Linear Size Research Articles

MSR Codes With Linear Field Size and Smallest Sub-Packetization for Any Number of Helper Nodes

MSR Codes With Linear Field Size and Smallest Sub-Packetization for Any Number of Helper Nodes

Post-Quantum Secure ID-Based (Threshold) Linkable Dual-Ring Signature and Its Application in Blockchain Transactions

Ring signatures are widely used in e-voting, anonymous whistle-blowing systems, and blockchain transactions. However, due to the anonymity of ring signatures, a signer can sign the same message multiple times, potentially leading to repeated voting or double spending in blockchain transactions. To address these issues in blockchain transactions, this work constructs an identity-based linkable ring signature scheme based on the hardness of the lattice-based Module Small Integer Solution (M-SIS) assumption, which is hard even for quantum attackers. The proposed scheme is proven to be anonymous, unforgeable, linkable, and nonslanderable in the random oracle model. Compared to existing identity-based linkable ring signature (IBLRS) schemes of linear size, our signature size is relatively smaller, and this advantage is more pronounced when the number of ring members is small. We provide approximate signature size data for ring members ranging from 2 to 2048. When the number of ring members is 16 (or 512. resp.), the signature size of our scheme is 11.40 KB (or 24.68 KB, respectively). Finally, a threshold extension is given as an additional scheme with specifications and security analysis.

Methacrylate-Containing <i>n</i>-Derivatives of <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-Diethyl-4-(Phenyldiazenyl)Aniline as Initiators in Two-Photon Polymerization

The possibility of using a number of methacrylate-containing N,N-diethyl-4-(phenyldiazenyl)anilines with various para-substituents with respect to the azo group (-H, -Br, -NO2) as photoinitiators of radical polymerization is considered. The electrochemical and photoluminescent properties of these compounds have been studied. In the presence of azo dyes, two-photon photopolymerization of pentaerythritol triacrylate was carried out by focused radiation from a femtosecond laser with a wavelength of 780 nm. Structures with minimum linear element sizes of 94 ± 5 nm were obtained by DLW nanolithography, as well as 3D microstructures of complex architecture.

Differential evolution-based topology optimization using Karhunen-Loève expansion

Topology optimization is a widely adopted structural optimization approach that aims to maximize desired performance based on mathematical and physical principles. Gradient-based methods are common for obtaining optimal configurations; however, they struggle with problems involving numerous local optima and non-differentiable problems, which prevent the derivation of design sensitivity. To address these issues, this study explores the application of the Success History-Based Differential Evolution with Linear Population Size Reduction and Semi-Parameter Adaptation, which is regarded as LSHADE-SPA algorithm, known for its strong search capabilities. Nevertheless, its computational cost makes it impractical for topology optimization, especially as the number of design variables increases. To overcome this challenge, a novel structure representation method utilizing the Karhunen-Loève (KL) expansion is constructed. Applying truncated KL expansion instead of conventional density methods to represent structural configurations reduces the number of design variables. This article introduces a differential evolution-based topology optimization method utilizing truncated KL expansion and validates its effectiveness through applications in various structural and fluid problems. The method is particularly suited to highly nonlinear problems, such as negative Poisson's ratio structures and micro-mixer designs. The findings here indicate that differential evolution with truncated KL expansion can serve as an efficient and robust topology optimization method, proving particularly effective for solving optimization problems that are challenging for conventional gradient-based approaches. Notably, the proposed methodology not only delivers superior results but also alleviates computational burdens, thereby advancing the prospects of topology optimization in various engineering applications.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter pylori eradication on the microbiota of tongue coating

Eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause an imbalance in the microbiota. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome may produce multiple diseases and bacterial infections. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and its eradication on the composition of the oral tongue coating microbiota. A cohort of 35 participants was recruited and categorized into two groups: the H. pylori negative group (N group) consisting of 12 individuals and the H. pylori positive group (23 individuals). Within the H. pylori positive group, subjects were further stratified into the H. pylori pre-eradicated group (HPQ group) and the H. pylori eradicated group (HPH group). H. pylori positive individuals were treated with a quadruple regimen containing bismuth, and tongue coating samples were collected both prior to and following treatment. Concurrently, tongue coating samples were collected from H. pylori negative individuals. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology was employed to assess the microbial composition of the tongue coating in the N group, HPQ group, and HPH group. Pertinent clinical data were documented.Microbial diversity was found to significantly differ among the N group, HPQ group, and HPH group, as evidenced by variations in Chao1 index, Shannon index, and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). The dominant bacterial phyla identified across all groups included Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Saccharibacteria. At the phylum level, Firmicutes exhibited higher relative abundance in the HPQ group in comparison to both the N group and HPH group. Conversely, Bacteroidetes displayed greater prevalence in the N group and HPH group. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis indicated a higher abundance of Romboutsia, Rothia, and Turiciactor in the HPQ group. Our study revealed significant disparities in microbial diversity and richness among the three groups. Furthermore, our findings suggest a potential association between the presence of Streptococcus, Rothia and H. pylori positive individuals.

