Types Of Chains Research Articles

High-Performance Black Copolymers Enabling Full Spectrum Control in Electrochromic Devices.

Black-to-transparent electrochromism is hailed as the holy grail of organic optoelectronics. Despite its potential, designing black electrochromic materials that fully absorb visible light remains a significant challenge. Electroactive materials that simultaneously possess excellent cyclic stability, fast switching times, and high coloration efficiency are rare. In this study, we successfully designed copolymers that fully absorb the entire visible spectrum byjudiciously selecting four types of monomers. We incorporated two types of polar side chains to synergistically enhance the ionic conductivity of the copolymers, thus improving the performance of electrochromic devices. Among these electrochromic devices, the P2-a device exhibits cycling stability exceeding 105 cycles, and the P2-c device demonstrates a coloring/ bleaching time of 0.82 s/0.86 s and achieves a coloration efficiency of 1078 cm²/C. This study proposes a strategy for designing and synthesizing high-performance black electrochromic copolymers.

Self-reliance or dependence? patterns of information technology use on innovation performance

The association between information technology (IT) and firms’ innovation performance remains underexplored within the current Operations Management literature. We attempt to address this void by exploring how patterns of IT use (exploration and exploitation) influence innovation performance. We also introduce distinct types of supply chain (SC) innovation strategies, and explore how internal, external, and ambidextrous (balanced and combined) innovation strategies moderate the relationship. Drawing upon the dynamic capability view, we consider patterns of IT use as firms’ dynamic capabilities that can foster innovation performance, and regard SC innovation strategy as organisational paths that may influence the effectiveness of IT use. We empirically examine the relationship using data from 995 manufacturing firms featured in the World Bank China Enterprise Survey. We find IT exploitation and exploration positively influence innovation performance. Additionally, the internal innovation strategy can amplify the positive effect of IT exploitation, while exerting a non-significant moderating effect on IT exploration. Interestingly, the positive impacts of both IT use patterns on innovation are weakened when firms adopt external and ambidextrous innovation strategies. Our study contributes to a deeper comprehension of the relationship among IT use, SC innovation strategies, and firms’ innovation performance based on a dynamic capability view.

Automated Microfluidics-Assisted Hydrogel-Based Wet-Spinning for the Biofabrication of Biomimetic Engineered Myotendinous Junction.

The muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) plays a pivotal role in efficiently converting the muscular contraction into a controlled skeletal movement through the tendon. Given its complex biomechanical intricacy, the biofabrication of such tissue interface represents a significant challenge in the field of musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Herein, a novel method to produce MTJ-like hydrogel yarns using a microfluidics-assisted 3D rotary wet-spinning strategy is developed. Optimization of flow rates, rotational speed, and delivery time of bioinks enables the production of highly compartmentalized scaffolds that recapitulate the muscle, tendon, and the transient MTJ-like region. Additionally, such biofabrication parameters are validated in terms of cellular response by promoting an optimal uniaxial alignment for both muscle and tendon precursor cells. By sequentially wet-spinning C2C12 myoblasts and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, a gradient-patterned cellular arrangement mirroring the intrinsic biological heterogeneity of the MTJ is successfully obtained. The immunofluorescence assessment further reveals the localized expression of tissue-specific markers, including myosin heavy chain and collagen type I/III, which demonstrate muscle and tenogenic tissue maturation, respectively. Remarkably, the muscle-tendon transition zone exhibits finger-like projection of the multinucleated myotubes in the tenogenic compartment, epitomizing the MTJ signature architecture.

Force Decay Behavior of Orthodontic Elastomeric Chains in Simulated Oral Conditions.

