Optimal Method Research Articles

A modified QuEChERS method for quantifying pharmaceutical residues in sediments collected in West Lake, Yen So Lake and Red River (Hanoi) in North Vietnam

ABSTRACT The occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment has sparked interest in developing a multi-residue method to analyse a broader range of compounds. This study focuses on the development and validation of a methodology that employs QuEChERS extractions combined with UPLC-MS/MS, enabling simultaneous detection and quantification of pharmaceutical compounds from diverse therapeutic classes (fluoroquinolones, sulphonamides, anticonvulsants, tetracyclines, macrolides, β – blocker, cephalosporins and anti-inflammatory non-steroids) in sediments. The extraction using 0.2 M Na2-EDTA solution and 0.5% acetic acid in MeOH, partitioning by MgSO4/NaOAc (4:1) and cleaning up by C18 sorbent. The analytical performance demonstrated commendable accuracy (trueness and precision), alongside favourable linearity, with MDLs approaching relevant environmental samples, allowing for trace analysis. The MDLs ranged from 0.03 to 2.2 ng/g dried weight (d.w) while slightly lower than IDLs and varied from 0.001 to 0.1 ng/mL. The recovery test yielded satisfactory results (40–120%) for 11 compounds. The optimised method has been effectively applied to quantify the concentration of pharmaceutical residues in surface sediments collected from several locations including Red River (within Hanoi), West Lake and Yen So Lake, with five samples collected at each site. The five compounds (SMZ, TMP, AZM, SOL and DIC) were quantified with the concentration ranged from 1.5 to 56.8 ng/g d.w. in lake sediments, while only CTX was detected in one-fifth river sediments at 10.2 ng/g d.w.

Vegetation Classification in a Mountain–Plain Transition Zone in the Sichuan Basin, China

Developing an effective vegetation classification method for mountain–plain transition zones is critical for understanding ecological patterns, evaluating ecosystem services, and guiding conservation efforts. Existing methods perform well in mountainous and plain areas but lack verification in mountain–plain transition zones. This study utilized terrain data and Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 imagery to extract topographic, spectral, texture, and SAR features as well as the vegetation index. By combining feature sets and applying feature elimination algorithms, the classification performance of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs), Random Forest (RF), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) was evaluated to determine the optimal feature combinations and methods. The results show the following: (1) multi-feature combinations, especially spectral and topographic features, significantly improved classification accuracy; (2) Recursive Feature Elimination based on Random Forest (RF-RFE) outperformed ReliefF in feature selection, identifying more representative features; (3) all three algorithms performed well, with consistent spatial results. The MLP algorithm achieved the best overall accuracy (OA: 81.65%, Kappa: 77.75%), demonstrating robustness and lower dependence on feature quantity. This study presents an efficient and robust vegetation classification workflow, verifies its applicability in mountain–plain transition zones, and provides valuable insights for small-region vegetation classification under similar topographic conditions globally.

PLA2R autoantibodies, a multifaceted biomarker in nephrotic syndrome and membranous nephropathy.

The PLA2R antibody test is a valuable first-line diagnostic tool for primary membranous nephropathy (MN), helping to identify PLA2R-related MN and potentially eliminating the need for a kidney biopsy in some individuals. By reducing the reliance on biopsies, the test streamlines diagnosis and improves patient care. However, determining the optimal PLA2R measurement method and cut-off is critical to maximising the benefits of the test and minimising any harms. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate serum- and urine-based biomarkers for distinguishing between PLA2R-related MN and non-PLA2R MN. Searches were conducted in databases including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, INAHTA, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The methodology followed Cochrane-recommended guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and the QUADAS-2 tool was utilised to assess the overall risk of bias. Ninety one studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review. Of these, 38 studies reporting the accuracy of the PLA2R-Ab test using the EUROIMMUN ELISA method and 27 using the EUROIMMUN IF method were suitable for meta-analysis.. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of EUROIMMUN ELISA at a cut-off value of 20 RU/ml were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.72) and 94.7% (95% CI: 90.5 - 97.1%), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of EUROIMMUN IF at a threshold of 1:10 was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.637 - 0.739) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.931 - 0.994), respectively. Risk of bias was higher for studies evaluating the IF compared to ELISA test. We also explored whether the timing of the index test had an impact on the pooled diagnostic accuracy results; no significant differences were found. By evaluating the specificity and sensitivity of EUROIMMUN ELISA PLA2R-Ab and immunofluorescence (IF), we demonstrate that at ELISA levels ≥20 RU/mL, alongside thorough secondary screening, a kidney biopsy may be unnecessary. However, lower or negative levels still warrant a biopsy.