Effective data reduction for strongly stable matching in very sparse graphs

We provide a linear-time computable problem kernel of linear size for Strongly Stable Roommates parameterized by the feedback edge number of the acceptability graph (which encodes which agents may be matched to each other).

Aggregatibacter is inversely associated with inflammatory mediators in sputa of patients with chronic airway diseases and reduces inflammation in vitro

BackgroundChronic airway disease (CAD) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and colonization of the lungs by pro-inflammatory pathogens. However, while various other bacterial species are present in the lower airways, it is not fully understood how they influence inflammation. We aimed to identify novel anti-inflammatory species present in lower airway samples of patients with CAD.MethodsPaired sputum microbiome and inflammatory marker data of adults with CAD across three separate cohorts (Australian asthma and bronchiectasis, Scottish bronchiectasis) was analyzed using Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSE) and Spearman correlation analysis to identify species associated with a low inflammatory profile in patients.ResultsWe identified the genus Aggregatibacter as more abundant in patients with lower levels of airway inflammatory markers in two CAD cohorts (Australian asthma and bronchiectasis). In addition, the relative abundance of Aggregatibacter was inversely correlated with sputum IL-8 (Australian bronchiectasis) and IL-1β levels (Australian asthma and bronchiectasis). Subsequent in vitro testing, using a physiologically relevant three-dimensional lung epithelial cell model, revealed that Aggregatibacter spp. (i.e. A. actinomycetemcomitans, A. aphrophilus) and their cell-free supernatant exerted anti-inflammatory activity without influencing host cell viability.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Aggregatibacter spp. might act to reduce airway inflammation in CAD patients.

Quantum lozenge tiling and entanglement phase transition

While volume violation of area law has been exhibited in several quantum spin chains, the construction of a corresponding ground state in higher dimensions, entangled in more than one direction, has been an open problem. Here we construct a 2D frustration-free Hamiltonian with maximal violation of the area law. We do so by building a quantum model of random surfaces with color degree of freedom that can be viewed as a collection of colored Dyck paths. The Hamiltonian may be viewed as a 2D generalization of the Fredkin spin chain. It relates all the colored random surface configurations subject to a Dirichlet boundary condition and hard wall constraint from below to one another, and the ground state is therefore a superposition of all such classical states and non-degenerate. Its entanglement entropy between subsystems undergoes a quantum phase transition as the deformation parameter is tuned. The area- and volume-law phases are similar to the one-dimensional model, while the critical point scales with the linear size of the system L as Llog⁡L. Further it is conjectured that similar models with entanglement phase transitions can be built in higher dimensions with even softer area law violations at the critical point.

An innovative technology for producing agricultural Jiaosu from fruit waste without additional sugar and water: Fermentation characteristics, microbial community, and its impact on the growth of pakchoi

Landfilling or incineration of fruit waste causes serious environmental problems and economic losses. Agricultural Jiaosu (AJ) can convert fruit waste into agricultural inputs. However, traditional AJ preparation requires large amounts of brown sugar and water, restricting its large-scale application. In this study, five types of single fruit waste and one type of mixed fruit waste were used to produce AJ without additional of sugar and water. The physicochemical properties and microbial community dynamics of AJ fermentation were analyzed, and the effects and potential mechanism of AJ in promoting pakchoi growth were evaluated. The results showed that during the digestion process, the pH value of all AJ gradually decreased to below 3.6. Organic acids were the main metabolites, lactic acid and acetic acid accounted for 46.55 %–99.22 % of all organic acids. As fermentation progressed, Firmicutes gradually replaced Proteobacteria as the most dominant phylum, accounting for 54.1 %–99.41 % of the microbial communities. After 90 days, Lactobacillus and Lentilactobacillus were the dominant genera in all AJ, accounting for 44.49 %–92.54 % of the communities. Structural equation modeling revealed that AJ promoted plant growth through organic acids and bacterial community. This study is the first time to propose the concept of producing AJ from fruit waste without additional sugar and water and reveals the fermentation characteristics and microbial dynamics of AJ, as well as its potential mechanism as a biological inoculant in promoting plant growth. This study provides a new approach for the large-scale utilization of fruit waste to produce green agricultural inputs.Abbreviations: AJ, agricultural Jiaosu; ANOVA, analysis of variance; ASVs, amplicon sequence variants; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; LDA, linear discriminant analysis; LEfSe, linear discriminant analysis effect size; PCoA, Principal coordinates analysis; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; RDA, redundancy analysis; rRNA, ribosomal RNA; SEM, structural equation modeling.

