BN-GEPSO:Learning Bayesian Network Structure Using Generalized Particle Swarm Optimization

At present Bayesian Networks(BN)are being used widely for demonstrating uncertain knowledge in many disciplines,including biology,computer science,risk analysis,service quality analysis,and business.But they suffer from the problem that when the nodes and edges increase,the structure learning difficulty increases and algorithms become inefficient.To solve this problem,heuristic optimization algorithms are used,which tend to find a near-optimal answer rather than an exact one,with particle swarm optimization(PSO)being one of them.PSO is a swarm intelligence-based algorithm having basic inspiration from flocks of birds(how they search for food).PSO is employed widely because it is easier to code,converges quickly,and can be parallelized easily.We use a recently proposed version of PSO called generalized particle swarm optimization(GEPSO)to learn bayesian network structure.We construct an initial directed acyclic graph(DAG)by using the max-min parent’s children(MMPC)algorithm and cross relative average entropy.ThisDAGis used to create a population for theGEPSO optimization procedure.Moreover,we propose a velocity update procedure to increase the efficiency of the algorithmic search process.Results of the experiments show that as the complexity of the dataset increases,our algorithm Bayesian network generalized particle swarm optimization(BN-GEPSO)outperforms the PSO algorithm in terms of the Bayesian information criterion(BIC)score.

Etiopathogenic theories about long COVID

The main etiopathogenic theories of long coronavirus disease(COVID)are listed and a conjunction of them is carried out with the objective of deciphering the pathophysiology of the entity,finally the main lines of treatment existing in real life are discussed(Paxlovid,use of antibiotics in dysbiosis,triple anticoagulant therapy,temelimab).

Functional Nonparametric Predictions in Food Industry Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Measurement

Functional statistics is a new technique for dealing with data thatcan be viewed as curves or images. Parallel to this approach, the Near-InfraredReflectance (NIR) spectroscopymethodology has been used in modern chemistryas a rapid, low-cost, and exact means of assessing an object’s chemicalproperties. In this research, we investigate the quality of corn and cookiedough by analyzing the spectroscopic technique using certain cutting-edgestatistical models. By analyzing spectral data and applying functional modelsto it, we could predict the chemical components of corn and cookie dough.Kernel Functional Classical Estimation (KFCE), Kernel Functional QuantileEstimation (KFQE), Kernel Functional Expectile Estimation (KFEE),Semi-Partial Linear Functional Classical Estimation (SPLFCE), Semi-PartialLinear Functional Quantile Estimation (SPLFQE), and Semi-Partial LinearFunctional Expectile Estimation (SPLFEE) are models used to accuratelyestimate the different quantities present in Corn and Cookie dough. Theselection of these functional models is based on their ability to constructa forecast region with a high level of confidence. We demonstrate that theconsidered models outperform traditional models such as the partial leastsquaresregression and the principal component regression in terms of predictionaccuracy. Furthermore, we show that the proposed models are morerobust than competing models such as SPLFQE and SPLFEE in the sensethat data heterogeneity has no effect on their efficiency.

尼泊尔喜马拉雅山脉中央丘里亚冲断层的电子自旋共振测年

利用断层泥样品中石英颗粒的ESR信号,研究尼泊尔喜马拉雅山脉南段中央丘里亚冲断层(CCT)第四纪断层活动的时间模式。为了更好地理解重置过程,分析了不同石英粒度的ESR信号、累积剂量和年龄的变化。样品CCT3的E1’中心(ESR定年的一种信号)的ESR强度结果显示,大块、粗粒(200~250 μm)和细粒(40~80 μm)粒度组分存在显著的空间变化。第四纪断层的ESR数据,粗年龄为(5±0.5) ka,细分数平均年龄为(50±10) ka,显示了西瓦利克地区最近的伸展事件。

