Value Of Function Research Articles

Unveiling the thermoelectric, optical and mechanical performances of Hafnium and Zirconium based Beryllium oxide perovskite

The investigated research study includes ab-initio calculations for Beryllium based oxide perovskite namely XBeO3 (X= Zr and Hf). The study aims to comprehend their mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric properties. The density functional theory is used in conjunction with the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method via WIEN2K code to conduct these studies. ZrBeO3 and HfBeO3 both met the mechanical requirements for stability while having an anisotropic character. Mechanical characteristics demonstrate the brittleness of ZrBeO3 and the ductility of HfBeO3. The determined band profile of both materials shows semiconducting behavior with indirect bandgap. Optical properties are performed within photon energy range of 0–12 eV. ZrBeO3 and HfBeO3 are anticipated to have real dielectric function values of 5.45 and 3.75, respectively. The upward trend of absorption coefficient towards higher energies signifies attenuation in light transmittance through the materials making them strong candidate as UV-absorber. The thermoelectric parameters are finally assessed using the BoltzTrap code and their variances with temperature and chemical potential are also presented. ZrBeO3 and HfBeO3 exhibit intriguing thermoelectric characteristics, with TE efficiency values of 0.24 and 0.4, respectively. Additionally, thermoelectric study shows that ZrBeO3 and HfBeO3 are stable at room temperature and have potential applications in thermoelectric devices.

Effects of perceived value dimensions on customer brand loyalty towards luxury cars

PurposeThe research aims to examine the influence of perceived value (PV) dimensions on brand loyalty of luxury car owners and to examine the mediating role of attitudinal loyalty (AL) between PV dimensions and behavioral loyalty (BL).Design/methodology/approachPrimary data for the study were gathered from the luxury car owners in Kerala, India. The construct measurements have been adopted from previous research studies. Structural equation modeling with the partial least square (PLS) technique was used to analyze the measurements and conceptual model.FindingsThe findings show that out of four PV dimensions among luxury car owners, the hedonic value (HV) significantly influences their AL. Economic value influences BL, and social values have an impact on AL as well as BL, but the relationship of functional value with any is not supported by the results. AL is a strong predictor of BL, and it actively mediates the relationship of HV and symbolic value with BL.Practical implicationsThe manufactures of luxury cars provide more importance to hedonic and symbolic elements while launching new models and consider the price perceptions of the targeted customers while making decisions related to brand attachment and brand loyalty.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the decision-making of the rapidly growing vehicle market by examining the perceptions and by providing the effects of perceived values among luxury car owners. Also, it extends the literature by developing a framework for PV dimensions on AL and BL and also incorporated the mediating role of AL.

Lagrangian relaxation for continuous‐time optimal control of coupled hydrothermal power systems including storage capacity and a cascade of hydropower systems with time delays

AbstractThis work considers a short‐term, continuous time setting characterized by a coupled power supply system controlled exclusively by a single provider and comprising a cascade of hydropower systems (dams), fossil fuel power stations, and a storage capacity modeled by a single large battery. Cascaded hydropower generators introduce time‐delay effects in the state dynamics, which are modeled with differential equations, making it impossible to use classical dynamic programming. We address this issue by introducing a novel Lagrangian relaxation technique over continuous‐time constraints, constructing a nearly optimal policy efficiently. This approach yields a convex, nonsmooth optimization dual problem to recover the optimal Lagrangian multipliers, which is numerically solved using a limited memory bundle method. At each step of the dual optimization, we need to solve an optimization subproblem. Given the current values of the Lagrangian multipliers, the time delays are no longer active, and we can solve a corresponding nonlinear Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) Partial Differential Equation (PDE) for the optimization subproblem. The HJB PDE solver provides both the current value of the dual function and its subgradient, and is trivially parallelizable over the state space for each time step. To handle the infinite‐dimensional nature of the Lagrange multipliers, we design an adaptive refinement strategy to control the duality gap. Furthermore, we use a penalization technique for the constructed admissible primal solution to smooth the controls while achieving a sufficiently small duality gap. Numerical results based on the Uruguayan power system demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed mathematical models and numerical approach.

