Network Connectivity Research Articles

A discernment of round-robin vs SD-WAN load-balancing performance for campus area network

Efficient load balancing is crucial for optimizing network performance and ensuring seamless connectivity in modern campus area networks (CANs). With the proliferation of data-intensive applications and the increasing reliance on cloud-based services, organizations are seeking effective load-balancing solutions to distribute network traffic evenly across available resources. The continuous improvement of devices, tools, and techniques to cater a large amount of network traffic, started to be employed on different campuses. Understanding the best approach to maximize the utilization of the network resources is crucial in order to stabilize and maintain the network. The study aims to discern the round-robin and software defined-wide area network (SD-WAN) techniques based on defined metrics and conducted with a predefined payload for commonly used application conditions. The analysis shows that SD-WAN delivers a much superior performance than round-robin based on the criteria. The local area network (LAN) test shows difference between the two types of technology for the three given metrics. The WAN test shows that the round-robin has higher packet loss, latency, and jitter than the SD-WAN technology. While round-robin may suffice for small-scale deployments with relatively homogeneous traffic patterns, SD-WAN offers more sophisticated capabilities for larger CANs with diverse application workloads and distributed locations.

Brain Responses to Real and Imagined Interpretation of Tonal Versus Atonal Music

Professional musicians have been teaching/learning/interpreting Western classical tonal music for longer than atonal music. This may be reflected in their brain plasticity and playing efficiency. To test this idea, EEG connectivity networks (EEG-CNs) of expert cellists at rest and during real and imagined musical interpretation of tonal and atonal excerpts were analyzed. Graphs and connectomes were constructed as models of EEG-CNs, using functional connectivity measurements of EEG phase synchronization in different frequency bands. Tonal and atonal interpretation resulted in a global desynchronization/dysconnectivity versus resting—irrespective of frequency bands—particularly during imagined-interpretation. During the latter, the normalized local information-transfer efficiency (NLE) of graph-EEG-CN’s small-world structure at rest increased significantly during both tonal and atonal interpretation, and more significantly during atonal-interpretation. Regional results from the graphs/connectomes supported previous findings, but only certain EEG frequency bands. During imagined-interpretation, the number of disconnected regions and subnetworks, as well as regions with higher NLE, were greater in atonal-interpretation than in tonal-interpretation for delta/theta/gamma-EEG-CNs. The opposite was true during real-interpretation, specifically limited to alpha-EEG-CN. Our EEG-CN experimental paradigm revealed perceptual differences in musicians’ brains during tonal and atonal interpretations, particularly during imagined-interpretation, potentially due to differences in cognitive roots and brain plasticity for tonal and atonal music, which may affect the musicians’ interpretation.

Evaluation and impact factors of international competitiveness of China’s cobalt industry from the perspective of trade networks

In recent years, with the development of the new energy industry, the demand for cobalt as a raw material for power batteries has been increasing. However, China itself has a shortage of cobalt resources. Therefore, overcoming poor resource conditions and enhancing the international competitiveness of the cobalt industry have become urgent issues. This paper is based on global trade data on cobalt resources from 2007 to 2020. A panel regression model is constructed from the perspective of trade networks, and Entropy-Topsis is used to construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for the international competitiveness of critical nonferrous metals. This study empirically examines the impact of the trade network characteristics of cobalt resources on international competitiveness, assigns practical significance to trade network characteristic indicators, and analyses the overall competitiveness changes in the global cobalt industry chain and its upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. The research findings reveal the following key points: (1) In recent years, the competitive focus of the cobalt industry chain in various countries has shifted from upstream and midstream to midstream and downstream, with increasingly fierce trade competition downstream, gradually tilting toward countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China. (2) Cobalt trade competition, which was initially characterized by competition among multiple countries, has gradually become more centralized and stable, with differences in the competitiveness of various countries occurring at different stages of the cobalt industry chain. (3) Network centrality and network heterogeneity both have a significant promoting effect on the international competitiveness of the industry, while network connectivity has a significant inhibitory effect on the improvement of international competitiveness.On this basis, the study also suggests some policy implications. The purpose of the study is to enhance the international competitiveness of China's cobalt industry from a trade perspective and to investigate the developments of cobalt trade between China and the rest of the world.

