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The notion of covering based multigranulation fuzzy rough set (CMGFRS) models is a generalization of both granular computing and covering based fuzzy rough sets. Therefore it has become a powerful tool for coping with vague and multigranular information in cognition. In this paper we introduce three kinds of CMGFRS models by means of fuzzy β-neighborhoods and fuzzy complementary β-neighborhoods, and we investigate their axiomatic properties. We investigate three respective types of coverings based CMGFRS models, namely, optimistic, pessimistic and variable precision setups. In particular, by using multigranulation fuzzy measure degrees and multigranulation fuzzy complementary measure degrees, we derive three types of coverings based γ-optimistic (γ-pessimistic) CMGFRSs and E (F, G)-optimistic and E (F, G)-pessimistic CMGFRSs, respectively. We discuss the interrelationships among these three types of CMGFRS models and covering based Zhan-CMGFRS models. In view of the theoretical analysis for these three types of CMGFRS models, we put forward a novel methodology to multiple attribute group decision-making problem with evaluation of fuzzy information. An effective example is fully developed, hence concluding the applicability of the proposed methodology.

Mathematics curricula from many countries have emphasized conceptual understanding as more important than the mastery of isolated skills. However, researchers and educators have used different measures to access students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics. Thus, it seems necessary to further explore whether and to what extent different measurement techniques could lead to coherent findings. Therefore, this study compares the techniques that are commonly used in school settings with those proposed by researchers as effective in addressing conceptual understanding. Specifically, this study compares three techniques used to assess the quality of the conceptual understanding of triangles, conducted among a class of grade 8 students in China. The three techniques were a definition-example-nonexample test, a concept-mapping task, and a traditional paper-and-pencil test on the operations of the concepts and their relationships. The results show that these techniques provide complementary, rather than convergent, insights into students’ conceptual understanding. Their strengths and limitations in addressing students’ conceptual understanding were identified. The findings not only provide information for researchers, educators, and classroom teachers in identifying alternative techniques in assessing conceptual understanding but also a more holistic view of students’ conceptual understanding when different perspectives of this understanding are made explicit.

Employing the improved China Energy and Environmental Policy Analysis (CEEPA) model, a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model, this study aims to examine the distributional impacts of a carbon tax in China on households over different income groups. The effects of different complementary measures were also analysed. The results indicate that without any protections for households, a carbon tax will widen the income and welfare gap not only between urban and rural but also within urban groups, though it could have a weakly progressive effect within the rural. If the carbon tax revenue is used to reduce indirect tax whilst appropriately increasing government transfers to rural households and vulnerable urban groups in proportion to population, the distributional deterioration caused by the carbon tax could be effectively mitigated, and the negative impact on the living standards of households over all income groups could be alleviated while maintaining emission reductions and minimising the overall socio-economic impacts.

The Sourcebook introduces a framework for social analysis in Poverty and Social Impact Analysis along with a set of practical tools that address the institutional, political, and social dimensions of policy design and implementation and how these impact poverty and distributional equity. It is designed for country practitioners working in policy analysis in a range of areas, including macroeconomic, sectoral, and public sector policy.

Understanding the molecular basis of drug action and exploring the chemical interactions involved in the complex processes of drug delivery are among the most important goals of contemporary drug design. The major recent advances in the detailed, mechanistic interpretation of molecular interactions, the global and local shape analysis of electron density clouds making up the actual fuzzy bodies of molecules, novel similarity and complementary measures, the detailed and accurate computational visualization techniques of molecular level \"Computational Microscopy\", the advances in computer modeling of conformational processes and chemical reactions of drug molecules, the computer aided design of molecular templates fitting various receptor sites are among the powerful tools of computer aided drug discovery. In this contribution some of the latest advances are reviewed.

