Complexity Of Products Research Articles

More on the Descriptional Complexity of Products of Finite Automata

We investigate the descriptional complexity of the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-products with [Formula: see text] of two automata, for reset, permutation, permutation-reset, and finite automata in general. This is a continuation of the recent studies on the state complexity of the well-known cascade product undertaken in [7, 8]. Here we show that in almost all cases, except for the direct product ([Formula: see text]) and the cascade product ([Formula: see text]) for certain types of automata operands, the whole range of state complexities, namely the interval [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the state complexity of the left operand and [Formula: see text] that of the right one, is attainable. To this end we prove a simulation result on products of automata that allows us to reduce the products of automata in question to the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and a double sided [Formula: see text]-product.

Modifications of Prenyl Side Chains in Natural Product Biosynthesis

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the enzymatic machinery responsible for the modifications of prenyl side chains and elucidating their roles in natural product biosynthesis. This interest stems from the pivotal role such modifications play in shaping the structural and functional diversity of natural products, as well as from their potential applications to synthetic biology and drug discovery. In addition to contributing to the diversity and complexity of natural products, unique modifications of prenyl side chains are represented by several novel biosynthetic mechanisms. Representative unique examples of epoxidation, dehydrogenation, oxidation of methyl groups to carboxyl groups, unusual C−C bond cleavage and oxidative cyclization are summarized and discussed. By revealing the intriguing chemistry and enzymology behind these transformations, this comprehensive and comparative review will guide future efforts in the discovery, characterization and application of modifications of prenyl side chains in natural product biosynthesis.

Exogenous or in situ vaccination to trigger clinical responses in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal disease for which remarkable therapeutic resistance is the norm. Conventional immunotherapies, like immune checkpoint inhibitors, show limited efficacy in PDA due to a remarkably immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and systemic inflammation. This review discusses the potential of both exogenous and in situ vaccination strategies to overcome these barriers and enhance anti-tumor immunity in PDA. Exogenous vaccines, including whole-cell, dendritic cell, peptide, and nucleic acid-based vaccines, have shown varying degrees of promise but face challenges related to antigen selection, production complexities, and patient-specific factors. In contrast, in situ vaccination strategies leverage conventional cytotoxic therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to induce immunogenic cell death and modulate the TME with the aim to stimulate anti-tumor immunity. While preclinical studies support the use of in situ vaccination, balancing the stimulatory and inhibitory effects is likely fundamental to eliciting productive anti-tumor responses in patients. Ongoing research seeks to identify new innovative strategies that can harness the endogenous immune response and trigger in situ vaccination. Overall, while both vaccination approaches offer significant potential, further research and clinical trials will be needed to optimize these strategies for improving patient outcomes in PDA.

Genomic signal selection analysis reveals genes related to the lambing trait of Hotan sheep.

Lambing in ewes is a complex and crucial aspect of sheep production that directly influences economic viability and production efficiency. In the present study, we analyzed the genomes of single lamb (SLE) and twin lamb (TLE) Hotan sheep to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying lamb production in Hotan sheep. In this study, we used genome-wide resequencing to analyze the genomes of Hotan sheep exhibiting SLE and TLE traits. To identify the population genetic structure and linkage disequilibrium associated with SLE and TLE traits, we employed two complementary genome selection signals: the interpopulation genetic differentiation index (FST) and nucleotide diversity (Pi). Subsequently, we performed gene annotation and enrichment analyses of the selected regions of the obtained genome. Our analysis generated 801 Gb of sequence data, from which 31,864,651 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphic loci were identified. We identified 290 selected regions and 332 genes across the Hotan sheep genome by using two widely adopted selective scanning detection methods (FST statistics and Piratio). Functional annotation and enrichment analysis of these genes identified 13 genes associated with the lambing rate, which were enriched in pathways such as the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway (BMPR2, ID2, SMAD7, THBS1, and RBX1), renal cell carcinoma (PAK1, ELOC), inositol phosphate metabolism (PLCZ), non-homologous terminal junction (RAD50), ABC transporters (ABCC4), and the NET pathway (H2B, H4, and H2A). This study employed selective elimination analysis to identify candidate genes involved in the regulation of lambing trait in Hotan sheep. By investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying lambing rate in Hotan sheep, we developed molecular markers for twin lambing to enhance reproductive performance and promote the conservation and development of outstanding genetic resources in local Xinjiang sheep.

