Transfer Frequency Research Articles

Lithium enhanced plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes in Escherichia coli: Different concentrations and mechanisms.

Conjugative transfer, a pivotal mechanism in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes, is susceptible to various environmental pollutants. As an emerging contaminant, lithium (Li) has garnered much attention due to its extensive applications. This research investigated the effects of Li on conjugative transfer process, examining biochemical and omics perspectives. Results revealed that Li could increase the conjugative transfer frequency of both donor and recipient via different mechanisms at varying concentrations. At 0.1 mg/L LiCl, a notable increase in conjugative transfer frequency occurred without ROS elevation. However, the surge of ROS was identified as a crucial regulator at 100 mg/L LiCl, as eliminating ROS would significantly decrease the conjugative transfer frequency. Besides, comparative transcriptome analysis revealed consistent variations in "SOS response", "quorum sensing" and "oxidative phosphorylation" pathways at both 0.1 mg/L and 100 mg/L LiCl concentrations, suggesting their pivotal roles as targets for Li regulation and is independent of Li concentration. While genes related to "conjugative transfer", "pili", "outer membrane protein" and "antioxidant enzyme" were only significantly regulated by 100 mg/L LiCl, possible to be the specific reasons for High (100 mg/L) LiCl increased conjugative transfer frequency. This study reveals the distinct effects and mechanisms of different concentration of Li on conjugative transfer in E. coli, providing a theoretical basis for the understanding of the environmental effects of Li.

Physical unclonable in-memory computing for simultaneous protecting private data and deep learning models

Compute-in-memory based on resistive random-access memory has emerged as a promising technology for accelerating neural networks on edge devices. It can reduce frequent data transfers and improve energy efficiency. However, the nonvolatile nature of resistive memory raises concerns that stored weights can be easily extracted during computation. To address this challenge, we propose RePACK, a threefold data protection scheme that safeguards neural network input, weight, and structural information. It utilizes a bipartite-sort coding scheme to store data with a fully on-chip physical unclonable function. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of increasing enumeration complexity to 5.77 × 1075 for a 128-column compute-in-memory core. We further implement and evaluate a RePACK computing system on a 40 nm resistive memory compute-in-memory chip. This work represents a step towards developing safe, robust, and efficient edge neural network accelerators. It potentially serves as the hardware infrastructure for edge devices in federated learning or other systems.

Intra- and Interspecies Conjugal Transfer of Plasmids in Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Background/Objectives: Plasmid-mediated resistance is a significant mechanism that contributes to the gradual decrease in the efficacy of antibiotics from various classes, including carbapenems. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of transfer of carbapenemase-encoding plasmids from K. pneumoniae to E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Methods: Matings were performed on agar with subsequent isolation of transconjugant, recipient, and donor colonies. The frequency of conjugation (CF) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of meropenem were determined for the PCR-confirmed transconjugants. A pharmacodynamic study was conducted using a hollow-fiber infection model on E. coli transconjugant in order to evaluate its viability in the presence of therapeutic concentrations of meropenem. Results: CF for K. pneumoniae-K. pneumoniae was similar to that for K. pneumoniae-E. coli and was higher the higher was meropenem MIC of the K. pneumoniae donor. The meropenem MICs for K. pneumoniae and E. coli transconjugants were higher (0.25-4 μg/mL) compared to recipients (0.03-0.06 μg/mL). P. aeruginosa did not acquire plasmids from K. pneumoniae. In pharmacodynamic experiments, an E. coli transconjugant with MIC of 2 mg/L within the "susceptibility range", failed to respond to meropenem treatment. Conclusions: The frequency of conjugation between K. pneumoniae and E. coli falls within a similar range. A higher permissiveness of K. pneumoniae for plasmids from K. pneumoniae, i.e., within the same species, was observed. Conjugation did not occur between K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The transconjugants with meropenem MICs with borderline susceptibility may pose a potential threat to the efficacy of meropenem.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A New Driver and Hidden Threat for mcr-1 Prevalence in Hospital Wastewater and Human Feces.

