Search Results (220,568)

The BAFF-APRIL system is crucial for the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by promoting B cell survival, differentiation and the maintenance of humoral autoimmunity. Here, we investigated the relationship of BCMA expression on B cell subsets with its ligands BAFF and APRIL, together with soluble BCMA, and with clinical and serologic variables in a cohort of 100 SLE patients (86 under conventional and 14 under belimumab therapy) and 30 healthy controls (HCs) using multicolor flow cytometry and ELISA. We found that BCMA expression in SLE patients was significantly increased on all B cell subsets compared to HCs, with all examined components of the BAFF-APRIL system being upregulated. BCMA expression was significantly increased on switched and unswitched memory B cells compared to naïve B cells, both in HCs and SLE. BCMA expression on B cells correlated with plasmablast frequencies, serum anti-dsDNA antibodies and complement consumption, while soluble BCMA correlated with plasmablast frequency, highlighting its potential as a clinical biomarker. Belimumab treatment significantly reduced BCMA expression on most B cell subsets and soluble TACI and contributed to the inhibition of almost the entire BAFF-APRIL system and restoration of B cell homeostasis. These results provide insights into the complex dysregulation of the BAFF-APRIL system in SLE and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting its components, particularly BCMA, in addition to its use as a biomarker for disease activity. Full article

Shell–tube heat exchangers are commonly used equipment in large-scale industrial systems of wastewater heat exchange to reclaim the thermal energy generated during industrial processes. However, the internal surfaces of the heat exchanger tubes often accumulate fouling, which subsequently reduces their heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential. We aim to detect circle holes on the end surface of the heat exchange tubes to further achieve automated positioning and cleaning tubes. Notably, these holes exhibit a regular distribution. To this end, we propose a circle-permutation-aware object detector for heat exchanger cleaning to sufficiently exploit prior information of the original inputs. Specifically, the interval prior to the extraction module extracts interval information among circle holes based on prior statistics, yielding prior interval context. The following interval prior fusion module slices original images into circle domain and background domain maps according to the prior interval context. For the circle domain map, prior-guided sparse attention using prior a circle–hole diameter as the step divides the circle domain map into patches and performs patch-wise self-attention. The background domain map is multiplied by a hyperparameter weak coefficient matrix. In this way, our method fully leverages prior information to selectively weigh the original inputs to achieve more effective hole detection. In addition, to adapt the hole shape, we adopt the circle representation instead of the rectangle one. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance and significantly boosts the YOLOv8 baseline by 5.24% mAP₅₀ and 5.25% mAP_50:95. Full article

Social networks have become integral to daily life, allowing users to connect and share information. The efficient analysis of social networks benefits fields such as epidemiology, information dissemination, marketing, and sentiment analysis. However, the direct publishing of social networks is vulnerable to privacy attacks such as typical 1-neighborhood attacks. This attack can infer the sensitive information of private users using users’ relationships and identities. To defend against these attacks, the k-anonymity scheme is a widely used method for protecting user privacy by ensuring that each user is indistinguishable from at least k−1 other users. However, this approach requires extensive modifications that compromise the utility of the anonymized graph. In addition, it applies uniform privacy protection, ignoring users’ different privacy preferences. To address the above challenges, this paper proposes an anonymity scheme called TCα-PIA (Tree Clustering and α-Partial Isomorphism Anonymization). Specifically, TCα-PIA first constructs a similarity tree to capture subgraph feature information at different levels using a novel clustering method. Then, it extracts the different privacy requirements of each user based on the node cluster. Using the privacy requirements, it employs an α-partial isomorphism-based graph structure anonymization method to achieve personalized privacy requirements for each user. Extensive experiments on four public datasets show that TCα-PIA outperforms other alternatives in balancing graph privacy and utility. Full article