Individual cerebellar metabolic connectome in patients with MTLE and NTLE associated with surgical prognosis.

This study aimed to comprehensively explore the different metabolic connectivity topological changes in MTLE and NTLE, as well as their association with surgical outcomes. This study enrolled a cohort of patients with intractable MTLE and NTLE. Each individual's metabolic connectome, as determined by Kullback-Leibler divergence similarity estimation for the [18F]FDG PET image, was employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cerebral metabolic network. Alterations in network connectivity were assessed by extracting and evaluating the strength of edge and weighted connectivity. By utilizing these two connectivity strength metrics with the cerebellum, we explored the network properties of connectivity and its association with prognosis in surgical patients. Both MTLE and NTLE patients exhibited substantial alterations in the connectivity of the metabolic network at the edge and nodal levels (p < 0.01, FDR corrected). The key disparity between MTLE and NTLE was observed in the cerebellum. In MTLE, there was a predominance of increased connectivity strength in the cerebellum. Whereas, a decrease in cerebellar connectivity was identified in NTLE. It was found that in MTLE, higher edge connectivity and weighted connectivity strength in the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere correlated with improved surgical outcomes. Conversely, in NTLE, a higher edge metabolic connectivity strength in the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere suggested a worse surgical prognosis. The cerebellum exhibits distinct topological characteristics in the metabolic networks between MTLE and NTLE. The hyper- or hypo-metabolic connectivity in the cerebellum may be a prognostic biomarker of surgical prognosis, which might aid in therapeutic decision-making for TLE individuals.

Reversibility of Cognitive Deficits and Functional Connectivity With Transfusion in Children With Sickle Cell Disease.

People with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk of cognitive dysfunction independent of stroke. Diminished functional connectivity in select large-scale networks and white matter integrity reflect the neurologic consequences of SCD. Because chronic transfusion therapy is neuroprotective in preventing stroke and strengthening executive function abilities in people with SCD, we hypothesized that red blood cell (RBC) transfusion facilitates the acute reversal of disruptions in functional connectivity while white matter integrity remains unaffected. Children with SCD receiving chronic transfusion therapy underwent a brain MRI measuring white matter integrity with diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional connectivity within 3 days before and after transfusion of RBCs. Cognitive assessments with the NIH Toolbox were acquired after transfusion and then immediately before the following transfusion cycle. Sixteen children with a median age of 12.5 years were included. Global assessments of functional connectivity using homotopy (p = 0.234) or modularity (p = 0.796) did not differ with transfusion. Functional connectivity within the frontoparietal network significantly strengthened after transfusion (median intranetwork Z-score 0.21 [0.17-0.30] before transfusion, 0.29 [0.20-0.36] after transfusion, p < 0.001), while there was not a significant change seen within the sensory motor, visual, auditory, default mode, dorsal attention, or cingulo-opercular networks. Corresponding to the change within the frontoparietal network, there was a significant improvement in executive function abilities after transfusion (median executive function composite score 87.7 [81.3-90.7] before transfusion, 90.3 [84.3-93.7] after transfusion, p = 0.021). Participants with stronger connectivity in the frontoparietal network before transfusion had a significantly greater improvement in the executive function composite score with transfusion (r = 0.565, 95% CI 0.020-0.851, p = 0.044). While functional connectivity and executive abilities strengthened with transfusion, there was not a significant change in white matter integrity as assessed by fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity within 16 white matter tracts or globally with tract-based spatial statistics. Strengthening of functional connectivity with concomitant improvement in executive function abilities with transfusion suggests that functional connectivity MRI could be used as a biomarker for acutely reversible neurocognitive injury as novel therapeutics are developed for people with SCD.

