Response Of System Research Articles

Neobots: an open-source platform for a low-cost neonatal incubator with internet of things approach

<div align="center">A baby incubator implements the internet of things (IoT) with an architectural design combining several scientific fields, such as networks, software, and hardware. Furthermore, this research develops an open-source platform called Neobots, including open-source program code to create a baby incubator. Then an overview of the system includes sending sensor data to the IoT Broker with the message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol and automatically storing data in the database. The results of the comparison value on each temperature sensor with a temperature sensor at the midpoint with an error of less than 0.7°C. Then testing the fuzzy between the Neobots program and the simulation in MATLAB got an error rate of 0-28.27%. In addition, in less than 10 minutes, the system response can adjust the temperature conditions to a setpoint value of 34°C from 29°C, and the average error value is 0.35°C during 1 hour of the Fuzzy implementation on the incubator. Then transfer data from the incubator to the database in a room without noise and full noise to get results for lost data less than 16.41% and 42.14%, delay rates between 0-6 seconds and 0-7 seconds with testing for 1 hour at every 1 second.</div>

The regulatory effects of serum catecholamines and endothelial cells in pig hemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation models

BackgroundAcute blood loss not only leads to systemic compensatory response, but also the induced changes in vascular endothelial function.These pathological changes may have potential compensatory significance for maintaining organ perfusion and fluid resuscitation. ObjectiveTo understand trauma-induced endotheliopathy and their compensatory roles in acute hemorrhage, a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock (HS) was used to evaluate changes in vascular endothelial factors and catecholamine levels at different time points from shock to fluid resuscitation. Methods: HS was induced in female pigs by rapid bleeding via the arterial sheath. Hemodynamic monitoring was performed using a pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system in HS and fluid resuscitation. Femoral vein blood samples were collected at baseline and 40% mean arterial pressure (MAP, shock), MAP recovery, and 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h after recovery. Serum levels of catecholamine and Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), Tie-2, Eselectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsSerum catecholamine levels were significantly higher in the shock than in the baseline state. Ang-1 and Ang-2 are endothelial growth factors secreted with distinct roles. Ang-1 stabilizes the endothelium and inhibits vascular leakage, and Ang-2 has the opposite effect. The ratio of Ang-2/Ang-1 was significantly higher in the shock state than in the baseline state; however, the Ang-1/Tie-2 ratio was comparable between the two states. This suggests that changes in vascular permeability may mainly depend on the upregulation of Ang-2 function. Serum levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, sTM, and SDC-1 were significantly higher in the shock state than in the baseline state. After the MAP was restored to the baseline state, the levels of E-selectin, and SDC-1 remained higher compared with the baseline state until 1 h after MAP recovery. Conclusions: serum levels of catecholamines and vascular endothelial markers increased transiently under HS, promoting a compensatory response of the circulatory system to acute bleeding. This may be one of the potential theoretical basis for restrictive fluid resuscitation.

Pterostilbene-Loaded Polydopamine Nanoparticles Down-Regulate Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Improve Myocardial Function in Mice with Acute Myocardial Infarction

TNF-α expression is related to myocardial function damage and recovery in patients with acute myocardial infarction, but its mechanism is not clear. 50 SD mice, 10 in each group, were in this study divided into TNF-α group, Notch1/eIF3a agonist group, model group, positive control group, and control group. The cardiac function score, myocardial infarction volume, myocardial cell apoptosis index, TNF-α expression, and Notch1/eIF3a pathway factor expression were observed. The size of polydopamine nanoparticles carrying pterostilbene was about 15.5 nm, and cardiac function score, myocardial infarction volume, myocardial cell apoptosis index, and myocardial cell apoptosis number in the model group and Notch1/eIF3a agonist group were higher than model group and Notch1/eIF3a agonist group (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, the Notch1/eIF3a agonist group, TNF-α group, and positive control group showed no differences (P > 0.05). The model group and Notch1/eIF3a agonist group had highest inflammatory response and lowest oxidative stress, which were significantly different from other groups (P < 0.05). The expression of TNF-α in Notch1/eIF3a agonist group, model group, and positive control group all decreased, which was significantly different from other groups (P < 0.05). The expressions of p-IL-6 and p-eIF3a in model group, Notch1/eIF3a agonist group and positive control group were all highest (P < 0.05). Carrying Pterostilbene-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (PPNs) therefore inhibits apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, Notch1/eIF3a signaling pathway and inflammatory response and oxidative stress of myocardial system, and protects cardiomyocytes of model mice.