Background Elastomeric chains are widely used for incisor retraction and space closure. However, the force they exert diminishes over time, and this makes it difficult to determine the actual force transmitted to the dentition. The force decay may also be affected by exposure to saliva, foods, beverages, and prophylactic agents. Objective To assess the force degradation of four commercially available orthodontic elastomeric chains (AlastiK, 3M; Generation II Power Chain, Ormco; Elastic Chain, Morelli; and Plastic Chain, American Orthodontics) over 28 days in simulated oral conditions using tooth movement and a prophylactic fluoride rinse regimen. Method A total of 80 chain samples, with 20 samples of each chain type having four loops each, were stretched to 25 mm on custom-fabricated acrylic resin jigs with provision for a space closure mechanism. The samples were divided equally into two groups: a control group, in which ten samples of each chain type were maintained in artificial saliva at 37°C, and a test group, in which ten samples of each chain type were maintained in artificial saliva at 37°C and additionally subjected to simulated tooth movement with jig closure of 0.25 mm/week and a twice-daily regimen of prophylactic fluoride rinse. Force decay was measured using a digital force gauge at the time of engagement on the jigs, at one hour, four hours, and at one, seven, 14, 21, and 28 days. Percentage force decay was calculated, and the results were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post-hoc Tukey, post-hoc Bonferroni, and 't' test. Results Maximum force degradation was observed at one day for all four chain materials in both groups, followed by a steady force loss over 28 days, the difference being significant for all materials at various time intervals (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed between any material at any given time in the control group (p>0.05); however, significant differences were observed in the test group. Under simulated oral conditions, force decay was maximum for the Plastic Chain, American Orthodontics (67.9 ± 6.24%), and minimum for the Generation II Power Chain, Ormco (51.9 ± 9.78%) at the end of the test period. Conclusion Plastic Chain, American Orthodontics, and AlastiK, 3M chain, exhibited higher force decay when compared to Generation II Power Chain, Ormco, and Elastic Chain, Morelli. Simulated oral conditions significantly affected the force decay of elastomeric chains, and it may be desirable to change elastomeric chains at 14 days for optimum retraction force.

Theoretical Study on the Correlation between Open-Shell Electronic Structures and Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties in One-Dimensional Chains of π-Radicals.

This paper theoretically investigated the correlation between the open-shell electronic structure and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of one-dimensional (1D) stacked chains of π-radicals. By employing the finite N-mer models consisting of methyl or phenalenyl radicals with different stacking distances, we evaluated the average and standard deviation of diradical characters yi for N-mer models of π-radicals (yav and ySD). Then, we estimated these diradical characters at the limit of N → ∞. These y-based indices were helpful in discussing the correlation between the open-shell electronic structures and the second hyperpolarizability per dimer at the limit N → ∞, γ∞ for the 1D chains with stacking distance alternation (SDA). The calculated γ∞ values and the polymer/dimer ratio γ∞/γ(N = 2) were enhanced significantly when both the stacking distance and SDA are small. We also found that the spin-unrestricted long-range-corrected (LC-)UBLYP method with the range-separating parameter μ = 0.47 bohr-1 well reproduced the trend of γ∞ of this type of 1D chain estimated at the spin-unrestricted coupled-cluster levels. The present study is expected to contribute to establishing the design guidelines for future high-performance open-shell molecular NLO materials.

The classical and quantum particle on a flag manifold

Abstract In the present paper we consider two related problems, i.e. the description of geodesics and the calculation of the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator on a flag manifold. We show that there exists a family of invariant metrics such that both problems can be solved simply and explicitly. In order to determine the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator, we construct natural, finite-dimensional approximations (of spin chain type) to the Hilbert space of functions on a flag manifold.

Examining School Escorting Travel Behaviors from the Perspective of the Trip Chain

ABSTRACT School trips of schoolchildren usually require family escort and accompaniment. Only by conducting a comprehensive analysis from the perspective of the trip chain can we understand the similarities and differences in school transportation. A series of statistical analyses were conducted on the school escorting travel behaviors. Accordingly, sub-classification of the two trip chain types was defined and their trip chain lengths were compared. Subsequently, gender and age group differences for escort guardians were studied. The results suggest that: (1) Significant differences exist in activities and trips between escorting to and from school. (2) There is a significant association between escort choices, duration of escort activities, and escort modes with the trip chain type. (3) The average trip chain length of the household-care trip chain and its sub-types are significantly greater than those of the work trip chain. (4) Gender, age group, and escort choice significantly influence the trip chain type.

