Novel Method for Improving the Capacity of Optical MIMO System Using MGDM

In current local area networks, multimode fibers (MMFs), primarily graded index (GI) MMFs, are the main types of fibers employed for data communications. Due to their enormous bandwidth, it is considered that they are the main channel medium that can offer broadband multiservices using optical multiplexing techniques. Amongst these, mode group diversity multiplexing (MGDM) has been proposed as a way to integrate various services over an MMF network by exciting different groups of modes that can be used as independent and parallel communication channels. In this paper, we study optical multiple-input–multiple-output (O-MIMO) systems using MGDM techniques while also optimizing the launching conditions of light at the fiber inputs and the spot size, radial offset, angular offset, wavelength, and the radii of the segment areas of the detectors. We propose a new approach based on the optimization of launching and detection conditions in order to increase the capacity of an O-MIMO link using the MGDM technique. We propose a (3 $times$ 3) O-MIMO system, where our simulation results show significant improvement in GI MMFs' capacity compared with existing O-MIMO systems. Optical multiple-input-multiple-output multiplexing of parallel communication multichannels over a single multimode fiber network. Optical multiple-input-multiple-output multiplexing of parallel communication multichannels over a single multimode fiber network

Water status and yield response to deficit irrigation and fertilization of three olive oil cultivars under the semi-arid conditions of Tunisia

Sustainability of olive production is possible by adopting the modern techniques of irrigation and fertilization. In Tunisia, olive trees are usually cultivated in poor soils, under semi-arid conditions characterized by water scarcity. This study investigated the effects of different water supply and fertilization on leaf water status and crop yield of three different olive oil varieties cultivated in central Tunisia, during four experimental seasons (2014-2017). Three treatments were examined: trees conducted under rainfed conditions (TRF), which represented the control treatment, trees irrigated with 50% ETc (T50) and, finally, trees irrigated with 50% ETc and with additional fertilization (T50F). Leaf water content and potential, yield and water use efficiency have been monitored on three different varieties, Chetoui, Chemlali, and Koroneiki, which are quite typical in the considered region. For all the growing seasons, midday leaf water potentials were measured from April to September. Midday leaf water potentials (MLWP) were generally higher for the two irrigated treatments (T50 and T50F) than for non-irrigated trees (TRF). As the season proceeded, MLWPs tended to decrease during summer for all the treatments and varieties. The lowest values were observed for the non-irrigated trees, varying between -3.25 MPa to -4.75 MPa. Relative leaf water content followed the same trends of midday leaf water potentials. Chetoui showed the lowest yield, which did not exceed 1530 Kg/(ha year), even for irrigated and fertilized trees. On the other hand, the yields of Chemlali and Koroneiki, cumulated in the four years, reached the maximum value of about 20 tons/ha. For these two varieties, the cumulated yield obtained in the control treatment (TRF) resulted significantly lower than the corresponding of the other two treatments (T50 and T50F). The highest irrigation water use efficiency (WUE) was estimated for Chemlali (T50) and (TRF). WUE was equal to 1.22 Kg/m3 for Koroneiki under fertigated treatment (T50F). Application of the only water supply (50% ETc) or associated with fertilizer improved the tree water status and increased the productivity of Chemlali and Koroneiki varieties

Prise en charge des complications de la chirurgie partielle du larynx

Introduction : Le cancer du larynx est un cancer fréquent occupant la première place des cancers des voies aéro-digestives chez l’homme en Tunisie. Le tabac est le principal facteur favorisant surtout s’il est associé à l’éthylisme chronique. Il s’agit le plus souvent d’un carcinome épidermoïde plus ou moins différencié. Son pronostic est généralement bon, en raison de son développement dans un tube rigide bien limité et d’un traitement chirurgical actuellement bien codifié. La chirurgie partielle du cancer du larynx est une chirurgie à risque de complications postopératoires nécessitant une prise en charge adéquate.Patients et méthodes : Notre série comprend 54 patients ayant bénéficié d’une chirurgie partielle du larynx au sein du service de chirurgie carcinologique de l’institut Salah Azaiez sur une période de 15 ans (1997-2011).But : Présenter notre expérience en matière de prise en charge des complications de la chirurgie partielle du larynx.Résultats : La moyenne d’âge de nos patients était de 54,9 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 33 à 69 ans. La prédominance masculine était nette avec un sex-ratio de 26. La consommation tabagique était notée dans 92,6% des cas et la dysphonie était présente chez 40 patients porteurs d’une tumeur à localisation glottique. Six types d’interventions ont été pratiqués: cordectomie (9 cas), laryngectomie fronto-latérale (4 cas), laryngectomie frontale antérieure reconstructive type Tucker (10 cas), laryngectomie partielle supra-cricoïdienne avec crico-hyoïdopexie (CHP) (4 cas), laryngectomie partielle supra-cricoïdienne avec crico-hyoïdo-épiglottopexie (CHEP) (24 cas) et laryngectomie horizontale supra-glottique (3 cas). Une antibioprophylaxie était administrée chez 79,6% des patients pour une durée moyenne de 7 jours. Les complications postopératoires ont été analysées et discutées en fonction du type de la chirurgie partielle pratiquée et du type d’antibiothérapie utilisée. Ces complications étaient les suivantes: infection du trachéostome (20,4%), infection de paroi (5 cas), complications respiratoires (29,6%), emphysème sous cutané (7,4%), fistule salivaire (1 cas) et pancréatite aigüe (1 cas).Conclusion : Cette étude montre dans l’ensemble des bons résultats tant sur le plan infectieux que respiratoires, justifiant ainsi l’importance de la prise en charge des complications de la chirurgie partielle du cancer du larynx.Introduction : Laryngeal cancer is a common cancer occurring mainly in men. Smoking is the main risk factor especially if associated with chronic alcoholism. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histologic type. Prognosis is generally good, due to the development of the tumor in a very limited rigid tube and to a well-codified surgical treatment. Partial surgery of laryngeal cancer is characterized by postoperative complications requiring an adequate management.Methods : Our series includes 54 cases of laryngeal cancer treated with partial laryngectomy in the ENT department of Salah Azaiez Institute over a period of 15 years from 1997 to 2011.Objective : To present our experience in the management of partial laryngeal surgery complications.Results : Average age of our patients was 54.9 years ranging from 33 to 69 years. Male predominance was marked with a sex ratio of 26. Tobacco abuse was found in 92.6%. Dysphonia was the most common symptom found in 40 patients with glottic cancer. Six varieties of partial laryngectomy were performed: cordectomy (9 cases), fronto-lateral laryngectomy (4 cases), fronto-anterior reconstructive laryngectomy (10 cases), partial supra-cricoid laryngectomy with CHP (4 cases), partial supra-cricoid laryngectomy with CHEP (24 cases) and supra glottic horizontal laryngectomy (3 cases). 79.6 % of our patients received prophylactic antibiotics for an average of 7 days. Postoperative complications were analyzed and discussed in terms of the type of surgery performed and the antibiotic used. Complications observed were: infection of the tracheostoma (20.4%), parietal infection (5 cases), respiratory complications (29.6%), subcutaneous emphysema (7.4%), salivary fistula (1 case) and acute pancreatitis (1 case).Conclusion : This study shows overall good results for partial laryngeal cancer surgery with minimal post-operative complications and oncologic failure justifying the importance of an early management of these complications

