Extension of Nikiforov-Uvarov Method for the Solution of Heun Equation

We report an alternative method to solve second order differential equations which have at most four singular points. This method is developed by changing the degrees of the polynomials in the basic equation of Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method. This is called extended NU method for this paper. The eigenvalue solutions of Heun equation and confluent Heun equation are obtained via extended NU method. Some quantum mechanical problems such as Coulomb problem on a 3-sphere, two Coulombically repelling electrons on a sphere and hyperbolic double-well potential are investigated by this method

Milk Lactose Hydrolysis In A Batch Reactor: Optimisation Of Process Parameters, Kinetics Of Hydrolysis And Enzyme Inactivation

The present investigation describes the effects of the process quantities on enzymatic hydrolysis of milk lactose and enzyme stability. The lactose hydrolysis reactions were carried out in 250 mL of milk by using a commercial β-galactosidase produced from Kluyveromyces marxianus lactis. The residual lactose mass concentration (g L-1) and residual enzyme activity (%) against time were investigated vs. process variables such as temperature, impeller speed and enzyme concentration. Optimum conditions for hydrolysis were obtained as 37 °C, 300 rpm, 1 mL L-1 enzyme concentration and 30 min of processing time. The lactose hydrolysis process resulted in 84 % of hydrolysis degree and 52 % of residual enzyme activity at the optimum experimental conditions obtained. After evaluation of the data, it was found that the kinetics of hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation could be represented by a first order kinetic model and a single-step non-first-order enzyme inactivation kinetic model for all process conditions applied. Also, to illustrate the effect of process variables on hydrolysis and enzyme stability, some modelling studies were performed. The activation energy for hydrolysis reaction (EA) was calculated as 50.685 kJ mol-1

The Effect of Pre-Injury Anti-Platelet Therapy on the Development of Complications in Isolated Blunt Chest Wall Trauma: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: The difficulties in the management of the blunt chest wall trauma patient in the Emergency Department due to the development of late complications are well recognised in the literature. Pre-injury anti-platelet therapy has been previously investigated as a risk factor for poor outcomes following traumatic head injury, but not in the blunt chest wall trauma patient cohort. The aim of this study was to investigate pre-injury anti-platelet therapy as a risk factor for the development of complications in the recovery phase following blunt chest wall trauma. METHODS: A retrospective study was completed in which the medical notes were analysed of all blunt chest wall trauma patients presenting to a large trauma centre in Wales in 2012 and 2013. Using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, pre-injury platelet therapy was investigated as a risk factor for the development of complications following blunt chest wall trauma. Previously identified risk factors were included in the analysis to address the influence of confounding. RESULTS: A total of 1303 isolated blunt chest wall trauma patients presented to the ED in Morriston Hospital in 2012 and 2013 with complications recorded in 144 patients (11%). On multi-variable analysis, pre-injury anti-platelet therapy was found to be a significant risk factor for the development of complications following isolated blunt chest wall trauma (odds ratio: 16.9; 95% confidence intervals: 8.2-35.2). As in previous studies patient age, number of rib fractures, chronic lung disease and pre-injury anti-coagulant use were also found to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-injury anti-platelet therapy is being increasingly used as a first line treatment for a number of conditions and there is a concurrent increase in trauma in the elderly population. Pre-injury anti-platelet therapy should be considered as a risk factor for the development of complications by clinicians managing blunt chest wall trauma

From Goals to Action: A Targeted Framework for Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education

In recent years, the accelerating trend of digital transformation has compelled Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to redefine their role and contribution to individual learners’ lives. This study builds on our previous work undertaken on Widening Participation (WP) and international students under current education 4.0 paradigms and ongoing digital transformation. We propose a practical framework to make the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) more targeted and actionable for effective accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability within the UK Higher Education sector. Critical inquiries have established a clear aim for HEIs to meet these indicators, although obstacles were identified within the subsequent gap analysis of the “2015 UN SDG Agenda” in their execution. Our chapter focuses primarily on the strategic alignment of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) with institutional practices and graduate employability pathways. Furthermore, the discourse responds to criticisms that SDG implementation has been too broad or perceived as a “box-ticking” exercise, rather than a thoughtfully designed initiative that delivers measurable outcomes. The SDG Prism Framework essentially transforms the broad ambitions of SDGs through the process of “refraction” for realistic implementation. These processes generate targeted outputs through leveraging quantitative tools to provide significant value for educators, policymakers, and senior institutional leaders. Its design imperative adopts a decolonial perspective, exploring what truly constitutes inclusivity while avoiding the reduction of SDG efforts to ambiguous goals