Assessment of disaster mitigation capability oriented to typhoon disaster chains: A case study of Fujian Province, China

Typhoon disasters are the most frequent and severe natural disasters in China’s southeastern coastal region. The strong wind and rainstorms during typhoons result in secondary disasters, such as storm surges, floods, and landslides. This phenomenon is referred to as a typhoon disaster chain that causes significant loss of life and property every year. Accurately assessing the disaster mitigation capacity and reducing limitations are crucial for improving typhoon disaster risk prevention. However, assessing the capacity of mitigating typhoon disaster chains requires further study. In this study, we select Fujian Province, China, as a case study to identify typical typhoon disaster chains, drawing on historical disasters and the sensitivity of the disaster-forming environment. We establish a county-based framework to assess the disaster mitigation capabilities for typhoon disaster chains. The mitigation capacities of 84 counties within Fujian Province are evaluated using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, which determines the weights of various indicators. The results show the following. 1) The dominant types of typhoon disaster chains in Fujian Province are typhoon-rainstorm-urban waterlogging (TRU), typhoon-rainstorm-flooding (TRF), typhoon-rainstorm-landslide (TRL), and typhoon-strong wind-storm surge (TWS). Significant spatial differences are observed. 2) The assessment framework, which includes disaster prevention, disaster relief, and government management capabilities, accurately reflects the spatial differences in the disaster chain. The results can be extended to other regions or other disaster chains. 3) Significant spatial heterogeneity is observed in the disaster prevention, relief, and disaster mitigation capacity for typhoon disaster chains in the counties in Fujian Province. The eastern coastal areas have high mitigation capacity, whereas the northwest has low capacity. The disaster prevention capacity is very high in Changle City and Xiuyu District (2.4 %), and the disaster relief capacity is very high in Gulou District, Taijiang District, Changle City, and Huli District (4.8 %). The government disaster management capacity is very high in 7 counties (e.g., Longhai City, Minhou County, and Hui’an City (8.3 %)). The comprehensive disaster mitigation capabilities are very high in Changle City, Longhai City, and Xiuyu County (3.6 %). This study provides a scientific reference for assessing disaster chain mitigation capabilities and enhancing grassroots disaster mitigation efforts.

The association between joint Serum Neurofilament Light Chain and type 2 diabetes with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US adults: a longitudinal study of NHANES

BackgroundIn the past, there has been a clear conclusion regarding the sole impact of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on the risk of death. However, the combined effect of sNfL levels and type 2 DM on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality is still uncertain.MethodsThis study was a prospective cohort study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The sNfL levels were measured through immunological methods using blood samples collected during the survey. The diagnosis of diabetes was based on rigorous criteria, and participants’ mortality data were followed up until December 31, 2019. Firstly, we separately examined the effects of sNfL and type 2 DM on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and finally studied the comprehensive impact of the combination of sNfL and type 2 DM on the risk of mortality. Cumulative Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analysis were incorporated throughout the entire study.ResultsParticipants in the highest quartile of sNfL were observed. Multivariable COX regression model showed that increased sNfL levels and type 2 DM were respectively associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, elevated sNfL levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for confounding factors. When considering both elevated sNfL levels and type 2 DM, individuals had a significantly increased risk of mortality. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings.ConclusionsThese results suggest that elevated levels of sNfL and type 2 DM are associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and that participants with increased sNfL levels associated with type 2 DM have higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Agricultural Value Chains and Gender in the Post-reform Era

This article systematically reviewed literature on agricultural market reforms, value chains and gender, selected from Global South developing countries to generate evidence on the changes in smallholder agricultural value chains and gender relations, following liberalization reforms. The study specifically aimed to; identify and critically analyse previous attempts to categorize agricultural value chains; and provide new value chain categorizations and associated gender relations. We found that only 5% of the reviewed 60 publications have attempted to categorize agricultural value chains, however with no consideration of gender relations. A new value chain typology has been provided as: “Traditional”, Digitally-led”, “Group-led” and “Firm-led” value chains, respectively basing on 13%, 35%, 32%, and 24% of the publications. With regard to gender relations, the main finding was that unequal gender relations are inherent in all forms of value chains but tend to be experienced differently by value chain actors –men and women – depending on the type of value chain. The commonly identified underlying factors for gender inequality included; patriarchal structures that bestow upon men decision-making power and control over production resources mostly land. Related were social norms that confine women to the domestic realm, proscribe their mobility and participation in higher value chain nodes and farmer groups. Lastly were gender disparities in education, skills and income leading to differences in access, ownership and use of ICTs. From the results, we note that inasmuch as different forms of value chains present some opportunities for actors, the evolution in smallholder value chains continues to engender equality challenges, mostly affecting women. We contributed to filling the knowledge gap on transformations in post-reform value chains and its effect on gender relations.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Prospects of the Food Industry