Understanding human-leopard conflict in the ‘Mid-hill’ region of western Nepal

Livestock rearing and agriculture are the main sources of community-based livelihoods in western Nepal.Across the rural mid-hills region of Gandaki Province,leopards are the top predator and frequently depredate livestock and attack humans.Spatiotemporal patterns of human-leopard conflicts(HLC) in Nepal are poorly known at the provincial and national scales,which are essential to formulating effective conflict mitigation strategies and implementing them in the field.This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of HLC by applying Maxent modeling to covariates relating to known and registered conflict cases(n=842) collected from Nepalese government offices.We found that cases of HLC have been increasing significantly over the past five years.We also concluded that mid-elevation,south-facing slopes were more susceptible to HLC,but that mean annual temperature was by far the most important predictor of HLC;overall livestock density and proximity to roads were also important,but secondarily so.Although we found the increase in human fatalities to 2.16/year was significant(p<0.05),overall human injuries were down slightly,though not significantly(5.16/year;p>0.05).However,we also found an increasing trend in livestock depredation rates for this same five-year period(p<0.05),which averaged 159.6 head/year among incidents reported.We also found that winter was the main season when depredations occurred,and that goats were the most depredated of all livestock.A total US $86,892.25($17,378.45/year) of economic losses were incurred by communities during this time,with 78.57% of the total value reimbursed as compensatory relief through the government’s relief fund.We recommend that the use of predator-proof livestock corrals,greater awareness in local communities about wildlife behavior,better animal husbandry and security practices,and a more efficient compensation program,can improve coexistence between leopard populations and human communities in western Nepal.

Diagnostic Prospectives with Tau Protein and Imaging Techniques to Detect Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Brain damage sustained from repeated blows in boxing, wrestling, and other combat sports has serious physical and mental health consequences. The degenerative brain disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), presents clinically with memory loss, aggression, difficulty in rational thinking and other cognitive problems. This spectrum, which mimics Alzheimer’s disease, is diagnosed post-mortem through a brain biopsy in many professional athletes. However, little is known about the process of development and how to identify vulnerable individuals who may be on course for developing CTE. Boxing is a sport that has a severe toll on athletes’ health, primarily on their brain health and function. This review addresses the concerns of brain injury, describes the pathologies that manifest in multiple scales, e.g., molecular and cognitive, and also proposes possible diagnostic and prognostic markers to characterize the early onset of CTE along with the aim to identify a starting point for future precautions and interventions.

Prebiotic properties of low calorie sweeteners

Although low calorie sweeteners are commonly known to be associated with weight management,an emerging body of evidence suggests that these substances also possess prebiotic properties.The category includes sweeteners like tagatose,xylitol,erythritol etc.Prebiotics are non-digestible or partially digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host(consumer)by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or more of a limited number of bacteria in the colon,and thus improve host health[1-3].Prebiotics are not digested by human enzymes and therefore have a low caloric value and are efficiently used in low calorie(energy)foods.Because of their non-digestibility prebiotics show fiber-like properties,mainly stool bulking.

Ranked-Set Sampling Based Distribution Free Control Chart with Application in CSTR Process

Nonparametric(distribution-free)control charts have been introduced in recent years when quality characteristics do not follow a specific distribution.When the sample selection is prohibitively expensive,we prefer ranked-set sampling over simple random sampling because ranked set sampling-based control charts outperform simple random sampling-based control charts.In this study,we proposed a nonparametric homogeneously weighted moving average based on theWilcoxon signed-rank test with ranked set sampling(NPHWMARSS)control chart for detecting shifts in the process location of a continuous and symmetric distribution.Monte Carlo simulations are used to obtain the run length characteristics to evaluate the performance of the proposed NPHWMARSS control chart.The proposed NPHWMARSS control chart’s performance is compared to that of parametric and nonparametric control charts.These control charts include the exponentially weighted moving average(EWMA)control chart,Wilcoxon signed-rank with simple random sampling based the nonparametric EWMA control chart,the nonparametric EWMA sign control chart,Wilcoxon signed-rank with ranked set sampling-based the nonparametric EWMA control chart,and the homogeneously weighted moving average control charts.The findings show that the proposed NPHWMARSS control chart performs better than its competitors,particularly for the small shifts.Finally,an example is presented to demonstrate how the proposed scheme can be implemented practically.