The emergence of mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has attracted global attention. The prevalence of mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli (MCRPEC) in humans largely decreased following the ban of colistin as an animal growth promoter in China. However, the prevalence of MCRPEC in the hospital environment and the relationship between disinfectants and mcr-1 remain unclear. We found that MCRPEC prevalence was low in the feces of healthy humans attending physical examinations in six hospitals (4.6%, 71/1532) but high in hospital wastewater (50.0%, 27/54). mcr-1 was mainly located on IncI2 (63.0% in wastewater and 62.0% in feces) and IncHI2 plasmids (18.5% in wastewater and 21.1% in feces). High similarity of the mcr-1 context and its carrying plasmids was observed in human and wastewater MCRPEC, with several isolates clustering together. The coexistence of the ESBL gene blaCTX-M with mcr-1 occurred in 19.7% of IncI2 plasmids. Notably, 60.0% of IncHI2 plasmids exhibited co-occurrence of mcr-1 with the disinfectant resistance gene (DRG) qacEΔ1, conferring resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). We revealed that QACs, rather than the other two types of disinfectants─ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and povidone-iodine (PVP-I)─select for plasmids carrying both qacEΔ1 and mcr-1 and elevate their conjugative transfer frequency. Monitoring of DRGs in MCRPEC and managing disinfectant use are urgently needed in healthcare settings to mitigate the spread of colistin resistance from hospital environments to inpatients.

Persistent, Private and Mobile genes: a model for gene dynamics in evolving pangenomes.

The pangenome of a species is the set of all genes carried by at least one member of the species. In bacteria, pangenomes can be much larger than the set of genes carried by a single organism. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the evolutionary forces shaping the patterns of presence/absence of genes in pangenomes of a given species. We introduce a new model for bacterial pangenome evolution along a species phylogeny that explicitly describes the timing of appearance of each gene in the species and accounts for three generic types of gene evolutionary dynamics: persistent genes that are present in the ancestral genome, private genes that are specific to a given clade, and mobile genes that are imported once into the gene pool and then undergo frequent horizontal gene transfers. We call this model the Persistent-Private-Mobile (PPM) model. We develop an algorithm fitting the PPM model and apply it to a dataset of 902 Salmonella enterica genomes. We show that the best fitting model is able to reproduce the global pattern of some multivariate statistics like the gene frequency spectrum and the parsimony vs. frequency plot. Moreover, the gene classification induced by the PPM model allows us to study the position of accessory genes on the chromosome depending on their category, as well as the gene functions that are most present in each category. This work paves the way for a mechanistic understanding of pangenome evolution, and the PPM model developed here could be used for dynamics-aware gene classification.

Dynamic impact of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics on antibiotic resistance and microplastics degradation genes in the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L.

This study examined the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics on the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L., focusing on dynamic changes and interactions among microbial communities, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastic degradation genes (MDGs). PET exposure altered the structure and function of soil microbial, enabling specific microbial groups to thrive in polluted environments. High-dose PET treatments markedly increased the abundance and dissemination of ARGs, primarily via resistance mechanisms such as antibiotic efflux and target alteration. By providing additional carbon sources and surfaces for microbial attachment, PET stimulated the growth of microorganisms harboring MDGs, resulting in an increase in MDGs abundance. The elevated expression of MDGs facilitated the propagation of ARGs, with overlapping host microorganisms suggesting that certain microbial groups exhibit dual metabolic capabilities, enabling them to endure both antibiotic and microplastic pressures. Toxic byproducts of microplastic degradation, such as mono-ethylhexyl phthalate, further promoted ARGs dissemination by increasing horizontal gene transfer frequency. Structural equation modeling revealed that PET indirectly influenced ARGs and MDGs expression by altering soil C/N ratio, available phosphorus, and enzyme activities. Thus, nanoscale PET exacerbates ecological risks to soil microbial communities by driving co-propagation of ARGs and MDGs, highlighting the persistent threat of composite pollution to agroecosystems.

Dynamic behavior of ultrasonic frequency pulsed current-assisted gas metal arc welding

Investigating ultrasonic frequency pulsed current (UFPC)-assisted welding is crucial owing to its significant advantages over traditional welding methods, including enhanced weld quality, reduced defects, and increased efficiency. This study elucidated the generation mechanism of arc ultrasonic waves influenced by UFPC through theoretical derivation. A microscopic model of arc plasma under the influence of UFPC was developed, and the equations governing the thermophysical properties of the plasma were theoretically derived and calculated. A three-dimensional numerical simulation model was developed to analyze the dynamic behavior of arc plasma and molten metal in UFPC-assisted gas metal arc welding (UFPC-GMAW). The simulation results revealed that the incorporation of UFPC increased both the maximum arc temperature and plasma velocity, resulting in a conical shape of the arc. Additionally, the maximum arc temperature amplitude decreased from 13.6% in conventional GMAW (C-GMAW) to 9.6% in UFPC-GMAW, indicating improved arc stability. The increase in electromagnetic force led to a higher droplet transfer frequency. Moreover, the weld pool in UFPC-GMAW exhibited greater weld penetration than in C-GMAW. Notably, the variations in maximum arc temperature and velocity were synchronized with UFPC, resulting in localized thermal contraction and expansion within the arc. These changes affected the arc volume and shape, leading to the excitation of ultrasonic waves. The calculated droplet size and transfer frequency were consistent with the experimental results, confirming the reliability of the models. These simulation results provide valuable guidance for engineers in designing UFPC-GMAW technology to achieve high-quality welds.

