AI-DRIVEN DYNAMIC PILOT PLACEMENT FOR 5G MMWAVE MASSIVE MIMO: A RANDOM FOREST REGRESSION APPROACH

Efficient pilot placement in 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems is critical to enhancing performance, achieving high spectral efficiency (SE), low bit error rate (BER), reduced pilot overhead, and minimized latency. However, this requires pilot symbols transmission, which occupies spectral resources and results in reducing spectral efficiency (SE). This paper proposes a novel dynamic pilot placement (DPP) framework, optimized using a Random Forest Regression (RFR) approach, to enhance system performance. Unlike traditional static and semi-static pilot allocation methods, the DPP approach dynamically adjusts pilot positions based on real-time channel state information (CSI) and system requirements, reducing interference and improving channel estimation accuracy. Through comprehensive simulations, the proposed method demonstrates significant enhancements in SE, BER, and latency, while maintaining pilot overhead at minimal levels. Furthermore, the latency reduction achieved through the optimized pilot allocation supports the stringent requirements of ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) scenarios in 5G networks. The results highlight the robustness of the RFR model in capturing the complex nonlinear relationships between pilot placement, channel conditions, and system performance metrics

Controlled growth and composition of multivariate metal-organic frameworks-199 via a reaction-diffusion process

In this paper, we exploit our prior successful synthesis of MOF-199 single crystals using the reaction-diffusion framework (RDF), to synthesize multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) version with enhanced properties. The MTV-MOFs are synthesized by creating defects within the MOF-199 crystal structure by integrating organic linkers entailing different functional groups. Accordingly, 5-aminoisophthalic acid (NH2-BDC) and 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (OH-BDC) are separately mixed with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) in three different starting ratios of X-BDC:BTC (1:3, 1:1) and 3:1). The effects of this linker on the morphology of the synthesized MTV-MOFs, their thermal stability, and their surface area are investigated. The extent of the incorporation of the linkers in the framework is elucidated via 1H-NMR spectroscopy and it is shown that the incorporation varies as a function of the location along the tubular reactor, a characteristic of RDF. The enhanced properties of the synthesized MTV-MOFs are further demonstrated by measuring its adsorptive capability for methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B) in aqueous solution, and compared with that of the as-synthesized MOF-199. The kinetic and thermodynamic studies reveal that MTV-MOFs with the ratio of X-BDC:BTC (1:1) exhibit the best uptakes of MB (263 mg/g) for X = OH and Rh B (156 mg/g) for X = NH2. The adsorbents are also easily regenerated for three consecutive cycles without losing their efficiency. We finally demonstrate that MTV-MOFs can be designed to tune the dye removal selectivity and enhance the removal capacity of both MB and RhB in a binary aqueous solution of these dyes. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2020, Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

A metamodel for long-term thermal comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings

Thermal comfort is a primary concern of building design. Accurate and rapid methods are needed to assess thermal comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings. In this work, a new flexible metamodel was developed for assessing long-term thermal comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings. Using five different indices, the metamodel was used to study the thermal comfort in an office during summer for two typical cold and hot European climates. The metamodel was fitted by multiple regression analysis with a low number of dynamic simulations using the design of experiments. A good fit was obtained for indices, such as maximum indoor temperature, that are consistently sensitive to the influencing factors. For the remaining indices, such as overheating degree-hours, the accuracy was dependent on the location and thermal mass of the building. An interpolation method was proposed that can be used when the metamodel fit is not good. This method gave accurate results with all the indices (R 2 > 0.98) when the values were obtained from the mean indoor temperature without additional computational efforts. The proposed metamodel could be used to rapidly assess long-term thermal comfort and to understand the relationships between building design and indoor thermal conditions. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

DZ-BAU2021-14N AS NOVEL PYRAZOLOPYRIDINE NANOCRYSTALS: APPRAISAL OF ANTICANCER ACTIVITY AGAINST HCT-116 AND HT-29 COLORECTAL CANCER CELL LINES