Safety and efficacy of inebilizumab for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: end-of-study results from the open-label period of the N-MOmentum trial

Inebilizumab, an anti-CD19 B-cell-depleting antibody, demonstrated safety and efficacy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in the randomised controlled period of the N-MOmentum trial. Here, end-of-study data, including the randomised controlled period and open-label extension period, are reported. In the double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 N-MOmentum trial, adults aged 18 years and older with an neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder diagnosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 8·0 or less, and history of either at least one acute inflammatory attack requiring rescue therapy in the past year or two attacks requiring rescue therapy in the past 2 years, were recruited from 81 outpatient specialty clinics or hospitals in 24 countries. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (3:1), using a central interactive voice system or interactive web response system, and a permuted block randomisation scheme (block size of 4), to receive intravenous inebilizumab (300 mg) or identical placebo on days 1 and 15 of the randomised period, which lasted up to 197 days. Participants and all study staff were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint of the randomised period of the trial was time to onset of adjudicated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder attack on or before day 197. Participants in the randomised controlled period who had an adjudicated attack, completed 197 days in the study, or were in the randomised controlled period when enrolment stopped, could voluntarily enter the open-label period. In the open-label period, participants either initiated inebilizumab if assigned placebo (receiving 300 mg on days 1 and 15 of the open-label period) or continued treatment if assigned inebilizumab (receiving 300 mg on day 1 and placebo on day 15, to maintain B-cell depletion and masking of the randomised controlled period). All participants subsequently received inebilizumab 300 mg every 6 months for a minimum of 2 years. The end-of-study analysis endpoints were time to adjudicated attack and annualised attack rate (assessed in all participants who received inebilizumab at any point during the randomised controlled period or open-label period [any inebilizumab population] and the aquaporin-4 [AQP4]-IgG seropositive subgroup [any inebilizumab-AQP4-IgG seropositive population]) and safety outcomes (in all participants who were exposed to inebilizumab, analysed as-treated). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02200770, and is now complete. Between Jan 6, 2015, and Sept 24, 2018, 467 individuals were screened, 231 were randomly assigned, and 230 received at least one dose of inebilizumab (n=174) or placebo (n=56). Between May 19, 2015, and Nov 8, 2018, 165 (95%) of 174 participants in the inebilizumab group and 51 (91%) of 56 in the placebo group entered the open-label period (mean age 42·9 years [SD 12·4], 197 [91%] of 216 were female, 19 [9%] were male, 115 [53%] were White, 45 [21%] were Asian, 19 [9%] were American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 19 [9%] were Black or African American). As of data cutoff for this end of study analysis (Dec 18, 2020; median exposure 1178 days [IQR 856-1538], total exposure of 730 person-years) 225 participants formed the any inebilizumab population, and 208 (92%) participants were AQP4-IgG seropositive. Overall, 63 adjudicated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder attacks occurred in 47 (21%) of 225 treated participants (60 attacks occurred in 44 [21%] of 208 in the AQP4-IgG seropositive subgroup); 40 (63%) of 63 attacks occurred in 34 (15%) of 225 treated participants during the first year of treatment. Of individuals who had an adjudicated attack while receiving inebilizumab, 36 (77%) of 47 were subsequently attack-free at the end of 4 years. Annualised attack rates decreased year-on-year, with end-of-study adjusted annualised attack rates being similar in the any inebilizumab-AQP4-IgG seropositive subgroup (0·097 [95% CI 0·070-0·14]) and any inebilizumab populations (0·092 [0·067-0·13]). Overall, 208 (92%) of 225 participants who received any inebilizumab had at least one treatment-emergent adverse event, the most frequent of which were urinary tract infection (59 [26%]), nasopharyngitis (47 [21%]), and arthralgia (39 [17%]). Infection rates did not increase over 4 years. Three (1%) of 225 participants in the any inebilizumab population died during the open-label period (one each due to a CNS event of unknown cause and pneumonia, respiratory insufficiency resulting from an neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder attack and viral pneumonia related to COVID-19), all of which were deemed to be unrelated to treatment. Data from the end-of-study analysis of the N-MOmentum trial showed continued and sustained clinical benefits of long-term inebilizumab treatment in individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, which supports the role of inebilizumab as a CD19+ B-cell-depleting therapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. MedImmune and Viela Bio/Horizon Therapeutics, now part of Amgen.