Emerging 2D materials hardware for in-sensor computing.

The advent of the novel in-sensor/near-sensor computing paradigm significantly eliminates the need for frequent data transfer between sensory terminals and processing units by integrating sensing and computing functions into a single device. This approach surpasses the traditional configuration of separate sensing and processing units, thereby greatly simplifying system complexity. Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) show immense promise for implementing in-sensor computing systems owing to their exceptional material properties and the flexibility they offer in designing innovative device architectures with heterostructures. This review highlights recent progress and advancements in 2DM-based in-sensor computing research, summarizing the unique physical mechanisms that can be leveraged in 2DM-based devices to achieve sensory responses and the essential biomimetic synaptic characteristics for computing functions. Additionally, the potential applications of 2DM-based in-sensor computing systems are discussed and categorized. This review concludes with a perspective on future development directions for 2DM-based in-sensor computing.

The combination of polystyrene microplastics and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate promotes the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria.

Plastic pollution has become a common phenomenon. The process of plastic degradation is accompanied by the release of microplastics and plasticizers. However, the coexistence of microplastics and plasticizers on the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has not been reported until now. Here, polystyrene (PS) microplastics and plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were used for combined treatment experiment and their effects and mechanisms on the transfer of ARGs between bacteria were explored. By increasing cell membrane permeability and the expression of correlated genes, the combined treatment group showed promoting effects on the transfer of ARGs than that of control, with the highest promoting effects observed at 1 mg/L PS and 0.1 mg/L DEHP, which was 3.0 times higher in ARGs transfer rate than that of control. It was found that PS and DEHP treatment alone also led to a higher conjugative transfer frequency, and the frequency of the combined treatment was lower than that of the corresponding single treatment group. This indicated that the effects of DEHP and microplastics on ARGs transfer might be antagonistic. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the transfer of ARGs affects bacterial ion binding, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism processes, while the expression of genes related to cell membrane permeability, DNA repair, bacterial drug resistance, and quorum sensing also increase. This study may provide new insights for explaining the combined effects of various pollutants in the environment on the spread of ARGs.

Biofilm formation mechanisms of mixed antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water: bacterial interactions and horizontal transfer of antibiotic-resistant plasmids

Over 95% of bacteria on water supply pipeline surfaces exist in biofilms, which are hotspots for antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) transmission. This study established mixed biofilm culture systems on a metal iron substrate using Escherichia coli: antibiotic-sensitive bacteria (ASB) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). The growth rate and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content of mixed biofilm surpassed single-species biofilms due to synergistic interactions among different bacteria. However, the composition of mixed biofilms formed by ASB and ARB became unstable after 72h, linked to reduced polysaccharide proportions in EPS and inter-bacterial competition. The bacterial composition and conjugative transfer frequency of ARGs in mixed biofilms indicate that biofilm formation significantly enhances horizontal transfer of ARGs. Notably, the conjugative transfer frequency of the mixed biofilm formed by two ARB increased 100-fold within five days. In contrast, the conjugative transfer frequency in the mixed biofilm formed by ASB and ARB was unstable; inter-bacterial competition led to plasmid loss associated with horizontal transfer of ARGs, ultimately resulting in biofilm shedding. Furthermore, genes associated with ARG transfer and biofilm growth up-regulated by 1.5- 6 and 2- 7 times, respectively, in mixed biofilm. These findings highlight a mutually reinforcing relationship between biofilm formation and horizontal ARG transmission, with significant environmental implications.

