An analysis of a widely used version of the CUSUM tracking signal

Tracking signals are used to determine whether a sequence of forecasts is unbiased. We analyse a version of the CUSUM tracking signal that is based on the unsmoothed average mean absolute deviation of forecasting errors. We make the common assumption that demand values in different periods are independently, identically, and normally distributed. We show that, when forecast errors in different periods are also normal iid, this version of the tracking signal can indicate that the sequence is not unbiased even when it is unbiased. We suggest a simple modification to the tracking signal that serves to eliminate this flaw.     

What We Don’t Know About Time

String theory has transformed our understanding of geometry, topology and space-time. Thus, for this special issue of Foundations of Physics commemorating “Forty Years of String Theory”, it seems appropriate to step back and ask what we do not understand. As I will discuss, time remains the least understood concept in physical theory. While we have made significant progress in understanding space, our understanding of time has not progressed much beyond the level of a century ago when Einstein introduced the idea of space-time as a combined entity. Thus, I will raise a series of open questions about time, and will review some of the progress that has been made as a roadmap for the future.     

Low-molecular weight hyaluronidase from the venom of Bungarus caeruleus (Indian common krait) snake: Isolation and partial characterization

Snake venom hyaluronidases known as “spreading factor” are not extensively studied. Recently, it is argued that beyond its role as a spreading factor, venom hyaluronidase (HYL) deserves to be explored as a possible therapeutic target for inhibiting the systemic distribution of venom/toxins and also for minimizing local tissue destruction. In this context, in the present study, a low-molecular weight HYL has been isolated from Bungarus caeruleus (Indian krait) venom by single step chromatography on HPLC system. The apparent molecular weight determined by SDS-PAGE is 14 ± 2 kDa, as confirmed by zymogen study and LC–MS as well. The enzyme had optimal pH 6 and temperature 37°C. The Michaelis–Menten constant (K_m) was found to be 8.48 µg/mL at 37°C. The activity of purified enzyme was completely inhibited by Ba²⁺ metal ion and N-acetyl imidazole group-specific agents. This work yielded a highly active HYL from B. caeruleus the first one to be isolated. Further studies on its pharmacological actions will be interesting to develop lead molecules for better management of snakebite.     

Reaction of Dichlorocarbene with Substituted Cyclopentadienones Under Phase Transfer Conditions

The cycloaddition reactions involving dichlorocarbene generated under phase transfer conditions have been studied extensively in the past few years due to the simplicity of the procedure involved.¹ The facile formation of dichlorocyclopropanes provides an easy entry to functionalised aromatics and expanded carbocyclic compounds.² The dichlorocarbene generated under phase transfer conditions is capable of adding even to electron deficient olefins. We describe here the cyclo-addition reaction of dichlorocarbene to tetrasubstituted cyclopentadienones.     

Synthesis of Novel Fluorinated 11H‐Azaindolo[3,2‐c]isoquinolines

A series of novel fluorinated 11H‐azaindolo[3,2‐c]isoquinolines ( 7 ) have been synthesized starting from 2(1H)pyridones ( 1 ) via azaindoles ( 5 ). Initially, compound 1 was treated with POCl₃/DMF, and the resulting compound 2 was reacted with benzylamine to obtain compounds 3 that were subjected to cyclization after protecting the secondary amine to get azaindoles ( 5 ). Further, compounds 5 were subjected to cyclization as per Pictet–Spengler reaction condition. However, it was not successful. Subsequently, the azaindoles ( 5 ) were acetylated and then cyclized to give title compounds 7 . These compounds are new and well characterized by spectral data.     

Nitro‐Substituted Bishomocubanes: Synthesis,Characterization, and Application as Energetic Materials

Several high‐energy‐density strained polycyclic compounds nitromethyl‐l,3‐bishomocubane (NMBHC), nitromethylene‐1,3‐bishomocubane (NMyBHC), and bis(nitromethyl)‐1,3‐bishomocubane (DNTMBHC), which were synthesized for the first time from bishomocubanone, hold potential for application as standalone fuels in liquid bipropellant systems or as additives in liquid and solid propellant formulations. DFT analysis at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory was employed to optimize the geometries of the compounds and to determine their densities, heats of formation, and various thermodynamic properties. The density specific impulse, determined by using equilibrium thermodynamics, demonstrated an improvement of 75 s for NMBHC and NMyBHC over standard hydrocarbons. The specific impulse with ammonium perchlorate showed an improvement of 25–30 s over hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that NMBHC, NMyBHC, and DNTMBHC evaporated readily with activation energies of 58.8, 69.2, and 74.5 kJ mol^?1, respectively.     

Development of fish gelatin-based artificial fish baits incorporating bioattractants from seafood processing waste

The study dealt with evolving an artificial fish bait by incorporating bioattractant concentrates derived from seafood processing wastes by enzymatic hydrolysis namely fish waste concentrate (FWC), squid waste concentrate (SWC), and shrimp processing concentrate (SPWC). They were characterized based on amino acid content and presence of different functional groups using FTIR. Among them, SWC was found to have the highest amino acid content of 60.85mg/100 mg followed by FWC (42.21mg/100 mg) and SPWC (24.82mg/100 mg). The developed artificial fish baits were subjected to protein leaching, solubility in seawater besides testing for acceptability by the red snapper. The study revealed that the bait incorporated with SWC at 3% level was found be the most ideal, with the protein leaching rate of 24.82 mg/g/h, solubility rate of 36.6 mg/g/h and the attractability score of 29/30. The amino acid leaching rate was 3.11 mg/h/100 mg and it was found to contain five amino acids such as glycine, proline, glutamic acid, alanine and serine. The study revealed that the hydrolyzed squid waste concentrate can be incorporated at 3% (w/w) with fish gelatin based biomatrix during gelation to prepare artificial bait.