This paper is concerned with a predator-prey model with prey-taxis and linear prey harvesting under the homogeneous Neumann boundary condition. The stability of the unique positive constant solution of the predator-prey model without prey-taxis is derived. Also, the emergence of Hopf bifurcation is concluded by choosing the proper Hopf bifurcation parameters. Moreover, the existence of non-constant positive steady states is investigated by the introduce of prey-taxis. The conclusions show that prey harvesting and prey-taxis can enrich the dynamics.

Epidemiologic studies performed in the Melbourne Sexual Health Center over several years have explored and emphasized the role of sexual transmission in the pathogenesis of sporadic bacterial vaginosis (BV) as well as recurrent BV (Fethers KA., et al. Infect. Dis. 2008; 47: 1426-1435). Some of the most definitive studies documenting details of heterosexual sexual transmission followed. There can be little doubt as to the causal role of sexual transmission in BV particularly with regard to the initial episode (Cherpes, TL., et al. Sex. Transm. Dis 2008; 35: 78-83). The present study adds solid molecular data to their previous epidemiologic data that recurrent BV is more likely to occur in a heterosexual woman with a single regular male partner (Ratten L., et al BJOG 2020 xxxx): Moreover, the risk is mitigated by use of an oral contraceptive and barrier contraceptives. Specifically, Ratten et al conclude that sex is associated with persistence of non-optimal, BV-associated vaginal dysbiosis following appropriate antimicrobial treatment for BV in a cohort followed prospectively, likely the result of sexual transmission from a regular partner. The key term used in the title of the study is persistence, which implies that the non-optimal vaginal microbiota fails to resolve, as opposed to future reintroduction from the same guilty partner. Persistence in this context, unfortunately, also indirectly suggests that inadequate antimicrobial treatment is currently prescribed to women, perhaps sufficient to relieve symptoms and meet diagnostic criteria of satisfactory response, but insufficient to eradicate BV pathogens. The author emphasizes needed improvement in the, so far, futile male partner therapy to prevent female reinfection, a goal that has repeatedly eluded experts to date.The unanswered question facing patients and clinicians alike is the role of sexual reinfection as opposed to vaginal relapse in the causation and likelihood of BV recurrence. The tone of the article would indicate that reinfection is the more likely causal mechanism of BV recurrence, by emphasizing “persistence” and outweighing the role of unexplained relapse. In dealing with a symptomatic patient suffering from an episode of recurrent BV, it is currently not possible to differentiate relapse from reinfection unless the patient declares herself to be celibate, ergo relapse is the cause of recurrence. The clinical picture is identical as are Amsel or Nugent criteria. Unfortunately, molecular microbiome studies have not revealed significant differences between sequential episodes regardless of causation. We lack a “unique fingerprint” to differentiate cause or nature of the recurrent episode. Even with reinfection, sexual or otherwise, details of pathogenesis are still lacking. We know too that coitus can elicit symptoms of BV (post coital malodor) even with use of a condom. The role of receptive oral-vulvovaginal sex is also undetermined, as is the role of penile – anorectal penetration although the latter was found to be minimal in the latest study by Ratten L., et al. (BJOG 2020 xxxx): Moreover, not all longitudinal studies have revealed that heterosexual sex is a major factor in recurrence (Sobel J.D., et al. Infect. Drug Resist. 2019: 12; 2297-2307).The role of sex and reinfection in causation of RBV will depend significantly upon the population studied, including biologic and behavioral differences. Determination of causation of BV recurrence in different patient populations should be personalized and acknowledged as we admit our current limitations. Will more effective male treatment help reduce BV recurrence? Hopefully but still unknown. Determining all the causes of vaginal microbiota persistence, including the role of biofilm, remains a challenge.No disclosures: A completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information.