Cholesteatoma of the concha bullosa: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Cholesteatoma is a relatively common disease within the middle ear cavity, but rarely it manifests in the paranasal sinuses. There is, to the best of our knowledge, only one other published case of cholesteatoma inside the concha bullosa in the English language literature.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>An 81-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of nasal obstruction, headache and diplopia. After endoscopic and radiological evaluation a transnasal endoscopic approach was chosen. The diagnosis of cholesteatoma was established by histopathological evaluation of the mass inside the concha bullosa.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although it is rarely seen, cholesteatoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing and destructive paranasal masses.</p

Corticosteroid-Refractory Myositis After Dual BRAF and MEK Inhibition in a Patient with BRAF V600E-Mutant Metastatic Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy, which is rich in actionable alterations. Genomic aberrations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway are common, an

Multicenter Analysis of Valganciclovir Prophylaxis in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND: Valganciclovir is the only approved antiviral for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention in pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT). Additional approaches may be needed to improve outcomes. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study from 2016 to 2019 was conducted of pediatric SOT recipients in whom at least 3 months of valganciclovir prophylaxis was planned. Episodes of CMV DNA in blood (DNAemia), CMV disease, drug-related toxicities, as well as other infections in the first year posttransplant and demographic and clinical data were collected. CMV DNAemia in the first year after prophylaxis or during prophylaxis (breakthrough) was analyzed by multivariate hazard models. RESULTS: Among the 749 patients enrolled, 131 (17.5%) had CMV DNAemia at any time in the first year; 85 (11.4%) had breakthrough DNAemia, and 46 (6.1%) had DNAemia after prophylaxis. CMV disease occurred in 30 (4%). In a multivariate model, liver transplantation compared to kidney or heart, intermediate or high risk based on donor/recipient serologies, neutropenia, and valganciclovir dose modifications attributed to toxicity were associated with increased risk of total and/or breakthrough DNAemia. Bacteremia was also associated with increased hazard ratio for CMV DNAemia. In a separate multivariate analysis, rejection occurred more often in those with breakthrough CMV DNAemia ( CONCLUSIONS: CMV DNAemia in the first year posttransplantation occurs despite valganciclovir prophylaxis and is associated with medication toxicity, bacteremia, and rejection. Pediatric studies of newer antivirals, especially in higher-risk subpopulations, appear to be warranted

Animal welfare attitudes: Effects of gender and diet in university samples from 22 countries

Animal Welfare Attitudes (AWA) are defined as human attitudes towards the welfare of animals in different dimensions and settings. Demographic factors, such as age and gender are associated with AWA. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences among university students in a large convenience sample from twenty-two nations in AWA. A total of 7914 people participated in the study (5155 women, 2711 men, 48 diverse). Participants completed a questionnaire that collected demographic data, typical diet and responses to the Composite Respect for Animals Scale Short version (CRAS-S). In addition, we used a measure of gender empowerment from the Human Development Report. The largest variance in AWA was explained by diet, followed by country and gender. In terms of diet, 6385 participants reported to be omnivores, 296 as pescatarian, 637 ate a vegetarian diet and 434 were vegans (n = 162 without answer). Diet was related with CRAS-S scores; people with a vegan diet scored higher in AWA than omnivores. Women scored significantly higher on AWA than men. Furthermore, gender differences in AWA increased as gender inequality decreased

Antenatal screening and its possible meaning from unborn baby's perspective

In recent decades antenatal screening has become one of the most routine procedure of pregnancy-follow up and the subject of hot debate in bioethics circles. In this paper the rationale behind doing antenatal screening and the actual and potential problems that it may cause will be discussed. The paper will examine the issue from the point of wiew of parents, health care professionals and, most importantly, the child-to-be. It will show how unthoughtfully antenatal screening is performed and how pregnancy is treated almost as a disease just since the emergence of antenatal screening. Genetic screening and ethical problems caused by the procedure will also be addressed and I will suggest that screening is more to do with the interests of others rather than those of the child-to be