Videogame training increases clinical well-being, attention and hippocampal-prefrontal functional connectivity in patients with schizophrenia

Recent research shows that videogame training enhances neuronal plasticity and cognitive improvements in healthy individuals. As patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced neuronal plasticity linked to cognitive deficits and symptoms, we investigated whether videogame-related cognitive improvements and plasticity changes extend to this population. In a training study, patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls were randomly assigned to 3D or 2D platformer videogame training or E-book reading (active control) for 8 weeks, 30 min daily. After training, both videogame conditions showed significant increases in sustained attention compared to the control condition, correlated with increased functional connectivity in a hippocampal-prefrontal network. Notably, patients trained with videogames mostly improved in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and perceived mental health recovery. Videogames, incorporating initiative, goal setting and gratification, offer a training approach closer to real life than current psychiatric treatments. Our results provide initial evidence that they may represent a possible adjunct therapeutic intervention for complex mental disorders.

Matching of Water Breakthroughs in a Low-Resistivity Oil Reservoir Using Permeability Anisotropy

In a mature middle and lower Gharif field in Oman, uncertainties surrounding initial water saturation and early water breakthroughs of unknown sources and paths suggest the presence of significant bypassed oil. In order to determine the areas with remaining oil, petrophysical and logging data of seven wells were processed using Techlog software and imported into Petrel software for modelling and simulation. Porosity was calculated using the Electric Propagation Time log and was utilized to evaluate the presence of oil, particularly in the upper tight zone of the formation. Despite the low resistivity readings in the highly porous layers, caused by good network connectivity and high formation water salinity, the resistivity contrast was sufficient to differentiate them from the oil zone. However, the calculated water saturation (Sw) in the tight top oil zone was high, consistent with the observed water production in the field. To improve the match between production data and simulation results, sensitivity analyses were conducted on various permeability anisotropy and relative permeability values within the model. The analyses showed that core-derived permeability anisotropy (vertical to horizontal ratio of 1:1) yielded a better history match for water production compared to the conventionally used value of 1:10. Water saturation maps were generated at the start and the end of production to highlight saturation distribution within the reservoirs. The maps revealed that in the lower porous part, the oil was fully depleted around the wells but remained trapped in the undrilled areas.

5G- Analysis and Characteristics in Comparison with Previous Generations

This paper explores the architecture and remarkable advantages of 5G technology in the current industry of wireless communication. The paper covers details of the recently developed 5th generation of networks and how its benefits overpower its drawbacks, majorly being its impact on health and environment. This study helps understanding 5G and highlights how this recent advancement has better chances of helping with wide area network connectivity, latency, economic growth, enhanced security features etc. While advancements in the cellular network technology continue to be one of the most important developments in the economic, telecom and healthcare sector among many others, many common beliefs about 5G which can be listed as its “drawbacks” have been brought to people’s attention recently, and with proper facts and studies, it can be easily proved how 5G, till this date, has no significant harm to any area, and simply has a few complexities which are natural with any advancement in technology. The paper covers the characteristics of the 5G network, and addresses common misconceptions and concerns surrounding health, security, and infrastructure.

Characterization of Z cluster connectivity in CuZr metallic glasses.

Previous studies have proposed that the backbone of metallic glasses consists mainly of high-centrosymmetric structures, particularly Z clusters, which are responsible for the strength of the glass matrix. However, exploring these networks involves medium-range order analysis, a topic still not fully understood in the literature. This study investigates the atomic connectivity of CuZr metallic glasses by analyzing Z clusters using complex networks to establish their relationship with the mechanical behavior. Our results reveal higher connectivity and larger network sizes in the sample exhibiting the most pronounced stress overshoot, while the opposite trend is observed in samples with less pronounced stress overshoot. Metrics, such as density and clustering coefficient, further validate the correlation between Z cluster connectivity and mechanical behavior. These findings underscore the critical role of Z cluster connectivity in understanding the mechanical response of metallic glasses. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using the LAMMPS software. Atomic interactions in Cu Zr metallic glasses were modeled using the embedded atom method, and compression tests were performed to assess the mechanical response. Atomic connectivity was examined through complex network analysis based on Z clusters, utilizing the NetworkX library for the Python programming language. Within this framework, parameters such as the average coordination number, network size, and network density were calculated, revealing the relationship between the interpenetrating Z cluster structure and the mechanical response of the samples.