Temporal dynamics of autonomic nervous system responses under cognitive-emotional workload in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is commonly observed in various mental disorders, particularly when individuals engage in prolonged cognitive-emotional tasks that require ANS adjustment to workload. Although the understanding of the temporal dynamics of sympathetic and parasympathetic tones in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is limited, analyzing ANS reactions to cognitive-emotional workload could provide valuable insights into one of the underlying causes of OCD. This study investigated the temporal dynamics of heart rate (HR) and pupil area (PA) while participants with OCD and healthy volunteers solved antisaccade tasks, with affective pictures serving as central fixation stimuli. The data of 31 individuals with OCD and 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study, comprising three separate blocks, each lasting approximately 8 min. The results revealed an increase in sympathetic tone in the OCD group, with the most noticeable rise occurring during the middle part of each block, particularly during the presentation of negative stimuli. Healthy volunteers demonstrated adaptive temporal dynamics of HR and PA from the first block to the last block of tasks, whereas individuals with OCD exhibited fewer changes over time, suggesting a reduced adaptation of the ANS sympathetic tone to cognitive-emotional workload in OCD.

Do domain-specific protein language models outperform general models on immunology-related tasks?

Deciphering the antigen recognition capabilities by T-cell and B-cell receptors (antibodies) is essential for advancing our understanding of adaptive immune system responses. In recent years, the development of protein language models (PLMs) has facilitated the development of bioinformatic pipelines where complex amino acid sequences are transformed into vectorized embeddings, which are then applied to a range of downstream analytical tasks. With their success, we have witnessed the emergence of domain-specific PLMs tailored to specific proteins, such as immune receptors. Domain-specific models are often assumed to possess enhanced representation capabilities for targeted applications, however, this assumption has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this manuscript, we assess the efficacy of both generalist and domain-specific transformer-based embeddings in characterizing B and T-cell receptors. Specifically, we assess the accuracy of models that leverage these embeddings to predict antigen specificity and elucidate the evolutionary changes that B cells undergo during an immune response. We demonstrate that the prevailing notion of domain-specific models outperforming general models requires a more nuanced examination. We also observe remarkable differences between generalist and domain-specific PLMs, not only in terms of performance but also in the manner they encode information. Finally, we observe that the choice of the size and the embedding layer in PLMs are essential model hyperparameters in different tasks. Overall, our analyzes reveal the promising potential of PLMs in modeling protein function while providing insights into their information-handling capabilities. We also discuss the crucial factors that should be taken into account when selecting a PLM tailored to a particular task.

A Survey on Emergency Vehicle Route Optimization and Traffic Management Application

Abstract: Ambulance delays in India result in approximately 10,000 lives lost annually, highlighting the critical need for efficient emergency response systems. To address this issue, we present the "Emergency Vehicle Priority with Route Optimization and Traffic Management Application." Leveraging advanced technology, including an Android application, Firebase, and IoT integration with traffic signals, our system dynamically calculates and optimizes ambulance routes using Google API, minimizing delays and improving overall efficiency. The application facilitates seamless coordination between ambulance drivers and traffic police officers, triggering real-time route updates and traffic signal adjustments to expedite ambulance passage. By streamlining traffic flow and enhancing emergency response coordination, our solution aims to significantly reduce ambulance delays and save lives in urban areas.

Impact of technological innovations on healthcare delivery: A literature review of efficiency, patient care, and operational challenges

The rapid integration of technology in healthcare systems globally has ushered in transformative changes in patient care, operational efficiency, and data management. This literature review assesses the impact of emerging technologies such as blockchain, information technology, electronic medical records (EMRs), and artificial intelligence (AI) within healthcare settings. Drawing from a wide range of peer-reviewed articles and empirical studies, this paper synthesizes current research findings to understand the multifaceted effects of these technologies on healthcare delivery. The review highlights how these innovations enhance healthcare quality, streamline operations, and tackle prevalent challenges, particularly focusing on their implementation in Saudi Arabian healthcare contexts. Key findings indicate that while technological advancements offer significant improvements in patient care and system management, they also introduce challenges related to privacy, security, and the need for significant infrastructure investments. The review underscores the necessity for ongoing research to navigate technology adoption’s complexities and optimize healthcare practices effectively. This paper contributes to academic and practical discussions on leveraging technology to foster more efficient and responsive healthcare systems worldwide.\

