Efficient structural outlooks for vertex product networks

In this thesis, a new classification for a large set of interconnection networks, referred to as "Vertex Product Networks" (VPN), is provided and a number of related issues are discussed including the design and evaluation of efficient structural outlooks for algorithm development on this class of networks. The importance of studying the VPN can be attributed to the following two main reasons: first an unlimited number of new networks can be defined under the umbrella of the VPN, and second some known networks can be studied and analysed more deeply. Examples of the VPN include the newly proposed arrangement-star and the existing Optical Transpose Interconnection Systems (OTIS-networks). Over the past two decades many interconnection networks have been proposed in the literature, including the star, hyperstar, hypercube, arrangement, and OTIS-networks. Most existing research on these networks has focused on analysing their topological properties. Consequently, there has been relatively little work devoted to designing efficient parallel algorithms for important parallel applications. In an attempt to fill this gap, this research aims to propose efficient structural outlooks for algorithm development. These structural outlooks are based on grid and pipeline views as popular structures that support a vast body of applications that are encountered in many areas of science and engineering, including matrix computation, divide-and- conquer type of algorithms, sorting, and Fourier transforms. The proposed structural outlooks are applied to the VPN, notably the arrangement-star and OTIS-networks. In this research, we argue that the proposed arrangement-star is a viable candidate as an underlying topology for future high-speed parallel computers. Not only does the arrangement-star bring a solution to the scalability limitations from which the Abstract existing star graph suffers, but it also enables the development of parallel algorithms based on the proposed structural outlooks, such as matrix computation, linear algebra, divide-and-conquer algorithms, sorting, and Fourier transforms. Results from a performance study conducted in this thesis reveal that the proposed arrangement-star supports efficiently applications based on the grid or pipeline structural outlooks. OTIS-networks are another example of the VPN. This type of networks has the important advantage of combining both optical and electronic interconnect technology. A number of studies have recently explored the topological properties of OTIS-networks. Although there has been some work on designing parallel algorithms for image processing and sorting, hardly any work has considered the suitability of these networks for an important class of scientific problems such as matrix computation, sorting, and Fourier transforms. In this study, we present and evaluate two structural outlooks for algorithm development on OTIS-networks. The proposed structural outlooks are general in the sense that no specific factor network or problem domain is assumed. Timing models for measuring the performance of the proposed structural outlooks are provided. Through these models, the performance of various algorithms on OTIS-networks are evaluated and compared with their counterparts on conventional electronic interconnection systems. The obtained results reveal that OTIS-networks are an attractive candidate for future parallel computers due to their superior performance characteristics over networks using traditional electronic interconnects

Marginal and Internal Crown Fit Evaluation of CAD/CAM versus Press-Laboratory Lithium Disilicate Crown

This study aims to evaluate the marginal gap and internal adaptation of lithium disilicate crowns fabricated by conventional press-dental laboratory and CAD/CAM systems. The size of the marginal and internal gaps of crowns is fabricated with the two techniques in the current study; the research will be performed in an effort to improve clinical outcomes. Tooth #14 was prepared per standard specification to receive the lithium disilicate crowns. Sixty Type IV gypsum dies tooth #14 were duplicated and divided into three groups (n=30). The lithium disilicate CAD/CAM system (Group 1) was fabricated with the E4D CAD/CAM system according to manufacturer's instructions. For press-dental laboratory made crowns, impressions were taken on the region area with two-step impression techniques with light and putty consistency VPS. Impressions were sent to two independent dental laboratories (Groups 2 and 3) for fabricating the monolithic press lithium disilicate crown. Tooth #14 was optically scanned and lithium disilicate blocks were used to fabricate crowns using CAD/CAM technique. Polyvinyl siloxane impressions of the prepared teeth were made and monolithic pressed lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated. The marginal gap was measured using optical microscope at 160× magnification (Keyence VHX-5000, Japan) and internal fit of the crowns was assessed by the silicone replica technique. Four sections of each replica were obtained, and each section was evaluated at four points: marginal gap (MG), axial wall (AW), axio-occlusal edge (AO) and Centro-occlusal wall (CO), using an image analyzing software. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and chi-squared test. Study design: Experimental. Setting of study: University of Palestine and Laser Specialized center For Esthetic Dentistry

Bio-nanotechnology application in wastewater treatment

The nanoparticles have received high interest in the field of medicine and water purification, however, the nanomaterials produced by chemical and physical methods are considered hazardous, expensive, and leave behind harmful substances to the environment. This chapter aimed to focus on green-synthesized nanoparticles and their medical applications. Moreover, the chapter highlighted the applicability of the metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the inactivation of microbial cells due to their high surface and small particle size. Modifying nanomaterials produced by green-methods is safe, inexpensive, and easy. Therefore, the control and modification of nanoparticles and their properties were also discussed

Transition metal doped CeO2 for photocatalytic removal of 2-chlorophenol in the exposure of indoor white light and antifungal activity