Neuronal functional connectivity is impaired in a layer dependent manner near chronically implanted intracortical microelectrodes in C57BL6 wildtype mice.

This study aims to reveal longitudinal changes in functional network connectivity within and across different brain structures near chronically implanted microelectrodes. While it is well established that the foreign-body response (FBR) contributes to the gradual decline of the signals recorded from brain implants over time, how the FBR affects the functional stability of neural circuits near implanted Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) remains unknown. This research aims to illuminate how the chronic FBR can alter local neural circuit function and the implications for BCI decoders. This study utilized single-shank, 16-channel,100 µm site-spacing Michigan-style microelectrodes (3mm length, 703 µm2 site area) that span all cortical layers and the hippocampal CA1 region. Sex balanced C57BL6 wildtype mice (11-13 weeks old) received perpendicularly implanted microelectrode in left primary visual cortex. Electrophysiological recordings were performed during both spontaneous activity and visual sensory stimulation. Alterations in neuronal activity near the microelectrode were tested assessing cross-frequency synchronization of LFP and spike entrainment to LFP oscillatory activity throughout 16 weeks after microelectrode implantation. The study found that cortical layer 4, the input-receiving layer, maintained activity over the implantation time. However, layers 2/3 rapidly experienced severe impairment, leading to a loss of proper intralaminar connectivity in the downstream output layers 5/6. Furthermore, the impairment of interlaminar connectivity near the microelectrode was unidirectional, showing decreased connectivity from Layers 2/3 to Layers 5/6 but not the reverse direction. In the hippocampus, CA1 neurons gradually became unable to properly entrain to the surrounding LFP oscillations. This study provides a detailed characterization of network connectivity dysfunction over long-term microelectrode implantation periods. This new knowledge could contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the health of the tissue surrounding brain implants and potentially inform engineering of adaptive decoders as the FBR progresses. Our study's understanding of the dynamic changes in the functional network over time opens the door to developing interventions for improving the long-term stability and performance of intracortical microelectrodes.

Green infrastructure layout based on a dynamic operation feature of drainage systems

ABSTRACT Increasingly frequent urban floods strain the traditional grey infrastructure, overwhelming the capacity of drainage networks and causing challenges in managing stormwater. The heavy precipitation leads to flooding and damage to drainage systems. Consequently, efficient mitigation strategies for flooding have been researched deeply. Green infrastructure (GI) has proved to be effective in responding the increasing risk of flood and alleviate pressure on drainage systems. However, as the primary infrastructure of stormwater management, there is still a lack of attention to the dynamic operation feature of urban sewer systems during precipitation events. To fill this gap, we proposed a novel approach that integrates hydraulic characteristics and the topological structure of a sewer network system. This approach aims to identify influential nodes, which contribute to the connectivity of the sewer network amidst dynamic changes in inflow during precipitation events. Furthermore, we adopted rain barrels to serve as exemplars of GI, and 14 GI layout schemes are produced based on the different ranks of influential nodes. Implementing GI measures on both poorly performing and well-performing nodes can yield distinct benefits in mitigating node flooding. This approach provides a new perspective for stormwater management, establishing effective synergy between GI and the drainage system.

Aberrant Intra- and Inter-Network Connectivity in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Tinnitus.