Sustainability assessment of additive manufacturing end-of-life material management

Additive manufacturing (AM) methods enable complex, customized, and on-demand production of many products from different material types across various industries. The growing demand for flexible and more sustainable manufacturing solutions places AM in the mix of processes considered for non-commodities. However, AM processes also present unintentional environmental releases in end-of-life (EoL) material management, compromising overall sustainability. Data availability to assess the sustainability of individual EoL material management from individual AM processes is limited. Even so, EoL materials generated across AM practices frequently overlap, supporting high-level assessment as an alternative approach. Therefore, a holistic AM EoL material management sustainability analysis was completed using a customized list of efficiency, environmental, energy, and economic indicators from the Gauging Reaction Effectiveness for the Environmental Sustainability of Chemistries with a multi-Objective Process Evaluator (GREENSCOPE) methodology. Subsequently, this assessment identified low material recycling rates and high energy costs in some EoL material management processes, such as incineration and recovery. Subsequently, a trade-off analysis was performed to determine process modification opportunities, including implementing recycling to reduce the amount of hazardous waste at the expense of additional energy and cost investment. The AM EoL-specific sustainability analysis serves as a resource to offer insights and empower policymakers and stakeholders to enhance pollution prevention strategies and optimize the existing EoL material management processes.

Bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil based on both toxicity risk control and hydrocarbon removal-progress and prospect.

Petroleum contamination remains a worldwide issue requiring cost-effective bioremediation techniques. However, establishing a universal bioremediation strategy for all types of oil-polluted sites is challenging. This difficulty arises from the heterogeneity of soil textures, the complexity of oil products, and the variations in local climate and environment across different oil-contaminated regions. Several factors can impede bioremediation efficacy: (i) differences in bioavailability and biodegradability between aliphatic and aromatic fractions of crude oil; (ii) inconsistencies between hydrocarbon removal efficiency and toxicity attenuation during remediation; (iii) varying adverse effect of aliphatic and aromatic fractions on soil microorganisms. This review examines the ecotoxicity risk of petroleum contamination to soil fauna and flora. It also discusses three primary bioremediation strategies: biostimulation with nutrients, bioaugmentation with petroleum degraders, and phytoremediation with plants. Based on current research and state-of-the-art challenges, we highlighted future research scopes should focus on (i) exploring the ecotoxicity differentiation of aliphatic and aromatic fractions of crude oil, (ii) establishing unified risk factors and indicators for evaluating oil pollution toxicity, (iii) determining the fate and transformation of aliphatic and aromatic fractions of crude oil using advanced analytical techniques, and (iv) developing combined bioremediation techniques that improve petroleum removal and ecotoxicity attenuation.

Systematic Analysis of Packaging Production in the Electric Motors Industry: A Multi-Criteria Approach through the SAPEVO-M Method

Market competitiveness drives the electric motors industry, which in turn necessitates the selection of optimal production scenarios, particularly in the context of packaging. This is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and meeting the rigorous quality and logistical demands that are characteristic of this industry. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the packaging production chain for electric motors, employing the SAPEVO-M method as a decision aid tool. The study examines various strategic options, including outsourcing and internalizing processes, with a particular focus on their impacts on logistics, quality control, and overall supply-chain efficiency. The research conducts a comprehensive evaluation of these strategies to ascertain the most effective approach for managing the complexities of packaging production. The SAPEVO-M method facilitated a structured decision-making process, allowing for the aggregation and prioritization of diverse criteria such as cost, quality, flexibility, environmental impact, and supply risk. A sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the robustness of the decision-making outcomes under varying alternatives. The findings highlight the benefits of internalizing certain processes, particularly the assembly (with a score of 43.27%), to gain direct control over production variables, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and product competitiveness. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating the application of MCDA in enhancing strategic decisions within the electric motors industry, providing insights for analyzing other manufacturing factors in the improvement of supply-chain processes.

Lean Manufacturing Implementation in Developing Countries:Evidence from Jordanian Industrial Companies

In today's fiercely competitive landscape, industries are increasingly embracing lean manufacturing strategies for survival. However, the adoption of lean principles in Jordanian manufacturing sectors remains relatively new. This study aims to evaluate the current state of lean adoption in Jordanian industries, focusing on its techniques, motivations, and challenges. Employing a quantitative methodology, surveys targeted Production, Operation, and Quality Managers in Jordanian organizations. Out of 300 distributed questionnaires, 176 valid responses were received, representing a response rate of 58.7%. The findings indicate a relatively low adoption of lean practices in Jordanian industries, though firms that have implemented lean report significant benefits, particularly in quality enhancement and cost reduction. Key challenges include inadequate training, a scarcity of experts, and complexities in small batch production. While the study's sample size is limited, caution is warranted in interpreting the results. Further empirical research is needed to quantify the performance benefits of lean adoption. This study sheds light on lean adoption in Jordanian manufacturing, informing knowledge development and guiding future efforts to promote lean practices in the industrial landscape.

