Objectives: The involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) has effectively been decoded in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) worldwide with contradicting findings. Although the different groups of researchers explored the potential association of HPV with NPC using statistical meta-analysis, the association remained still controversial due to the major shortcomings of meta-analysis. Therefore, we arranged the present study to investigate a potential link of HPV with NPC using an additional method (Bradford Hill criteria) which helps to get a more clear picture. Methods: Initially using PubMed, we extracted all of the studies that associated HPV to NPC. Then, to assess the potential association of HPV with NPC, an examination of the available data on HPV in NPC, normal/benign samples was done using all the major Bradford Hill criteria postulates. Furthermore, to improve the authenticity of our findings, we have also critically evaluated the methodologies of the identified studies to check the possibility of false-negative and false-positive results. Results: After a careful assessment of the previous studies against Bradford Hill criteria postulates, we observed that all the major postulates were not fulfilled including strength, temporality, consistency, plausibility, biological gradient, experiment, specificity, and analogy. Conclusion: Therefore, our findings recommended no casual association of HPV with NPC.

The ethical predispositions of students were measured and compared on how they perceive questionable actions at both individual and company levels. Data were collected from 170 American and 177 South African students. Results indicate that both student groups follow similar trends in their views of ethical behaviors and show high levels of ethical standards at both individual and company level ethical behaviors. However, the South African students are more critical of individual ethical behavior while both groups are more similar regarding company ethical behavior.

This study evaluated the nutritional status and predicted long-term outcomes using the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) among patients ≥ 60 years with an acute episode of chronic heart failure. This study was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. We retrospectively enrolled patients (≥60 years) hospitalized for acute heart failure between July 2015 and May 2020. Patients were divided into 3 groups: normal nutritional status (PNI > 38, n = 270); moderate malnutrition (PNI = 35–38, n = 50); and severe malnutrition (PNI < 35, n = 35). The assessed endpoints were readmission and mortality. The study included 355 patients (mean age: 78 ± 9 years). The median follow-up was 769 days (interquartile range: 593–1106 days). Compared with survivors, patients who expired were older, had lower PNI scores, lymphocyte counts, hemoglobin, albumin, total cholesterol, and serum sodium levels, and higher levels of serum creatinine, log (N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide), and troponin I (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that PNI scores were independently associated with mortality. The hazard ratio for moderate malnutrition versus normal nutritional status was 1.624 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.011–2.609, P = 0.045), whereas that for severe malnutrition versus normal nutritional status was 1.892 (95% CI: 1.119–3.198, p = 0.017). The rates of readmission and mortality among malnourished patients were significantly higher than those among non-malnourished patients. Lower PNI was strongly associated with worse outcomes and independently associated with long-term survival among hospitalized patients ≥ 60 years with heart failure.

This paper presents the development and implementation of a new and practical fuzzy switching position controller for process industry control. Compatible with the structure of a bang–bang controller, a two-input fuzzy switching position controller with five rules is proposed. The idea is based on constructing a fuzzy switching control law which is functionally analogous to a traditional bang–bang controller. Fuzzy logic rules are used to enable an improved version of the conventional bang–bang control. The objective is to replace the conventional bang–bang controller with the proposed fuzzy switching position controller. A modified three-stage bang–bang controller is also designed and implemented. This controller is tested under the same conditions as that of the proposed fuzzy switching position controller, and its performance is used as a basis of comparison by which both controllers are measured. Both controllers are implemented in real time, using the position control of a brushless dc motor drive found in the majority of these new robotic devices. Simulation results show that the fuzzy switching position controller produces adequate control performance, particularly in handling nonlinearities and external disturbances. The efficacy of the fuzzy switching position controller is demonstrated by its positive results, practicality, and feasibility in the process industry sector, when compared with a modified traditional bang–bang controller.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are self-organized distributed networks composed of a large quantity of energy-limited nodes. WSN constrains are well known; minimum energy consumption, localization and self organization. To solve these issues separately, more transmission power is required. To overcome this problem, a combined protocol is proposed in this work named as SLEEP (Self organized Location aware Energy Efficient Protocol). The protocol creation is divided into four phases; 1. Localization aware structure, 2. Topology control 3. Energy efficient model and 4. self organization in SLEEP. The simulation results show that the proposed work significantly out performs the in terms of energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS) parameters like scalability with different network size and packet delivery ratio.

Recent study reveals that copper matrix composites reinforced with solid lubricants have better wear characteristics. However, lowest raw material utilization and attaining a near net shape pose a challenge for the researchers in the process of the development of composites. To overcome these issues, composites are being developed through powder metallurgy. The present investigation aims to develop Mos2 added, self lubricated copper-tin hybrid composite with different weight fractions of MoS2 and characterize mechanical and tribological properties. The engineering application of composites demands that they should have high wear resistance, low density and moderate hardness. In order to evaluate the behavior of composites satisfying multiple performance measures, Taguchi approach has been adopted. An orthogonal array and an analysis of variance were employed to the influence of parameters like as Wt. % of MoS2,load, sliding speed and sliding distance on dry sliding wear of the composites. The objective of the model was chosen as ‘smaller the better’ characteristics to analyze the dry sliding wear characteristics. Results show that sliding distance has the highest influence followed by a load and reinforcement. Finally, confirmation tests were carried out to verify the experimental results. The morphology of the worn-out surfaces was examined to understand the wear mechanisms. The responses have been predicted using both Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Taguchi method so that a comparative evaluation can be made.From this, it is concluded that, neural network predicts the responses more accurately than Taguchi prediction.