Topological design of microstructured materials using energy-based homogenization theory and proportional topology optimization with the level-set method

In this study, we propose a novel approach to designing microstructures of porous material with extreme mechanical properties to maximize the bulk or shear modulus. The approach integrates energy-based homogenization theory and proportional topology optimization with the level-set method (HPTO-LSM). A level-set function (LSF) evolution strategy based on the nodal element mutual energies (EME) proportion is proposed and drives the LSF’s evolution. An EME proportion filtering technique is proposed and reduces the redundant branch structure. And a linear scaling strategy is applied to the HPTO-LSM to enhance the topological change ability. The effectiveness of the HPTO-LSM for designing microstructures of cellular materials to maximize the bulk or shear modulus is demonstrated using several 2D and 3D cases. The effects (changes in objective function values or topologies) of the EME proportion filtering scheme and scaling strategy on the HPTO-LSM are discussed. In addition, we compared the HPTO-LSM method with the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) and bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) methods through numerical examples. As shown by the results, effective objective function values and 2D and 3D microstructural topologies with clear interfaces and smooth boundaries can be acquired using the new approach. Applying the EME proportion filtering scheme and scaling strategy in the HPTO-LSM not only enhanced the topological variation of microstructures but also facilitated the acquisition of microstructures conducive to engineering applications. Compared to the SIMP and BESO methods, the HPTO-LSM method has significant advantages in obtaining better objective function values and better microstructural topologies.

Reduced complexity model predictive direct power control for unbalanced grid

The model predictive control (MPC) group is frequently used as a controller in PWM rectifiers because of its accuracy. Yet, the requirement of a processor with high computational efficiency for its real-time implementation has been a significant drawback. Although a few low-complexity MPCs have been reported in the past, none of such methods are validated in an unbalanced grid. Hence, this work aims to propose a reduced-complexity MPC algorithm that can also handle an unbalanced grid. The conventional MPC evaluates the cost function for all the switching vectors and then chooses the switching vector that produces the minimum cost. In contrast, by equating its first-order derivative of the cost function to 0, the proposed analytical approach directly evaluates switching vectors, resulting in a minimum value of the cost function. Thus, the controller estimates only the closest possible solutions of the cost function minimization process and abandons the rest. Furthermore, the proposed method also endorses the use of additional non-linear constraints in the cost function, which eradicates one of the major drawbacks of the previous low-complexity techniques. To ascertain the practicability of the proposed method, it is examined in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and the real-time system. The obtained results look promising as the proposed controller is able to imitate the performance of conventional MPC with less computational burden.

Developing a Framework for Assessing Transformative Competencies of Junior High School Students Through Construct Modelling Approach

This research is designed to develop a comprehensive assessment framework to study junior high school students’ transformative competencies in three dimensions: creating new value, reconciling tensions and dilemmas, and taking responsibility. Researchers developed and verified the quality of the assessment framework among the 120 junior high school students purposively selected from four schools in the northeastern and central regions of Thailand as the test-takers. The project is segmented into four phases: creation of the construct map, item design, outcome space, and Wright map. The framework’s efficacy is analyzed using the Rasch model and the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method. Validity is rigorously evaluated through empirical evidence derived from the Wright map and cognitive interviews. Reliability is assessed via the standard error of measurement, test information function, expected-a-posteriori reliability, and Infit Mean Square value. Key findings included the development of a five-level construct map and the formulation of scaled open-ended questions based on the test takers’ responses. A cut-off point is determined by dividing the threshold level by the number of tests at corresponding levels, adhering to Wright map criteria for each dimension. Subsequent item analysis and modeling confirmed the internal structure’s validity and reliability. This framework equips them with skills to navigate and effectively address complex real-world challenges, enhancing targeted educational strategies, promoting superior learning outcomes, and preparing students for advanced academic and professional environments.

