFO size and shunting.Such patients may benefit the most from percutaneous closure procedure.

An Approach to Resolving Two Paradoxes in Probability Theory

A new mathematical expectation formula with some hypotheses, notions and propositions was given to get rid of the challenge of St. Petersburg paradox and Pascal's wager. Relevant results show that it is very effective to apply the model to solve the expected revenue problems containing random events with low proba-bility but high revenue. This work also provides the probability theory with a more widely applied perspective in group decision-making.

A Resolution of the Black Hole Information Paradox via Transfinite Set Theory

A black hole is essentially a relativistic as well as a quantum object. Therefore the information paradox of black holes is a consequence of the clash between these two most fundamental theories of modern physics. It is logical to conclude that a resolution of the problem requires some form of a quantum gravity theory. The present work proposes such a resolution using set theory and pointless spacetime geometry.

Radial Electric Field in Tokamak Plasmas as a Physical Consequence of Ehrenfest’s Paradox

A simplified form and some possible theoretical resolutions of the so-called Ehrenfest’s Paradox are described. A relation between physical consequences of this relativistic paradox and charge density ρ of tokamak plasma is shown. Plasma experiments which could resolve the Ehrenfest’s Paradox are presented.

Resolution of Hardy’s Paradox within Spacetime Physics and the Ithaca Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

By religiously adhering to physics in spacetime and taking the final verdict of N.D. Mermin’s Ithaca interpretation of quantum mechanics seriously, Hardy’s paradox is completely resolved. It is then concluded that logical and mathematically consistent physical theories must be put in spacetime related formalism such as noncommutative geometry and E-infinity theory to avoid quantum paradoxes. At a minimum, we should employ the philosophy behind consistent quantum interpretation such as that of the famous Ithaca interpretation of D. Mermin.

Hilbert’s First Problem and the New Progress of Infinity Theory

In the 19th century, Cantor created the infinite cardinal number theory based on the “1-1 correspondence” principle. The continuum hypothesis is proposed under this theoretical framework. In 1900, Hilbert made it the first problem in his famous speech on mathematical problems, which shows the importance of this question. We know that the infinitesimal problem triggered the second mathematical crisis in the 17-18th centuries. The Infinity problem is no less important than the infinitesimal problem. In the 21st century, Sergeyev introduced the Grossone method from the principle of “whole is greater than part”, and created another ruler for measuring infinite sets. The discussion in this paper shows that, compared with the cardinal number method, the Grossone method enables infinity calculation to achieve a leap from qualitative calculation to quantitative calculation. According to Grossone theory, there is neither the largest infinity and infinitesimal, nor the smallest infinity and infinitesimal. Hilbert’s first problem was caused by the immaturity of the infinity theory.

A Combined Heterotic String and Kähler Manifold Elucidation of Ordinary Energy,Dark Matter,Olbers’s Paradox and Pure Dark Energy Density of the Cosmos

We utilize the topological-geometrical structure imposed by the Heterotic superstring theory on spacetime in conjunction with the K3 Kähler manifold to explain the mysterious nature of dark matter and its coupling to the pure dark energy density of the cosmos. The analogous situations in the case of a Kerr black hole as well as the redundant components of the Riemannian tensor are pointed out and the final result was found to be in complete agreement with all previous theoretical ones as well as all recent accurate measurements and cosmic observations. We conclude by commenting briefly on the Cantorian model of Zitterbewegung and the connection between Olbers’s paradox and dark energy.

人工智能时代高新技术企业存在索洛悖论吗?

在人工智能时代,为了有效利用新一代通用目的技术,企业会进行大量的无形资本投资,包括重新设计业务流程、构建新商业模式以及相关的人力资本投资。虽然这些无形资本为企业创造了有价值的资产,但在增长核算中通常难以计量,从而导致“索洛悖论”。基于中国高新技术企业的股票市场估值,对其无形资本价值大小进行测算的结果表明:中国高新技术企业存在大量未被计量的无形资本,从而导致了人工智能时代的“索洛悖论”。因此,应积极活跃资本市场,特别是大力发展人工智能企业密集的创业板和科创板,满足人工智能企业的直接融资需求,以此支持人工智能技术的扩散与创新,克服“索洛悖论”,提升生产率。

Braess模型与城市网络的空间复杂化探讨

B raess交通网络模型是经典的图论模型,但该模型同时具有很强的地理学色彩。B raess借助一个简单的网络揭示了出人意料的地理现象:增加交通路线有时反而降低运输效率。从理论地理学的角度对B raess网络进行了数学抽象,然后利用规划理论、图论和微分方程解析等方法揭示出区域-城市地理系统的空间复杂化两个重要动因:空间相互作用和宏观对称破坏。