Fungal communities in three root herbs: Insights and implications

The roots of Astragali Radix (AM), Dioscoreae Rhizome (DR), and Codonopsis Radix (CR) are frequently used in classical tonic formulations and dietary supplements. Given the extended exposure of rhizomes to complex biological environments, it is necessary to investigate the fungal composition of their surface. In this study, the fungal communities in the three root herbs were analyzed by DNA metabarcoding, and an extensive comparison of the fungal diversity at each taxonomic level was carried out. Furthermore, we examined the effects of species, collection site, and processing method on the fungal community. In Astragali Radix and Codonopsis Radix samples, Cladosporium was the predominant genus, with relative abundances of 1.98 %-76.81 % and 1.69 %-85.59 %, respectively. Aspergillus (0.08 %–99.92 %) was the prevailing genus in Dioscoreae Rhizome samples. Meanwhile, a total of 12 potential toxigenic fungi were identified, including Aspergillus restrictus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillium citrinum. Moreover, the variations in fungal diversity and community composition from different collection sites and processing approaches were observed. Linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated significant differences in the relative abundance of genera among the three root herbs. Gibberella and Mucor genera were significantly enriched in Astragali Radix samples, while Yarrowia and Cladosporium genera exhibited significant enrichment in Dioscoreae Rhizome and Codonopsis Radix samples, respectively (p≤0.001). This study presents novel insights into the fungal profiles of three root herbs, thereby providing references for their safe utilization and quality improvement.

Divergence of rhizosphere microbial communities between females and males of the dioecious Hippophae tibetana at different habitats.

Females and males of dioecious plants have evolved sex-specific characteristics in terms of their morphological and physiological properties. However, little is known about the difference in rhizosphere microbes in dioecious plants. In this study, we used amplicon sequencing to analyze the differences in rhizosphere microbial diversity and community composition of males and females of dioecious Hippophae tibetana at different habitats, and their key factors in driving the differences were investigated. The results showed that there were differences in the diversity, community composition, and connectivity and complexity of the co-occurrence network of rhizosphere microbes between females and males of the dioecious H. tibetana at different habitats. Zoopagomycota is a unique phylum of rhizosphere fungi in the males of the dioecious H. tibetana, while Dependentiae is a unique phylum of rhizosphere bacteria in the females of the dioecious H. tibetana. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis indicated significant enrichment of species at different levels, suggesting that these species could be potential biomarkers for females and males of H. tibetana. Spearman's analysis showed that the dominant genera of rhizosphere fungi were significantly positively correlated with soil physicochemical properties (total nitrogen and phosphorus; organic matter; available phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen; salt content; water content). PICRUSt and FUNGuild predictive analysis indicated that the function of rhizosphere fungi was different between females and males of the dioecious H. tibetana at different habitats, while metabolites were the dominant functions of rhizosphere bacteria in all samples. These results highlighted the sexual discrimination of rhizosphere microbes on the dioecious plants and provided important knowledge for females and males of the dioecious plant-microbe interaction.IMPORTANCEThis study explores the differences in rhizosphere microbes of dioecious Hippophae tibetana at different habitats and their key factors in driving the differences. Through employing amplicon sequencing techniques, we found that rhizosphere microbial communities and diversity were different between females and males of the dioecious H. tibetana at different habitats, and there notably existed unique phylum and potential biomarkers of rhizosphere microbes between females and males of the dioecious H. tibetana. Rhizosphere fungi were significantly positively correlated with soil physicochemical properties. This study reveals the differences in rhizosphere microbes of dioecious H. tibetana at different habitats and driving factors; it also contributes to our understanding of the dioecious plant-microbe interaction.

Gut microbiota as a prognostic biomarker for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with anti-PD-1 therapy.

To investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and the response to anti-PD-1-based combination therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers and new strategies to modulate immunotherapy in HCC. In this study, fresh stool samples and clinical data were collected from unresectable HCC patients treated with anti-PD-1-based combination therapy at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups based on their response to treatment: the treatment responder group (R group) and the treatment non-responder group (NR group). The composition and diversity of the gut microbiome were bioinformatically analyzed by using the Whole Genome Shotgun strategy, including taxonomic composition analysis, Alpha diversity analysis, Beta diversity analysis, and differentially enriched bacterial taxa analysis. Differentially enriched bacterial taxa between R and NR groups were identified based on the magnitude of the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and analyzed for their impact on the survival of the patient. A total of 45 eligible patients with unresectable HCC treated with anti-PD-1-based combination therapy participated in this study. The gut microbiological composition and Alpha diversity of patients were not statistically different, but there was a statistically significant difference in Beta diversity between the R and NR groups. (PERMANOVA tests, P = 0.006). We further identified 56 enriched bacterial taxa in the R group and 44 enriched bacterial taxa in the NR group based on the LEfSe analysis (LDA >2.66, P< 0.05). Patients with a high abundance of Collinsella genus, Ruminococcus_AM4211, and Ruminococcus_AF25_28AC had a longer median PFS and median OS compared to those with low abundance (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the median PFS and OS of patients with a high abundance of Bacteroides_AF20_13LB and Veillonella_atypica were significantly shorter than those of patients with low abundance (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that the abundance of Bacteroides_AF20_13LB and Ruminococcus_ AF25_28AC was independent related factors for PFS, and the abundance of Bacteroides_AF20_13LB was an independent related factor of OS. The enrichment of specific gut microbiota affected clinical efficacy and survival benefits in HCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy and may be a promising non-invasive gut microbial biomarker and a new strategy for modulating immunotherapy in HCC.

Influence of dispersion of a new type whole crystals seed on crystallization process and sugar quality

The aim of the work was to study effectiveness of the influence of a new type crystal seed with different microcrystals dispersion on the process of sucrose crystallization and sugar quality. The dispersion of microcrystals of the crystal-forming agent with whole crystals was determined and curves of their differential distribution were presented, which showed the average particle sizes of the “Ester K 01” are 18.2 μm and 46.4 μm. The morphological characteristics were determined of particles of the whole crystals seed and the seed slurry produced at a sugar factory. The duration of massecuite boiling was investigated and a comparative characterization of the quality indicators of the resulting massecuite, mother liquor, and sugar was given depending on the use of the whole crystals seed with different dispersion of microcrystals in comparison with the factory slurry. Microphotographs of sugar crystals in the massecuite were obtained with their size recorded 5, 10 and 20 min after the input of various seeds. The morphology of sugar crystals was studied in the finished massecuite. A comparison is given of the granulometric composition of sugar crystals obtained with crystal-forming agents with different dispersion. It was found based on the results of the study that when using the “Ester K 01” (46.4 μm) in thick juice with high turbidity the corresponding crystals are formed faster in the total amount of the massecuite. It was also found that there is a kind of blocking of the process of adjacent growth of crystals from the particles of impurities of thick juice with high turbidity. This contributes to the formation of more uniform, homogeneous crystals of the correct shape. The results are presented in the article of tests of the whole crystal seed “Ester K 01” (18.2 μm) and “Ester K 01” (46.4 μm) at sugar factories using the method of working on the seed magma and the method of shock crystallization respectively. The dependences were obtained of the average linear size, the amount of sugar of the 0.65 mm fraction, the coefficient of variation and the coefficient of uniformity of sugar crystals on the consumption of the whole crystals seed “Ester K 01” (crystal size 46.4 μm). The regression equation was developed in natural form for the process of sucrose shock crystallization. It was established the rational consumption of the crystal-forming agent “Ester K 01” (crystal size 46.4 μm), which ensures the effective crystallization of sucrose for the process of crystallization by the shock induced method.

