The undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a multifactorial disease mainly due to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The transmembrane tyrosine kinase 'EphA2' and the protease 'Furin' are implicated in the EBV entry into epithelial cells and other physiological processes. To gain insights into the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs4702 and rs6603883 (FURIN and EPHA2 genes, respectively) with the risk and prognosis of the NPC, the genotypes of 471 individuals (228 cases and 243 controls) were assessed alongside risk cofactors (sex, tobacco, alcohol, occupation, and recurrent Ear, Nose and Throat infections) and prognosis cofactors (Tumor stage, local invasion, lymph node involvement, and metastasis) using multivariable logistic regression. We found that only the rs4702 AG/GG genotypes were statistically significantly associated with a reduced risk of cancer, both in the overall population and in men (approximately 50% reduction). The rs4702 GG genotype was also associated with a low frequency of local tumor invasion in the whole population (OR = 0.382, p = 0.017, co-dominant model, and OR = 0.409, p = 0.02, recessive model), but heterozygous women were associated with a higher lymph node involvement (OR = 3.53, p = 0.031, co-dominant model, and OR = 3.62, p = 0.02, overdominant model). The rs6603883 GG genotype was associated, in the dominant model, with distant metastasis in the whole population (OR = 2.5, p = 0.024), with advanced clinical stage in men (OR = 2.22, p = 0.034), and with advanced clinical stage and distant metastasis in patients under 49 years (OR = 3.13, p = 0.009, and OR = 5.15, p = 0.011, respectively). Additionally, men having the rs6603883 GA genotype were associated with lymph node invasion (OR = 2.22, p = 0.027, overdominant model). Our study is the first to demonstrate that FURIN and EPHA2 germline gene polymorphisms are associated with NPC risk (for rs4702) and prognosis (for both rs4702 and rs6603883), with sex-specific differences. These results need to be replicated and further investigated in other populations.

The undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a multifactorial disease mainly due to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The transmembrane tyrosine kinase 'EphA2' and the protease 'Furin' are implicated in the EBV entry into epithelial cells and other physiological processes. To gain insights into the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs4702 and rs6603883 (FURIN and EPHA2 genes, respectively) with the risk and prognosis of the NPC, the genotypes of 471 individuals (228 cases and 243 controls) were assessed alongside risk cofactors (sex, tobacco, alcohol, occupation, and recurrent Ear, Nose and Throat infections) and prognosis cofactors (Tumor stage, local invasion, lymph node involvement, and metastasis) using multivariable logistic regression. We found that only the rs4702 AG/GG genotypes were statistically significantly associated with a reduced risk of cancer, both in the overall population and in men (approximately 50% reduction). The rs4702 GG genotype was also associated with a low frequency of local tumor invasion in the whole population (OR = 0.382, p = 0.017, co-dominant model, and OR = 0.409, p = 0.02, recessive model), but heterozygous women were associated with a higher lymph node involvement (OR = 3.53, p = 0.031, co-dominant model, and OR = 3.62, p = 0.02, overdominant model). The rs6603883 GG genotype was associated, in the dominant model, with distant metastasis in the whole population (OR = 2.5, p = 0.024), with advanced clinical stage in men (OR = 2.22, p = 0.034), and with advanced clinical stage and distant metastasis in patients under 49 years (OR = 3.13, p = 0.009, and OR = 5.15, p = 0.011, respectively). Additionally, men having the rs6603883 GA genotype were associated with lymph node invasion (OR = 2.22, p = 0.027, overdominant model). Our study is the first to demonstrate that FURIN and EPHA2 germline gene polymorphisms are associated with NPC risk (for rs4702) and prognosis (for both rs4702 and rs6603883), with sex-specific differences. These results need to be replicated and further investigated in other populations.

Let T ∈ B(H) be a bounded linear operator on a Hilbert space H with the polar decomposition T =U|T|. The(f,g)-Aluthge transform of the operator T, denoted by ∆f,g(T), is defined as ∆f,g(T) = f(|T|)Ug(|T|), wheref andg botharenon-negativecontinuousfunctionson[0,∞[suchthatf(x)g(x) = x, for all x ≥ 0. In this paper, firstly, we investigate the relationship between this transform and several classes of operators as quasi-normal, normal, positive, nilpotent and closed range operators. Secondly, we show that under some conditions the (f,g)-Aluthge transform possesses the polar decomposition. Lastly, we provide a characterization of binormal operators from the viewpoint of the polar decomposition and the (f, g)-Aluthge transform. 2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 47A05; 47B49. Key words and phrases. (f,g)-Aluthge transform; quasinormal operato; Polar decomposition; binormal operators.