Mentioning DZ-BAU2021-14 (C19H17N5O2,347.370 g/mol) developed in BAU Labs, its promising preliminary antitumor effect nominated it to be selected as a lead antiproliferative compound against colorectal cancer cell lines owing to its proved Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibition (Kassem et al., 2021). Solving many problems restricting traditional cancer therapy, nanotechnology is offering safety margins and targeted delivery of poorly soluble drug. The potential effect of this compound was combined with the advantages of nanotechnology, precisely nanocrystals to achieve better antiproliferative and hopeful less cytotoxic patterns. The nanocrystals DZ-BAU2021-14N were prepared by an antisolvent precipitation technique using Poloxamer 407 and Cremophor® RH 40 as stabilizers. The nanocrystals were obtained with a nanometric particle size (89.80 ± 11.2 nm) and a negative zeta potential (-32.6 ± 0.50 mV) and were stable at 4 ± 0.5°C with no significant change in particle size or zeta potential. The anticancer activity of DZ-BAU2021-14 and DZ-BAU2021-14N were assessed. Their antiproliferative effects against colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and HT-29 were studied via viability assay. In addition, their cytotoxic effects on non-tumorigenic cell lines NCM-460D were evaluated and respective IC50 values were determined. Different responses were obtained; DZ-BAU2021-14N provided lower IC50 on HCT-116 compared to the free drug DZ-BAU2021-14 (27 and 22 µM, respectively). The safety profile of the free drug was reflected by its IC50 on NCM-460D of 200µM while that of drug nanocrystals showed relative cytotoxicity with IC50 of 33µM, and this requires further investigation to study this response

Practice of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 and reduction of the risk of influenza-like illness: a cross-sectional population-based study

INTRODUCTION: While the widespread implementation of the non-pharmaceutical interventions was intended to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such measures could be also effective in limiting the spread of other respiratory infections. This study aimed to examine the association between the implementation of personal protective measures and the occurrence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the general population. METHODS: An online retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in April 2021 to assess cases of ILI among Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above, from all Lebanese governorates during the 2020-2021 flu season. Data were collected using a convenience sampling method. In addition to their socio-demographic information, participants were asked about their frequency of implementing personal protective measures and if they have experienced symptoms of ILI in the previous 6 months. The overall score of the personal protective measures was computed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between participants' level of adoption of personal protective measures against COVID-19 and the occurrence of ILI. RESULTS: Among the 1019 Lebanese adults participating in this study, 352 (34.54%) of them reported symptoms of ILI between October 2020 and March 2021. Lebanese adults who wore their facemasks frequently or always were less likely to suffer from symptoms of ILI than others who did not wear the mask (aOR = 0.452, 95% CI = 0.349-0.693, p < 0.001). Similarly, adults who adopt the following protective measures washing hands (aOR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.524-0.922, p < 0.001), respecting cough etiquette (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598-0.918, p < 0.001), disinfecting surface (aOR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.632-0.911, p = 0.012), avoiding crowded places (aOR = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.688-0.903, p = 0.049), respecting physical distancing (aOR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.482-0.833, p = 0.031) on a regular basis (frequently/always) were less likely to report symptoms of influenza-like illnesses when compared with those who did not adhere at all to these measures. CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted the potential of personal protective measures against COVID-19 in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections such as ILI. Such findings might be invested during influenza season, particularly among groups at high risk of developing severe complications. Exploring trends detected by the national severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system is recommended to confirm the utility of these measures

Paramètres du sol déterminant l'infestation au Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke

Le Striga gesnerioides constitue une des contraintes biotiques majeures à laquelle la culture de niébé, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), fait face et qui contraint sa production. La sensibilité de variétés de niébé au striga peut être expliquée par la génétique des plantes, les conditions environnementales ainsi que les interactions qu'il y a entre elles. Parmi les paramètres du milieu, le sol a une influence certaine. En effet, il est prouvé que la sensibilité au striga est plus sévère dans les sols à faible niveau de fertilité. L'objectif visé à travers cette étude est d'identifier les paramètres du sol qui déterminent l'infestation au striga de niébé. Pour ce faire, nous avons mis en place un dispositif expérimental en bloc augmenté dans 15 villages des régions de Maradi, Dosso et Tillabéry au Niger. Dans chaque village 15 variétés de niébé ont été semées avec deux répétitions dans deux blocs entièrement randomisés. Des échantillons de sol composites ont été prélevés dans chaque parcelle sur lesquels des analyses de pH, Carbone et Phosphore ont été réalisées. Les résultats montrent que le phosphore a un effet sur l'apparition du striga (ANOVA, P=0.028). Par contre les autres éléments à savoir le pH, et la matière organique n'ont montré aucun effet significatif sur le taux d'infestation du striga (ANOVA, P=0.087 ; P=0.50) respectivement

Choice of induction regimens on the risk of cytomegalovirus infection in donor-positive and recipient-negative kidney transplant recipients

F.L. Luan, M. Samaniego, M. Kommareddi, J.M. Park, A.O. Ojo. Choice of induction regimens on the risk of cytomegalovirus infection in donor-positive and recipient-negative kidney transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 473–479. All rights reservedLate occurrence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a concern in CMV-seronegative kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients of CMV-seropositive organs (donor positive/recipient negative, D+/R−) despite the use of prophylaxis. We investigated the impact of various antibody induction regimens on CMV infection in this group of patients.A total of 254 consecutive D+/R− kidney and/or pancreas transplant patients were studied. The induction agents rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) or basiliximab were used according to the center practice. All patients received prophylaxis with valganciclovir (VGCV) for either 3 or 6 months. The occurrence of CMV infection was confirmed by positive DNA viremia. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for CMV infection.The cumulative incidence of CMV infection was 58, 112, and 59 cases per 1000 patient-years for patients who received no antibody induction, induction with rATG, or basiliximab induction, respectively ( P =0.02). The use of rATG but not basiliximab was associated with an increased risk for CMV infection (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–3.54, P =0.006). Acute rejection and its treatment with rATG were not associated with an increased risk for CMV infection when an additional course of VGCV was given following the treatment. Longer duration of prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk for CMV infection (AHR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.87, P =0.011).Induction with rATG is associated with increased risk of CMV infection. Longer duration of prophylaxis is beneficial.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/79309/1/j.1399-3062.2010.00532.x.pd

Altered regulation of cell migration in IRF6-mutated orofacial cleft patients-derived primary cells reveals a novel role of Rho GTPases in cleft/lip palate development

Orofacial clefts are the most common congenital craniofacial birth defects. They occur from a failure in cell proliferation and fusion of neural crest cells of the lip buds and/or palatal shelves. In this study, we investigate the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms in primary cells derived from a cleft and lip palate patient presenting van der Woude syndrome (VWS). Since mutations in the integrin genes are widely correlated with VWS, Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) screening was conducted in a cohort of 200 participants presenting with orofacial anomalies. Primary fibroblastic cells derived from the upper right gingiva and palatal regions were isolated and two cellular populations from two participants were obtained: a control with no cleft phenotype and a patient with a cleft phenotype typical of van der Woude syndrome (VWS). IRF6 targeted sequencing revealed mutations in two distinct families. Our results showed no alteration in the viability of the CLP/VWS patient cells, suggesting the phenotype associate with the disease is not secondary to a defect in cell proliferation. We did however detect a significant decrease in the migratory ability of the CLP with Van der Woude syndrome (CLP/VWS) patient cells, which could account for the phenotype. When compared to normal cells, patient cells showed a lack of polarization, which would account for their lack of mobility. Patient cells showed protrusions all around the cells and a lack of defined leading edge. This was reflected with actin staining, WAVE2 and Arp2 around the cell, and correlated with an increase in Rac1 activation. Consistently with the increase in Rac1 activation, patient cells showed a loss in the maturation of focal adhesions needed for contractility, which also accounts for the lack in cell migration. Our findings give increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms of VWS and expands the knowledge of van der Woude syndrome (VWS) occurrence by providing a strong molecular evidence that CLP with Van der Woude syndrome (CLP/VWS) phenotype is caused by a defect in normal physiological processes of cells. © 2021 Elsevier B.V