In this paper, we consider a class of non-cooperative critical nonlocal equation system with variable exponents of the form: $$ \left\{ \begin{array}{lll} -(-\Delta)_{p(\cdot,\cdot)}^su - |u|^{p(x)-2}u = F_u(x,u,v) + |u|^{q(x)-2}u, \quad &\mbox{in}\,\,\mathbb{R}^N,\\ (-\Delta)_{p(\cdot,\cdot)}^sv + |v|^{p(x)-2}v = F_v(x,u,v) + |v|^{q(x)-2}u, \quad &\mbox{in}\,\,\mathbb{R}^N,\\ u, v \in W^{s,p(\cdot,\cdot)}(\mathbb{R}^N), \end{array}\right. $$ where $\nabla F = (F_u, F_v)$ is the gradient of a $C^1$-function $F: \mathbb{R}^N\times \mathbb{R}^2 \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^+$ with respect to the variable $(u, v) \in \mathbb{R}^2$. We also assume that$\{x \in \mathbb{R}^N: q(x) = p_s^\ast(x)\} \neq \emptyset$, here $p_s^\ast(x)=Np(x,x)/(N-sp(x,x))$ is the critical Sobolev exponent for variable exponents. With the help of the Limit index theory and the concentration-compactness principles for fractional Sobolev spaces with variable exponents, we establish the existence of infinitely many solutions for the problem under the suitable conditions on the nonlinearity.

This work presents analytical and numerical results for the position- and momentum-space information entropies, of the 1s2-state of helium-like ions, using different interaction potentials. The potentials that we used are the Yukawa potential (YP), and the exponential-cosine-screened Coulomb potential (ECSCP). The investigated studies allow us to relate the position-space information with the momentum-space information of Shannon and Fisher, as well as Shannon entropy power, and the Fisher-Shannon information product, through different famous relations. The calculation is done using the one-electron charge density of entangled two-parameter wave function. On one hand, the results that are presented for ten members in the helium isoelectronic sequence demonstrate with precision the effect of correlation on bare charge distributions. On the other hand, it leads to some very important results for both the correlated and uncorrelated values of the informatic entropies. Analytical formula for the momentum-space information entropies are given. The effect of the nuclear charge and the screening parameter on the information expressions has been studied for both potentials. Detailed computational and numerical values and characteristics of these information quantities, as a function of the screening parameter, are reported here for the first time. New inequality has been proposed with Fisher’s total value to measure the correlation of two electrons.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a dynamic nomogram model to predict the risk of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks in twin pregnancy. Design: A retrospective analysis and multicentre validation study Setting and Population: Women with twin pregnancies followed up in two tertiary medical centres from January 2017 to March 2019. Methods: Data on maternal demographic characteristics, transvaginal cervical length and funneling were extracted. The prediction model was constructed with independent variables determined by logistic regression analyses. The risk score was calculated according to the dynamic nomogram model. Main outcome measures: The risk of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks in twin pregnancy. Results: In total, 1065 twin pregnancies were eligible for the study, of which the data of 764 cases (92 twin preterm cases (<32 weeks) and 672 control cases) were obtained from a tertiary medical centre as the training group and those of 301 cases (36 twin preterm cases (<32 weeks) and 265 control cases) from the other tertiary medical centre as the external validation group. Based on logistic regression analyses, we built a dynamic nomogram model with satisfactory discrimination in both the training group(C-index: 0.856, 95% CI: 0.813-0.899) and external validation group(C-index: 0.808, 95% CI: 0.751-0.865). The restricted cubic splines and ROC curve supported the performance of the prediction model. Conclusions: We developed and validated a dynamic nomogram model to predict the individual probability of preterm birth in twin pregnancy at <32 weeks.

Objective To investigate the fertility status and pregnancy outcome in women with hemoglobin H disease in southern China. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Population 28 young women with Hb H disease. Methods Clinic characteristics were included during their pregnancies over a 12-year period and their babies’ outcomes were assessed.. Main outcome measures Genotype, methods of conception and delivery, complications during pregnancies, and frequency of transfusion. Hb and serum ferritin levels. Babies’ birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 minute. Results Four genotypes, namely, - -/-α3.7, - -/-α4.2, - -/αWSα, - -/αQSα, and - -/αCSα, were found among these women. The most frequent ethnic background was Zhuang (57.14%). 59 pregnancies occurred. 56 conceptions were spontaneous. Six pregnancies were terminated because of Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis. 44 resulted in successful deliveries of 46 neonates, and 17 were via cesarean section. The mean gestational period of delivery was 38 weeks, the rate of pregnancy complications was 50%. The majority of these women were never transfused before or during their pregnancy, except those with genotype –/αCSα. and the mean birth weight of the 46 neonates was 2815.00±503.26g. The mean hemoglobin concentration and median serum ferritin level were significantly decreased during the pregnancy. Conclusions Despite the good pregnancy outcome for women with Hb H disease, the pregnancy course is still considered high risk. Close monitoring of maternal and fetal conditions should be performed by multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcome.

