1,761 research outputs found
Embedding spanning subgraphs into large dense graphs
No full textIn this thesis we are going to present some results on embedding spanning subgraphs into large dense graphs. Spanning Trees Bollob'as conjectured that if is a graph on vertices, for some , and is a bounded degree tree on vertices, then is a subgraph of . The problem was solved in the affirmative by Koml'os, S'ark"ozy and Szemer'edi for large graphs. They then strengthened their result, and showed that the maximum degree of need not be bounded: there exists a constant such that is a subgraph of if , and is large. Both proofs are based on the Regularity Lemma-Blow-up Lemma Method. Recently, using other methods, it was shown that bounded degree trees embed into graphs with minimum degree , where is a constant depending on the maximum degree of . Here we show that in general is sufficient for every . We also show that this bound is tight for the two extreme values of i.e. when and when . Powers of Hamiltonian Cycles In 1962 P'osa conjectured that if then contains the square of a Hamiltonian cycle. Later, in 1974, Seymour generalized this conjecture: if then contains the th power of a Hamiltonian cycle. In 1998 the conjecture was proved by Koml'os, S'ark"ozy and Szemer'edi for large graphs using the Regularity Lemma. We present a ``deregularised" proof of the P'osa-Seymour conjecture which results in a much lower threshold value for , the size of the graph for which the conjecture is true. We hope that the tools used in this proof will push down the threshold value for to around 100 at which point we will be able to verify the conjecture for every .Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Asif Jamshe
Prediction of particle concentration profiles in binary-solid liquid fluidized bed
No full textA simple mixing rule is presented here to predict the concentration profile of individual particle species in a binary-solid liquid fluidized bed from the information about the total solid concentration in the bed. Using the experimental data available in the literature, the applicability of this approach is demonstrated for the presence of different size particles in the bed. For the case of binary-solid fluidized bed showing layer inversion behavior, this simple mixing rule is capable of predicting the concentration of two species from the total solid concentration data of the bed.Corresponding Author:
Dr. Mohammad Asif, Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University,
P.O. Box 800, Riyadh-11421, Saudi Arabia.
Email: [email protected]
For a future (re)generation. Modeling effective tourism communication for social-ecological development of local communities and destinations
No full textThis paper addresses the unsustainability of the tourism industry’s growth-driven model by introducing a fresh perspective on tourism discourse. The conventional tourism narrative often presents natural and cultural heritage as commodities for mass consumption and profit maximization, which has had a detrimental effect on local economies and communities, contributing to the loss of biodiversity and cultural authenticity. Management scholars are currently advocating for a regenerative tourism model that emphasizes environmental, cultural preservation, and community well-being through equitable development; however, research on how to implement regenerative principles at the communication level is still lacking.
Grounded in Applied Linguistics and social semiotics, this paper compares the discourses of conventional, sustainable and regenerative tourism, by annotating a small sample of Playa Viva’s Instagram posts and exploring how regenerative principles are reflected in its narratives.
The ultimate goal is to develop a taxonomy of frequently used and statistically significant linguistic and visual resources that promote a regenerative tourism mindset. Through mixed methods, including multimodal software annotation and statistical analysis, the project wishes to provide a tool that may assist tourism specialists in designing compelling and inclusive travel experiences that shape an equal relationship between stakeholders, including visitors, host comunities, and environments
Repair or prosthesis insertion in ischemic mitral regurgitation: Two faces of the same medal
No full textAbstractObjectiveThe proper treatment of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (CIMR) is still under evaluation. The different role of mitral valve repair (MVr) or mitral valve prosthesis insertion (MVPI) is still not defined.MethodsFrom May 2009 to December 2011 167 patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 40% had MV surgery for CIMR, MVr in 135 (80.8%) and MVPI in 32 (19.2%). Indication to MVPI was a MV coaptation depth > 10 mm. EF was lower (26 ± 7 vs 32 ± 6, p = 0.0000) in MVPI, whereas MR grade (3.6 ± 0.8 vs 2.7 ± 0.9, p = 0.0000), left ventricle dimensions (end diastolic, LVEDD, 62 ± 7 vs 57 ± 6 mm, p = 0.0001; end systolic, LVESD, 49 ± 8 vs 44 ± 8 mm, p = 0.0018), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (51 ± 22 vs 41 ± 16 mm Hg, p = 0.0037) and NYHA Class (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 2.