A clean, simple, and efficient method for preparing vibration-reducing low-carbon bamboo building materials with high strength

Large-format bamboo panels prepared by bamboo flattening are adhesive-free and retain the natural structure of bamboo, making them ideal materials for interior architecture. However, due to poor dimensional stability and vibration-reducing properties, flattened bamboo easily deforms and vibrates when applied to building walls and floors due to ambient humidity changes or external excitation, impacting both comfort and structural safety. In this work, a clean, efficient, and simple densification process for flattened bamboo is developed to prepare low-carbon bamboo building materials with enhanced vibration reduction. The results indicated that the densification process reduced the vibration intensity of the flattened bamboo under excitation, changed its vibrational modes, avoided low-frequency resonance, and improved its vibration reduction and suppression properties. The dynamic stiffness of the densified bamboo increased to 3.23–3.63 times, while the root mean square (RMS) and transfer function value decreased by 20.84 % and 62.5 %, respectively. The MOE (16.2 GPa) and MOR (276 MPa) increased to 2.73 times and 2.22 times, respectively. The densified bamboo met the dimensional stability requirements of the GB/T 18102–2020 building material standards. Compared with damping, the increased stiffness played the primary role in improving the vibration-reducing properties of densified bamboo. The hydrothermal mechanical treatment changed the structure and composition. From a macroscopic perspective, the gradient structure of the vascular bundles and parenchyma cells was gradually plasticized and homogenized, compacting large capillary pores and channels such as those in parenchyma cells, vessels, and sieve tubes. On a microscopic level, defects such as pits, intercellular spaces, and micropores were filled, and microfibrils between the middle lamellae were tightly stacked, forming a mechanically-interlocked structure. At the molecular scale, there was an increase in the crystallinity and orientation of cellulose molecular chains, accompanied by an increase in hydrogen bond density. The densified bamboo developed in this study shows good application potential for vibration-reduction structures such as buildings and rail transit.

Fast Detection Technology of Abnormal Out-of-Tolerance Meters Based on Fit Model Theory

During the use process of electricity meters, natural aging faults or human factors can cause abnormalities in the metering of electricity meters. Some existing detection algorithms for abnormal electricity meters cannot detect abnormal out-of-tolerance electricity meters quickly and timely due to their slow computing speed. To address this issue, a rapid detection technology for abnormal out-of-tolerance electricity meters based on FIT model theory is proposed. Firstly, collect the power data in the power metering device to detect and fill in the missing power metering data. Secondly, according to the demand for power metering error detection, an objective function for error detection is constructed. Finally, genetic algorithms are used to search for the optimal configuration parameters of the model, and filtering strategies are formulated based on residual and other data to reduce the search space. The residual data are smoothed and denoised in the search space, and the power metering error detection is completed by solving the extreme value of the objective function. Compared to previous fit search algorithms, this algorithm can reduce the average detection time of a single substation area to about 30 s and achieve a high hit rate of over 98% and a high-precision out-of-tolerance calculation range within an absolute difference of 0.005 for computable substation areas.

The Effect of Thymus serpyllum L. and Its Preparations on Reduction of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus in Kombucha Fresh Cheese

Fresh cheese is characterized by a limited shelf life, which represents a major challenge in its production. Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) has an antimicrobial capacity demonstrated in numerous studies. The utilisation of its by-product obtained in the production of filter tea could improve fresh cheese technology by obtaining a product with additional functional value and protecting the environment by reducing industrial waste. Our study sought to explore how incorporating wild thyme, in the form of dry extract, supercritical fluid extract, and herbal ground, affects the microbiological composition of fresh cheese made with kombucha inoculum as the starter culture over a 30-day storage period. To assess antimicrobial efficacy, we deliberately exposed the samples we produced to common foodborne pathogens, namely Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the total number of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus in each sample (produced with dry extract, supercritical fluid extract, and herbal ground) decreased significantly during the storage period. The decrease in L. monocytogenes count varied from 0.6 to 1.7 log CFU/g. The results suggest that a by-product from the production of wild thyme filter tea is suitable for the production of fresh cheese to improve its antimicrobial properties against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus.