Food production systems and consumption patterns are significant contributors to the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the industry, which swap with changing population demographics. The life cycle assessment approach has been increasingly utilized to evaluate the agricultural and food processing systems to ensure reliable and evidence-based support for decision-making for both industry stakeholders and policymakers. This study discusses the key social, economic, and environmental impacts of various food processing sectors, especially greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land, water, and energy use. Impacts vary widely depending on the types of foods, their sources, and supply chains. The animal (excluding poultry) slaughtering, rendering, and processing category has the highest contributions in both socioeconomic and environmental impacts out of all food and beverage processing industries. The food industry touches transdisciplinary policy domains and is recognized as dynamic and complex. It is thus important to adopt an integrated approach involving stakeholders from all policy domains associated with food supply chains to ensure the sustainability of the food industry. A broader sustainability check must be adopted for any strategic change in the food industry to reduce the risks to its sustainability and avoid rebound effects on society.

MultiBac System-based Purification and Biophysical Characterization of Human Myosin-7a.

Myosin-7a is an actin-based motor protein vital for auditory and visual processes. Mutations in myosin-7a lead to Usher syndrome type 1, the most common and severe form of deaf-blindness in humans. It is hypothesized that myosin-7a forms a transmembrane adhesion complex with other Usher proteins, essential for the structural-functional integrity of photoreceptor and cochlear hair cells. However, due to the challenges in obtaining pure, intact protein, the exact functional mechanisms of human myosin-7a remain elusive, with limited structural and biomechanical studies available. Recent studies have shown that mammalian myosin-7a is a multimeric motor complex consisting of a heavy chain and three types of light chains: regulatory light chain (RLC), calmodulin, and calmodulin-like protein 4 (CALML4). Unlike calmodulin, CALML4 does not bind to calcium ions. Both the calcium-sensitive, and insensitive calmodulins are critical for mammalian myosin-7a for proper fine-tuning of its mechanical properties. Here, we describe a detailed method to produce recombinant human myosin-7a holoenzyme using the MultiBac Baculovirus protein expression system. This yields milligram quantities of high-purity full-length protein, allowing for its biochemical and biophysical characterization. We further present a protocol for assessing its mechanical and motile properties using tailored in vitro motility assays and fluorescence microscopy. The availability of the intact human myosin-7a protein, along with the detailed functional characterization protocol described here, paves the way for further investigations into the molecular aspects of myosin-7a in vision and hearing.

Effect of Industrial Byproduct Gypsum on the Mechanical Properties and Stabilization of Hazardous Elements of Cementitious Materials: A Review.

Industrial byproduct gypsum (BPG) is a secondary product that is mainly composed of calcium sulfate discharged during industrial production. BPG primarily consists of desulfurized gypsum, phosphogypsum, and titanium gypsum, which account for 88% of the total BPG in China. The large-scale utilization of these three types of solid waste is crucial for the safe disposal of BPG. BPG contains various impurities and harmful elements, limiting its applications. The continuous accumulation of BPG poses a serious threat to the safety of the environment. Based on a literature review (2021-2023), it was found that 52% of BPG is used in the preparation of cementitious materials, and the addition of BPG results in an average improvement of 7-30% in the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Moreover, BPG has a positive impact on the immobilization of hazardous elements in raw materials. Therefore, the utilization of BPG in cementitious materials is beneficial for its large-scale disposal. This study primarily reviews the effects and mechanisms of BPG on the mechanical properties of cementitious materials and the solidification of hazardous elements. Most importantly, the review reveals that BPG positively influences the hydration activity of silica-alumina-based solid waste (such as steel slag and blast furnace slag) and alkaline solid waste (such as carbide slag and red mud). This improves the proportion of solid waste in cement and reduces production costs and carbon emissions. Finally, this article summarizes and proposes the application of BPG in cementitious materials. The application of BPG + silica-alumina solid waste + alkaline solid-waste-based cementitious materials is expected to realize a new type of green ecological chain for the joint utilization of multiple industrial solid wastes and to promote the low-carbon sustainable development of industrial clusters.