Background Respiratory viral infections are an important cause of acute respiratory tract infections. They are caused by both Influenza and non influenza viruses. Respiratory viral infections are known to be associated with severe clinical outcome especially in the critically ill. A constant surveillance is needed for early etiological identification which can help in timely and appropriate management. Methods In this retrospective study, clinical records of all adult liver disease patients with clinically confirmed ARI, whose request for respiratory viral testing were received in the virology laboratory during September 2016 - March 2019 were reviewed. Respiratory viruses were identified by real time PCR on FilmArray 2.0 instrument (BioFire Diagnostics, Utah, USA) using Respiratory panel as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Results Of the 603 patients of liver disease with clinically confirmed influenza like illness, over all incidence of respiratory viral infection was 24.3% (n= 147). Infections by non-influenza viruses (87, 59.1%) were more than influenza group of viruses. Mortality was higher in non influenza group (43, 49.4%) as compared to influenza (24, 40%) [p=0.015] being maximum in Rhinovirus, 22 (32.8%). Two peaks were observed in both influenza and non influenza groups, first in the months of January and February and the other one in August and October. Conclusion With the emergence of SARS- CoV-2 it has now become imperative for a constant surveillance of the non influenza viruses for early etiological identification of the respiratory viral infection for proper and timely management in the critically ill.

Background: The modulations of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) on lymphocyte subsets and cytokine productions are not fully clarified. Objective: We investigated the changes of T-lymphocyte subsets and serum Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific immunoglobulin G4 (Der-p-sIgG4), and cytokine productions in allergic asthmatics during Der-p SCIT. Methods: This study involved 20 allergic asthmatics receiving 156-week Der-p SCIT, 20 patients without SCIT (non-SCIT). Symptom and medication scores (SMS), serum Der-p-sIgG4 levels, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg), CD4+IL-4-IFN-γ+ T-helper (Th) 1, CD4+IL-4+IFN-γ- Th2 lymphocyte percentage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with/without Der-p extract stimulation at weeks 0, 4, 12, 16, 52, 104, and 156 were measured. Serum from SCIT and non-SCIT patients were incubated with Der-p allergen and Der-p sensitized PBMCs. Levels of interleukin (IL) -4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, interferon (IFN) -γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and transfer growth factor (TGF) -β1 in supernatant were detected. Results: SCIT patients had significantly lower SMS after week 52. Der-p-sIgG4 levels in SCIT patients significantly increased at week 16 compared to non-SCIT subjects. CD4+IL-4+IFN-γ- Th2 percentage in SCIT patients showed a significant decrease from week 104 to 156 comparing to week 0, while no change was observed in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg and CD4+IL-4-IFN-γ+ Th1 percentage. IL-5, IL-13, IL-4, IL-17, and TNF-α levels in supernatant of Der-p-sensitized PBMCs, cultured with serum of SCIT patients after 16 weeks decreased significantly compared with non-SCIT patients, and showed significant reverse associations with Der-p-sIgG4 levels. Conclusion: SCIT down-regulated Th2 cytokine productions associated reversely with Dep-p-sIgG4 levels in Der-p allergic asthma patients.

The failure behavior of thermal treated granite under triaxial tiered cyclic loading-unloading compression has a significant effect on the safe and stable operation of HLW disposal repository. Therefore, the stress-strain curves, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, plastic strain, dissipated energy and failure characteristic of the thermal treated granite specimens under triaxial compression were analyzed by experiment and numerical simulation. The results indicate that the elastic, Poisson’s ratio, axial plastic strain, dissipated energy and accumulative AE counts slightly increase with cyclic loading at initial loading and elastic deformation stage when T = 25 and 300°C, which means that less damage was induced by cyclic loading. However, damage occurred once cyclic loading was applied when T = 600°C. Radial strain even showed compressive characteristic in the initial stage, which indicates that grains adjustment occurred under triaxial cyclic loading-unloading compression. And, the compressive characteristic is more obvious with the increase of temperature or the decrease of confining pressure. The failure modes under triaxial cyclic loading are more complicated than that under triaxial monotonic loading, which make the shear plane rougher. Therefore, the residual strength is higher than that under monotonic loading. When T = 600°C, micro-crack continuously increases under uniaxial unloading and loading process, which result in a decrease of the peak strength under cyclic loading compared with that under monotonic loading.