Long-term effect of increasing water intake on repeated self-assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effect of increasing water intake in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) on longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the setting of a clinical trial. Self-completed HRQoL (using the KDQoL-SF, v.1.3 questionnaire) was assessed annually in participants of a 3-year randomized controlled clinical trial (n=187), allocated (1:1) either to increase water intake to reduce urine osmolality to ≤270 mosmol/kg (implemented by dietetic coaching, self-monitoring tools, text messaging) or continue usual water intake. Overall, 96% and 81.8% of participants (n=187) completed the questionnaire at the baseline and final study visits, respectively. At baseline, the physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) were similar in the two groups (P>0.05) and the five dimensions with the lowest scores in both groups were: energy and fatigue; general and overall health; sleep; emotional well-being; and pain. Within each group, there were no longitudinal changes over time. At the final visit, the PCS was higher in the increased water intake group (51.3±7.6, mean±standard deviation) compared to the usual water intake group 48.8±9.3; P=0.037) whereas the MCS was numerically similar. The improvement in the PCS was due to higher sub-scale values for physical functioning and pain (both P<0.05). By multivariate analysis, only baseline PCS and height-corrected total kidney volume were associated with the final PCS (P<0.05). HRQoL scores remained stable over a 3 year period, and were not adversely affected by the intervention to increase water intake. Future studies should evaluate the clinical significance of the higher PCS in the increased water intake group.

Numerical simulations for fractional differential equations of higher order and a wright-type transformation

In this work, a new relationship is established between the solutions of higher order fractional differential equations and a Wright-type transformation. Solutions could be interpreted as expected values of functions in a random time process. As applications, we solve the fractional beam equation, fractional electric circuits with special functions as external sources, derive d’Alembert’s formula and show the existence of explicit solutions for a general fractional wave equation with variable coefficients. Due to this relationship, we present two methods for simulating solutions of fractional differential equations. The two approaches use the interpretation of the Caputo derivative of a function as a Wright-type transformation of the higher derivative of the function. In the first approach, we use the Runge–Kutta method of hybrid orders 4 and 5 to solve ordinary differential equations combined with the Monte Carlo integration to conduct the Wright-type transformation. The second method uses a feedforward neural network to simulate the fractional differential equation.

Generation of subnatural-linewidth orbital angular momentum entangled biphotons using a single driving laser in hot atoms.

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) entangled photon pairs with narrow bandwidths play a crucial role in the interaction of light and quantum states of matter. In this article, we demonstrate an approach for generating OAM entangled photon pairs with a narrow bandwidth by using a single driving beam in a 85Rb atomic vapor cell. This single driving beam is able to simultaneously couple two atomic transitions and directly generate OAM entangled biphotons by leveraging the OAM conservation law through the spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) process. The photon pairs exhibit a maximum cross-correlation function value of 27.7 and a linewidth of 4 MHz. The OAM entanglement is confirmed through quantum state tomography, revealing a fidelity of 95.7% and a concurrence of 0.926 when compared to the maximally entangled state. Our scheme is notably simpler than previously proposed schemes and represents the first demonstration of generating subnatural-linewidth entangled photon pairs in hot atomic systems.

Correlation properties of complete code of binary spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals with polarization coding