Fire emergency response system at PT X based on International Safety Rating System (ISRS)

Fire is the unwanted occurrence of fire. Preparedness in the face of catastrophic fire events is part of the Occupational Safety and Health (K3) standards that must be implemented in the company. PT X is a company engaged in concrete manufacturing. In the production process, many potential hazards, such as fires, can cause losses. This research aims to study the fire emergency response system at PT X. The method used is descriptive research, with data collection done cross-sectionally. The analysis was carried out descriptively by clearly and thoroughly describing the condition of the object of study and comparing it with the applicable regulatory standards. The results showed that PT X had implemented a fire emergency response system and efforts to prevent and overcome fire hazards. PT X's efforts include forming a firefighting team providing fire hazard management facilities such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, evacuation stretchers, and other infrastructure facilities. PT X has conducted fire emergency response and first-aider training for employees and workers. This research concludes that PT X has implemented an emergency response system well and refers to the International Safety Rating System.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: Registry-Based Study From 2017 to 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a significant toll on individual health and the efficacy of health care systems. However, the influence of COVID-19 on the frequency and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) within the Chinese population, both before and throughout the entire pandemic period, remains to be clarified. This study aimed to fill the gaps by investigating the prevalence and outcomes of OHCA in Hong Kong (HK) both before and during the whole pandemic period. This is a retrospective regional registry study. The researchers matched OHCA data with COVID-19-confirmed case records between December 2017 and May 2023. The data included information on response times, location of OHCA, witness presence, initial rhythm, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of public-access defibrillation, resuscitation in the accident and emergency department, and survival to admission. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and statistical tests such as analysis of variance and χ2 were used to examine differences between variables. The incidence of OHCA and survival rates were calculated, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations. The prevalence of OHCA and COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic was also described. A total of 43,882 cases of OHCA were reported in HK and included in our analysis. Around 13,946 cases were recorded during the prepandemic period (2017-2019), and the remaining 29,936 cases were reported during the pandemic period (2020-2023). During the pandemic period, the proportion of female patients increased to 44.1% (13,215/29,936), and the average age increased slightly to 76.5 (SD 18.5) years. The majority of OHCAs (n=18,143, 61.1% cases) occurred at home. A witness was present in 45.9% (n=10,723) of the cases, and bystander CPR was initiated in 44.6% (n=13,318) of the cases. There was a significant increase in OHCA incidence, with a corresponding decrease in survival rates compared to the prepandemic period. The location of OHCA shifted, with a decrease in incidents in public places and a potential increase in incidents at home. We found that CPR (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.17-1.86) and public-access defibrillation (odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28) were significantly associated with a high survival to admission rate during the pandemic period. There was a correlation between the development of OHCA and the prevalence of COVID-19 in HK. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on OHCA in HK, resulting in increased incidence and decreased survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the indirect effects of the pandemic, such as increased stress levels and strain on health care systems, on OHCA outcomes. Strategies should be developed to improve OHCA prevention, emergency response systems, and health care services during public health emergencies to mitigate the impact on population health.

Analytical solution for forced vibration response of rectangular thin plates attached by straight and curved acoustic black hole beams based on symplectic and impedance method

In recent years, due to the excellent vibration reduction performance of the acoustic black hole (ABH), its application in engineering has become increasingly widespread. This paper proposes an analytical method which combines the symplectic method with the impedance method, for solving the forced response of the rectangular thin plates attached by the straight and curved ABH beams. The ABH beams and plate are connected by a short bar. Firstly, the impedance method is used to obtain the dynamic stiffness of the coupling end of the ABH beam. Secondly, the symplectic method is used to obtain analytical waves of the plates. By utilizing the relationship between force and displacement at plate-beam junction, the dynamic stiffness of the plate at the coupling point can be obtained. Finally, based on wave propagation analysis, the forced vibration response of the hybrid system are obtained. The numerical examples compared the calculation results of this method with the finite element method. The results show that the proposed method can effectively predict the forced response of the hybrid system considered in this paper. Then, the influence of the relative position between the coupling point and the excitation point on the vibration reduction effect was analyzed. This method is analytical, with accurate results and high computational efficiency.