Besides natural sunlight and expensive artificial lights, economical indoor white light can play a significant role in activating a catalyst for photocatalytic removal of organic toxins from contaminated water. In the current effort, CeO2 has been modified with Ni, Cu, and Fe through doping methodology to study the removal of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) in the illumination of 70 W indoor LED white light. The absence of additional diffractions due to the dopants and few changes such as reduction in peaks’ height, minor peak shift at 2θ (28.525°) and peaks’ broadening in XRD patterns of modified CeO2 verifies the successful doping of CeO2. The solid-state absorption spectra revealed higher absorbance of Cu-doped CeO2 whereas a lower absorption response was observed for Ni-doped CeO2. An interesting observation regarding the lowering of indirect bandgap energy of Fe-doped CeO2 (∼2.7 eV) and an increase in Ni-doped CeO2 (∼3.0 eV) in comparison to pristine CeO2 (∼2.9 eV) was noticed. The process of e-– h+ recombination in the synthesized photocatalysts was also investigated through photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photocatalytic studies revealed the greater photocatalytic activity of Fe-doped CeO2 with a higher rate (∼3.9 × 10−3 min-1) among all other materials. Moreover, kinetic studies also revealed the validation of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model (R2 = 0.9839) while removing 2-CP in the exposure of indoor light with a Fe-doped CeO2 photocatalyst. The XPS analysis revealed the existence of Fe3+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ core levels in doped CeO2. Using the agar well-diffusion method, the antifungal activity was assessed against the fungus M. fructicola and F. oxysporum. Compared to CeO2, Ni-doped CeO2, and Cu-doped CeO2 nanoparticles, the Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles have outstanding antifungal properties

Scalable psychological interventions for Syrian refugees in Europe and the Middle East: STRENGTHS study protocol for a prospective individual participant data meta-analysis

Introduction The World Health Organization’s (WHO) scalable psychological interventions, such as Problem Management Plus (PM+) and Step-by-Step (SbS) are designed to be cost-effective non-specialist delivered interventions to reduce symptoms of common mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The STRENGTHS consortium aims to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation of the individual format of PM+ and its group version (gPM+), as well as of the digital SbS intervention among Syrian refugees in seven countries in Europe and the Middle East. This is a study protocol for a prospective individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to evaluate (1) overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and (2) treatment moderators of PM+, gPM+ and SbS with Syrian refugees. Methods and analysis Five pilot randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and seven fully powered RCTs conducted within STRENGTHS will be combined into one IPD meta-analytic dataset. The RCTs include Syrian refugees of 18 years and above with elevated psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10>15)) and impaired daily functioning (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0>16)). Participants are randomised into the intervention or care as usual control group, and complete follow-up assessments at 1-week, 3-month and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcomes are symptoms of depression and anxiety (25-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist). Secondary outcomes include daily functioning (WHODAS 2.0), PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) and self-identified problems (PSYCHLOPS). We will conduct a one-stage IPD meta-analysis using linear mixed models. Quality of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE approach, and the economic evaluation approach will be assessed using the CHEC-list. Ethics and dissemination Local ethical approval has been obtained for each RCT. This IPD meta-analysis does not require ethical approval. The results of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals

Fulminant Panuveitis following Iris Suture Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens

We present a case of fulminant panuveitis following iris suture fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. We hypothesize that the zonular dehiscence allowed the inflammatory cells in the anterior compartment to gain access to the posterior segment mimicking endophthalmitis or toxic anterior segment syndrome. Also certain bulky lens designs, like the current Rayner hydrophilic acrylic lens, are difficult to manipulate and hold in the optic capture position, and hence the iris fixation of these lenses can be traumatic and lengthy. It is advised to exchange such lenses with 3-piece intraocular lenses that are easy to fixate

Solving wind‐integrated unit commitment problem by a modified African vultures optimization algorithm

Abstract Unit commitment (UC) stands out as a significant challenge in electrical power systems. With the rapid growth in power demand and the pressing issues of fossil fuel scarcity and global warming, it has become crucial to enhance the utilization of renewable energy sources. This study focuses on addressing the UC problem by incorporating a wind farm and proposes a modified version of the metaheuristic African vultures optimization algorithm (AVOA) in binary form, utilizing the sigmoid transfer function. The modified AVOA employs multiple phase‐shift tactics to overcome premature local optima. By determining the on/off status of generating units, the modified AVOA improves the algorithm's effectiveness. Additionally, the paper develops an auto‐regressive moving average model (ARMA) to forecast wind speeds, with the AVOA assisting in selecting the optimal orders (q and p) of the ARMA model. This is done using historical wind speed data to capture uncertainty in the wind speed. The wind power is then calculated using various models and integrated into the UC problem. The effectiveness of the modified AVOA is examined on the IEEE 30‐bus system. The binary AVOA (BAVOA) outperforms several algorithms presented in the case study, demonstrating its superiority. Furthermore, the results indicate that BAVOA delivers superior outcomes within the discrete search space when compared to the continuous search space