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL) is related to alterations in brain cortical and subcortical structures, and changes in brain functional activities involving multiple networks, which is often accompanied by tinnitus. There have been many in-depth research studies conducted concerning ISSNHL. Despite this, the neurophysiological mechanisms of ISSNHL with tinnitus are still under exploration. The study aimed to investigate the neural mechanism in ISSNHL patients with tinnitus based on the alterations in intra- and inter-network Functional Connectivity (FC) of multiple networks. Thirty ISSNHL subjects and 37 healthy subjects underwent resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI). Independent Component Analysis (ICA) was used to identify 8 Resting-state Networks (RSNs). Furthermore, the study used a two-sample t-test to calculate the intra-network FC differences, while calculating Functional Network Connectivity (FNC) to detect the inter-network FC differences. By using the ICA approach, tinnitus patients with ISSNHL were found to have FC changes in the following RSNs: CN, VN, DMN, ECN, SMN, and AUN. In addition, the interconnections of VN-SMN, VN-ECN, and ECN-DAN were weakened. The present study has demonstrated changes in FC within and between networks in ISSNHL with tinnitus, providing ideas for further study on the neuropathological mechanism of the disease.

Dichotomous frequency-dependent phase synchrony in the sensorimotor network characterizes simplistic movement

It is hypothesized that disparate brain regions interact via synchronous activity to control behavior. The nature of these interconnected ensembles remains an area of active investigation, and particularly the role of high frequency synchronous activity in simplistic behavior is not well known. Using intracranial electroencephalography, we explored the spectral dynamics and network connectivity of sensorimotor cortical activity during a simple motor task in seven epilepsy patients. Confirming prior work, we see a “spectral tilt” (increased high-frequency (HF, 70–100 Hz) and decreased low-frequency (LF, 3–33 Hz) broadband oscillatory activity) in motor regions during movement compared to rest, as well as an increase in LF synchrony between these regions using time-resolved phase-locking. We then explored this phenomenon in high frequency and found a robust but opposite effect, where time-resolved HF broadband phase-locking significantly decreased during movement. This “connectivity tilt” (increased LF synchrony and decreased HF synchrony) displayed a graded anatomical dependency, with the most robust pattern occurring in primary sensorimotor cortical interactions and less robust pattern occurring in associative cortical interactions. Connectivity in theta (3–7 Hz) and high beta (23–27 Hz) range had the most prominent low frequency contribution during movement, with theta synchrony building gradually while high beta having the most prominent effect immediately following the cue. There was a relatively sharp, opposite transition point in both the spectral and connectivity tilt at approximately 35 Hz. These findings support the hypothesis that task-relevant high-frequency spectral activity is stochastic and that the decrease in high-frequency synchrony may facilitate enhanced low frequency phase coupling and interregional communication. Thus, the “connectivity tilt” may characterize behaviorally meaningful cortical interactions.

P.033 Electrophysiological signatures of sedation in pediatric patients

Background: Sedation in PICU masks physical exam findings, leading to diagnostic challenges. In adult models, electroencephalography can evaluate the brain’s response to sedation using feedforward connectivity and anteriorization of alpha hubs, proving useful for prognostication. Feasibility of model translation into pediatric population was assessed, with the hypothesis that the same markers of adaptive reconfiguration would correlate with a higher potential for recovering consciousness. Methods: Electroencephalograms from children undergoing sedation were analyzed for strength and direction of functional connectivity using the weighted and directed phase lag index. Target population was refined with an iterative inclusion criteria. We examined relationships between hub location reconfiguration, directed phase lag index, baseline Glasgow Coma Scale, and 3-month post-treatment Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended. Results: Evaluation of 14 subjects showed promise in children aged 5-18 undergoing sedation with midazolam, dexmedetomidine, and propofol. Further analysis of five subjects revealed a correlation between adaptive reconfiguration during anesthesia and both higher baseline Glasgow Coma Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scores post-treatment. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the functional brain network connectivity model may have diagnostic and prognostic potential regarding children’s consciousness levels. While the initial data is promising, further analysis of six additional cases is pending and deemed essential to thoroughly evaluate the model’s efficacy.