We would like to report here on our clinical observations in 212 subjects, vaccinated in our Center since the start of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with the mumps-measles-rubeola (MMR) vaccine and of whom thirty-two have presented COVID-19, all with a remarkably mild course.In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, observing the highly contagious and virulent nature of the virus, new to mankind and for which no actual treatment nor vaccination exists, we have been searching for methods to enhance innate immunity. Moreover, the pandemic started in our country just after a rise in measles cases had motivated the Ministry of Health to recommend measles re-vaccination. Aware of the existence of trained immunity we decided to apply this concept and from March 2020 onward recommend MMR vaccination, but with extra emphasis among family members of COVID-19 cases. In June 2020 the American Society for Microbiology (AMS) speculated in a press-release that “the MMR vaccine could serve as a preventive measure to dampen …. COVID-19 infection.”

In vertebrates, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a steroid-activated nuclear receptor (NR) that plays essential roles in water-electrolyte balance and blood pressure homeostasis. It belongs to the group of oxo-steroidian NRs, together with the glucocorticoid (GR), progesterone (PR), and androgen (AR) receptors. Classically, these oxo-steroidian NRs homodimerize and bind to specific genomic sequences to activate gene expression. NRs are multi-domain proteins, and dimerization is mediated by both the DNA (DBD) and ligand binding (LBD) domains, with the latter thought to provide the largest dimerization interface. However, at the structural level, the LBD dimerization of oxo-steroidian receptors has remained largely a matter of debate. This is linked to the receptor refractory expression, purification and crystallization. As a result, there is currently no consensus on a common homodimer assembly across the 4 receptors, i.e. GR, PR, AR and MR, despite their sequence homology. Examining the available MR LBD crystals and using widely plebiscited tools such as PISA, PRISM and EPPIC, and the MM/PBSA method, we have determined that an interface mediated by the helices H9 and H10 of the LBD as well as by the F domain presents the features of a biological protein-protein interaction surface. This interface which has been observed in both GR alpha and MR crystals, distinguished itself among other contacts and provided for the first time a homodimer architecture that is common to both oxo-steroidian receptors.

Ewing sarcoma is one of the rare, highly malignant neuroectodermal tumors frequently involving bones. Primary orbital Ewing sarcoma is extremely uncommon. We report a rare case of a 5-year-old boy who presented to us with painless slow-growing mass above the medial canthus of left eye, the clinical appearance of which was masquerading as internal angular dermoid. The child was subsequently diagnosed to have primary orbital Ewing sarcoma. Primary orbital Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumour with poor prognosis, poses diagnostic challenges and demands a high index of clinical suspicion.

Background. Adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are more likely to have chemotherapy-related complications than children. In addition, several reports have shown that infections account for most of the therapy-related mortality during cancer treatment in AYAs. Thus, we hypothesized that chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is more severe in AYAs than in children, and the state of neutropenia was compared between children and AYAs using the D-index, a numerical value calculated from the duration and depth of neutropenia. Procedure. This study retrospectively analyzed 95 patients newly diagnosed with ALL at our institution between 2007 and 2019. Of these, 81 were children (< 15 years old) and 14 were AYAs (≥ 15 years old). The D-index and duration of neutropenia during induction chemotherapy for ALL were compared between children and AYAs. Results. The median D-index of children was significantly higher than that of AYAs (8,187 vs. 6,446, respectively, P = 0.017). Moreover, the median duration of neutropenia was also significantly longer in children than in AYAs (24.0 days vs. 11.5 days, respectively, P = 0.007). Conclusion. Contrary to our expectations, myelosuppressive toxicity during induction chemotherapy for ALL was more severe in children than in AYAs.

