Strong couplings of scalar heavy mesons with light axial vector and pseudoscalar states in LCSR

This study focuses on estimating the strong coupling constants of charmed and bottom mesons, such as B ⁎ , D ⁎ , B 1 , and D 1 , in relation to light pseudoscalar and axial vector states including π - , K - , a 1 - , b 1 - , K 1 ( 1270 ) , and K 1 ( 1400 ) . We will utilize the framework of light-cone QCD sum rules to achieve this. By employing this methodology, we will determine the values of these coupling constants and compare them to predictions from other approaches. This comparison will enable us to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of our estimations and determine the level of agreement between various theoretical models. Ultimately, our research will enhance our understanding of the strong interactions involving charmed and bottom mesons, as well as the associated light pseudoscalar and axial vector states.

REPLENISHMENT POLICY FOR A PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH STOCHASTIC CONSTRAINTS, DISCOUNT AND IMPERFECT ITEMS

In this paper, a processing system with multiple products, single-vendor and single-buyer is considered to maximize the inventory system’s profit. In order to be more suit for real-world applications, this model contains five stochastic constraints including backordering cost, space, ordering, procurement, and available budget. It is assumed that orders are subjected to quantity discount and also imperfect goods are permitted. The price of the perfect and imperfect goods are assumed to be different. The imperfect goods are assumed to be returned to the system for rework process. The objective is to find the optimal order quantities of products such that the total inventory profit to be maximized while satisfying all the constraints. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. Two algorithms, based on GA and GRASP are developed to solve the resulting model. Performance of the algorithms are analyzed based on 45 numerical examples with different sizes.

A Simple Green Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles with Sargassum Alga and Their Electrocatalytic Activities Towards Hydrogen Peroxide

This study presents the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using the extract derived from the marine alga, Sargassum bovinum, collected from Persian Gulf area. Water-soluble compounds that exist in the marine alga extract were the main cause of the reduction of palladium ions to Pd nanoparticles. The basic properties of PdNPs produced in this method were confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). TEM confirmed the monodispersed and octahedral shape of PdNPs within the size ranges from 5 to 10 nm. Catalytic performance of the biosynthetic PdNPs was investigated by electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). PdNP-modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (PdNPs/CILE) was developed as a nonenzymatic sensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide. Amperometric measurements showed that PdNPs/CILE is a reliable sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in the range of 5.0 μM-15.0 mM with a sensitivity of 284.35 mAmM(-1) cm(-2) and a detection limit of 1.0 μM. Moreover, PdNPs/CILE exhibits a wide linear range, high sensitivity and selectivity, and excellent stability for the detection of H2O2 in aqueous solutions.

Genetic diversity of plaque mutans streptococci with rep-PCR

Mutans streptococci (MS) are key organisms associated with the etiology of dental caries. Using probabilities that were tested by oversampling, we designed this study to determine the minimal number of MS isolates from an individual required to evaluate diversity of genotypes. MS isolates were genotyped by repetitive extragenic palindromic-polymerase chain-reaction (rep-PCR). Analysis of 20 isolates from individuals resulted in a mean of 1.6 and 2.4 genotypes in children (N = 12) and adults (N = 10), respectively. In a follow-up study, reducing the number of isolates to 7-10 resulted in a theoretical probability of up to 78% for detecting up to 4 genotypes. A mean of 1.5 genotypes was found in 35 children and 10 adults. These findings provide evidence for the design of studies of MS genotyping that can serve as a model for the analysis of genotypes within individuals.

Stroke in Qatar: a one-year, hospital-based study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stroke is a major health problem in Qatar, yet no stroke studies have been reported from this region. This hospital-based study was conducted to determine the types and the 30-day fatality rate of stroke. The data were collected from the only hospital in Qatar and, therefore, are considered to be community-based estimations.

METHODS

Clinical information was collected from discharge records of all patients with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, (ICD 9) codes 430 to 438 from January 1 to December 31, 1997. Identification of cases included review of death certificates and brain computed tomography (CT) records for the same period.

RESULTS

First-ever stroke was found in 217 patients (157 men and 60 women). The overall incidence rate was 41 per 100,000 inhabitants per year (95% CI, 30.2-52.4/100,000/year) and 238/100,000/year for the population over 45 years old. The age standardized incidence was 57.5 per 100,000 inhabitants per year (95% CI, 43.1-73.8). The crude incidence for native Qataris was 75 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The mean age of patients experiencing their first stroke was 57 years. Thirty-nine (18%) patients were younger than 45 years. Clinical subtypes of stroke were ischemic (80%), intracerebral hemorrhage (19%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (1%). Risk factors included hypertension (63%), diabetes mellitus (42%), ischemic heart disease (17%), and atrial fibrillation (4.5%). The overall patient fatality rate at 30 days was 16%.

CONCLUSION

Stroke incidence in Qatar is lower than in other countries; a low incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage was noted. The low mean age of stroke patients reflects the demographic characteristics of the population in Qatar. The high percentage of stroke patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes reflects the high prevalence of these risk factors in the population.