Problem statement. Investigation of correlation properties of complete code of binary spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals as the limiting case of large systems is a topical task for building large systems of binary spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals with polarization coding with optimal correlation properties. Also, this task is of independent academic interest due to the fact that the alphabet of symbols for these signals lacks multicasting properties unlike the familiar cases of complete codes of spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals. Objective. To accurately define the distribution laws as well as the moments about zero and the mean for the n-th order of presented values of aperiodic and periodic correlation functions of the complete code of binary spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals with polarization coding. To offer approximations of accurate distribution laws suitable for engineering applications. Results. The accurate distribution laws for presented values of aperiodic and periodic correlation functions of the complete code of binary spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals with polarization coding were found in the form of the related distribution series. The analytic expressions for the n-th order of presented values of these functions for the complete code of the specified signals were assigned. The calculation example for the distribution series of presented values of aperiodic and periodic correlation functions for the complete code of the specified signals with the length of vector code sequences N=4 was given. The values of the relative frequencies of the correlation functions values for this case were found by the means of direct computing and their exact match with the corresponding predicted probability values was demonstrated. The approximations of the accurate distribution laws were given: for periodic correlation functions case – by Gaussian probability density, and for the aperiodic functions case – by the Pearson curve of VII type. Practical relevance. The found accurate laws for presented values of aperiodic and periodic correlation functions of the complete code of binary spread spectrum phase-shift keyed signals with polarization coding and their approximations allow to assess the correlation properties of large systems of such signals.

Echocardiographic surrogate of left ventricular stroke work in a model of brain stem death donors.

The commonest echocardiographic measurement, left ventricular ejection fraction, can not necessarily predict mortality of recipients following heart transplantation potentially due to afterload dependency. Afterload-independent left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) is alternatively recommended by the current guideline; however, pulmonary artery catheters are rarely inserted in organ donors in most jurisdictions. We propose a novel non-invasive echocardiographic parameter, Pressure-Strain Product (PSP), as a potential surrogate of catheter-based LVSWI. This study aimed to investigate if PSP could correlate with catheter-based LVSWI in an ovine model of brain stem death (BSD) donors. The association between PSP and myocardial mitochondrial function in the post-transplant hearts was also evaluated. Thirty-one female sheep (weight 47 ± 5 kg) were divided into two groups; BSD (n = 15), and sham neurologic injury (n = 16). Echocardiographic parameters including global circumferential strain (GCS) and global radial strain (GRS) and pulmonary artery catheter-based LVSWI were simultaneously measured at 8-timepoints during 24-h observation. PSP was calculated as a product of GCS or GRS, and mean arterial pressure for PSPcirc or PSPrad, respectively. Myocardial mitochondrial function was evaluated following 6-h observation after heart transplantation. In BSD donor hearts, PSPcirc (n = 96, rho = .547, p < .001) showed the best correlation with LVSWI among other echocardiographic parameters. PSPcirc returned AUC of .825 to distinguish higher values of cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function (cut-off point; mean value of complex 1,2 O2 Flux) in post-transplant hearts, which was greater than other echocardiographic parameters. PSPcirc could be used as a surrogate of catheter-based LVSWI reflecting mitochondrial function.

Impact of continuous-infusion meropenem degradation and infusion bag changes on bacterial killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on model-informed translation

BackgroundContinuous infusion of meropenem has been proposed to increase target attainment in critically ill patients, although stability might limit its practical use. This study investigated the impact of meropenem degradation and infusion bag changes on the concentration-time profiles and bacterial growth and killing of P. aeruginosa given different continuous-infusion solutions. MethodsA semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model quantifying meropenem concentrations (CMEM) and bacterial counts of a resistant P. aeruginosa strain (ARU552, MIC = 16 mg/L) over 24 h was used to translate in vitro antibiotic effects to patients with severe infections. Concentration-dependent drug degradation of saline infusion solutions was considered using an additional compartment in the population PK model. CMEM, fT>MIC (time that concentrations exceed the MIC) and total bacterial load (BTOT) after 24 h were simulated for different scenarios (n = 144), considering low- and high-dose regimens (3000/6000 mg/day±loading dose), clinically relevant infusion solutions (20/40/50 mg/mL), different intervals of infusion bag changes (every 8/24 h, q8/24 h), and varied renal function (creatinine clearance 40/80/120 mL/min) and MIC values (8/16 mg/L). ResultsHighest deviations between changing infusion bags q8h and q24h were observed for 50 mg/mL solutions and scenarios with CMEM_24h close to the MIC, with differences (Δ) in CMEM_24h up to 4.9 mg/L, ΔfT>MIC≤65.7%, and ΔBTOT_24h≤1.1 log10 CFU/mL, thus affecting conclusions on whether bacteriostasis was reached. ConclusionsIn summary, this study indicated that for continuous infusion of meropenem, eight-hourly infusion bag changes improved PK/PD target attainment and might be beneficial particularly for high meropenem concentrations of saline infusion solutions and for plasma concentrations in close proximity to the MIC.