Rich-club organization of whole-brain spatio-temporal multilayer functional connectivity networks

ObjectiveIn this work, we propose a novel method for constructing whole-brain spatio-temporal multilayer functional connectivity networks (FCNs) and four innovative rich-club metrics.MethodsSpatio-temporal multilayer FCNs achieve a high-order representation of the spatio-temporal dynamic characteristics of brain networks by combining the sliding time window method with graph theory and hypergraph theory. The four proposed rich-club scales are based on the dynamic changes in rich-club node identity, providing a parameterized description of the topological dynamic characteristics of brain networks from both temporal and spatial perspectives. The proposed method was validated in three independent differential analysis experiments: male–female gender difference analysis, analysis of abnormality in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and individual difference analysis.ResultsThe proposed method yielded results consistent with previous relevant studies and revealed some innovative findings. For instance, the dynamic topological characteristics of specific white matter regions effectively reflected individual differences. The increased abnormality in internal functional connectivity within the basal ganglia may be a contributing factor to the occurrence of repetitive or restrictive behaviors in ASD patients.ConclusionThe proposed methodology provides an efficacious approach for constructing whole-brain spatio-temporal multilayer FCNs and conducting analysis of their dynamic topological structures. The dynamic topological characteristics of spatio-temporal multilayer FCNs may offer new insights into physiological variations and pathological abnormalities in neuroscience.

A divide and conquer approach for in-depth analysis of brain connectivity network using ordinal sequence based characterizer

A divide and conquer approach for in-depth analysis of brain connectivity network using ordinal sequence based characterizer

Community Perceptions on Environmental Impact Assessments in the Construction of the Toll Road between Solo and New Yogyakarta International Airport, in Indonesia

Background and Objective: The development of toll roads between Solo and New Yogyakarta International Airport of Indonesia is part of the government's endeavor to improve the accessibility, connectivity, and capacity of inter-regional transportation networks in order to considerably boost economic growth through increased regional links. The research will analyze at the socio-cultural circumstances, social conflict, public health, and community views and attitudes about toll road building. Research Methods: This study employs a qualitative and quantitative technique, which involves in-depth interview observation processes. The data analysis comprises the identification, categorization, and interpretation of community opinions as perceived by 200 respondents from impacted communities. Results: The majority of respondents were male, 106 (53%), with the highest degree of education being senior high school a total of 118 respondents (59.50%). The majority of their jobs were as private employees number 84 respondents (42%), with an average salary of Rp. 3,195,000. The surrounding community is religious, with 106 respondents (84%) actively engaged in Islamic studies in a mutually beneficial atmosphere, and 171 respondents (88.5%). Conflicts in society are always addressed pleasantly, according to 198 respondents (99%). Theoretical and Practical Implications: The community does not oppose toll road building, according to 188 respondents (94%) since they feel it would serve regional interests. Environmental impact analysis is carried out in a proportionate manner by incorporating the community through public engagement. Implementation of public consultation throughout ten time periods. The outcomes of public consultations are utilized to provide supporting and critical comments. 42 community figures were chosen as members of the Environmental effect Assessment technical team, which was in charge of overseeing the execution of environmental effect management and monitoring. Changes in public views and attitudes about toll road development must be regulated and monitored to ensure that the public impression of toll roads remains favorable throughout construction. Recommendations: Project implementers are responsible for the impacts caused and comply with all detailed provisions in accordance with management and monitoring plan documents that have been approved by the Ministry of Environment.