The integration of sustainability into the service supply chain: towards a research agenda

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing academic literature on the intersection between sustainability and service supply chain (SSC) in order to investigate the implementation mechanism of sustainable service supply chain (SSSC). A systematic literature review methodology is adopted to comprehensively analyze papers related to SSSC. This study thoroughly examines the integration of sustainability into two types of supply chains (SC): product/service SC and service-only SC. It identifies the antecedents, outcomes, enablers, and barriers of SSSC practices. Drawing from thematic findings, this review constructs a conceptual framework that elucidates the interrelationships among various themes to enhance understanding of SSSC. Additionally, it highlights gaps in existing literature and provides recommendations for future research directions, thus fostering comprehensive advancements in the field of SSC.

Double pseudo-polymeric complexes of [Au(S2CNBu2)2][AgCl2] and [Au(S2CNHm)2]3[AgCl2][Ag0.59Au0.41Cl2]2: Preparation, supramolecular self-assembly, thermal behaviour and anti-mycobacterial activity

Pseudo-polymeric double complexes of [Au{S2CN(C4H9)2}2][AgCl2] (1) and [Au{S2CN(CH2)6}2]3[AgCl2][Ag0.59Au0.41Cl2]2 have been obtained and chemically identified using solution (1H, 13C{1H}) NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. According to XRD analysis, it was established that both of the above crystalline compounds form complicated supramolecular architectures. Self-assembly and structural stabilization of these supramolecular formations are achieved due to numerous secondary interactions: Ag⋯S, Cl⋯S (in 1, 2) and Au⋯Cl, Au⋯S (in 2), which arose between the ionic structural units of the complexes. The combined manifestation of these interionic secondary interactions leads to the construction of two types of pseudo-polymeric chains of (⋯[Au(S2CNBu2)2]⋯[AgCl2]⋯)n (1) and (⋯[Au2(S2CNHm)4]⋯ [AgCl2]⋯)n (2). To study the thermal behaviour of the prepared compounds, the simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) technique was used, which allowed us to determine the conditions for the quantitative recovery of bound metals. Moreover, a high in vitro biological activity for each of the prepared gold(III)-silver(I) compounds against the non-pathogenic strain Mycolicibacterium smegmatis was experimentally revealed.

Jeffamine-based diblock copolymer nanoparticles via reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly in aqueous media

Jeffamines® are commercially available amine-capped poly (alkylene oxides) that have been used for various applications. In this study, a weakly hydrophobic monoamine-capped propylene oxide-rich Jeffamine® (M2005) is derivatized to introduce a trithiocarbonate end-group via amidation. This precursor is then dissolved using N,N′-dimethylacrylamide (DMAC), 2-(N-acryloyloxy)ethyl pyrrolidone (NAEP) or N-acryloylmorpholine (NAM) as a co-solvent to produce a concentrated aqueous reaction mixture containing 20 % w/w water. Subsequently, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is used to prepare Jeffamine®-core diblock copolymer nanoparticles by reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). At intermediate conversion, additional degassed water is added and each polymerization continues to almost full conversion (>99 %) within 4 h at 60 °C, resulting in a 10–20 % w/w aqueous dispersion of sterically-stabilized Jeffamine®-core nanoparticles. Efficient chain extension of the Jeffamine® precursor is achieved in most cases and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained (Mw/Mn < 1.30) as judged by GPC analysis. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirm a polydisperse spherical morphology and dynamic light scattering studies report hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 145 to 312 nm. Finally, aqueous electrophoresis studies indicate essentially neutral nanoparticles over a wide range of solution pH, as expected for the three types of non-ionic steric stabilizer chains selected for this study.

Therapeutic Application and Structural Features of Adeno-Associated Virus Vector.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is characterized by non-pathogenicity, long-term infection, and broad tropism and is actively developed as a vector virus for gene therapy products. AAV is classified into more than 100 serotypes based on differences in the amino acid sequence of the capsid protein. Endocytosis involves the uptake of viral particles by AAV and accessory receptors during AAV infection. After entry into the cell, they are transported to the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex. AAVs mainly use proteoglycans as receptors to enter cells, but the types of sugar chains in proteoglycans that have binding ability are different. Therefore, it is necessary to properly evaluate the primary structure of receptor proteins, such as amino acid sequences and post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, and the higher-order structure of proteins, such as the folding of the entire capsid structure and the three-dimensional (3D) structure of functional domains, to ensure the efficacy and safety of biopharmaceuticals. To further enhance safety, it is necessary to further improve the efficiency of gene transfer into target cells, reduce the amount of vector administered, and prevent infection of non-target cells.