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.0000) were higher.ResultsIn-hospital mortality was similar (3.1 vs 3.7%) as well as 3-year survival (86 ± 6 vs 88 ± 4) and survival in NYHA Class I/II (80 ± 5 vs 83 ± 4). One hundred thirty nine patients had an echocardiographic evaluation after a minimum of 4 months (13 ± 8). EF rose significantly in both groups (from 26 ± 7% to 30 ± 4%, p = 0.0122, and from 32 ± 6% to 35 ± 8%, p = 0.0018). LVESD reduced significantly in both groups (from 49 ± 8 to 43 ± 9 mm, p = 0.0109, and from 44 ± 8 to 41 ± 7 mm, p = 0.0033). MR grade was significantly lower in patients who had MVPI (0.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.0011).ConclusionsWith appropriate indications, MVPI is a safe procedure which provides similar results to MVr with lower MR return, even if addressed to patients with worse preoperative parameters
Proteins identified as targets of the acyl glucuronide metabolite of mycophenolic acid in kidney tissue from mycophenolate mofetil treated rats
No full textCovalent binding of the acyl glucuronide (AcMPAG) metabolite of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA) to proteins is considered a possible initiating event for organ toxicity. Since the kidney is involved in the formation and excretion of AcMPAG, it can be hypothesized that this tissue may be exposed to relatively high concentrations of this metabolite and would, therefore, be a particularly suitable organ to investigate AcMPAG protein targets. In the present study we identified potential AcMPAG target proteins in kidney tissues from Wistar rats treated with mycophenolate mofetil (40 mg/kg/day over 21 days). Proteins were separated by 2-DE and covalent protein adducts were detected by Western blotting with an antibody specific for MPA/AcMPAG. The corresponding coomassie blue stained proteins from parallel gels were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and peptides were characterized on a Q-TOF Ultima Global. The protein targets were further verified by immunoprecipitation with anti-MPA/AcMPAG antibody to purify the modified proteins followed by 1-DE and MS analysis. Database searches revealed several AcMPAG target proteins that could be related to ultrastructural abnormalities, metabolic effects, and altered oxidative stress/detoxification responses. Predominately cytosolic proteins such as selenium binding protein, protein disulfide isomerase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase, and kidney aminoacylase were involved in adduct formation. Two cytoskeletal proteins tropomyosin 1 and 4 as well as the antioxidant proteins peroxiredoxin 3 and 6 were also targets of AcMPAG. Functional consequences from these protein modifications remain to be demonstrated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved
Uncovering Innovativeness in Spanish Tourism Firms: The Role of Transformational Leadership, OCB, Firm Size, and Age
No full textInnovativeness in the tourism and hospitality sector is essential for competitiveness and survival. Leadership plays a key role in promoting (or hampering) firm innovativeness. This article intended to examine the role of transformational leadership (TL) and organization citizenship behavior (OCB) on Spanish tourism firms’ innovativeness (OI). It also investigated whether firm size and age moderate the relationship between TL, OI, and OCB. The cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data from 329 middle-level managers in Spanish tourism firms. The findings of the data revealed that TL and OCB have significant impacts on firm innovativeness; also, OCB mediates the relationship between TL and firm innovativeness. Firm size and age moderate the relationship between TL and firm innovativeness; also, firm size moderates the relationship between TL and OCB. It was found that large firms were more innovative than small ones; also, younger firms showed a higher level of innovativeness than old firms. Managerial and specific firm size and age implications were provided
Semantic Question Classification Datasets
No full textThis is the datasets used in the following paper:Can Taxonomy Help? Improving Semantic Question Matching using Question TaxonomyPaper: http://aclweb.org/anthology/C18-1042If you use the dataset please cite the following paper:@InProceedings{C18-1042,
author = "Gupta, Deepak
and Pujari, Rajkumar
and Ekbal, Asif
and Bhattacharyya, Pushpak
and Maitra, Anutosh
and Jain, Tom
and Sengupta, Shubhashis",
title = "Can Taxonomy Help? Improving Semantic Question Matching using Question Taxonomy",
booktitle = "Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Computational Linguistics",
year = "2018",
publisher = "Association for Computational Linguistics",
pages = "499--513",
location = "Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA",
url = "http://aclweb.org/anthology/C18-1042"
}
</div
Left ventricular surgical remodelling: Is it a matter of shape or volume?