(E)-1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-4,4-di­methyl­pent-1-en-3-one

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C14H16O3, all non-H atoms except for one methyl C atom lie on a crystallographic mirror plane. The conformation with respect to the C=C bond [1.3465 (12) Å] is trans. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked via C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into C(5) chains propagating along [100]

Diversity of Coronaviruses with Particular Attention to the Interspecies Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

In December 2019, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in China with serious impacts on global health and economy that is still ongoing. Although interspecies transmission of coronaviruses is common and well documented, each coronavirus has a narrowly restricted host range. Coronaviruses utilize different receptors to mediate membrane fusion and replication in the cell cytoplasm. The interplay between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of coronaviruses and their coevolution are determinants for host susceptibility. The recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and has also been reported in domestic and wild animals, raising the question about the responsibility of animals in virus evolution. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic might also substantially have an impact on animal production for a long time. In the present review, we discussed the diversity of coronaviruses in animals and thus the diversity of their receptors. Moreover, the determinants of the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 in several animals, with special reference to the current evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in animals, were highlighted. Finally, we shed light on the urgent demand for the implementation of the One Health concept as a collaborative global approach to mitigate the threat for both humans and animals

Artificially decreasing cortical tension generates aneuploidy in mouse oocytes

Human and mouse oocytes’ developmental potential can be predicted by their mechanical properties. Their development into blastocysts requires a specific stiffness window. In this study, we combine live-cell and computational imaging, laser ablation, and biophysical measurements to investigate how deregulation of cortex tension in the oocyte contributes to early developmental failure. We focus on extra-soft cells, the most common defect in a natural population. Using two independent tools to artificially decrease cortical tension, we show that chromosome alignment is impaired in extra-soft mouse oocytes, despite normal spindle morphogenesis and dynamics, inducing aneuploidy. The main cause is a cytoplasmic increase in myosin-II activity that could sterically hinder chromosome capture. We describe here an original mode of generation of aneuploidies that could be very common in oocytes and could contribute to the high aneuploidy rate observed during female meiosis, a leading cause of infertility and congenital disorders

Thrombolysis ImPlementation in Stroke (TIPS): evaluating the effectiveness of a strategy to increase the adoption of best evidence practice – protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial in acute stroke care

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability internationally. One of the three effective interventions in the acute phase of stroke care is thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), if given within 4.5 hours of onset to appropriate cases of ischaemic stroke. OBJECTIVES: To test the effectiveness of a multi-component multidisciplinary collaborative approach compared to usual care as a strategy for increasing thrombolysis rates for all stroke patients at intervention hospitals, while maintaining accepted benchmarks for low rates of intracranial haemorrhage and high rates of functional outcomes for both groups at three months. METHODS AND DESIGN: A cluster randomised controlled trial of 20 hospitals across 3 Australian states with 2 groups: multi- component multidisciplinary collaborative intervention as the experimental group and usual care as the control group. The intervention is based on behavioural theory and analysis of the steps, roles and barriers relating to rapid assessment for thrombolysis eligibility; it involves a comprehensive range of strategies addressing individual-level and system-level change at each site. The primary outcome is the difference in tPA rates between the two groups post-intervention. The secondary outcome is the proportion of tPA treated patients in both groups with good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Score (mRS <2) and the proportion with intracranial haemorrhage (mRS ≥2), compared to international benchmarks. DISCUSSION: TIPS will trial a comprehensive, multi-component and multidisciplinary collaborative approach to improving thrombolysis rates at multiple sites. The trial has the potential to identify methods for optimal care which can be implemented for stroke patients during the acute phase. Study findings will include barriers and solutions to effective thrombolysis implementation and trial outcomes will be published whether significant or not. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN1261300093979