Batesian mimicry is a striking example of Darwinian evolution, in which a mimetic species resembles toxic or unpalatable model species, thereby, receiving protection from predators. In some species exhibiting Batesian mimicry, non-mimetic individuals coexist in the same population despite the benefits of mimicry, and the relative abundance of mimetic individuals in the population varies among localities. In a previous study, we found that the mimic ratios (MRs), which varied among the Islands, were likely to be explained by the model abundance of each habitat, rather than isolation-by-distance or phylogenetic constraint in the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polytes, on the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. Because the previous study, however, was based on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that may sometimes mislead conclusion stemming from the inherent genetic properties, this possibility was reexamined based on hundreds of nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 95 P. polytes individuals from five Islands of the Ryukyus. We found that the population genetic and phylogenetic structures of P. polytes largely corresponded to the geographic arrangement of the habitat Islands, and the genetic distances among island populations significantly correlated with the geographic distances, which was not evident by the mtDNA-based analysis. The revised SNP-based genetic distances with a partial correlation approach revealed that the MRs of P. polytes were strongly correlated with the model abundance of each island, implying that negative frequency-dependent selection shaped and maintained the mimetic polymorphism. Taken together, we suggest that predation pressure, not neutral factors, is major driving force to determine the relative abundance of Batesian mimicry in P. polytes from the Ryukyus.

Despite the success of the United States (US) Boll Weevil Eradication Program, the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), remains a threat to cotton production in the southern US and is arguably the most important cotton pest in Central and South America. Management of this species is complicated by the existence of morphologically similar variants and re-infestations of areas where eradication had been successful. To date, no study has applied a high-throughput sequencing approach to better understand the population genetic structure of the boll weevil. Furthermore, only a single study has investigated genetic relationships between populations in North and South America. Here, we used double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) to resolve the population genomic structure of the boll weevil in the southern US, northern Mexico, and Argentina, test the two-form and three-form hypotheses of boll weevil variation in North America using a phylogeographic approach, and determine the relationship of the South American populations to the North. Our results supported the two-form hypothesis of boll weevil variation in North America wherein there are two major genetic lineages – one consisting of populations found geographically west of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and the second consisting of populations found to the east – both are highly sub-structured across space and time. Boll weevil populations from Argentina were more closely related to the eastern lineage, suggesting a range expansion by the eastern lineage, but additional sampling across Central and South America is needed to determine a probable origin.

Telomeres, the short repetitive DNA sequences that cap the ends of linear chromosomes, shorten during cell division and are implicated in senescence in most species. Telomerase can rebuild telomeres but is repressed in many mammals that exhibit replicative senescence, presumably as a tumor suppression mechanism. It is therefore important that we have an accurate understanding of the co-evolution of telomere biology and life-history traits that has shaped the diversity of senescence patterns across species. Gomes et al. (2011) produced a large data set on telomere length (TL), telomerase activity, body mass and lifespan among 57 mammal species. We re-analyzed their data using the same phylogenetic multiple regressions and with several additional analyses to test the robustness of findings. We found substantial inconsistencies in our results compared to Gomes et al.’s. Consistent with Gomes et al. we found an inverse association between TL and lifespan. Contrary to the analyses in Gomes et al., we found a generally robust inverse association between TL and mass, and only weak non-robust evidence for an association between telomerase activity and mass. These results suggest that shorter TL may have been selected for in larger and longer-lived species–likely as a mechanism to suppress cancer. We support this hypothesis by showing that longer telomeres predict higher cancer risk across 22 species. Furthermore, we find that domesticated species have longer telomeres. Our results call into question past interpretations of the co-evolution of telomere biology and life-history traits and stress the need for careful attention to model construction.

Background AF in HCM is associated with high stroke risk despite low CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Hence, there is need to understand AF pathophysiology and predict AF in HCM. We develop/apply a data-driven, machine learning-based method to identify AF cases and clinical features associated with AF in HCM, using electronic health record (EHR) data. Methods Patients with documented paroxysmal/ persistent/permanent AF (n=191) were considered AF cases, and the remaining patients in sinus rhythm (n=640) were tagged as No-AF. We evaluated 93 clinical variables; the most informative variables useful for distinguishing AF from No-AF cases were selected based on the 2-sample t-test and information gain criterion. Results We identified 18 highly informative clinical variables: 11 are positively associated (e.g. LA-diameter, LV-diastolic dysfunction, LV-LGE), and 7 are negatively correlated (e.g. several exercise parameters) with AF in HCM. Next, patient records were represented via these 18 variables. Data imbalance resulting from the relatively low number of AF cases was addressed via a combination of over- and under-sampling strategies. We trained and tested multiple classifiers under this sampling approach, showing effective classification. Specifically, an ensemble of logistic regression and naïve Bayes classifiers, trained based on the 18 variables and corrected for data imbalance, proved most effective for separating AF from No-AF cases (sensitivity=0.74, specificity=0.72, C-index=0.80). Conclusions Our model (HCM-AF-Risk Model), the first machine learning-based method for identification of AF cases in HCM, demonstrates good performance, and suggests that AF is associated with a more severe cardiac HCM-phenotype.