Lifecycle land decumulation strategies in a seventeenth‐century rural community

AbstractEconomic historians have tried to better understand how and why land was redistributed in rural communities, although our empirical insights have been limited by a lack of serial evidence for land distribution within the same locality across a long period. This article exploits the unusual survival of Veldboeken (field books), which allow a careful annual reconstruction of land distribution within an unremarkable seventeenth‐century village in the south of the modern‐day Netherlands. We show that, despite high levels of dynamism in the local land markets, including high and changing levels of leasehold, varying and flexible tenancies, and frequent transfers of land between parties, the overall aggregate distribution of land did not change very much over time. Employing a systematic lifecycle analysis of active land‐market participants, we advance a broader concept of pre‐industrial ‘decumulation’ – where landowners and land users used adaptive mechanisms within the land market to not just consolidate land but also work out ways of getting rid of it and achieve optimal (and often smaller) farms and estates. Accordingly, we do not find any social logic or natural tendency towards accumulation, consolidation, and greater inequality.

Feature selection in high-dimensional classification via an adaptive multifactor evolutionary algorithm with local search

As datasets grow in dimension and sample size, feature selection becomes increasingly important in machine learning. Features are often associated with multiple tasks, so adopting a multi-task optimization framework in feature selection can improve its classification performance. Multifactor optimization provides a powerful evolutionary multi-tasking paradigm capable of simultaneously handling multiple related optimization tasks. Taking inspiration from these, this article proposes a parameter adaptive multifactor feature selection algorithm (AMFEA). To help the algorithm escape from local optima, AMFEA uses a local search strategy to assist the algorithm in finding the global optimum. In addition, AMFEA has designed an adaptive knowledge transfer parameter matrix that dynamically adjusts parameter sizes based on the population’s fitness to control the frequency of knowledge transfer between tasks. This effectively transfers knowledge between different tasks and helps the algorithm converge quickly. Experimental results on 18 high-dimensional datasets show that AMFEA significantly improves classification accuracy compared with evolutionary algorithms and traditional feature selection methods.

High-Pressure Processing Influences Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Food and Processing Environments.

The study aimed to assess the high-pressure processing (HPP) impact on antibiotic resistance gene transfer in L. monocytogenes from food and food processing environments, both in vitro (in microbiological medium) and in situ (in carrot juice), using the membrane filter method. Survival, recovery, and frequency of antibiotic resistance gene transfer analyses were performed by treating samples with HPP at different pressures (200 MPa and 400 MPa). The results showed that the higher pressure (400 MPa) had a significant effect on increasing the transfer frequency of genes such as fosX, encoding fosfomycin resistance, and tet_A1, tet_A3, tetC, responsible for tetracycline resistance, both in vitro and in situ. In contrast, the Lde gene (the gene encoding ciprofloxacin resistance) was not transferred under any conditions. In the food matrix (carrot juice), greater variability in results was observed, suggesting that food matrices may have a protective effect on bacteria and modify HPP efficacy. In general, an increase in MIC values for antibiotics was noted in transconjugants compared to donors. Genotypic analysis of transconjugants showed differences in genetic structure, especially after exposure to 400 MPa pressure, indicating genotypic changes induced by pressure stress. The study confirms the possibility of antibiotic resistance genes transfer in the food environment, even from strains showing initial susceptibility to antibiotics carrying so-called silent antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting the public health risk of the potential spread of antibiotic-resistant strains through the food chain. The findings suggest that high-pressure processing can increase and decrease the frequency of resistance gene transfer depending on the strain, antibiotic combination, and processing conditions.

Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in the plastisphere in wastewater treatment plant effluent: Health risk quantification and driving mechanism interpretation

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and provide a unique niche for the spread of pollutants. To date, risk assessments and driving mechanisms of pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence factors (VFs) in the plastisphere are still lacking. Here, the microbiota, ARGs, VFs, their potential health risks, and biologically driving mechanisms on polythene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) and polylactic acid blends (PBAT/PLA), PLA MPs, and gravel in WWTP effluent were investigated. The results showed that plastisphere and gravel biofilm harbored more distinctive microorganisms, promoting the uniqueness of pathogens, ARGs, and VFs compared to WWTP effluent. The abundance of major pathogens, ARGs, and VFs in the plastisphere was 1.01–1.35 times higher than that in the effluent. The high health risk of ARGs (HRA) calculated by fully considering the abundance, clinical relevance, pathogenicity, accessibility and mobility, and the high proportion of resistance contigs with mobile genetic elements confirmed that the plastisphere posed the highest potential health risk. Candidatus Microthrix and Candidatus Promineifilum were the essential hosts of ARGs and VFs in the plastisphere and gravel biofilm, respectively. High metabolic activity such as amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and highly expressed key genes increased the synthesis of ARGs and VFs. The primary mechanisms driving ARG enrichment in the plastisphere were enhanced microbial metabolic activity, increased frequency of horizontal gene transfer, heightened antibiotic inactivation and efflux, and reduced cell permeability. This study provided new insights into the ARGs, VFs, and health risks of the plastisphere and emphasized the importance of strict control of wastewater discharge.