Let T ∈ B(H) be a bounded linear operator on a Hilbert space H with the polar decomposition T =U|T|. The(f,g)-Aluthge transform of the operator T, denoted by ∆f,g(T), is defined as ∆f,g(T) = f(|T|)Ug(|T|), wheref andg botharenon-negativecontinuousfunctionson[0,∞[suchthatf(x)g(x) = x, for all x ≥ 0. In this paper, firstly, we investigate the relationship between this transform and several classes of operators as quasi-normal, normal, positive, nilpotent and closed range operators. Secondly, we show that under some conditions the (f,g)-Aluthge transform possesses the polar decomposition. Lastly, we provide a characterization of binormal operators from the viewpoint of the polar decomposition and the (f, g)-Aluthge transform. 2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 47A05; 47B49. Key words and phrases. (f,g)-Aluthge transform; quasinormal operato; Polar decomposition; binormal operators.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic determinants of carbapenemase production and colistin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from three health care facilities in the city of Batna, Algeria.

Methods A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 on 46 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, which were collected and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method. Carbapenemase and colistin resist ance determinants were detected by qPCR.

Results The 46 clinical isolates were mainly from the intensive care unit (52.17%) and the burns unit (17.39%). The strains were collected primarily from pus samples (34.78%) and blood samples (17.39%). Eleven strains were classified as colistin-resistant, with MICs ranging from 4 to 128 μg/mL. The blaOXA-24 gene was detected in 63.04% of the isolates, followed by the blaOXA-23 gene (43.47%). Nine strains were positive for both blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-24-like genes. The blaNDM gene was detected in eight isolates (17.39%), including two which co-expressed a blaOXA-24 gene. In contrast, all strains were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 and mcr-8.

Conclusion Here, we report a high prevalence of carbapenemases-producing A. baumannii isolates in Batna hospi tals. Notably, this study is the first to identify A. baumannii isolates co-producing OXA-24 and NDM carbapenemases and to report the first detection of colistin-resistant A. baumannii co-producing OXA-24 and OXA-23 carbapenemases from a patient in Algeria.

Keywords Acinetobacter baumannii, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, Algeri

This study defines and analyzes the stability radii of stochastic descriptor systems. We utilize generalized Lyapunov
techniques to establish necessary and sufficient conditions for exponential stability. Additionally, the paper aims
to explore robust stability by characterizing the stability radius through generalized Lyapunov equations. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first to investigate robust stability using the infinite-dimensional
generalized Lyapunov equation.  

This study defines and analyzes the stability radii of stochastic descriptor systems. We utilize generalized Lyapunov
techniques to establish necessary and sufficient conditions for exponential stability. Additionally, the paper aims
to explore robust stability by characterizing the stability radius through generalized Lyapunov equations. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first to investigate robust stability using the infinite-dimensional
generalized Lyapunov equation.  

This study defines and analyzes the stability radii of stochastic descriptor systems. We utilize generalized Lyapunov
techniques to establish necessary and sufficient conditions for exponential stability. Additionally, the paper aims
to explore robust stability by characterizing the stability radius through generalized Lyapunov equations. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first to investigate robust stability using the infinite-dimensional
generalized Lyapunov equation.  

This study evaluates the inhibition mechanisms of CaCO₃ scaling in reverse osmosis using Zn⁺⁺ which has been superficially investigated in RO, with only three papers published. In order to do that a novel experimental approach was used; this approach involved a synthetic calco-carbonic solution, with an initial hardness of 60 °F (240 mg/l Ca++) and saturated with CO₂, The CO₂ leakage through the RO membrane allowed the interfacial pH to increase and, thus, accelerated the scaling occurrence. The condition for CaCO₃ precipitation is the solubility product verification: (Ca⁺⁺)* (CO₃⁼) ≥ K_S. In saturation pH, the CO₃⁼ concentration remained at ppm level; masking the CO₃⁼ ligand by Zn⁺⁺, for scaling prevention, was the main research hypothesis. This approach is very different from conventional kinetic and crystallographic theories. Furthermore, the synthetic solution was desalted in batch mode using various Zn⁺⁺ concentrations (0–1.5 ppm); the results showed a 288 minutes induction time without Zn⁺⁺ and 402 mn with Zn⁺⁺ at 1.5 ppm, the saturation pH increased from 7.33 to 8.18, confirming the Zn⁺⁺ efficiency. Also, the pH–time, conductivity–time, [Ca⁺⁺]–time and turbidity–time plotting allowed scaling detection in the fluid bulk; their comparison showed a good correlation. SEM and EDS spectro were used.