Response prediction and probabilistic analysis of the vehicle-ballasted track system considering track irregularity based on long-short term memory neural network

It is necessary to efficiently and accurately predict the dynamic behavior of the train-track system subjected to massive random track geometric excitations for system evaluation and maintenance. This paper proposed an engineering practical approach for the train-track system behavior prediction by integrating the deep learning surrogate model-based long-short term memory (LSTM) and physical model of the train-ballasted track interaction (TBTI) system, and then the generalized probability density evolution method (GPDEM) is introduced to achieve the probabilistic assessment of the TBTI system under limited track irregularities, where the track irregularity probability model (TIPM) coupled with generalized-F discrepancy points sets is employed to compress the track irregularity sets to reduce the number of system responses (as training target) but without loss of the responses completeness, therefore, it can promote the efficiency and accuracy of training model. The prediction performance of the surrogate model is illustrated by comparing the time-frequency domain information, mean and standard deviation of the responses obtained by the physical model and surrogate model. The results indicated the proposed method can accurately predict the system response, especially the low and medium frequency response below 50 Hz, and improve the efficiency of stochastic analysis for the TBTI system by approximately 20 times. Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed method is further examined by investigating the influence of probability levels of track irregularity and train speeds on train performance. Its extended model is also implemented to predict the response of systems induced by any measured track irregularity in real-time, which promotes the generalization capability of the proposed surrogate model.

Response of photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidant system in the leaves of safflower to NaCl and NaHCO3.

Compared with NaCl, NaHCO3 caused more serious oxidative damage and photosynthesis inhibition in safflower by down-regulating the expression of related genes. Salt-alkali stress is one of the important factors that limit plant growth. NaCl and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are neutral and alkaline salts, respectively. This study investigated the physiological characteristics and molecular responses of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) leaves treated with 200mmolL-1 of NaCl or NaHCO3. The plants treated with NaCl treatment were less effective at inhibiting the growth of safflower, but increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves. Meanwhile, safflower alleviated stress damage by increasing proline (Pro), soluble protein (SP), and soluble sugar (SS). Both fresh weight and dry weight of safflower was severely decreased when it was subjected to NaHCO3 stress, and there was a significant increase in the permeability of cell membranes and the contents of osmotic regulatory substances. An enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes identified significant enrichment of photosynthesis and pathways related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that the darkgreen module had the highest correlation with photosynthesis and oxidative stress traits. Large numbers of transcription factors, primarily from the MYB, GRAS, WRKY, and C2H2 families, were predicted from the genes within the darkgreen module. An analysis of physiological indicators and DEGs, it was found that under saline-alkali stress, genes related to chlorophyll synthesis enzymes were downregulated, while those related to degradation were upregulated, resulting in inhibited chlorophyll biosynthesis and decreased chlorophyll content. Additionally, NaCl and NaHCO3 stress downregulated the expression of genes related to the Calvin cycle, photosynthetic antenna proteins, and the activity of photosynthetic reaction centers to varying degrees, hindering the photosynthetic electron transfer process, suppressing photosynthesis, with NaHCO3 stress causing more pronounced adverse effects. In terms of oxidative stress, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) did not change significantly under the NaCl treatment, but the contents of hydrogen peroxide and the rate of production of superoxide anions increased significantly under NaHCO3 stress. In addition, treatment with NaCl upregulated the levels of expression of the key genes for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, and the thioredoxin-peroxiredoxin pathway, and increased the activity of these enzymes, thus, reducing oxidative damage. Similarly, NaHCO3 stress increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and POD and the content of ascorbic acid and initiated the glutathione-S-transferase pathway to remove excess ROS but suppressed the regeneration of glutathione and the activity of peroxiredoxin. Overall, both neutral and alkaline salts inhibited the photosynthetic process of safflower, although alkaline salt caused a higher level of stress than neutral salt. Safflower alleviated the oxidative damage induced by stress by regulating its antioxidant system.

Seismic analysis of gravity dam-foundation systems using stochastic spectral finite element method

Seismic analysis of dam-foundation systems is inherently complex due to uncertainties in material properties. This study investigates the effects of material randomness and heterogeneity on the seismic response of gravity dam-foundation systems using the stochastic spectral finite element method (SSFEM) based on the Karhunen Loève expansion and the polynomial chaos expansion. The Pine Plane dam is taken as an analysis example. First, the appropriate Karhunen Loève expansion modes and polynomial chaos order are determined for SSFEM by comparing them with the Monte-Carlo simulations. Subsequently, the seismic response of the dam is analyzed in the stochastic and deterministic models, respectively. Results indicate that material randomness and heterogeneity may reduce the seismic response of gravity dams, and the deterministic model may overestimate dynamic responses. Subsequently, the parametric analysis of the correlation length, which measures the spatial correlation between variables in different positions and indicates the size of heterogeneity material patches, is conducted. It is demonstrated that the correlation length would not significantly affect the mean responses, but a larger correlation length leads to greater dispersions in responses. Finally, the effects of randomness in the foundation are investigated. The heterogeneities in the foundation affect the response of the dam in the high-frequency range. Therefore, the uncertainty in material properties should be fully considered in a structural assessment and risk analysis.