Combining the optimal grafting methods, seasons and scion donors enhances the conifer grafting success and early supply of the next-generation seedlings.

Improving the efficiency of grafting enables next-generation seed orchards to be established within a shorter period, resulting in improvement of productivity of high-quality seedlings for afforestation. This study investigates the effects of grafting methods (top-cleft and side-veneer), seasonal variation of collecting scions, and genetic variation of graft scions on the grafting survival rates of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl. When comparing the grafting methods, the scion shoot elongation of top-cleft method (13.7 cm) was greater than the side-veneer method (8.9 cm), while the survival rate did not differ between the top-cleft (87.5%) and side-veneer methods (83.3%). When comparing the grafting seasons on the survival rate of top-cleft grafts, the scions collected during the autumn and early spring showed significantly higher survival rates than those collected during the summer. In addition, there was a variation in graft survival rates among the genotypes, and a significant positive correlation (r = 0.56) was found between the estimated clonal value of graft survival and of the estimated breeding value of trunk volume in the original test sites, indicating that the genotype that grew well had a higher rate of grafting success. These results can serve as practical guidance for conifer grafting.

Calibration and optimal transport approaches for harmonizing survey weights

Abstract Originally, the construction of weighting systems to estimate parameters of interest in survey data does not depend on the variables of interest. However, recent research raises questions about the practice of using specific weighting systems for each variable of interest, thus deviating from the universal nature of the weights proposed by survey data processing methods. This article examines the challenge of harmonizing weights for variables with different weighting systems in survey data processing, by presenting and comparing two methods: one that creates a common weight for both variables using the calibration method, and one that uses optimal transport to match the variables. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of these methods in different sampling scenarios and with continuous and categorical variables. The results of the simulation study show that the optimal transport method for weight harmonization can provide accurate parameter estimates in different scenarios, particularly in situations where disparities between sample and population distributions are large. It therefore appears to be a more versatile solution.

Review of methods for assessing the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions

Assessment of the effectiveness of a drug is a complex process. Currently, the standard method for assessing the effectiveness of a medical intervention is the quality-adjusted life years (QALY). In the summer of 2024, a description of a new method for assessing the effectiveness of medical interventions — Standard of Living Valuation (SoLV) was published. The proposed method is more difficult than QALY, but its capabilities are broader. However, this method is also not optimal. The problem of creating an optimal method for assessing the cost-effectiveness of health technologies remains open.

Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Elements in a Micron-Sized Single Particle Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Signal Enhancement of an Optical Fiber Collimated System.

With rapid, energy-intensive, and coal-fueled economic growth, global air quality is deteriorating, and particulate matter pollution has emerged as one of the major public health problems worldwide. It is extremely urgent to achieve carbon emission reduction and air pollution prevention and control, aiming at the common problem of weak and unstable signals of characteristic elements in the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology for trace element detection. In this study, the influence of the optical fiber collimation signal enhancement method on the LIBS signal was explored. Then, the influence of the LIBS signal enhancement system based on an optical fiber collimated system on LIBS spectral signal intensity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was compared, and the influences of different spectral preprocessing methods and different variable selection methods on the prediction performance of the random forest (RF) calibration model were investigated. Finally, the Savitzky-Golay convolution derivative (SG)-variable importance projection (VIP)-mutual information (MI)-RF (Zn), first-order derivative (D1st)-variable importance measurement (VIM)-successive projections algorithm (SPA)-RF (Cu), and D1st-VIM-MI-RF (Ni) optimal models were constructed according to the optimal spectral preprocessing method and the optimal hybrid variable selection method. The prediction performances of their optimal RF model after SG-VIP-MI (Zn), D1st-VIM-SPA (Cu), and D1st-VIM-MI (Ni) spectral preprocessing and hybrid variable selection method are presented as follows: Zn (Rp2 = 0.9860; MREP = 0.0590), Cu (Rp2 = 0.9817; MREP = 0.0405), and Ni (Rp2 = 0.9856; MREP = 0.0875). The above results demonstrate that the RF calibration model based on the optical fiber collimated LIBS signal enhancement method, the optimal spectral preprocessing method, and variable selection strategy overcome the key problems of low SNR and low quantitative accuracy in single particle detection. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis and technical support for in situ online rapid monitoring of particulate matter.