This study evaluates the inhibition mechanisms of CaCO₃ scaling in reverse osmosis using Zn⁺⁺ which has been superficially investigated in RO, with only three papers published. In order to do that a novel experimental approach was used; this approach involved a synthetic calco-carbonic solution, with an initial hardness of 60 °F (240 mg/l Ca++) and saturated with CO₂, The CO₂ leakage through the RO membrane allowed the interfacial pH to increase and, thus, accelerated the scaling occurrence. The condition for CaCO₃ precipitation is the solubility product verification: (Ca⁺⁺)* (CO₃⁼) ≥ K_S. In saturation pH, the CO₃⁼ concentration remained at ppm level; masking the CO₃⁼ ligand by Zn⁺⁺, for scaling prevention, was the main research hypothesis. This approach is very different from conventional kinetic and crystallographic theories. Furthermore, the synthetic solution was desalted in batch mode using various Zn⁺⁺ concentrations (0–1.5 ppm); the results showed a 288 minutes induction time without Zn⁺⁺ and 402 mn with Zn⁺⁺ at 1.5 ppm, the saturation pH increased from 7.33 to 8.18, confirming the Zn⁺⁺ efficiency. Also, the pH–time, conductivity–time, [Ca⁺⁺]–time and turbidity–time plotting allowed scaling detection in the fluid bulk; their comparison showed a good correlation. SEM and EDS spectro were used.

The coupling system of two different sources has always been an important subject of research in the field of electrical grids of any voltage range. In particular, after the connection of the photovoltaic and the public grids, the voltages cannot be distinguished from each other, because after their coupling there is one voltage across the output load. In this article, we take into account the variation of the current when the load varies in order to establish the relationship between the measured current and the output AC voltage, which can be regulated using only the current. For this purpose, we employ two types of controllers, the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) controller,using Matlab/Simulink. Despite the connection of aninverter, which increases the loss rate and the error,the results are encouraging considering that the error rate obtained for the ANN controller, which is 1.49%, is much lower compared to that of the PID controller, which is 2.4%. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the ANN controller is the best choice to perform this simulation.

The coupling system of two different sources has always been an important subject of research in the field of electrical grids of any voltage range. In particular, after the connection of the photovoltaic and the public grids, the voltages cannot be distinguished from each other, because after their coupling there is one voltage across the output load. In this article, we take into account the variation of the current when the load varies in order to establish the relationship between the measured current and the output AC voltage, which can be regulated using only the current. For this purpose, we employ two types of controllers, the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) controller,using Matlab/Simulink. Despite the connection of aninverter, which increases the loss rate and the error,the results are encouraging considering that the error rate obtained for the ANN controller, which is 1.49%, is much lower compared to that of the PID controller, which is 2.4%. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the ANN controller is the best choice to perform this simulation.

The coupling system of two different sources has always been an important subject of research in the field of electrical grids of any voltage range. In particular, after the connection of the photovoltaic and the public grids, the voltages cannot be distinguished from each other, because after their coupling there is one voltage across the output load. In this article, we take into account the variation of the current when the load varies in order to establish the relationship between the measured current and the output AC voltage, which can be regulated using only the current. For this purpose, we employ two types of controllers, the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) controller,using Matlab/Simulink. Despite the connection of aninverter, which increases the loss rate and the error,the results are encouraging considering that the error rate obtained for the ANN controller, which is 1.49%, is much lower compared to that of the PID controller, which is 2.4%. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the ANN controller is the best choice to perform this simulation.

Our paper focuses on the discovery and analysisof a recently identified three-dimensional chaotic model. Thisresearch presents a remarkable system characterised by its easeof implementation, but which exhibits a more complex dynamicbehaviour, exceeding that of many similar chaotic systems. Byunravelling the underlying mechanisms of this system throughthe analysis of eigenvalues, bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunovexponents, its chaotic behaviour is verified by building anelectronic circuit. The experimental behaviour is in agreementwith the numerical studies. This paper paves the way for furtherexploitation of the unique interplay between simplicity andcomplexity in chaotic systems, promising applications in variousscientific disciplines.