Evaluation of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 levels in patients with bipolar disorder: Is Galectin-3 associated with treatment response?

Galectins (Gal) were linked with inflammatory responses in the central nervous system, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of BD.In this study,we aimed to investigate whether serum Gal-1 and Gal-3 levels are related to BD. 36 patients diagnosed with BD were included.C-Reactive Protein(CRP),Gal-1,Gal-3 blood levels were evaluated on the first day of hospitalization and the third week of treatment and compared with 41 healthy controls.The severity of the illness was evaluated with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). CRP levels of BD patients at hospitalization were significantly higher than the third week of treatment and healthy controls.Gal-1 levels on the first day of hospitalization and the third week of treatment were found higher than the healthy controls.There was no significant difference in Gal-3 levels of the patients on the day of hospitalization compared to healthy controls;at the end of the 3rd week of treatment,Gal-3 was statistically significantly higher than the first day of hospitalization. Our study is valuable in that it is the first study to show the change in Gal levels after treatment and to evaluate the role of Gal in BD.Gal-1 may play roles in the pathophysiology of BD.Gal-3 may be a biomarker candidate for the evaluation of the treatment response.

Optimal parameter estimation for uncertain structural systems under unknown random excitations

An optimal parameter estimation method for uncertain structural systems under unknown random excitations is proposed, which combines the Bayesian inference and stochastic dynamics using geometrically averaged likelihood and optimal response estimation. The general description of optimal parameter estimation problems for uncertain dynamic systems under only stochastic responses measured is presented. The posterior probability density conditional on measured responses is expressed by the likelihood function conditional on system parameters based on Bayes’ theorem. For finite time processes, the parameter estimation problem as the probability integral of conditional means is converted into the optimization problem expressed as maximizing the posterior probability density. A geometrically averaged likelihood function is defined and used for calculating the logarithmic posterior probability density. This estimation can avoid the numerical singularity of the likelihood function and reduce the effects of incomplete posterior probability density and inaccurate prior statistics of unknown random excitations, and then it will be more reasonable and effective. Furthermore, the differential equations for system response means and covariances are derived and solved based on stochastic dynamics theory. The means and covariances conditional on responses at the present instant are expressed by the previous statistics based on optimal response estimation. By combining two results, the analytical expressions of the averaged likelihood function and logarithmic posterior probability density are obtained which will be more reliable and accurate. The proposed optimal estimation method is verified by numerical results for a five-storey frame structure under base random excitation. The estimated results are not affected by the prior statistics errors of random excitation as a factor. For noisy observation, the Kalman filtering is incorporated in the estimation method and hence the estimation is more accurate and robust even for low signal noise ratios. The optimal estimation method has the potential for application to general uncertain systems.

Digital Twin-Enabled Response Function Analysis: A Synthetic Approach to Ship's Propulsion System Assessment

Analyzing the behavior of vessels in actual sea conditions is crucial for conceptual system design, safety and energy efficiency considerations. However, the essential seakeeping problem is reduced to the analysis of wave-hull interactions often neglecting consideration of the propulsion. But in the meantime, the synthetic consideration of wave–propulsion interactions is a key for safety and energy efficiency. Furthermore, safety evaluation of a ship's design with reduced propulsion power in adverse seas is vital for risk management. Response functions are commonly used to estimate propulsion system responses in incoming seaways. This paper proposes a synthetic approach using digital twin technology for rapid response function estimation. It introduces a companion linearized state-space model linked with the digital twin, enabling immediate retrieval of coefficients for response function analysis at the desired operating point. This integrated methodology provides a comprehensive representation of ship propulsion behavior in wave environments, offering a comprehensive framework for system performance assessment.