No full textBJECTIVE: Left ventricular surgical remodelling (LVSR) can be targeted to volume reduction (VR), (independently of the final shape) or to conical shape (CS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and echocardiographic results of these two surgical strategies. METHODS: From January 1988 to December 2012, 401 patients underwent LVSR: 107 in Group VR (1988-2001) and 294 in Group CS (1998-2012). The latter group of patients had lower ejection fraction (EF) and higher mitral and tricuspid regurgitation grade, with higher incidence of pulmonary hypertension. A propensity score model was built to adjust long-term results for preoperative and operative profiles. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 6.0%. Median follow-up interval time was 100 (3-300) months. Overall 20-year and event-free survival were 36.1 ± 7.8 and 19.4 ± 7.2, respectively. No differences were found regarding 10-year survival (Group VR: 55.1 ± 4.8 vs Group CS: 64.2 ± 4.2, P = 0.16) and event-free survival (Group VR: 41.1 ± 4.8 vs Group CS: 50.5 ± 4.8, P = 0.12). However, Group CS provided better 10-year freedom from cardiac deaths (74.5 ± 3.7 vs 60.4 ± 4.8, P = 0.03) and from cardiac events (55.6 ± 5.0 vs 45.0 ± 4.9, P = 0.04). After propensity score adjustment, all the main outcomes were significantly better in Group CS. Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed this result; furthermore, to avoid any bias related to improved experience, 30-day mortality being higher in Group VR, we excluded the first month from Cox analysis: left ventricle VR (independently of the final shape) was still confirmed as the wrong approach. At the follow-up, Group CS showed significant improvement in EF (+18 vs +8%), end-systolic volume index (-35 vs -20%) and sphericity index (-6 vs +9%). CONCLUSIONS: LVSR should aim to provide a more physiological shape (conical) rather than simple VR
Recommended from our members
Human Rights Law in Egypt and Malaysia: Freedom of Religion and Expression, Volume 1 /
No full textThe discourse surrounding freedom of religion and expression in Muslim-majority countries is complex and multifaceted, shaped by a myriad of factors including cultural, political, and legal dynamics. This volume examines the complex interplay of these factors within the contexts of Egypt and Malaysia, offering valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in safeguarding these fundamental freedoms. From the diverse interpretations of Islamic principles to the varying legal frameworks and the influence of global events, such as geopolitical conflicts and terrorism, on human rights dynamics, this volume provides a comprehensive exploration of the complexities involved. Moreover, it delves into the historical, social, and political contexts that shape the protection and limitation of these freedoms, offering a nuanced understanding of the evolving discourse surrounding human rights in Muslim-majority countries. Through comparative analyses and discussions on the role of civil society and advocacy groups, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists seeking to deepen their understanding of the multifaceted realm of freedom of religion and expression in Egypt and Malaysia. Asif Mohiuddin is a Lecturer in the Department of Moral Studies, Civics and Character Building at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia. Previously, he worked as a Postdoctoral Academic Officer at the same institution. He is the author of the book "Navigating Religious Authority in Muslim Societies: Islamist Movements and the Challenge of Globalisation" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023). From 2021 to 2022, he served as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Theology at Sakarya University, Turkey. Before joining Sakarya University, he was a Lecturer in the Department of Higher Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He earned his PhD from the University of Kashmir in 2018. His research interests include globalisation and Islam, the intersection between politics and religion in the Middle East, human rights law, Islam and the West, and Muslim minorities in multicultural societies (Europe and South Asia)
Effects of Ochratoxin A on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes obtained from prepubertal lambs
No full textOchratoxinA (OTA) is a major mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi and has been reported as an ubiquitous natural contaminant found in food and feed[1].OTA plays reprotoxic, embryotoxic and teratogenic as well as nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic and carcinogenic activity as reported in either laboratory or farm animals [2]. Major mechanisms of action include inhibition of protein synthesis,toxic effect on mitochondrial (mt) function and calcium homeostasis with consequent oxidative stress, apoptosis induction and DNA adduct formation [2]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of OTA on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes from pre-pubertal lambs.Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered at local slaughterhouses from the ovaries of prepubertal lambs (less than 6 months of age). During in vitro maturation (IVM) [3], COCs were exposed to 10 μM OTA, a concentration reported as effectivein a previous study in the mouse[4]. Control conditions were: vehicle controls (IVM medium with 1% methanol) and standard controls (IVM medium without vehicle). After IVM and the removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were stained with MitoTracker Orange CMTM Ros, 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Hoechst 33258 and fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde solution in PBS. Metaphase II oocytes were analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscopy for assessing their cytoplasmic maturation indicated by mt distribution pattern [2]. Data were analysed by Chi-square test and differences were statistically significant when P<0.05. A total of 218 oocytes were analyzed. Lack of vehicle-related effects was noticed (23/37, 62% vs 62/96, 65%, for oocytes cultured with or without the vehicle; P> 0.05). OTA caused a slight (P>0.05) reduction of the maturation rate (39/85, 46% vs 23/37, 62%, for exposed and controls, respectively). Instead, it affected oocyte bioenergetic status, as it reduced the rate of oocytes showing healthy perinuclear/pericortical mitochondrial distribution pattern (4/39, 10% vs 9/23, 39%, P<0.05). These data indicate that OTA, in the exposure conditions used in the present study,hinders nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation in prepubertal lamb oocytes
- …