Improved marine predators algorithm for engineering design optimization problems

The Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA) has unique advantages as an important branch of population-based algorithms. However, it emerges more disadvantages gradually, such as traps to local optima, insufficient diversity, and premature convergence, when dealing with complex problems in practical industrial engineering design applications. In response to these limitations, this paper proposes a novel Improved Marine Predator Algorithm (IMPA). By introducing an adaptive weight adjustment strategy and a dynamic social learning mechanism, this study significantly improves the encounter frequency and efficiency between predators and preys in marine ecosystems. The performance of the IMPA was evaluated through benchmark functions, CEC2021 suite problems, and engineering design problems, including welded beam design, tension/compression spring design, pressure vessel design, and three-bar design. The results indicate that the IMPA has achieved significant success in the optimization process over other methods, exhibiting excellent performance in both solving optimal parameter solutions and optimizing objective function values. The IMPA performs well in terms of accuracy and robustness, which also proves its efficiency in successfully solving complex industrial engineering design problems.

THE ROLE OF FUNCTIONALITY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE OF INTERNET SERVICES IN IMPROVING THE BUSINESS EFFICIENCY OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

With the continued growth of business-to-busines (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) Internet services, online providers offer an increasing range of services that support and improve their core products or services. In this article, we will explore Internet services in the pharmaceutical market in E-Pharma.The results of the field study confirm that the functionality and quality of the services provided by Internet services are important predictors of customer beliefs and behaviour, and have a significant impact on indicators of pharmaceutical company development as sales and advertising revenue. The constructed econometric model confirms that the monthly traffic of the Internet service is primarily sensitiveto the speed of order processing, i.e. a change in the speed of order processing will be reflected in the growth of traffic after a shorter period of time compared to other factors. The functional value is also confirmed, reflecting the usefulness of the Internet service in a practical aspect due to the influence of selected factors in the multiple regression model studied.The study allowed us to identify the most effective ways to develop Internet services in the E-Pharma market. These include: promotion of Internet services through social networks, which will ensure an increase in both the social and emotional value of the Internet values studied; implementation of other measures to increase public awareness of Internet services operating in the Russian pharmaceutical market; development of a loyalty programme for customers of a pharmacy organisation who purchase medicines through an Internet service, thereby contributing to an increase in their functional, social, and emotional value.

Use of Syzygium aromaticum L. Fermented Plant Extract to Enhance Antioxidant Potential: Fermentation Kinetics

The concept of our research is related to the use of stems from S. aromaticum L. in the fermentation process in order to obtain new cosmetic raw materials with high antioxidant potential that are safe for human fibroblasts (HDFs) and keratinocytes (HaCaTs). This evaluation involves treating cell lines with different concentrations of fermented extracts to establish a noncytotoxic dose range. The focus was on evaluating antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and lactic acid efficiency (LAe). For this purpose, the most favourable technological parameters of the fermentation process of stems were determined, including the type of microorganisms, initial sugar content, plant raw material content, and fermentation time. In the present study, lactic acid was obtained with maximum efficiency by stem fermentation in the presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and molasses as a source of six-carbon sugars. In addition, fermentation kinetics was investigated, the essence of which was to identify the technological parameters that allow the highest values of the main functions describing the process (AA, TPC LAe). Two kinetic models were used to determine the kinetics of process function changes during fermentation. The most favourable fermentation conditions for maximum antioxidant activity (26.88 mmol Tx/L ± 0.19), total polyphenol content (5.96 mmol GA/L ± 0.19), and lactic acid efficiency (88% ± 1) were: type of microorganism L. rhamnosus MI-0272, initial sugar content 3.20%, plant raw material content 6.40%, and a fermentation time of 9 days. The values of chelating activity (ChA), AA, and TPC in the fermented stems increased more than two-fold compared to the non-fermented extracts. Reducing activity (RA) and LAe increased to 46.22 mmol Fe3+/L ± 0.29 and 88% ± 1, respectively. Of the kinetic models adopted, follow-up reaction equations and first-order equations best described the time-dependent changes taking place. This study shows that the process function values of AA and LAe are dependent on the LAB strain and the content of the plant material, and the rate of change of TPC may largely depend on the forms of phenolic compounds formed during fermentation.