Integrating fecal metabolomics and gut microbiome to reveal the mechanism of Schisandra chinensis-Acorus tatarinowii Schott treatment in Alzheimer’s disease rats

BackgroundSchisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (Schisandraceae) and Acorus tatarinowii Schott (Araceae Juss) (Sc-At) are two traditional Chinese medicinal herbs that are widely used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as insomnia. In our previous study, we found that Sc-At could improve the therapeutic efficacy of Alzheimer’s disease by affecting aromatase activity and estrogen levels, among other pathways. Material and methodsIn this study, first, the ameliorative effect of Sc-At on cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease model rats was verified by Y-maze test together with Elisa assay. Second, fecal untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed using a UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach. 16S rDNA sequencing was utilized to screen the differential flora between groups, and linear discriminantan alysis effect size (LEfSe) was used to find the target flora. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was combined to find the relationship between differential flora and differential metabolites in feces. Results(1) The results of Y-maze test and Elisa assay indicated that Sc-At could improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD model rats. (2) Metabolomics results showed that fecal metabolite levels were significantly different from those of rats in the blank group, and 18 potential biomarkers in feces were screened, mainly affecting linoleic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, etc. The 16S rDNA results showed that the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in AD rats were destroyed, and the Sc-At treatment was able to reverse these changes. (3) Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between differential metabolites in feces and intestinal flora, further suggesting that Sc-At treats Alzheimer’s disease through the gut-brain axis. ConclusionsIn this study, we explored the mechanism of Sc-At in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by integrating fecal untargeted metabolomics and 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and the results showed that Sc-At exerts therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease by improving the intestinal flora and related metabolic pathways.

Oral Microbiota Variations in Psoriasis Patients Without Comorbidity.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its etiology is still unclear. There is increasing evidence suggesting that microorganisms may trigger psoriasis. However, the relationship between psoriasis and oral microbiota remains poorly understood. Our aim is to identify differences in the composition and diversity of the oral microbiota between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls, and to discover oral microbial markers for assessing the severity of psoriasis. This study recruited 20 psoriasis patients and 20healthy individuals, collecting their saliva to analyze the composition of the oral microbiota in psoriasis patients. We employed 16S rRNA sequencing technology and utilized various methods for oral microbiome analysis, including the Shannon Index, Gini-Simpson Index, Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), Wilcoxon test, and Spearman's rank correlation. The results showed that the alpha diversity of oral microbiota was higher in psoriasis patients. The relative abundances of certain bacterial taxa differed between psoriasis and healthy individuals, including Prevotella, Prevotella 7 and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which are increased in psoriasis. We also found a positive correlation between Alloprevotella, Porphyromonas, and Neisseria with the severity of psoriasis, while Veillonella showed a negative correlation. In summary, this study found significant changes in the composition of the oral microbiota in patients with psoriasis. Some oral bacteria are associated with psoriasis severity. It provides a new perspective on the relationship between the oral microbiota and psoriasis.

Carvacrol acts on the larval midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda by destroying the tissue structure and altering the bacterial community

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has become a global invasive pest in recent years, threatening agricultural production. Carvacrol (CAR) is a multifunctional plant-derived compound and exhibited significant bioactivities against many pests. Our previous study found that CAR inhibited growth and development in S. frugiperda. However, the effects of CAR on the midgut of this pest remain unknown. In this study, the actions of CAR on the larval midgut of S. frugiperda were investigated. The results found that 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg CAR treatments destroyed the structure of the larval midgut based on hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscope observation. In addition, 2.0 g/kg CAR exposure significantly altered the larval midgut bacterial community composition and structure. The results of the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis suggest that six bacterial genera contributed to the different structures of the larval bacterial community. Furthermore, PICRUSt2 analysis found that 16 bacterial function categories were altered by CAR treatment, of which 8 were significantly increased. Our results provided new insight into the toxicological mechanisms of CAR against S. frugiperda larvae and laid the foundation for the field application of S. frugiperda control.

Higher Microbial Abundance and Diversity in Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (BALT) Lymphomas than in Non-Cancerous Lung Tissues.

It is well known that the majority of the extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT lymphomas) are associated with microbiota, e.g., gastric MALT lymphoma with Helicobacter pylori. In general, they are very sensitive to low-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. The microbiota profile is not clearly elucidated in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma, a rare type of MALT lymphoma in the lung. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. DNAs were extracted from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues obtained from BALT lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplicons were sequenced using a Nanopore platform. Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed to assess microbial profiles. For comparison, FFPE specimens from nine non-cancerous lung tissues were also analyzed. Specific bacterial families including Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae were associated with BALT lymphoma by a linear discriminant analysis effect size approach. Although the number of specimens was limited, BALT lymphomas exhibited significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity with distinct microbial composition patterns and correlation networks than non-cancerous lung tissues. This study provides the first insight into intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. A distinct microbial composition suggests the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment of BALT lymphoma.