Komplementäre Therapiemaßnahmen werden von der wissenschaftlich begründeten Medizin (insbesondere der Onkologie) kontrovers diskutiert und abgelehnt, weil der obligate klinische Wirksamkeitsnachweis für die meisten Therapeutika bislang nicht erfolgt ist. In den vergangenen Jahren wurde die Grundlagenforschung und studienmäßige klinische Evaluation von definierten komplementäronkologischen Therapiemaßnahmen forciert—mit dem Ziel, sie in die evidenzbasierte Medizin (EBM) zu integrieren.Definitonsgemäß können komplementärmedizinische Therapiemaßnahmen die erprobten tumordestruktiven Standardtherapien nicht ersetzten und können demnach auch nicht als „alternative Therapie“ betrachtet werden. Komplementärmedizinische Therapiekonzepte, die begleitend zur tumordestruktiven Standardtherapie vorgeschlagen werden, erheben den Anspruch, diese optimieren zu können. Ausdrücklich zu warnen ist vor nicht auf Qualität, Unbedenklichkeit und Wirksamkeit geprüften Außenseitermethoden, die zuweilen fälschlich mit der Komplementärmedizin assoziiert werden, was zu deren ungerechtfertigter Ablehnung führt.

Background Hyunburikyung-tang exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 and is clinically used to improve dysmenorrhea in Korea. It contains various medicinal plants including peach seeds ( Prunus persica Batsch) and safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius Linn). Peach seeds contain amygdalin, which demonstrates teratogenic effects, and safflower is reported to cause reproductive toxicity and teratogenic effects in mice. These findings raise concerns regarding the teratogenic potential of these substances. A potential correlation exists between genotoxicity and teratogenicity. Genotoxic substances can damage DNA and cause mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, which may result in developmental malformations. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether Hyunburikyung-tang causes acute toxicity or genotoxicity. Methods Seven-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered a single dose of Hyunburikyung-tang to assess acute toxicity (625, 1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg). Body weight measurements, general symptom observations, and autopsy examinations were used to confirm toxic responses according to Toxicity Test Guidelines for Drugs, etc. [No. 2022-18, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea]. Genotoxicity assessment was conducted with bacteria, cells, and mice, according to the organization for economic cooperation and development test guidelines (TG 471, TG473, and TG474). Results Regarding the acute toxicity assessment, oral administration of Hyunburikyung-tang at doses up to 2,500 mg/kg in male and female rats did not result in body weight loss ( p  > 0.05), and general symptoms including death, weakening, irregular respiration etc. was did not observed. Upon necropsy, no visible damage was observed in major organs such as the liver and heart. Hyunburikyung-tang not only showed no mutagenic activity in the Bacterial reverse mutation test, but also did not significantly increase the incidence of chromosomal aberrations or the frequency of micronuclei in bone marrow ( p  > 0.05). Moreover, in the in vitro test, no genotoxicity was induced when metabolic activation by rat liver fractions was applied to mimic hepatic metabolism. Conclusions Our findings suggested that Hyunburikyung-tang does not induce acute toxicity or genotoxicity. Nevertheless, follow-up research should be conducted to confirm toxicity caused by repeated administration and adverse effects on embryonic cells.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a core outcome set (COS) for trials evaluating the effects of complementary therapies in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We sought to identify the outcomes most relevant to pwMS, their relatives and friends, healthcare professionals and researchers and to propose these for inclusion in future trials.DesignA participatory international research project using a mixed-method approach with qualitative and quantitative methods. The study included a scoping review and a national survey in Switzerland to identify candidate outcomes, followed by an international COS survey to rate the importance of these outcomes. The final phases involved two consensus meetings to refine and finalise the COS.SettingData were sourced from the published literature and input from international stakeholders.ParticipantspwMS and other relevant stakeholders, including their relatives and friends, healthcare professionals and researchers.ResultsA total of 770 individuals participated in the international COS survey of 39 candidate outcomes (662 pwMS, 27 relatives/friends, 58 healthcare professionals and 23 researchers). According to the survey results, 13 outcomes were added to the COS, 5 were excluded and 21 were classified as ‘no consensus’. 13 individuals (six pwMS, one pwMS’s friend, three healthcare professionals and three researchers) attended the first consensus meeting. Following the voting on the outcomes without consensus, seven outcomes were added to the COS, four were excluded and 10 outcomes were still classified as ‘no consensus’. The six members of the stakeholders advisory board (one pwMS, four healthcare professionals and two researchers) attended the second consensus meeting to define the final COS. Nine additional outcomes were included in the COS. Sexual problems, an outcome previously excluded, were also added. In total, 30 outcomes were included in the final COS.ConclusionWe have developed the first COS for future trials of complementary therapies for pwMS. The use of this COS will promote that future research in complementary therapies is relevant for pwMS and other stakeholders involved in MS care. Future COS research should integrate diverse geographical regions, where perspectives and access to complementary therapies may vary.Study registration numberhttps://osf.io/ys7xt/.