Load-aware continuous-time optimization for multi-agent systems: toward dynamic resource allocation and real-time adaptability

In the realm of next-generation mobile communication networks, characterized by dynamic and evolving workloads, the efficient resource allocation becomes paramount for achieving optimal performance. This paper addresses the intricate challenges of multiagent resource management through the integration of stochastic learning automata and continuous-time optimization techniques, presenting an innovative solution for real-time adaptability and dynamic load balancing. The central aim is to achieve optimal values for local time-varying cost functions while taking into account resource constraints and the feasibility of local allocation. In the context of multi-agent resource allocation systems, where conditions vary over time, the algorithm exhibits a dynamic adaptability, continuously adjusting to the evolving optimal solutions tailored for each agent. Utilizing stochastic learning automata, the algorithm effectively addresses the time-varying load-balancing function in response to dynamic user demands. Furthermore, we introduced an scalable solution for mobility robustness optimization based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL-MRO). This method dynamically identifies network-wide optimal parameter values across the entire network to accommodate diverse mobility patterns, ensuring the effectiveness of load balancing parameters that seamlessly adapt to the dynamic configuration of the network. The overarching goal is to maintain a consistent quality of service level for each agent, thereby enhancing the overall system performance. Simulation outcomes unequivocally affirm the superior performance of the proposed load balancing approach, rooted in continuous-time optimization and stochastic learning automata, surpassing existing schemes across diverse system configurations.

Development of normal reference intervals for renal function in pregnancy: a secondary analysis of clinical trial data

Background Due to its potential nephrotoxicity, screening for pre-existing renal function disorders has become a routine clinical assessment for initiating Tenofovir diphosphate fumarate (TDF)-containing antiretroviral treatment (ART) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in pregnant and non-pregnant adults. We aimed to establish reference values for commonly used markers of renal function in healthy pregnant women of African origin. Methods Pregnant women ≥18 years, not living with HIV, and at 14–28 weeks gestation were enrolled in a PrEP clinical trial in Durban, South Africa between September 2017 and December 2019. Women were monitored 4-weekly during pregnancy until six months postpartum. We measured maternal weight and serum creatinine (sCr) at each visit and calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) rates using the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulae. Reference ranges for sCr and CrCl by CG and MDRD calculations were derived from the mean ± 2SD of values for pregnancy and postdelivery. Results Between 14-–and 40 weeks gestation, 249 African women not exposed to TDF-PrEP contributed a total of 1193 renal function values. Postdelivery, 207 of these women contributed to 800 renal function values. The normal reference range for sCr was 30–57 and 32–60 umol/l in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Normal reference ranges for CrCl using the MDRD calculation were 129–282 and 119–267 ml/min/1.73m2 for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Using the CG method of calculation, normal reference ranges for CrCl were 120—304 and 123–309 ml/min/1.73m2 for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. In comparison, the normal reference range for sCr, CrCl by MDRD and CG calculations postpartum was 40–77 umol/l, 92–201, and 90–238 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. Conclusions In African women, the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) for sCr in pregnancy is approximately 20% lower than 6 months postnatally. Inversely, the Lower Limit of Normal (LLN) for CrCl using either MDRD or CG equation is approximately 35% higher than 6 months postnatally. We provide normal reference ranges for sCr and CrCl for both methods of calculation and appropriate for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy in African women.