薄瓣LASIK术后泪液功能的临床观察

目的探讨飞秒激光制瓣(femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis,fs-LASIK)和准分子激光前弹力层下角膜磨镶术(one use-plus sub-Bowman’s keratomileusis,OUP-SBK)两种薄瓣LASIK术后患者在泪液功能和角膜染色方面的变化。方法 15例(30眼)行飞秒激光制瓣的LASIK(飞秒激光制瓣组),15例(30眼)行OUP-SBK(OUP-SBK组)。术前及术后1周、1个月、3个月行泪膜破裂时间(tear break-up time,BUT)、基础泪液分泌试验(SchirmerⅠtest,SIt)以及角膜荧光素染色(fluorescent,FL)检查。多个时间点的比较采用重复测量设计的方差分析或Kruskal-Wallis秩和检验,两组间的比较采用两独立样本t检验或秩和检验。结果 fs-LASIK组、OUP-SBK组角膜瓣厚度分别为(105.5±2.7)μm、(103.2±12.5)μm,两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后各时间点飞秒激光制瓣组(F=95.48,P<0.01)和OUP-SBK组(F=78.25,P<0.01)的BUT值均明显低于术前。飞秒激光制瓣组(F=26.96,P<0.01)和OUP-SBK组(F=32.11,P<0.01)术后各时间点的SIt值明显低于术前。术后1周时飞秒激光制瓣组(Z=4.72,P<0.008)和OUP-SBK组(Z=4.18,P<0.008)的FL均较术前增多、术后1个月、3个月时与术前差异均无统计意义(均为P>0.008)。两组间各时间点的各项观察指标差异均无统计学意义(均无P>0.05)。结论飞秒激光制瓣LASIK和OUP-SBK两种术后的BUT、SIt值和FL变化一致,术后的泪膜稳定性和分泌功能随着时间的推移逐渐恢复,且两者的角膜组织损伤均在早期得到修复。

Earth: Review Article

Every year on 22 April, we have celebrated Earth Day and the beautiful planet we call home. Earth Day, established in 1970, has been used to highlight our planet’s environmental challenges and raise awareness of the importance of protecting our world for future generations [1]. To provide the protection of our planet, we should explain Earth’s environmental challenges to the best of our knowledge in frames of contemporary Geophysics. This paper gives a short overview of the developed Hypersphere World-Universe Model (WUM) and pay particular attention to the principal role of Dark Matter (DM) in the Earth’s life. In this manuscript, we discuss different aspects of the Earth: a condition of Young Earth before the Beginning of life on It;Internal Structure;“The 660-km Boundary” that we named Geomagma;Random Variations of Earth’s Rotational Speed on a daily basis;Origin of Moon;Expanding Earth;Internal Heating;Faint Young Sun paradox;Geocorona and Planetary Coronas;High-Energy Atmospheric Physics. WUM proposed principally different ways to solve the problems of Internal Heating, Origin of the Moon, and Faint Young Sun paradox based on DM core of the Earth. The Model revealed the fact that the Sun Activity causes the Geomagma Activity and, as a consequence, Random Variations of Earth’s Rotational Speed by the varying Sun’s magnetic field.

美与伟大的依存悖论——T.S.艾略特与新批评派的文论异趣

艾略特的早期文论一度是新批评派重要的灵感源泉,但新批评派对艾略特的思想并非全盘接收,而是从“文本中心”的立场对之进行了修正。因此,当后期艾略特皈依了宗教、走向更加宽广的宗教文化视野时,双方的龃龉也就越来越突出。艾略特提出的“感受力的统一”、“客观对应物”以及文学与神学的双重标准,与新批评派“意图谬误”、“感受谬误”及对纯文学标准的坚持,形成了鲜明的分野。从对立于新批评派的角度来看,后期艾略特突破极端文本中心的困境,来到一个更宽广深入的文化境遇,恰恰对于新批评派突破自身瓶颈具有最直接的借鉴作用。在思考艾略特和新批评派歧异的过程中,我们清晰觉察到了文学“美”与“伟大”相互依存之中的悖论。

Calculation of the parameters of georesistivi－ty anisotropy and case history of earthquake precursors

This paper has discussed the effective resistivity ellipse and the paradoxical phenomenon of anisotropy. Two cases have been discussed, namely: there are three measuring lines at arbitrary angles with one another and there are two mutually perpendicular measuring lines and an additional measurement of the transversal effective resistivity. For these cases, the paper has given the methods for quantitatively calculating the parameters of georesistivity anisotropy. The formulae given include those for calculating the azimuth (of the principal axis of minimum resistivity ρ 1, the average resistivity ( ρ 1ρ 3) 1/2 , (ρ 2ρ 3) 1/2 , and the anisotropy coefficient λ=(ρ 2/ρ 1 ) 1/2 . As a case history, the data observed by the Datong geoelectricity station have been processed with reference to the results of in situ resistivity measurement in media subjected to shear. The results of analysis have led to the following understandings. Before and after the Datong M S6.1 earthquake on October 19, 1989, the abnormal rise of NE trending georesistivity and abnormal fall of NW trending georesistivity observed at the Datong and Yangyuan stations were caused by the pure shear acting on the medium. The major principal compression was in NE direction, which made an acute angle with the strike of the seismic fault plane, and thus there was a greater shear stress but very small normal stress so that the fault was likely to slide but the earthquake was only of moderate magnitude. The states of stress in medium were the same before and after earthquake and therefore the georesistivity precursor was of the same sign as that of co seismic variations.