Type synthesis of 3-DOF spherical hybrid mechanisms with fixed centers of rotation

To improve the load-bearing capacity and the rotation range about the normal of the moving platform in a spherical parallel mechanism (SPM), a type synthesis method for spherical hybrid mechanisms (SHMs) with fixed centers of rotation is proposed by coupling a serial transmission chain with the central passive limb chain of the SPM near its center area. Based on the analysis of the spherical mechanism configuration’s research status with a fixed rotation center, a method for systematically synthesizing SHMs is given, and four types of limb chains are developed. The possible limb constraint systems provided by each type of limb chain are analyzed via screw theory, and the type synthesis of each type of limb chain is carried out. Screening rules are proposed to obtain the preferred limb chains from the limb chain configuration results. By selecting and permuting preferred limb chains based on the mechanism’s center position of rotation and the constraint type, a series of SHMs that rotate unrestricted about the normal of the moving platform are produced. Selecting the RBR-2RRR SHM as an example, its workspace, singularity, dexterity, and stiffness are analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the research. This work enriches the configuration types of SHMs and provides theoretical support for the design and applications of SHMs in engineering.

Analysis of immunoglobulin organization and complexity in mink (Neovison vison)

Mink are susceptible to viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, H1N1 and H9N2, so they are considered a potential animal model for studying human viral infections. Therefore, it is important to study the immune system of mink. Immunoglobulin (Ig) is an important component of humoral immunity and plays an important role in the body's immune defense. In this study, we described the gene loci structure of mink Ig germline by genome comparison, and analysed the mechanism of expression diversity of mink antibody library by 5′RACE and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The results were as follows: the IgH, Igκ and Igλ loci of mink were located on chromosome 13, chromosome 8 and chromosome 3, respectively, and they had 25, 36 and 7 V genes, 3, 5 and 7 J genes and 10 DH genes, respectively. Mink Ig heavy chain preferred the IGHV1, IGHD2 and IGHJ4 subgroups, κ chain mainly use the IGKV1, IGKJ1 and IGHL4 subgroups, and λ chain mainly use the IGLV3 and IGLJ3 subgroups. Linkage diversity analysis revealed that N nucleotide insertion was the main factor affecting the linkage diversity of mink Igs. On the mutation types of mink Ig Somatic Hypermutation (SHM), the high mutation types of heavy chain were mainly G > A, C > T, T > C, A > G, C > A, G > T, A > C, and T > G; the high mutation types of κ chain were G > A and T > C; and the high mutation types of λ chain were G > A and A > G. The objective of this study was to analyse the loci structure and expression diversity of Ig in mink. The results contribute to our comprehension of Ig expression patterns in mink and were valuable for advancing knowledge in mink immunogenetics, exploring the evolution of adaptive immune systems across different species, and conducting comparative genomics research.

Maximizing supply chain performance leveraging machine learning to anticipate customer backorders

The complexity of global supply chains, with their multi-tiered and lengthy structures, presents significant challenges for effectively planning inventory replenishment, accurately forecasting demand, and managing customer backorders. To maintain customer loyalty and avoid extended waiting periods, companies need to have an efficient system for predicting product backlog for customers without overstocking. Traditional statistical techniques like regression analysis can forecast demand and the probability of customer backorders. Nevertheless, they are restricted to modeling linear relationships and may not be well-suited for capturing complex relationships.On the other hand, analytical methods like machine learning (ML) show great promise. However, ML algorithms can be computationally intensive, especially when dealing with many predictors, which can make models complex and increase computational costs. Thus, simpler models with fewer attributes can make data collection and model complexity more manageable. In this study we assess the efficacy and accuracy of simplified ML algorithms, the impact of utilizing limited, high-impact predictors in supply chain backorder prediction. Using publicly available data sets from Kaggle, we developed two sets of models: one with 22 predictors and another with only the top five predictors. The results demonstrate a significant decrease in computational costs, ranging from 30 % to 98 %, with only a marginal reduction in accuracy and F1-score, ranging from 0.6 % to 4.2 %. These findings underscore the potential for simpler backorder prediction models, which helps streamline data collection with lower computational cost. This study enhances the current literature by providing insights into optimizing customer backorder prediction with potential generalization for various types of supply chains. It strikes a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency, making the findings valuable for practical implementation across various industries.