Background. Substrate analysis of the left atrium in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation has limitations when performed by means of simple bipolar acquisition. Objective. To evaluate the incidence of low-voltages (LV) through maps constructed by means of various catheters:multipoltar (MC), omnipolar (OC) and circular catheters (CMC) with the 3D electro-anatomical systems (3d-S) CARTO3 and Ensite-Precision. Methods. To assess LV we acquired maps by means of CMC and MC in the voltage range 0.05-0.5 mV in 70 patients in sinus rhythm. In case of OC only, we made an intra-patient comparison of bipolar maps constructed in along, across and HD-Wave configurations by means of Ensite-Precision in the ranges of 0.05-0.5 mV and 0.5-1.0 mV. Basing on this comparison, we chose the range that best identified LV and characterized patchy fibrosis by analyzing a set of different colors (qualitative analysis). Finally, we performed a quantitative analysis of LV by applying the qualitative characteristics described above. Results. Basing on our settings, the optimal range for OC was 0.3-0.6 mV. OC revealed smaller LV areas than MC (p <0.05 or p <0.001), except in the lateral wall. No significant differences were observed between CMCs. The same rates of AF recurrence were found for OC and MC during the follow-up period. Conclusions.In our experience, OC does not present the limits of bipolar HD maps, though further studies are needed in order to confirm that 0.3-0.6 mV as LV optimal voltage range.

We describe the anaesthetic management of a 4-day-old premature infant presenting for urgent resection of a massive posterior intrapericardial teratoma. Anaesthetic challenges include anticipating cardiopulmonary collapse upon induction and hemodynamic instability associated with blood loss or tumor manipulation. Premature infants present unique challenges due to patient-to-tumor size discrepancy.

The benefits of opioid use in older adults to manage chronic non-cancer pain must outweigh the risks as these individuals are more susceptible to the side effects and drug interactions associated with opioids. Pharmacogenomic testing supports clinicians to select an appropriate opioid therapy while minimizing these risks.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) happen as a result of infection, side effects to medications or of unknown etiology. Carbamazepine is a common cause (SJS). Good history taking is crucial if clinically indicated treatment with carbamazepine. carbamazepine should be avoided with previous history of severe drug reaction like mast cell activation syndrome.

Community detection decomposes large-scale, complex networks ‘optimally’ into sets of smaller sub-networks. It finds sub-networks that have the least inter-connections and the most intra-connections. This article presents an efficient community detection algorithm that detects community structures in a weighted network by solving a multi-objective optimization problem. The whale optimization algorithm is extended to enabe it to handle multi-objective optimization problems with discrete variables and to solve the problems on parallel processors. To this end, the population’s positions are discretized using a transfer function that maps real variables to discrete variables, the initialization steps for the algorithm are modified to prevent generating unrealistic connections between variables, and the updating step of the algorithm is redefined to produce integer numbers. To identify the community configurations that are Pareto optimal, the non-dominated sorting concept is adopted. The proposed algorithm is tested on the Tennessee Eastman process to show its application and performance.

A spatially resolved 1-D pressure filtration model was developed for a slurry of edible fat crystals. The model focuses on the expression step in which a cake is compressed to force the liquid through a filter cloth. The model describes the local oil flow in the shrinking cake modeled as a porous nonlinear elastic medium existing of two phases, viz. porous aggregates and inter-aggregate liquid. Conservation equations lead to a set of two differential equations (vs time and vs a material coordinate ) for two void ratios, which are solved numerically by exploiting a finite-difference scheme. A simulation with this model results in a spatially resolved cake composition and in the outflow velocity, both as a function of time, as well as the final solid fat contents of the cake. Simulation results for various filtration conditions are compared with experimental data collected in a pilot-plant scale filter press.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges to international health care systems. Management of the current pandemic puts a huge strain on health care sectors and leads to new strategies conducting by health care systems in countries across the world. In the present article, we review the epidemiologic data, Iranian health care system response, as well as the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac surgery practice in Iran