Elderly patients re-transferred from long-term care hospitals to emergency departments within 48 h

Background & objectivesThe increasing proportion of elderly populations has led to a rise in chronic diseases and frequent transfers between long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) and emergency departments (EDs). This study investigates the patterns of risk factors of initial-transfers and subsequent re-transfers among patients aged 65 or older. Specifically, we focus on those re-transferred from LTCHs to EDs within 48 h of discharge, often without adequate treatment.MethodThis nationwide cross-sectional study used data from South Korea’s National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. Patients aged 65 or older who were initially transferred from LTCHs to EDs and re-transferred within 48 h, were identified. Logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with re-transfers.Results140,282 elderly patients were identified as having been transferred from LTCHs to EDs. Of these, 38,180 patients received emergency care in the EDs and were discharged back to LTCHs. Among them, 679 patients were returned to LTCHs after receiving acute treatment but revisited the EDs within 48 h. Hospital ward admission rates were higher for re-transferred patients (71.3%) compared to initial transfers (42.1%, p < 0.0001). Risk factors for re-transfer included male, nighttime admissions, and longer ED stays (> 6 h). Tertiary hospitals showed higher re-transfer rates to other facilities (13.1%) than general hospitals (2.9%).ConclusionThis study reveals that many health outcomes worsen upon re-transfer compared to the initial-transfer. These findings underscore the need for a coordinated healthcare system that ensures elderly patients from long-term care facilities are initially sent to appropriate hospitals during the initial transfer, which could mitigate repeated ED visits and ensure timely care.

Effect of non-antibiotic factors on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in aquaculture water

Aquaculture water with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is escalating due to the horizontal gene transfer. Non-antibiotic stressors specifically found, including those from fishery feed and disinfectants, are potential co-selectors. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remains unclear. Intragenus and intergenus conjugative transfer systems of the antibiotic-resistant plasmid RP4 were established to examine conjugative transfer frequency under exposure to five widely used non-antibiotic factors in aquaculture water: iodine, oxolinic acid, NO2-N, NO3-N and H2O2 and four different recipient bacteria: E. coli HB101, Citrobacter portucalensis SG1, Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio alginolyticus. The study found that low concentrations of non-antibiotic factors significantly promoted conjugative transfer, whereas high concentrations inhibited it. Moreover, the conjugation transfer efficiencies were significantly different with different bacterial species within (E. coli HB101 ∼ 10-3 %) or cross genera (C. portucalensis SG1 ∼10-5 %, V. harveyi ∼1 %). Besides, excessive exposure concentrations inhibited the expression of related genes and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Regulation of multiple related genes and ROS-induced SOS responses are common primary mechanisms. However, the mechanisms of non-antibiotic factors differ from those of standard antibiotics, with direct changes in cell membrane permeability potentially playing a dominant role. Additionally, variations among non-antibiotic factors and the specific characteristics of bacterial species contribute to differences in conjugation mechanisms. Notably, this study found that non-antibiotic factors could increase the frequency of intergeneric conjugation beyond that of intrageneric conjugation. Furthermore, non-antibiotic factors influenced by multiple transport systems may raise the risk of unintended cross-resistance, significantly amplifying the potential for resistance gene spread. This study underscores the significance of non-antibiotic factors in the propagation of ARGs, highlighting their role in advancing aquaculture development and protecting human health.

Construction dual active sites on confined ordered mesoporous CeWTi catalyst by CuSO4 modification for enhancing SO2 tolerance during low temperature NH3-SCR process