代际团结潜在类别与关系质量对自陈健康及幸福感的影响(英文)

本研究考察了成年子女与其父母的代际关系中团结和关系质量对代际双方身体和心理结果的影响。研究1中,对中国成年子女(N =1283)的潜在类别分析结果显示是六种代际团结类别,多项逻辑回归表明两代人的特征会影响团结潜在类别和关系质量。研究 2 中,对 367 对中国成年子女-父母(N=734)的报告进行等级线性建模,行动者-搭档互依模型结果指出好的团结潜在类别(自我和搭档报告的)和好的关系质量(自我报告的)与两代人的高幸福感相关,好的团结潜在类别(自我和搭档报告的)和好的关系质量(自我和搭档报告的)预测了两代人的低心理苦恼;其中代际和性别调节了团结类别和关系质量对自我报告健康及幸福感的作用,同时,两代人团结类别的交互作用和评价的相似性也影响了幸福感和心理苦恼。

Carbon nanotubes:Evaluation of toxicity at biointerfaces

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a class of carbon allotropes with interesting properties that make them productive materials for usage in various disciplines of nanotechnology such as in electronics equipments, optics and therapeutics. They exhibit distinguished properties viz., strength, and high electrical and heat conductivity. Their uniqueness can be attributed due to the bonding pattern present between the atoms which are very strong and also exhibit high extreme aspect ratios. CNTs are classified as singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the basis of number of sidewalls present and the way they are arranged spatially. Application of CNTs to improve the performance of many products, especially in healthcare, has led to an occupational and public exposure to these nanomaterials. Hence, it becomes a major concern to analyze the issues pertaining to the toxicity of CNTs and find the best suitable ways to counter those challenges. This review summarizes the toxicity issues of CNTs in vitro and in vivo in different organ systems (bio interphases) of the body that result in cellular toxicity.

Emerging blood-based biomarkers for detection of gastric cancer

Early detection and efficient monitoring of tumor dynamics are prerequisites for reducing disease burden and mortality, and for improving the management of patients with gastric cancer(GC). Blood-based biomarker assays for the detection of early-stage GC could be of great relevance both for population-wide or risk groupbased screening programs, while circulating biomarkers that reflect the genetic make-up and dynamics of the tumor would allow monitoring of treatment efficacy, predict recurrences and assess the genetic heterogeneity of the tumor. Recent research to identify blood-based biomarkers of GC has resulted in the identification of a wide variety of cancer-associated molecules, including various proteins, autoantibodies against tumor associated antigens, cell-free DNA fragments, m RNAs and various non-coding RNAs, circulating tumor cells and cancer-derived extracellular vesicles. Each type of these biomarkers provides different information on the disease status, has different advantages and disadvantages, and distinct clinical usefulness. In the current review, we summarize the recent developments in blood-based GC biomarker discovery, discuss the origin of various types of biomarkers and their clinical usefulness and the technological challenges in the development of biomarker assays for clinical use.

Simultaneous determination of atorvastatin,metformin and glimepiride in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a human pharmacokinetic study

A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/ MS) assay method has been developed and fully validated for the simultaneous quantification of atorvastatin, metformin and glimepiride in human plasma. Carbamazepine was used as internal standard (IS). The analytes were extracted from 200 mL aliquots of human plasma via protein precipitation using acetonitrile. The reconstituted samples were chromatographed on a Alltima HP C18 column by using a 60:40 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium acetate (pH 3.0) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.1 mL/min. The calibration curves obtained were linear (r 2 Z0.99) over the concentration range of 0.50-150.03 ng/mL for atorvastatin, 12.14-1207.50 ng/mL for metformin and 4.98-494.29 ng/mL for glimepiride. The API-4000 LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used for detection. The results of the intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy studies were well within the acceptable limits. All the analytes were found to be stable in a battery of stability studies. The method is precise and sensitive enough for its intended purpose. A run time of 2.5 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 300 plasma samples per day. The developed assay method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in human male volunteers.

High performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous quantification of pravastatin and aspirin in human plasma:Pharmacokinetic application

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric(LC-MS/MS) assay method has been developed and fully validated for the simultaneous quantification of pravastatin and aspirin in human plasma.Furosemide was used as an internal standard.Analytes and the internal standard were extracted from human plasma by liquid-liquid extraction technique using methyl tertiary butyl ether.The reconstituted samples were chromatographed on a Zorbax SB-C_18 column by using a mixture of 5 mM ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile(20:80,v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min.The calibration curve obtained was linear(r≥0.99) over the concentration range of 0.50-600.29 ng/mL for pravastatin and 20.07-2012.00 ng/mL for aspirin.Method validation was performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria.A run time of 2.0 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 400 human plasma samples per day.The proposed method was found to be applicable to clinical studies.

Simultaneous determination of telmisartan and amlodipine in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application in a human pharmacokinetic study

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric(LC-MS/MS) assay method has been developed and fully validated for the simultaneous quantification of telmisartan and amlodipine in human plasma.Carbamazepine was used as an internal standard.Analytes and the internal standard were extracted from human plasma by solid-phase extraction technique using Waters Oasis  HLB 1 cm 3(30 mg) extraction cartridge.The reconstituted samples were chromatographed on a Hypurity advance C 18 column(50 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm) using a mixture of acetonitrile-5 mM ammonium acetate buffer(pH-4.0)(50:50,v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min.The calibration curve obtained was linear(r≥0.99) over the concentration range of 2.01-400.06 ng/mL for telmisartan and 0.05-10.01 ng/mL for amlodipine.Method validation was performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria.A run time of 2.5 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 400 human plasma samples per day.The proposed method was found to be applicable to clinical studies.

Association between inherited monogenic liver disorders and chronic hepatitis C

AIM:To determine the frequencies of mutations that cause inherited monogenic liver disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS:This study included 86 patients with chronic hepatitis C(55 men, 31 women; mean age at diagnosis, 38.36 ± 14.52 years) who had undergone antiviral therapy comprising pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Viral load, biochemical parameter changes, and liver biopsy morphological data were evaluated in all patients. The control group comprised 271 unrelated individuals representing the general population of Latvia for mutation frequency calculations. The most frequent mutations that cause inherited liver disorders [gene(mutation): ATP7B(H1069Q), HFE(C282Y, H63D),UGT1A1(TA)7, and SERPINA1(PiZ)] were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), bidirectional PCR allele-specific amplification, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and sequencing. RESULTS: The viral genotype was detected in 80 of the 86 patients. Viral genotypes 1, 2, and 3 were present in 61(76%), 7(9%), and 12(15%) patients, respectively. Among all 86 patients, 50(58%) reached an early viral response and 70(81%) reached a sustained viral response. All 16 patients who did not reach a sustained viral response had viral genotype 1. Casecontrol analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in only the H1069Q mutation between patients and controls(patients, 0.057; controls, 0.012; odds ratio, 5.514; 95%CI: 1.119-29.827, P = 0.022). However, the H1069Q mutation was not associated with antiviral treatment outcomes or biochemical indices. The(TA) 7 mutation of the UGT1A1 gene was associated with decreased ferritin levels(beta regression coefficient =-295.7, P = 0.0087). CONCLUSION: Genetic mutations that cause inherited liver diseases in patients with hepatitis C should be studied in detail.