Neuroendoscopic surgery versus craniotomy for basal ganglia hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Basal ganglia hemorrhage (BGH) is a prevalent site for intracerebral hemorrhage. Although neuroendoscopy (NE) surgery has emerged as a less invasive alternative to craniotomy (CT), the optimal surgical method remains debatable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of NE versus CT in the management of BGH. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NE surgery with CT in BGH patients. Outcomes included mortality, hematoma evacuation rate, good functional outcome (GFO), operative time, infection, pulmonary infection, and postoperative complication. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's ROB-2 tool. Four RCTs were included, comprising 423 patients. NE surgery showed no significant benefit in mortality (p = 0.12) and GFO (p = 0.18). However, NE was associated with a higher hematoma evacuation rate (p = 0.007), shorter operative time (p < 0.00001), and lower rates of infection (p < 0.0001), pulmonary infection (p < 0.0001), and postoperative complications (p < 0.00001). Future research should be designed to assess whether hematoma evacuation using either technique improves outcomes in comparison to optimal medical management in this population.

Recovering Attached Crude Oil from Hydrodesulfurization Spent Catalysts

As environmental awareness grows, hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts have become crucial in petroleum refining, yet their use results in oil-laden waste, poses environmental risks, and complicates subsequent treatment. Efficient oil removal is thus critical for processing spent catalysts. This study systematically compares three de-oiling methods, extraction, chemical thermal washing, and pyrolysis, to identify the optimal de-oiling method. In the experiments, extraction achieves a 94.12% oil removal rate at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 mL/g, a temperature of 45 °C, and a time of 60 min, maintaining around 90% efficiency after five cycles of solvent recovery. Chemical thermal washing achieves an oil removal rate of 96.26% after 4 h at 90 °C, with 0.15 wt.% SDS, 3.0 wt.% NaOH, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 mL/g. The heavy oil emulsion is then decomposed with 4% CuO and 5% H2O2. The pyrolysis method removes 96.19% of oil at 600 °C in 60 min. While the extraction and chemical thermal washing methods are effective, they produce wastewater, raising environmental concerns. In contrast, the pyrolysis method is more environmentally friendly. SEM, EDS, and FT-IR analyses show that after oil removal, the metal structures on the alumina support of the spent HDS catalyst are clearly exposed, facilitating the subsequent recovery of valuable metals.

A Comprehensive Analysis for Global Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Using Edible Insects

This comprehensive analysis examines insects' potential as sustainable food and feed sources, focusing on various scholarly views and empirical studies. Edible insects offer a viable answer to global food security issues because of their high nutritional content, efficient feed conversion rates, and lesser environmental effects when compared to traditional cattle. Nutrient composition investigations show that insects are high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them acceptable for human and animal diets. Consumer acceptability surveys show that western countries are becoming more open to entomophagy, yet cultural hurdles still exist. Life cycle assessments show that insect farming benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water footprints. Safety assessments confirm the possibility of introducing insects into food systems if strict requirements are followed to reduce microbial hazards. Economic analyses indicate that the sale of insects can improve livelihoods and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Despite the potential benefits, more study is required to solve regulatory, ethical, and consumer perception issues before completely integrating insects into global food systems. Research is needed to establish optimal farming methods, strengthen food safety, understand the health impacts of consumption, explore consumer acceptance, tackle ethical considerations, and investigate economic viability. This review emphasized the necessity for multidisciplinary approaches to promote entomophagy and harness its potential for a sustainable future.

A retrospective comparative study of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage versus endoscopic gallbladder stenting on the clinical course of acute cholecystitis: A propensity score matching analysis using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan.

We performed a retrospective comparative study to clarify the optimal gallbladder drainage method prior to elective cholecystectomy. We collected data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database about cholecystitis patients who underwent gallbladder drainage prior to cholecystectomy in a subsequent hospitalization between April 2014 and March 2020. We divided the study population into two groups: an endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS) group and a percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) group. We performed propensity score matching and compared surgical outcomes related to cholecystectomy. We collected 6306 cases (PTGBD: 6112 cases; EGBS: 194 cases). In propensity score matching, we obtained 193 matched pairs from the study population. Long-term postoperative antibiotics therapy (2 vs. 9; risk ratio 4.7 [95% CI: 1.1-30.9]) was more frequent in the EGBS group than the PTGBD group. There were no significant differences between the two groups for laparotomic cholecystectomy and postoperative bile duct drainage. For reoperation, postoperative abdominal drainage and postoperative blood transfusion, there were few outcome occurrences and effect measures were not obtained. Gallbladder drainage by EGBS may have more risk of surgical complications related to elective cholecystectomy than PTGBD. There are a few reports on this topic, so further research should be conducted.