Modifications of Prenyl Side Chains in Natural Product Biosynthesis.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the enzymatic machinery responsible for the modifications of prenyl side chains and elucidating their roles in natural product biosynthesis. This interest stems from the pivotal role such modifications play in shaping the structural and functional diversity of natural products, as well as from their potential applications to synthetic biology and drug discovery. In addition to contributing to the diversity and complexity of natural products, unique modifications of prenyl side chains are represented by several novel biosynthetic mechanisms. Representative unique examples of epoxidation, dehydrogenation, oxidation of methyl groups to carboxyl groups, unusual C-C bond cleavage and oxidative cyclization are summarized and discussed. By revealing the intriguing chemistry and enzymology behind these transformations, this comprehensive and comparative review will guide future efforts in the discovery, characterization and application of modifications of prenyl side chains in natural product biosynthesis.

Получение композиционных материалов при аддитивном производстве

The main possibilities of obtaining new composite materials are presented. Due to the high dynamics of thermal deformation processes in the molten bath of a thin layer of the grown part, we obtain a new material structure from immiscible components. Another direction of obtaining a new composite material in the growing process is the reinforcement of the matrix with high-strength elements, which can be present, including in the form of a solid phase under melting and crystallization of the material. This allows predicting in advance new qualitative properties of the grown part - increased strength, weight reduction, etc. Additive technology is being developed for growing parts and products made of tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium and other hard-melting metals that are poorly treated through mechanical methods. In this case, heating is used within growing process. The successful application of additive technologies is used in medicine in the manufacture of implants made of molybdenum, tantalum and their alloys, which have high biocompatibility and no toxic property. It becomes possible to manufacture an implant grown according to a specific model for a given individual. The main directions of the additive manufacturing development are the creation of more productive complexes and the expansion of construction materials powders range, used when forming new composite materials in the growing process.

Trends in the development of the fisheries complex and consumption of fish products in the country

The purpose of the work is to analyze current trends in the development of the Russian fisheries complex and identify the causes of the stagnant dynamics of consumption of fish products by the population.Methods used: general scientific research methods, as well as methods of statistical analysis of time series, graphical and coefficient methods.The element of novelty: The current interdependence between the dynamics of fish catch, the actual financial results of economic activities of enterprises, as well as the general level of consumption of fish products by the population has been revealed. The study based on quantitative analysis complements the existing economic theory with new empirical data necessary to clarify the current directions of development of the country’s fisheries complex for its sustainable development.The results of the study: the actual catch of fish in Russia, which reached its historical maximum in modern history of 5.3 million tons in 2023, with simultaneously high levels of exports of fish products, provided an increased level of profitability of economic activities of enterprises and an increase in their financial independence in comparison with other sectors of the economy, however, the studied trends in the development of the fisheries complex were not broadcast in advance the increase in consumption of fish products by the population, in particular, from 2010 to 2022.Practical significance: the obtained research results and empirical data can be used by the authorities in developing relevant directions for the sustainable development of the country’s fisheries complex.

Experience in using the «Sherpa» software package during field work and its integration with GIS INTEGRO

The article is devoted to the results of the joint use of the Sherpa software package, developed by the Karpinski Institute, with the GIS INTEGRO primary information module during the field work of FSBI VNIGNI in 2023. The creation of a modern complex of domestic software and technological products will allow for better and faster information and analytical support of oil and gas operations in the future. The possibilities provided by the developed software and technology complexes are demonstrated by examples of specific practical tasks.

Characteristic of Different Chitosan Types on κ-Carrageenan Polyelectrolyte Complex (PEC) Bioplastics as Food Packaging