Modélisation prédictive d'un parasite des variétés de niébé au Niger : cas du Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke

Le Striga est une plante parasite qui constitue aujourd'hui une des contraintes majeures de l'agriculture et représente donc une menace à la sécurité alimentaire au Niger. Cependant, bien que ce parasite soit suspecté être un des handicaps majeurs à la production céréalière et légumineuse, aucune étude n'a été initiée pour connaitre non seulement sa répartition spatiale mais aussi et surtout les indicateurs clés qui permettent d'expliquer clairement sa présence en zone de culture au Niger. C'est ainsi que la présente étude a été entreprise pour combler ce déficit d'information en mettant un accent particulier sur le Striga gesnerioides (Willd.)Vatke, qui entrave la performance agronomique du niébé (Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.) ; une des plus grandes légumineuses annuelles cultivées et consommées au Niger. L'objectif général de cette étude est de disposer d'un modèle prédictif de la répartition spatiale du striga gesneroides qui servira d'outil d'aide à la décision destiné aux décideurs politiques et aux producteurs pour mieux comprendre la dynamique de ce bio-agresseur et ses conséquences sur la production du niébé et sur la sécurité alimentaire en général au Niger. Spécifiquement il s'agit de (i) documenter la répartition géographique de ce parasite en zone de culture du niébé au Niger (ii) identifier et hiérarchiser les facteurs explicatifs de sa présence (iii) proposer un modèle prédictif de la distribution spatiale de ce parasite en s'appuyant sur le concept de niche écologique par approche cartographique via les Systèmes d'Information Géographique(SIG) et la télédétection

Concordance of vaccination status and associated factors with incomplete vaccination: a household survey in the health district of Segou, Mali, 2019

Introduction:&nbsp;the region of Segou recorded 36.8% of children were incompletely vaccinated in 2018. In 2019, the district of Segou was one of the districts with the lowest vaccination coverage in the region, with 85.1% coverage for the three doses of the pentavalent vaccine and 85.4% for the measles vaccine. This study was initiated to better understand this low vaccination coverage, in the absence of specific studies on vaccination coverage in the district of Segou. Methods:&nbsp;a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2020 with 30 clusters. We performed Kappa coefficient, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results:&nbsp;findings showed that 18.46% (101/547) [15.44-21.93] of children were incompletely vaccinated. Mothers correctly reported the vaccination status of their children in 67.30% of cases (Kappa coefficient). Uneducated (OR[IC95%]=2.13[1.30-3.50]), living in rural area (OR[IC95%]=2.07[1.23-3.47]), lack of knowledge of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) target diseases (OR[IC95%]=2.37[1.52-3.68]), lack of knowledge of vaccination schedule (OR[IC95%]=3.33[1.90-5.81]) and lack of knowledge of the importance of vaccination (OR[IC95%]=3.6[2.35-6.32]) were associated with incomplete vaccination. In multivariate analysis, uneducated (ORa[IC95%&gt;]=1.68[1.004-2.810]) and lack of knowledge of the importance of vaccination were associated with incomplete vaccination (ORa[IC95%]=3.40[2.049-5.649]). Conclusion:&nbsp;findings showed a good concordance of the vaccination status. Living in a rural area, no education, lack of the knowledge of EPI target diseases, lack of the knowledge of vaccination schedule and lack of knowledge of the importance of vaccination were associated with incomplete vaccination