Role of insulin in the management of diabetic foot

Despite insulin's well-documented benefits in wound healing over the last 70 years, challenges remain regarding the optimal method of administration. While systemic insulin therapy has significant side effects, topical insulin faces challenges with consistent delivery. This study aims to test the hypothesis that local insulin injections can provide sustained high concentrations in wounds, promoting healing with minimal systemic impact, combining the benefits of both systemic and topical insulin therapies.This study investigates the effect of local insulin injections on wound healing, focusing on enhancing the healing process in a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer. The objective is to determine whether insulin injections at the wound site can accelerate healing by promoting key processes like keratinocyte migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis.Conducted at a tertiary care center in South India, this study involved a 69-year-old male patient with a non-healing ulcer over the lateral aspect of the left foot due to Charcot's joint. The wound area was treated with a mixture of Insulin Isophane and Human Insulin (70/30) in a 4-unit to 10 ml saline ratio per 10 cm². The treatment was followed by a two-layer regenerative scaffold dressing and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) to support recovery.The insulin application significantly enhanced wound healing by promoting keratinocyte migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis. These effects led to a noticeable reduction in the time required for wound closure and improved tissue regeneration.The use of local insulin injections effectively improves wound healing by targeting key processes such as inflammation, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. This study underscores the potential of insulin as a promising therapeutic agent for chronic wound management. Further research is recommended to validate these findings and explore its application across diverse wound types.

An Approach to Refining MODIS LAI Data Using a Fitting Scale Factor Time Series

The leaf area index (LAI) serves as a key metric for tracking crop growth and can be integrated into crop models for yield estimation. Although the remote sensing LAI data provide a critical foundation for monitoring crop growth and estimating yields, the existing datasets often exhibit notable errors due to the pixel-level heterogeneity. To improve the applicability and inversion accuracy of MODIS LAI products in the Northeast China (NEC) region, this study upscaled the 500-m resolution MODIS LAI product to a 5-km resolution by initially calculating the mean value. Then, the scale factors were estimated based on the observed LAI data of spring maize. To further refine the accuracy of the remotely sensed LAI, 1-km resolution land use data were resampled to 500-m resolution, and the pixel purity of spring maize was calculated for each 5-km grid cell. The scale factor time series was fitted with and without consideration of pixel purity, and the accuracy of the adjusted LAI using these two methods was compared. Our findings demonstrate that the optimal method for fitting scale factors for spring maize LAI data is piecewise function method which combines Gaussian and quadratic polynomial functions. The time series of scale factors derived from high- and low-purity pixels, differentiated by a 50% purity threshold, resulted in improved performance in adjusting the spring maize LAI compared to traditional remote sensing LAI data. The adjusted LAI performed better in reflecting the growth characteristics of spring maize in the NEC region, with the relative mean square errors between observed and adjusted LAI of spring maize during 2016 and 2020 below 1 m2/m2. This study provides crucial support for monitoring the growth process and estimating the yield of spring maize in the NEC region and also offers valuable scientific references for the optimization and application of remote sensing data.

High Fixation Failure Rate of Cephalomedullary Nail Fixation in Patients with Low-Energy Basicervical Femoral Fractures: Do We Need Extramedullary Reduction?