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research The author mentioned 4 highlights from their results research This study investigates the impact of incorporating chitosan from different sources (shrimp, crab, and fish scales) with varying molecular weights on the mechanical characteristics of bioplastics used for food packaging. The present study aims to optimize the volume ratio of κ-carrageenan and chitosan to form stable polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) for bioplastic production. This study evaluates the quality of tilapia fillets wrapped with κ-carrageenan and chitosan PEC bioplastics after 24 h storage. The present study investigates the reaction mechanism involved in the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes between κ-carrageenan and chitosan for bioplastic production. Abstract Bioplastic represents an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic plastic which can be derived from natural polysaccharides like carrageenan. κ-carrageenan is noted for its gel-forming properties making it a common raw material for bioplastics. Mechanical properties values of κ-carrageenan bioplastics are usually below standard. The addition of materials such as chitosan can enhance those properties. Chitosan-carrageenan can form polyelectrolyte complexe (PEC) through electrostatic interactions without toxic crosslinking agents. Polymer’s molecular weight is a crucial factor influencing PEC formation. Chitosan's molecular weight varies based on the raw material and extraction process. This study aims to identify the most suitable type of chitosan for food packaging bioplastics using polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) method. Three types of commercial chitosan with different molecular weights were evaluated (shrimp, crab, and fish scale chitosan). Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) were used for characterization assessment of bioplastics such as thickness, tensile strength, water resistance, water vapor transmission, and biodegradation rate as well as additional tests including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, and Total Plate Count (TPC) on fish fillets.The findings indicated that crab chitosan-κ carrageenan PEC bioplastic exhibited optimal results with a thickness of 0.178 mm, tensile strength of 18.053 MPa, elongation at break at 211.73%, water resistance of 63.94%, Water Vapor Transmission (WVT) of 0,001456 g/m2/day, biodegradation rate of 3.358% over 7 days, and the lowest TPC in fish fillets after 24 h, increasing from 4.39 log CFU/g to 7.45 log CFU/g. Molecular weight of chitosan was shown to significantly influence the PEC bioplastics characteristics.

Realizing a kilowatt-level fiber amplifier with a 42 μm core diameter fiber for improved multi-mode performance towards single mode operation output through adaptive spatial mode control utilizing a 3×1 photonic lantern

The photonic lantern, a coherent beam combiner capable of controlling the phase, amplitude, and polarization of input light, has been utilized to enhance the brightness of fiber lasers by managing the output beam’s mode. In this work, a 3×1 photonic lantern-based adaptive spatial mode control system is employed to realize kilowatt-level operation in a 42 μm core fiber laser amplifier. Both simulation and experimental outcomes affirm the ability of this approach to manage modes within large-mode-area fiber laser systems through the use of 3 input arms. The experiment not only streamlines the overall system design but also has the potential to reduce production costs and complexities. Additionally, the spectrum width has been optimized to 10 GHz, striking a balance between the SBS threshold and the coherence of the photonic lantern’s input arms. By implementing this system, we have successfully achieved a stable, improved multi-mode performance towards single mode operation output of 1.08 kW, with a beam quality factor M2 of 2.20. This research furthers our understanding of how photonic lanterns can stabilize and enhance beam quality in high-power fiber lasers, paving the way for potential improvements in their performance and applications.

Coupling of the catalytic reactions from formate dehydrogenase and hydrogenase in solution: Insights from computations and in situ IR spectroscopy

Sophisticated enzymatic systems have evolved in nature to efficiently couple distinct biochemical reactions in form of cascades. As such they serve as reference models to understand the indirect interactions of catalytic centers. Herein, we studied, in solution, the coupling of the reactions from membrane‐bound [NiFe] hydrogenase (MBH) from Cupriavidus necator (reversible H2 splitting into H+ and e‐) and the molybdenum‐dependent formate dehydrogenase from Rhodobacter capsulatus (reversible formate to CO2 interconversion). To follow their interplay via the characteristic absorptions from the MBH's active site or the respective substrate and product bands of FDH, we utilized in situ IR spectrocopy and GC(‐MS), in the absence or presence of soluble redox mediators. Coarse grained molecular dynamics (cgMD) computations revealed the lack of productive enzyme complexes for direct electron transfer (ET). Thus, the observed minor amounts of H2 or formate were produced from transient interactions between the two enzymes. On the contrary, the significantly increased product formation in the presence of methylene viologen can be related to the putative multiple interaction sites of the redox mediator with FDH identified by cgMD. Our study represents a proof‐of‐concept approach that can be used in future to develop novel coupled biocatalytic systems by identifying potential ET pathways.