The full exposure of the active center is an important reason for the superior performance, and the excellent anti-SO2 poisoning ability is a key factor to ensure the service life for the low temperature NH3-SCR catalyst. In this study, the strategy of evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) was chosen to directly confined CuSO4 to the framework structure of ordered mesoporous CeWTiOx (CWT-OM) catalyst. Metal sulfate plays a dual role in low temperature activity and sulfur resistance. When the temperature reached 220 °C, the NO conversion of ordered mesoporous CuSO4/CeWTiOx (CuCWT-OM) catalyst reached about 90 %. Introduce 100 ppm SO2 17.5 h under 260 °C, the conversion of CuCWT-OM catalyst can keep the above 80 %. The introduction of CuSO4 increased the acidity of CWT-OM catalyst, inhibited the sulfate formed by the reaction of SO2 with active species, and ensured the number of active sites in the reaction. In addition, the Cu-Ce interface effect accelerates the electron transfer frequency between the active species, stimulates the production of adsorbed NO2, and promotes the conversion of NO at low temperature. Furthermore, the interface confined effect and the framework confined effect make the active species Cu and Ce firmly confined in the ordered mesoporous framework structure, and reduce the action of SO2 on the active components. In addition, SO42− is more likely to react with W species, protecting the main active species Ce and inhibiting its acidification. This work provides a new feasible idea for improving the low temperature activity and anti-SO2 poisoning stability of Ce based catalyst.

Towards backward compatibility of ADRC: revisiting classical state-feedback control with integral compensator

In this paper, the problem of backward compatibility of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is investigated. The goal is to contextualize ADRC to deliver its interpretations from the established field of linear control systems. For this study, a control algorithm, denoted here as integral disturbance rejection control (IDRC), is considered that combines classical state-feedback control with an integral compensator. At first, an interpretation of ADRC is involved in terms of existing state-space control approaches. Next, a transition to the frequency domain is performed, which is justified as a significant part of practical control engineering is conducted in that domain. For assumed specific plant structures, both ADRC and IDRC are then holistically compared in terms of transfer function representation and frequency characteristics, as well as steady-state convergence conditions. Such a juxtaposition helps to highlight the similarities and differences of both approaches, whereas the utilized bandwidth parameterization is shown to bring the control system to the same form, thus indicating some interesting practical aspects. Finally, the theoretical results concerning both considered control structures are validated in a set of numerical simulations and experiments conducted on a laboratory hardware testbed.

The Factors Influencing the Divorce in the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army Personnel from the Perspective of Psychologists and Psychiatrists Working in the Army

Background: The rate of divorce among Iranian military personnel has increased in recent years. Objectives: To identify factors influencing divorce among the personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army from the perspectives of army psychologists and psychiatrists. Methods: This study was conducted using the Delphi method with psychologists and psychiatrists serving in the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army during 2023 - 2024. In the initial phase, a questionnaire was designed, and psychologists and psychiatrists were asked during qualitative interviews to freely list factors they believed contributed to divorce among army personnel. The responses were collected, and a consolidated list of factors was distributed again to the participants, who were encouraged to add any additional factors not included in the initial list. After compiling the responses, all factors were organized into a questionnaire, and participants were asked to rank these factors based on importance and priority. Results: A total of 37 psychologists and psychiatrists working in the four branches of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army participated in the study (78.4% male, mean age 42.29 ± 5.65 years). During the qualitative interviews, 19 factors were identified as causes of divorce. The top three factors were economic challenges, frequent job transfers, and cultural changes. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, addressing economic challenges, improving the quality of life for personnel, reducing the frequency of job transfers, and enhancing welfare facilities should be prioritized in intervention programs aimed at reducing the divorce rate within the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army personnel.

High temperatures promote antibiotic resistance genes conjugative transfer under residual chlorine: Mechanisms and risks

The impact of residual chlorine on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance during the distribution and storage of water has become a critical concern. However, the influence of rising temperatures attributed to global warming on this process remains ambiguous, warranting further investigation. This study investigated the effects of different temperatures (17, 27, 37, and 42°C) on the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) under residual chlorine (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/L). The results indicated that high temperatures significantly increased the conjugative transfer frequency of ARGs in intra-species under residual chlorine. Compared to 17°C, the transfer frequencies at 27°C, 37°C, and 42°C increased by 1.07–2.43, 1.20–4.80, and 1.24–2.82 times, respectively. The promoting effect of high temperatures was mainly due to the generation of reactive oxygen species, the triggered SOS response, and the formation of pilus channels. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that higher temperature stimulates the electron transport chain, thereby enhancing ATP production and facilitating the processes of conjugative, as confirmed by inhibitor validation. Additionally, rising temperatures similarly promoted the frequency of conjugative transfer in inter-species and communities under residual chlorine. These further highlighted the risk of antibiotic resistance spread in extreme and prolonged high-temperature events. The increased risk of antibiotic resistance in the process of drinking water transmission under the background of climate warming is emphasized.