Background and Objectives: A basicervical femoral fracture is a relatively uncommon type of proximal femoral fracture. However, as the proportion of proximal femoral fractures rises in conjunction with the aging of society, the absolute number of patients with basicervical femoral fractures is also increasing. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical methods for the treatment of basicervical femoral fractures remain a topic of debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the failure rates of cephalomedullary nail fixation in basicervical femoral fractures based on reduction types. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 22 patients (22 hips) with AO/OTA 31-A1.2 hip fractures who had undergone treatment with a cephalomedullary nail (PFNA-II or Gamma-3) between March 2007 and February 2018. They were classified into three groups based on the reduction types: extramedullary (E), anatomical (A), or intramedullary (I). The intramedullary group included cases where the basicervical component was impacted into the medullary canal, while the extramedullary group comprised cases where the component was displaced beyond the medullary canal. The anatomical group consisted of specimens that exhibited complete anatomical reduction. This was determined by both the anteroposterior (AP) view and the lateral view using simple radiographs. Results: There were 13 patients (59.1%) in Group E and 9 patients (40.9%) in Group A. No patients were classified in Group I. Fixation failure occurred in four patients (18.1%, 4/22). In Group E, no patients exhibited fixation failure (0%, 0/13). In contrast, four patients in Group A demonstrated fixation failure (44.4%, 4/9). Group A exhibited a significantly higher incidence of fixation failure (0% vs. 44.4%, p =0.037) compared to Group E. Conclusion: In the treatment of low-energy basicervical femoral fractures with cephalomedullary nails, extramedullary reduction demonstrated a lower rate of fixation failure compared to anatomical reduction in this study. While definitive conclusions regarding its superiority cannot be drawn due to the limited sample size, extramedullary reduction may serve as a promising alternative to reducing the high fixation failure rate associated with this challenging fracture type.

Reconstruction of Local Three-dimensional Temperature Field of Tumor Cells with Low-toxic Nanoscale Quantum-dot Thermometer and Cepstrum Spatial Localization Algorithm.

The optimal method for three-dimensional thermal imaging within cells involves collecting intracellular temperature responses while simultaneously obtaining corresponding 3D positional information. Current temperature measurement techniques based on the photothermal properties of quantum dots face several limitations, including high cytotoxicity and low fluorescence quantum yields. These issues affect the normal metabolic processes of tumor cells. This study synthesizes a low-toxicity cell membrane-targeted quantum dot temperature sensor by optimizing the synthesis method of CdTe/CdS/ZnS core-shell structured quantum dots. Compared to CdTe-targeted quantum dot temperature sensors, the cytotoxicity of CdTe/CdS/ZnS-targeted quantum dot temperature sensors is reduced by 40.79%. Additionally, a novel cepstrum-based spatial localization algorithm is proposed to achieve rapidly compute the three-dimensional positions of densely distributed quantum dot temperature sensors. Ultimately, both targeted and non-targeted CdTe/CdS/ZnS quantum dot temperature sensors were used simultaneously to label the internal and external regions of human osteosarcoma cells to obtain temperature data at these labeling positions. By combining this with the cepstrum-based spatial localization algorithm, the spatial coordinates of the quantum dot temperature sensors were obtained. Three-dimensional temperature field reconstruction of three local regions was achieved within a 12 μm axial range in living cells. The method described in this paper can be widely applied to the quantitative study of intracellular thermal responses.

Study on Hematological and Biochemical Index of Blood and Vitreous Humor in the Celestial-Eye Goldfish

In this study, we conducted an exploration of blood collection, hematological and biochemical comparative analysis of the unique vitreous humor and blood of the celestial-eye goldfish (CE) (Carassius auratus), and obtained hematological and biochemical indicators for healthy celestial goldfish blood. After exploring the optimal method for collecting blood and ocular fluid, blood and vitreous humor samples were drawn from healthy CE, and an automatic hematology analyzer was used to measure 17 physiological indicators in the blood and vitreous humor. Additionally, 20 biochemical indices were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Experiments were also conductedto evaluate the effect of blood and vitreous humor collection on the subsequent survival rate of the CE. The results showed that the blood of CE exhibited values for 17 hematological indicators, including red blood cells (mean value: 2.19 × 1012/L), white blood cells (mean value: 62.21 × 109/L), hemoglobin (mean value:138.25 g/L), and no eosinophils or basophils. We also found that the levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in the vitreous humor of CE were significantly higher than those in the serum (p &lt; 0.01). No cells were detected in the vitreous humor of CE, and there was no significant difference in survival rate compared to normal goldfish after extracting blood and vitreous humor from CE (p &gt; 0.05). This study provides fundamental data for the cultivation of healthy goldfish, the development of goldfish hematology, and further research on the development and formation of CE’s unique eye traits.