Current status, challenges and analysis of financial investment for students: A case study of Vietnam

In the dynamic landscape of global finance, the necessity for financial literacy has become increasingly prominent, especially among younger generations who face unprecedented financial risks and complexities. The paper outlines the critical role of financial education within school curricula, emphasizing its importance in preparing youth to navigate the complexities of financial products and services effectively. As financial responsibilities and decision-making increasingly shift from institutions to individuals, the need for comprehensive financial education from an early age is more pronounced than ever. The paper explores various aspects of implementing financial education in schools, addressing the challenges of integrating such programs into existing curricula, securing necessary resources, and adequately training educators. Through a review of successful case studies from different countries, such as Australia, Brazil, and the United States, effective strategies and practices are highlighted. Particularly, we focus on the analysis the financial case studies of Vietnamese students. These examples demonstrate the importance of political support, stakeholder involvement, and sustainable program implementation to ensure the longevity and impact of financial education initiatives. Additionally, the paper provides a comparative analysis of financial education learning frameworks, which illustrates the diverse approaches tailored to specific educational and national contexts. This analysis underscores the importance of adapting financial education to meet local needs while aligning with broader educational goals. Furthermore, some key policy recommendations are offered to guide schools in supporting and committing to financial education. These include developing clear, measurable objectives for financial literacy programs, creating high-quality teaching materials, and fostering collaborations among governments, educational institutions, and financial experts. Lastly, the paper discusses methods for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of financial education programs. It stresses the need for both quantitative and qualitative assessments to ensure these initiatives meet their goals and contribute to the overall financial well-being of students. The conclusion calls for a sustained commitment to financial education, advocating for its integration into national educational policies and curricula. This strategic approach aims to leverage significant economic events to reinforce the value of financial literacy, ensuring that future generations are equipped to make informed financial decisions and contribute positively to the economy.

Structural insight into the DNMT1 reaction cycle by cryo-electron microscopy.

DNMT1 is an essential DNA methyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of methyl groups to CpG islands in DNA and generates a prominent epigenetic mark. The catalytic activity of DNMT1 relies on its conformational plasticity and ability to change conformation from an auto-inhibited to an activated state. Here, we present four cryo-EM reconstructions of apo DNMT1 and DNTM1: non-productive DNA, DNTM1: H3Ub2-peptide, DNTM1: productive DNA complexes. Our structures demonstrate the flexibility of DNMT1's N-terminal regulatory domains during the transition from an apo 'auto-inhibited' to a DNA-bound 'non-productive' and finally a DNA-bound 'productive' state of DNMT1. Furthermore, we address the regulation of DNMT1's methyltransferase activity by a DNMT1-selective small-molecule inhibitor and ubiquitinated histone H3. We observe that DNMT1 binds DNA in a 'non-productive' state despite the presence of the inhibitor and present the cryo-EM reconstruction of full-length DNMT1 in complex with a di-ubiquitinated H3 peptide analogue. Taken together, our results provide structural insights into the reaction cycle of DNMT1.

Analyzing the complexity of animal products’ processing and its impact on sustainability

Analyzing the complexity of animal products’ processing and its impact on sustainability

Preserving the past: Unveiling challenges in ancient Islamic manuscript conservation

In recent decades, research into ancient Islamic manuscripts has significantly advanced, elucidating diverse material and technical details. Despite this progress, a noticeable gap persists in understanding the material and technical aspects, particularly regarding illuminations. Moreover, it is imperative to investigate whether different technical features of bookbinding can impact the preservation condition of the textblock. This gap in understanding is even more pronounced when compared to the comprehensive approaches applied to ancient Western manuscripts. This paper emphasizes the critical importance of adopting an accessible and comprehensive methodology to explore the complexities of Islamic manuscript production, aiming to enhance their preservation efforts by establishing effective strategies to safeguard this cultural heritage for future generations.

Novel First-Generation Dissolution Models to Investigate the Release and Uptake of Oral Lymphotropic Drug Products.

Conventional dissolution tests only assess the aqueous release of drugs to ensure quality and performance, without indicating whether absorption occurs through the portal or the lymphatic circulation. To address this issue, this study aimed to develop novel first-generation dissolution models that could investigate the release and uptake of oral lymphotropic drugs and examine relevant formulation issues. Dissolution of three commercial lymphotropic drug products (Terbinafina, Apo-terbinafine, and Lamisil) was done using modified versions of USP Apparatus II and IV. The developed models contained a lymphatic compartment filled with artificial chylomicrons to account for absorption through intestinal lymphatic pathway. The various products exhibited different release profiles into the aqueous media and the lymphatic media across the two tested models. The modified USP IV apparatus demonstrated greater distinction in aqueous release patterns. However, the release pattern into the lymphatic media remained similar in both models. This work represents a progress in meeting the challenges posed by the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical products containing lipophilic drugs or formulations, and has the potential to contribute towards the development of in-vitro bioequivalence standards for formulations targeting intestinal lymphatics.