Functional equation of a special Dirichlet series

In this paper we study the special Dirichlet series L(s)=23∑n=1∞sin(2πn3)n−s,  s∈C This series converges uniformly in the half-plane Re(s)>1 and thus represents a holomorphic function there. We show that the function L can be extended to a holomorphic function in the whole complex-plane. The values of the function L at the points 0,±1,−2,±3,−4,±5,… are obtained. The values at the positive integers 1,3,5,… are determined by means of a functional equation satisfied by L

Photoelectrochemical behavior of the ternary heterostructured systems CdS/WO3/TiO2

In this article, we report the results of comparative studies of photoelectrochemical behavior of the binary CdS/TiO2 and WO3/TiO2 and ternary CdS/WO3/TiO2 heterostructures based on titania nanotube and planar structures. Physical–chemical characterization by XRD, XPS, and electron microscopy methods together with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements confirm a successful formation of heterostructured electrodes, both nanotube-based and planar. The results of photoelectrochemical studies of the heterostructures demonstrate a significant difference in their behavior depending on the structure geometry and the character of the formed heterojunctions. It is concluded that nanotube-based heterostructure electrodes can be characterized by a stochastic set of different heterojunctions while planar systems demonstrate well-ordered heterojunctions with a strictly defined electron transfer direction. Particularly, we demonstrate the possibility of the realization of Z-scheme of photoexcitation and charge separation in ternary planar systems under visible light irradiation

Treatment of atopic dermatitis with upadacitinib: adcare single center experience

IntroductionThe role of upadacitinib in the management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis seems promising, but more data on its efficacy and safety are needed. This study endeavors to assess the practical impact and safety of upadacitinib in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, focusing on analyzing patient responses to the treatment.MethodsIn this study, adult patients diagnosed with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis received upadacitinib at daily doses of 15 mg or 30 mg, as prescribed by their attending physicians. The therapeutic efficacy of upadacitinib was meticulously assessed using established clinical metrics. Simultaneously, a comprehensive safety assessment was conducted through monthly monitoring, including the evaluation of potential effects of upadacitinib intake on hepatic function, lipid profile, and hematopoiesis using the pertinent laboratory tests.ResultsSixteen participants were enrolled in the study. At 1month follow-up, there was a significant reduction in the mean Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score to 18.8 points, which further increased to 24 points at the 4-month mark. Additionally, 9 participants (56%) demonstrated an EASI-50 response after 1 month of treatment, with this response increasing to 9 participants (90%) after 4 months. Furthermore, enhanced therapeutic responses were observed at 4 months, with 6 patients (38%) achieving an EASI-75 response at 1month and 8 patients (80%) achieving this milestone at the 4-month follow-up. This study highlights the potential of upadacitinib as an effective treatment option for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. While it demonstrates improved symptom management, close monitoring for potential adverse events, particularly infections and the known risks of Janus kinase inhibitors, is essential. Further research is essential to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of upadacitinib

Knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to the presence, transmission, impact, and control of cystic echinococcosis in Sidi Kacem Province, Morocco

BACKGROUND: This study is a component of a large research project on five major neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) including cystic echinococcosis and was undertaken in the Province of Sidi Kacem over a period of four years (April 2009-March 2013). METHODS: Questionnaires were administered at community level in a total of 27 communes and visits were made to all of the 10 abattoirs situated in the Province, to collect qualitative data on determinants of transmission for disease in humans and animals. More specifically, community knowledge, attitudes and practices related to cystic echinococcosis were assessed, as well as the extent to which local customs and behaviours may promote transmission. Abattoir infrastructure and practices, and their role in perpetuating disease transmission were also critically evaluated. RESULTS: The results show that only 50 % of people have heard of the disease, and of those, only 21 % are aware of the dog’s role in disease transmission. Sixty-seven per cent of respondents stated that dogs are fed ruminant organs deemed unfit for human consumption. Owned dogs have access to the family home, including the kitchen, in 39 % of households. The extent of this close proximity between humans and animals is even more pertinent when one considers that dogs are omnipresent in the community, with an average of 1.8 dogs owned per household. The unrestricted access of dogs to abattoirs is a huge issue, which further promotes disease transmission. CONCLUSION: This study would suggest that the high prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in humans and animals in Morocco is largely due to three factors: 1) abundance of dogs 2) engagement in risky behaviour of the local population and 3) poor abattoir infrastructure and practices. This has serious implications in terms of the socio-economic impact of the disease, especially for rural poor communities. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0082-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

The perceived vulnerability to disease scale: Cross‐cultural measurement invariance and associations with fear of COVID‐19 across 16 countries

Using cross‐sectional data from N = 4274 young adults across 16 countries during the COVID‐19 pandemic, we examined the cross‐cultural measurement invariance of the perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) scale and tested the hypothesis that the association between PVD and fear of COVID‐19 is stronger under high disease threat [that is, absence of COVID‐19 vaccination, living in a country with lower Human Development Index (HDI) or higher COVID‐19 mortality]. Results supported a bi‐factor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling model where items loaded on a global PVD factor, and on the sub‐factors of Perceived Infectability and Germ Aversion. However, cross‐national invariance could only be obtained on the configural level with a reduced version of the PVD scale (PVD‐r), suggesting that the concept of PVD may vary across nations. Moreover, higher PVD‐r was consistently associated with greater fear of COVID‐19 across all levels of disease threat, but this association was especially pronounced among individuals with a COVID‐19 vaccine, and in contexts where COVID‐19 mortality was high. The present research brought clarity into the dimensionality of the PVD measure, discussed its suitability and limitations for cross‐cultural research, and highlighted the pandemic‐related conditions under which higher PVD is most likely to go along with psychologically maladaptive outcomes, such as fear of COVID‐19

Use of Just in Time Maintenance of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Structures based on Real Historical Data Deterioration Models

Concrete is the backbone of any developed economy. Concrete can suffer from a large number of deleterious effects including physical, chemical and biological causes. Large owning bridge structures organizations are facing very serious questions when asking for maintenance budgets. The questions range from needing to justify the need for the work, its urgency, to also have to predict or show the consequences of delayed rehabilitation of a particular structure. There is therefore a need for a probabilistic model that can estimate the range of service lives of bridge populations and also the likelihood of level of deteriorations it can reached for every incremental time interval. A model was developed for such estimation based on statistical data from actual inspection records of a large reinforced concrete bridge portfolio. The method used both deterministic and stochastic methods to predict the service life of a bridge, using these service lives in combination with the just in time (JIT) principle of management would enable maintenance managers to justify the need for action and the budgets needed, to intervene at the optimum time in the life of the structure and that of the deterioration. The paper will report on the model which is based on a large database of deterioration records of concrete bridges covering a period of over 60 years and include data from over 400 bridge structures. The paper will also illustrate how the service life model was developed and how these service lives combined with the JIT can be used to effectively allocate resources and use them to keep a major infrastructure asset moving with little disruption to the transport system and its users