Left atrial volume and function in Cavalier King Charles spaniels at different ACVIM stages

BackgroundThe correct assessment of left atrial size and function is essential to evaluate the severity of degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs. Hypothesis/objectivesEvaluate left atrial (LA) dimension and function in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) at different ACVIM stages and the accuracy of linear and volumetric indexes to assess LA enlargement. AnimalsOne hundred and ninety-eight privately owned CKCS. MethodsMulticentric prospective observational cross-sectional study. Dogs underwent an echocardiographic exam for breed screening or cardiac examination. Linear and volumetric echocardiographic LA size and function indexes were compared between classes. ResultsDogs were allocated as follows: 43 in class ACVIM A, 58 ACVIM B1, 55 ACVIM B2, and 42 ACVIM C/D. Only LA anteroposterior diameter normalized on body weight (LADn) and LA maximal, minimal and P volumes (LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVP) differed across all pairwise comparisons. Active LA emptying fraction (aLAEF) was higher in class B1 compared to class A (P < .001), and then decreased in class C/D compared to class B2 (P < .001). This suggests an increase in the left atrial active component due to the Frank-Starling mechanism in ACVIM B1 dogs, and the presence of atrial dysfunction in symptomatic dogs. Conclusions and clinical importanceThe LADn and LAV are higher in CKCS in class ACVIM B1 compared to class ACVIM A, suggesting the presence of LA remodelling at the early stages of the disease. Atrial dysfunction is evident in symptomatic dogs.

Technology of the fish abundance accounting in fish farming cages using hydroacoustic and software tools

The purpose of the work: improvement of methods of fish number accounting in growing cages and reservoirs of fish farms using hydroacoustic tools and information technologies.Methods used: solving the problem of non-contact (non-invasive) measurement of the number of fish in cages using the hydroacoustic echo integration method. Investigation of the reflective properties of fish using a calibrated scientific echo sounder with a split beam. Carrying out measurements with different numbers of fish in cage. Identification and analysis of factors affecting the accuracy of the echo integration estimation of the number of fishes in cage.Novelty: the elements of novelty are the use of a scientific echo sounder with vertically oriented antenna and split beam to estimate the number of fishes in cages, the algorithm for calculating the number of fishes in cages by the echo integration method, the results of the study of reflective properties of Amur carp and identified optimal measurement conditions that allow hydroacoustic estimates of number with maximum accuracy.Results: the dependences of target strength on the linear size of Amur carp are obtained. An algorithmic scheme for calculating the number of fishes in cages by the hydroacoustic echo integration method has been developed. Experiments were carried out with different numbers of fish in the cage. It is established that the main factors affecting the accuracy of the population estimate are the number of individuals in the cage and the daily distribution of fish. Measurements at night and at concentrations above the threshold (50 pcs./m2) can significantly bring the estimated and true numbers of fish in the cage closer and reduce the variability of density estimates.Practical significance: solving the problem of remote measurement of the fish number in growing cages will allow farmers to optimize feed needs, which, in turn, will ensure rapid growth of fish without overfilling it and not polluting the reservoir.

A novel hybrid algorithm based on improved marine predators algorithm and equilibrium optimizer for parameter extraction of solar photovoltaic models

In the field of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, the accurate and reliable extraction of parameters from PV models is crucial for effective simulation, evaluation, and control. Although various optimization algorithms have been widely used for parameter extraction in solar PV systems, the accuracy and reliability of the parameters extracted by these methods usually fall short of the expected standards. To address these shortcomings, a novel hybrid algorithm that combines the improved marine predators algorithm (MPA) with the equilibrium optimizer (EO), named IMPAEO, is proposed. In the IMPAEO, an elite opposition-based learning strategy is introduced to expand the exploration range of the algorithm to enhance population diversity; an adaptive weight coefficient is employed to improve the updating rule of the MPA, facilitating a balance between global exploration and local exploitation; the EO operator is integrated to enhance the performance of the MPA in the local exploitation phase to improve the solution quality and convergence speed; and the linear population size reduction (LPSR) technique is introduced to dynamically reduce the population size and improve the search performance. The effectiveness of the proposed IMPAEO is validated using the CEC2017 benchmark test suite, which is also applied to extract parameters of the single diode model, the double diode model, and three different PV modules. Comparative analysis with other algorithms demonstrates that the IMPAEO exhibits significant advantages in terms of solution quality, convergence speed, and algorithm stability. Consequently, the proposed IMPAEO not only proves to be efficient and reliable in parameter extraction for solar PV models but also offers a promising alternative in this field.