The role of application “My Account” project as one of the digital transformation mechanisms in achieving financial inclusion in the Kurdistan Regional Government – Iraq

The current research aims to identify the role of application “My Account” project as one of the digital transformation mechanisms in achieving financial inclusion in the Kurdistan Regional Government, and shedding light on the mechanisms for application “My Account” project as one of the digital transformation mechanisms and improving it in a way that achieves financial inclusion. As well as researching the importance and necessity of achieving financial inclusion with the aim of getting rid of the problem of the financial crisis in the region, especially the problem of the salaries of regional government employees. The research relied on the field method for collecting data through statistical analysis and using SPSS23 programs for data on 47 questionnaire forms obtained from the research sample, which is represented in four categories: bank managers, administrative managers, accountants, and IT employees in government and private banks in Dohuk Governorate, in order to test the research hypotheses. The research reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which are: The results that there is a strong impact of application “My Account” project as one of the digital transformation mechanisms in achieving financial inclusion. Accordingly, it can be said that the correct application of “My Account” project will have a positive impact on achieving financial inclusion and thus will be an effective factor in stabilizing the financial situation and resolve the financial crisis. The results also demonstrated that the government financial system in the region is traditional, especially in terms of the financial services provided by the system to employees, and this needs to be developed and transformed into a digital system in response to the global digital environment that achieves financial inclusion. The research presented a number of recommendations, the most important of which is the necessity of application “My Account” project in the correct manner and in proportion to the requirements and needs of the employees and citizens of the regional government and as quickly as possible, with the aim of achieving financial inclusion in general and ending the salary problem in particular. Work should also be done to restore confidence among citizens in the region to persuade them to deal with banks, especially in terms of electronic banking services and transactions, in order to achieve financial inclusion successfully

Effects of gravel-sand and plastic film mulching on soil water and temperature retention in cold and arid regions without irrigation

Gravel-sand mulch (GSM) and plastic film mulch (PFM) are important ways of farming in cold and arid regions without irrigation. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of studies of the system response to live weather conditions. To quantify the effects of GSM and PFM on soil moisture and temperature retention, in-situ monitoring experiments were carried out in the arid belt of central Ningxia, China, using continuous monitoring of the field soil water and meteorological conditions at a 30-mimute time-step under three treatments: a bare soil (CK), soil covered by a layer of GSM, and soil covered by GSM and a layer of plastic film (i.e., GSM + PFM). Results show that: (1) With a limited precipitation of 221 mm during the growing season, the average volumetric soil water content (SWC) in the top 30-cm soil layer was lowest for CK, medium high for GSM, and highest for GSM + PFM. Compared to CK, the soil water storage increased by 54 % under GSM and 75.2 % under GSM + PFM; (2) The most frequently occurring low-intensity rainfalls are more efficiently stored in soil under GSM + PFM; (3) Similarly, the soil temperature was significantly increased under GSM and GSM + PFM conditions. Compared to CK, the average soil temperature in the top 5-cm layer increased by 2.5 °C under GSM and 4.8 °C under GSM + PFM during the germination period, which had effectively extended the growing season for about 30 and 50 days, respectively; (4) Although dewfall is only 4 % of rainfall, the total number of dew day was more than twice that of rain day. Thus, dewfall is a more frequent and dependable source of water for native plants and animals. Our results demonstrate that the benefits of GSM and PFM can be applied globally where either insufficient rainfall or low temperatures are limiting factors.

Invariant γδTCR natural killer-like effector T cells in the naked mole-rat

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a long-lived rodent species showing resistance to the development of cancer. Although naked mole-rats have been reported to lack natural killer (NK) cells, γδ T cell-based immunity has been suggested in this species, which could represent an important arm of the immune system for antitumor responses. Here, we investigate the biology of these unconventional T cells in peripheral tissues (blood, spleen) and thymus of the naked mole-rat at different ages by TCR repertoire profiling and single-cell gene expression analysis. Using our own TCR annotation in the naked mole-rat genome, we report that the γδ TCR repertoire is dominated by a public invariant Vγ4-2/Vδ1-4 TCR, containing the complementary-determining-region-3 (CDR3)γ CTYWDSNYAKKLF / CDR3δ CALWELRTGGITAQLVF that are likely generated by short-homology-repeat-driven DNA rearrangements. This invariant TCR is specifically found in γδ T cells expressing genes associated with NK cytotoxicity and is generated in both the thoracic and cervical thymus of the naked mole-rat until adult life. Our results indicate that invariant Vγ4-2/Vδ1-4 NK-like effector T cells in the naked mole-rat can contribute to tumor immunosurveillance by γδ TCR-mediated recognition of a common molecular signal.