BINARY OPTION PRICING USING LATTICE METHOD

One way to minimize risks due to uncertainty in stock price movements is by using derivative products, one of which is an option. Binary options, a type of exotic option, provide a fixed payout if certain conditions are met at maturity, but are difficult to solve analytically. In this study, we utilize binomial and trinomial lattice methods, specifically the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein Binomial, Hull-White Trinomial, and Kamrad-Ritchken Trinomial models, to determine the price of binary options. Results indicate that all three methods converge towards the exact solution, demonstrating their applicability for pricing binary options, with the Kamrad-Ritchken Trinomial method showing superior accuracy due to the lowest mean relative error. Additionally, we analyze factors influencing binary option prices, including initial price, strike price, maturity time, volatility, and risk-free interest rate. The study’s originality lies in the comparative analysis of these methods under the same market conditions. However, limitations include model assumptions and potential data variability that may affect generalizability. Future research could extend these methods to various stock data or other financial instruments to test robustness. This research provides insights into optimal lattice method selection for practitioners in binary option pricing.

Revealing the effects of environmental and spatio-temporal variables on changes in Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) high abundance fishing grounds based on interpretable machine learning approach

The construction of accurate and interpretable predictive model for high abundance fishing ground is conducive to better sustainable fisheries production and carbon reduction. This article used refined statistical maps to visualize the spatial and temporal patterns of catch changes based on the 2014-2021 fishery statistics of the Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus fishery in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Three models (XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost) and two variable importance visualization methods (model built-in (split) and SHAP methods) were used for comparative analysis to determine the optimal modeling and visualization strategies. Results: 1) From 2014 to 2021, the annual catch showed an overall increasing trend and peaked at 220,009.063 tons in 2021; the total monthly catch increased and then decreased, with a peak of 76, 033.4944 tons (July), and the catch was mainly concentrated in the regions of 39.5°-43°N and 146.75°-155.75°E; 2) Catboost model predicted better than LightGBM and XGBoost models, with the highest values of accuracy and F1-score, 73.8% and 75.31%, respectively; 3) the overall importance ranking of the model’s built-in method differed significantly from that in the SHAP method, and the overall importance ranking of the spatial variables in the SHAP method increased. Compared to the built-in method, the SHAP method informs the magnitude and direction of the influence of each variable at the global and local levels. The results of the research help us to select the optimal model and the optimal visualization method to construct a prediction model for the Japanese sardine fishing grounds in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, which will provide a scientific basis for the Japanese sardine fishery to achieve environmental and economically sustainable fishery development.

Numerical Analysis of the Magnetic Moment in S/F/S-Josephson Junction

One particularly intriguing object in superconductivity is the Josephson junction, which is an integral part of quantum computer hardware. Analysing this object requires solving differential equations. Such problems often cannot be solved with analytical methods; therefore, numerical methods and computational mathematics must be utilized. This article explores a fundamental model of the Josephson junction. The model presents the spatial coordinates of the magnetic moment as unknown functions dependent on time in a system of three ordinary differential equations with initial conditions. Comparative analysis of various methods is conducted for different sets of parameters. Optimal numerical methods for these particular instances of the problem are found. Visual results are also presented.

Optimising Conditions for the Preservation of Extremely Oxygen Sensitive Obligate Anaerobes of the Gut Microbiota as Candidates for Probiotic Strains

Obligate anaerobic difficult culture bacteria, which make up the bulk of the microbiota of the large intestine, are potential candidates for the development of highly effective new generation probiotics, since they are capable of synthesizing a variety of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, which have a stimulating effect on both commensal bacteria and host cells. However, for their long-term preservation, it is necessary to carefully select the preservation method and protective components. To evaluate the efficacy of using different cryoprotectants to increase the viability of obligate anaerobic difficult culture bacteria when preserved by lyophilisation and cryopreservation methods. The studies showed that freeze-drying contributed most to the preservation of the viability of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Anaerostipes hadrus, Eubacterium hallii, provided that they were used as a stabilizing medium, which included inulin, cysteine and riboflavin, ensuring the preservation of the initial bacterial titer for 30 days. Among the studied bacteria, the effectiveness of cryopreservation was shown for A. hadrus, since it ensured the survival of bacteria at the initial level for 14 days of storage, regardless of the cryopreservative used, but by the 30th day their viability decreased significantly (by 100 times when using liquid as a cryopreservant). nutrient medium 110 with minced meat and carbohydrates with the addition of glycerin, 10 000 with the commercial cryopreservative CRYOINSTANT). The results obtained allow us to recommend lyophilization as the most optimal method for long-term storage of probiotic strains of bacteria using highly effective stabilizers.