Exact solutions for trapped modes in a planar waveguide with a small rigid obstacle are derived through the application of the Fourier transform and boundary integral equations.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using plant extracts have attracted increasing attention due to their potential biomedical applications, including anticancer activity. However, the influence of synthesis conditions and nanoparticle functionalization on their cytotoxic effects remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Mentha spicata L. (spearmint) extract and functionalized with 4-chlorochalcone (AgNPs-Ms-4Cl-CH) against breast cancer cells. To enhance nanoparticle yield by reducing the high electric polarity of the reactants, the synthesis was carried out in a highpressure cell. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) determined a mean core particle size of 44.7 +/- 13.7 nm. Quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental mapping confirmed silver as the predominant constituent (62.49 wt%), with chlorine (0.51 wt%) serving as a diagnostic tracer for 4-chlorochalcone surface functionalization and demonstrating homogeneous spatial distribution across the nanoparticle ensemble. Complementary colloidal characterization by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrokinetic light scattering (ELS) revealed a monodisperse hydrodynamic suspension in DMEM culture medium (Rh = 62.0 nm, FWHM = 8.0 nm; polydispersity index < 0.15) with a zeta potential of-30 mV, confirming robust electrostatic stabilization suitable for biological applications. The cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of AgNPs-Ms-4Cl-CH were assessed in two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and compared with healthy MRC-5 fibroblasts. In vitro assays demonstrated that AgNPs-Ms-4Cl-CH significantly reduced cell viability and proliferation in all tested cell lines. Notably, the MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited a lower IC50 value, indicating greater sensitivity to the nanoparticles. These findings highlight the cell line-dependent cytotoxicity of AgNPs-Ms-4Cl-CH and emphasize the importance of considering cellular origin when evaluating nanoparticle toxicity. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanomaterial-cell interactions.
In today’s fast-paced world, driven by technological developments, workers face increasing workloads, leading to fatigue, stress, and disruptions in their circadian cycles. These biological, physical, and behavioral effects negatively impact worker health, safety, and productivity. To address this challenge, this study proposes an optimization of workforce scheduling considering fatigue management and productivity balance through a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) approach. Two objective functions are considered: The first objective focuses on fatigue control by implementing a rest-rotation system. To enforce compliance, two additional penalties are introduced: (1) a preference based penalty for workers assigned to preferred shifts outside their planned rotation, and (2) an out of rotation penalty for assignments that violate both rotation schedules and worker preferences. The second objective aims to maximize productivity by minimizing the workload imbalance among workers. The model was tested in 40 small and medium instances, demonstrating its ability to optimize the distribution of the workforce while balancing fatigue management and productivity. The results show that integrating wellness considerations into personnel scheduling improves productivity while reducing worker fatigue, as shifts align with natural rest and fatigue. Likewise, results provide valuable information for decision makers in workforce planning, allowing them to adjust scheduling strategies based on operational priorities as well as the health of workers is highly considered.
Covering-based rough sets (CBRS) offer a flexible extension of classical rough set theory, making them well-suited for analyzing diverse types of complex and possibly inconsistent data. A requirement for the effective use of CBRS is the availability of high-quality coverings of the dataset. A promising approach for generating such coverings is the Mapper algorithm, which builds on the underlying topological structure of the data. However, Mapper's performance depends heavily on the choice of its parameters. In this paper, we study how the structure of the parameter space is transferred to the structure of the coverings generated by these parameters, focusing on the weak and strong approximation operators. We prove important monotonicity results that give insights into the inner workings of the Mapper algorithm and how it can generate coverings. We give an overview of how each parameter influences the output covering and illustrate this using real-world datasets.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:This review examines both historical and recent evidence to clarify the current understanding of the relationship between B vitamin deficiencies and neuropathies. RECENT FINDINGS:Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency can lead to neurological disorders such as beriberi and Wernicke's encephalopathy, conditions with significant prevalence and mortality rates. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is crucial for DNA synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and myelin production, with its deficiency leading to neuropathies and cognitive disorders. Excess vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), rather than deficiency, appears to be associated with neuropathy. TAKEAWAYS/CONCLUSIONS:Vitamin B1 and B12 deficiencies are linked to classic neuropathies, while the connection between vitamin B6 deficiency and neuropathy is less clear, though excess B6 is associated with neurotoxicity. Nutritional deficiencies are less common in developed countries but remain significant in developing nations. In developed countries, factors like alcohol consumption, bariatric surgery, and metformin use are increasing these deficiencies in clinical practice.