Experimental studying of the drug efficiency Prostamax in the therapy of chronic aseptic prostatitis and its complications

The treatment of one of the most common urological diseases, a chronic aseptic prostatitis, is an exigeant problem. Used methods of pharmacotherapy are insufficiently effective and after treatment, as a rule, there comes a recrudescence. The efficiency of new prostatotropic agent Prostamax is studied in the present work, this drug is related to bioregulator peptides at experimental chronic aseptic inflammation of prostate gland. It is established that Prostamax reduces intensity of signs of a chronic inflammation (swelling, hyperemia of vessels, lymphoid infiltration), prevents development of sclerotic and atrophic processes. It is shown that the agent intensifies sexual activity of animals. Efficiency of the preparation Prostamax surpasses that among widespread prostatotropic agents derived from the extract of Serenoa repens and prostate of animals.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Coffee (<i>Coffee arabica</i>L.) Germplasm Accessions Growing in the Southwestern Saudi Arabia Using Quantitative Traits

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is an economically important crop cultivated on the terraced slopes and narrow valleys of the mountains in the south-western Saudi Arabia. The objective of the study was to evaluate genetic diversity among nineteen coffee accessions collected from different coffee growing areas based on quantitative morphological and pomological traits. Data of 17 quantitative traits were collected and subjected to various statistical analyses. The analysis of variance showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the accessions for the majority of quantitative traits measured. A principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to determine the nature and degree of divergence among accessions. PCA showed that four principal components explained about 85.62% of the total variation. Differentiation of germplasm into different clusters was because of cumulative effects of a number of characters. Cluster and distance analysis of quantitative traits revealed the existence of five different groups. The maximum distance was seen between clusters IV and V (76.4) while the minimum was seen between I and II (16.13). Accessions like KSA6 and KSA8 from Tallen valley and KSA10 and KSA11 from Hada and Shada valleys collection are recommenced for the next breeding work as they are high yielder accessions compared to the others. However, it is suggested to complete the present results by additional assessment of the in situ collection and variety trials. These results are of great interest for future breeding programs for this species.

Functional Causality between Oil Prices and GDP Based on Big Data

This paper examines the causal relationship between oil prices and the Gross Domestic Product(GDP)in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The study is carried out by a data set collected quarterly,by Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority,over a period from 1974 to 2016.We seek how a change in real crude oil price affects the GDP of KSA.Based on a new technique,we treat this data in its continuous path.Precisely,we analyze the causality between these two variables,i.e.,oil prices and GDP,by using their yearly curves observed in the four quarters of each year.We discuss the causality in the sense of Granger,which requires the stationarity of the data.Thus,in the first Step,we test the stationarity by using the Monte Carlo test of a functional time series stationarity.Our main goal is treated in the second step,where we use the functional causality idea to model the co-variability between these variables.We show that the two series are not integrated;there is one causality between these two variables.All the statistical analyzes were performed using R software.

Use of the Max Ent model to predict changes in sloth bear(Melursus ursinus)habitats in the Gandaki River Basin,Nepal

The Gandaki River Basin(GRB),located in the central Himalaya,provides habitats for a large number of important flora and fauna species.The habitats of key protected species have changed over time as a result of climate changes and human activities related to land use change,including the development of roads.This study assessed the present and future distributions of sloth bear(Melursus ursinus)habitats using the maximum entropy(Max Ent)model.Bioclimatic data,a digital elevation model and roads were used as environmental layers to assess current and future distributions of habitat.Results show that the overall habitat within the study area is likely to undergo important changes in the future.Bio 8(the mean temperature of the wettest quarter)and slope were found to be important variables affecting the distribution of the species.The habitats very highly suitable for sloth bears currently cover an area of 148 km^(2) within the GRB.These habitats are predicted to increase by 122 km^(2) more by 2050.Overall,a net change by 680.38 km^(2) was found in the GRB.Conservation measures are necessary for this key protected species and its habitat within the GRB and elsewhere in Nepal.

TREATMENT OF DIABETES IN THE ELDERLY——An analysis of 885 Cases

Besides treating elderly diabetics basically for the disease,the author treated the patients bytraditional Chinese medicine based on an overall analysis of their symptoms and signs,di-viding the course of the disease into 5 stages comprising 16 syndromes types.He evaluatedthe quality of their survival according to an the health rating of Karnofsky,and advised themon the amount of work or other activity appropriate in each case in order to relieve thesymptoms,retard the disease process,and improve the quality of survival.