A field study of pore-network systems on the tight shale gas formation through adsorption-desorption technique and mercury intrusion capillary porosimeter: Percolation theory and simulations

Properly identifying microscopic pore structure properties of shale reservoirs is essential for developing efficient extraction techniques of shale hydrocarbons. To understand the unique and complex pore network of the Northern Guizhou shale reservoir, shale samples from the Wufeng-longmaxi Formation were investigated using different analytical techniques, X-Ray Diffractometry, low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption isotherms, and Mercury intrusion capillary porosimeter. Results indicate that the Wufeng-longmaxi formation is mainly composed of a high quantity of quartz ranging from 0.6 % to 64.1 % and an average extent of 55.825 %, the lowest amount of potassium feldspar ranging from 0.6 % to 2.2 % and an average extent of 1.45 % with Total organic contents ranging from 3.672 to 5.209 %. Similarly, the BJH adsorption techniques for pore volume and area were investigated. The results indicate the dominance of the mesopore with pore size ranging from 2.03 nm to 40nm, average pore volume of 0.073715 m3/g, and average pore area of 13.0324 m2/g. The pore throat distributions from MICP showed drain pressure and median pore throat radius ranging from 0.47 to 13.79 MPa and 0.05–0.08 μm, respectively. Suggested complementary experimental techniques reveal the connectivity of pore networks of the Wufeng-longmaxi Formation shale reservoir, which shows a high production potential of hydrocarbons. The findings of this study can provide a valuable understanding of fluid transport properties and storage space of shale gas that can help decision-makers as they set exploration initiatives for shale gas reservoirs.

Tannic Acid Modulation of Substrate Utilization, Microbial Community, and Metabolic Traits in Sludge Anaerobic Fermentation for Volatile Fatty Acid Promotion.

Anaerobic fermentation is a crucial route to realize effective waste activated sludge (WAS) resource recovery and utilization, while the overall efficiency is commonly restrained by undesirable disruptors (i.e., chemical dewatering agents). This work unveiled the unexpectedly positive effects of biodewatering tannic acid (TA) on the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) biosynthesis during WAS anaerobic fermentation. The total VFAs yield was remarkably increased by 15.6 folds with enriched acetate and butyrate in TA-occurred systems. TA was capable to disintegrate extracellular polymeric substances to promote the overall organics release. However, TA further modulated the soluble proteins structure by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, resulting in the decrease of proteins bioavailability and consequential alteration of metabolic substrate feature. These changes reshaped the microbial community and stimulated adaptive regulatory systems in hydrolytic-acidogenic bacteria. The keystone species for carbohydrate metabolism (i.e., Solobacterium and Erysipelotrichaceae) were preferentially enriched. Also, the typical quorum sensing (i.e., enhancing substrate transport) and two-component systems (i.e., sustaining high metabolic activity) were activated to promote the microbial networks connectivity and ecological cooperative behaviors in response to TA stress. Additionally, the metabolic functions responsible for carbohydrate hydrolysis, transmembrane transport, and intracellular metabolism as well as VFA biosynthesis showed increased relative abundance, which maintained high microbial activities for VFAs biosynthesis. This study underscored the advantages of biodewatering TA for WAS treatment in the context of resource recovery and deciphered the interactive mechanisms.

EEG connectivity in functional brain networks supporting visuomotor integration processes in dominant and non-dominant hand movements.

This study explores the changes in the organization of functional brain networks induced by performing a visuomotor integration task, as revealed by noninvasive spontaneous electroencephalographic traces (EEG). EEG data were acquired during the execution of the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) with the dominant and non-dominant hands in a group of 44 right-handed volunteers. Both spectral analysis and phase-based connectivity analysis were performed in the Theta (ϑ), Mu (μ) and Beta (ß) bands. Graph Theoretical Analysis (GTA) was also performed to investigate the topological reorganization induced by motor task execution. Spectral analysis revealed an increase of frontoparietal ϑ power and a spatially diffused reduction of µ and ß contribution, regardless of the hand used. GTA showed a significant increase in network integration induced by movement with the dominant limb compared to baseline in the ϑ band. The µ and ß bands were associated with a reduction in network integration during the NHPT. In the µ rhythm, this result was more evident for the right-hand movement, while in the ß band, results did not show dependence on the laterality. Finally, correlation analysis highlighted an association between frequency-specific topology measures and task performance for both hands. Our results show that functional brain networks reorganize during visually guided movements in a frequency-dependent manner, differently depending on the hand used (dominant/non dominant).