Efficient quantum algorithms for set operations.

Analyzing the relations between Boolean functions has many applications in many fields, such as database systems, cryptography, and collision problems. This paper proposes four quantum algorithms that use amplitude amplification techniques to perform set operations, including Intersection, Difference, and Union, on two Boolean functions in O ( N ) time complexity. The proposed algorithms employ two quantum amplitude amplification techniques divided into two stages. The first stage uses the Younes et al. algorithm for quantum searching via entanglement and partial diffusion to prepare incomplete superpositions of the truth set of the first Boolean function. In the second stage, a modified version of Arima's algorithm, along with an oracle that represent the second Boolean function, is employed to handle the set operations. The proposed algorithms have a higher probability of success in more general and comprehensive applications when compared with relevant techniques in literature.

Synergism of floated paperboard sludge cake /sewage sludge for maximizing biomethane yield and biochar recovery from digestate: A step towards circular economy.

Anaerobic digestion of floated paperboard sludge (PS) cake suffers from volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation, nutrient unbalanced condition, and generation of digestate with a risk of secondary pollution. To overcome these drawbacks, sewage sludge (SS) was added to PS cake for biogas recovery improvement under a co-digestion process followed by the thermal treatment of solid fraction of digestate for biochar production. Batch experimental assays were conducted at different SS:PS mixing ratios of 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, and 20:80 (w/w), and their anaerobic co-digestion performances were compared to the mono-digestion systems at 35 ± 0.2 °C for 45 days. The highest methane yield (MY) of 241.68 ± 14.81 mL/g CODremoved was obtained at the optimum SS:PS ratio of 50:50 (w/w). This experimental condition was accompanied by protein, carbohydrate, and VFA conversion efficiencies of 47.3 ± 3.2%, 46.8 ± 3.2%, and 56.3 ± 3.8%, respectively. The synergistic effect of SS and PS cake encouraged the dominance of Bacteroidota (23.19%), Proteobacteria (49.65%), Patescibacteria (8.12%), and Acidovorax (12.60%) responsible for hydrolyzing the complex organic compounds and converting the VFAs into biomethane. Further, the solid fraction of digestate was subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature of 500 °C for 2.0 h, under an oxygen-limited condition. The obtained biochar had a yield of 0.48 g/g dry digestate, and its oxygen-to-carbon (O/C), carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N), and carbon-to-phosphorous (C/P) ratios were 0.55, 10.23, and 16.42, respectively. A combined anaerobic co-digestion/pyrolysis system (capacity 50 m3/d) was designed based on the COD mass balance experimental data and biogenic CO2 market price of 22 USD/ton. This project could earn profits from biogas (12,565 USD/yr), biochar (6641 USD/yr), carbon credit (8014 USD/yr), and COD shadow price (6932 USD/yr). The proposed project could maintain a payback period of 6.60 yr. However, further studies are required to determine the associated life cycle cost model that is useful to validate the batch experiment assumptions.

Intravitreal Infliximab for the Treatment of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (FIXER): A Randomized Controlled Phase II Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and efficacy of intravitreal infliximab administered at the conclusion of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). DESIGN: Randomized controlled phase II clinical trial. SUBJECTS: Patients with primary RRD and grade C PVR, according to the updated Retina Society Classification. METHODS: Sixty-six patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo PPV and silicone oil (SO) injection with or without intravitreal injection of 1 mg/0.05 mL of infliximab in the air-filled globe before SO injection at PPV conclusion. Surgeons were masked to treatment allocation until PPV conclusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was anatomic success (defined as complete retinal reattachment without a tamponade at 6 months post SO removal). Secondary outcome measures were final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), single-operation success rate (SOSR), rate of recurrent detachment, central macular thickness (CMT) by macular OCT, macular function by multifocal electroretinogram, and macular vascular density (VD) by OCT angiography. RESULTS: Sixty eyes of 60 patients, 30 eyes in each group, completed the study. At baseline, there were no differences regarding age, gender, history of trauma, lens status, duration of RRD, BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), intraocular inflammation (IOI), detachment extent in clock hours, number/size of breaks, presence of vitreous hemorrhage, axial length, or grade/extent of PVR between both groups. For the outcome measures, 30 eyes in the infliximab group achieved anatomic success vs. 29 eyes in the control group. The SOSR was higher in the infliximab group (26) vs. the control (23), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.317). Final logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA was better in the infliximab group (mean, 0.96; standard deviation [SD], 0.4; Snellen equivalent ≈ 20/180) vs. the control (mean, 1.14; SD, 0.4); Snellen equivalent ≈ 20/280; P = 0.044). There were no differences regarding IOP, IOI, time of SO removal, macular function, CMT, or VD. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy with SO tamponade with or without intravitreal infliximab is effective in treating PVR-associated RRD. Infliximab may be associated with modest improvement in final visual outcomes but not anatomic outcomes. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

The therapeutic value of Myrtus communis L.: an updated review.

Myrtus communis L. (Family: Myrtaceae) is naturally found in the western part of Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa. It has been reportedly applied in pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine, cosmetics, spices, and food. Pubmed, Google scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were utilized to seek out relevant content concerning the therapeutic potential of M. communis. Subsequently, we conducted a review to identity noteworthy updates pertaining to M. communis. Myrtle berries, leaves, seeds, and essential oils are natural sources of several nutrients and bioactive compounds with marked health effects. The chemical analysis showed that M. communis contained oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, saponosides, tannins, quinines, and anthraquinones. A pharmacological investigation revealed that M. communis possessed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, dermatological, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal protective effects, among numerous other biological effects. This current review focused on the biochemical, pharmacological, therapeutic effects, and various biological activities of different parts of M. communis. It signifies that M. communis is a therapeutic plant with numerous applications in medicine and could be used as a drug isolate based on its safety and effectiveness.