Background Panax ginseng is widely used as functional food and traditional Chinese medicine. To satisfy the market supply and medication safety, biofertilizers are used as agents to stimulate the growth and production of P . ginseng . Methods In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to analyze microbial community in soils treated with biofertilizers during the development stages of P . ginseng . Ginsenoside content was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis to evaluate the effects of biofertilizer application. Results In this study, the incidence rate of P . ginseng root rot significantly declined by 40.3–47.3% after application of disease-biocontrol biofertilizers. Bacterial diversity showed increasing trends in soils treated with 3.0–4.5 ml kg −1 of disease-biocontrol biofertilizers compared with those in untreated soils. Principal coordinate analysis ordination revealed that bacterial communities were changed by biofertilizers depending on their application concentration. Relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacterial agents, such as Bacillus , Burkholderia , Rhizobium , Streptomyces , and Mycobacterium , significantly increased compared with that in control. Fusarium of low abundance observed in soils treated with biofertilizers compared with that in untreated soils. P . ginseng yield was enhanced by 17.0–19.1%, and ginsenoside (Rg1 and Rb1) contents were improved after biofertilizer application. Conclusions Our results reveal that biofertilizers reduced the incidence rate of root rot, increased bacterial diversity, promoted the relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacterial taxa, decreased the abundance of potentially harmful bacterial agents, and then enhanced the yield and quality of P . ginseng .

Purpose: To investigate relationships among physical activity, changes in physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma enrolled in a home-based exercise prehabilitation program. Methods: Patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma receiving preoperative chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation were enrolled on this prospective, single-arm trial and were advised to perform ≥60 minutes each of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and strengthening exercise weekly. Activity was measured via self-report and accelerometers, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary activity (SA). Physical function measures at baseline and restaging follow-up included 6-minute walk test (6MWT), 5 times sit-to-stand (5×STS), handgrip strength (HGS), 3-m walk for gait speed (GS), and the PROMIS Physical Function Short Form. HRQOL was measured via the FACT-Hep questionnaire. Results: Fifty participants with mean age 66 years (standard deviation = 8 years) were enrolled. The 6MWT, 5×STS, and GS significantly improved from baseline to restaging follow-up (P=.001, P=.049, and P=.009, respectively). Increases in self-reported aerobic exercise, weekly MVPA, and LPA were associated with improvement in 6MWT (β=.19, P=.048; β=.18, P=.03; and β=.08, P=.03, respectively) and self-reported physical functioning (β=.02, P=.03; β=.03, P=.005; and β=.01, P=.02, respectively). Increased weekly LPA was associated with increased HRQOL (β=.03, P=.02). Increased SA was associated with decreased HRQOL (β=-.02,P=.01). Conclusions: Patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer exhibit meaningful improvement in physical function with prehabilitation; physical activity was associated with improved physical function and HRQOL. These data highlight the importance of physical activity during treatment for pancreatic cancer.