Recently, plaster has gained increasing attention as a mechanical and environmentally friendly option and is an effective alternative to traditional cement products. Additionally, polyester has an effective impact on the mechanical properties of materials, in addition to being one of the most environmentally friendly materials. However, studies are still ongoing to reach the best ratios of polyester resin, polyester hardener, and gypsum plaster that can improve mechanical properties. This research aims to investigate the impact of these components at various ratios (30%, 45%, and 60%) of gypsum plaster weight on the mechanical properties of plaster material. This study is carried out by conducting compression and tensile tests for three ratios, which are considered among the most important mechanical tests according to their applications. In addition, the environmental emissions resulting from the three different ratios of plaster are evaluated to determine their environmental impact. This study found that the largest ratio (30%) was the most effective from an economic and mechanical point of view, while achieving lower carbon emissions compared to the other ratios, which enhances the trend towards achieving the environmental goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to reach zero emissions. This study is highly significant both in terms of scientific research and practical application across a range of industries, since it integrates the enhancement of material performance with the achievement of environmental sustainability requirements. Full article

Lignocellulosic waste materials are among the most abundant raw materials on Earth, and they have been widely studied as natural additives in materials, especially for polymer composites, with interesting results when it comes to improving physiochemical properties. The main components of these materials are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, as well as small amounts of other polysaccharides, proteins, and other extractives. Several kinds of lignocellulosic materials, mainly fibers, have been evaluated in polymer matrices, and recently, the use of particles has increased due to their high surface area. Garlic is a spice seed that generates a waste husk that does not have applications, and there are no reports of industrial use of this kind of lignocellulosic material. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a polymer processing technique that allows for obtaining complex shapes that are hard to obtain with ordinary techniques. The use of composites based on synthetic polymers and lignocellulosic materials is a growing field of research. In the present work, the elaboration and evaluation of 3D-printed polypropylene–garlic husk particle (PP-GHP) composites are reported. First, the process of obtaining a filament by means of a single extrusion was carried out, using different GHP contents in the composites. Once the filament was obtained, it was taken to a 3D printer to obtain probes that were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed with the aim of evaluating the thermal behavior of the 3D-printed PP-GHP composites. According to the obtained results, the crystallization process and thermal stability of the PP-GHP composites were modified with the presence of GHP compared with pristine PP. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the addition of GHP decreased the storage modulus of the printed composites and that the Tan δ peak width increased, which was associated with an increase in toughness and a more complex structure of the 3D-printed composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the addition of GHP favored the presence of the β-phase of PP in the printed composites. Full article

The extreme weather and the deteriorating water environment have exacerbated the crisis of freshwater resource insufficiency. Many studies have shown that salty water could replace freshwater to partly meet the water demand of plants. To study the effects of early-stage drought hardening and late-stage salt stress on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), we conducted a 2-year pot experiment. Based on the multi-objective demands of high yield, high quality, and water saving, yield indicators, quality indicators, and a water-saving indicator were selected as evaluation indicators. Three irrigation levels (W1: 85% field capacity (FC), W2: 70% FC, W3: 55% FC) and three salinity levels (S2: 2 g/L, S4: 4 g/L, S6: 6 g/L) were set as nine treatments. In addition, a control treatment (CK: W1, 0 g/L) was added. Each treatment was evaluated and scored by principal component analysis. The results for 2022 and 2023 found the highest scores for CK, W2S2, W3S2 and CK, W2S4, W2S2, respectively. Based on response surface methodology, we constructed composite models of multi-objective demands, whose results indicated that 66–72% FC and 2 g/L salinity were considered the appropriate water–salt combinations for practical production. This paper will be beneficial for maintaining high yield and high quality in tomato production using salty water irrigation. Full article

The plant vacuole is a very dynamic organelle that can occupy more than 90% of the cell volume and is essential to plant cell growth and development, the processes in which auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) is a central player. It was found that when IAA or FC (fusicoccin) was present in the control medium of vacuoles isolated from red beet taproots at a final concentration of 1 µM, it increased their volume to a level that was 26% or 36% higher than that observed in the control medium without growth regulators, respectively. In the presence of IAA and FC, the time after which most vacuoles ruptured was about 10 min longer for IAA than for FC. However, when cadmium (Cd) or lead (Pb) was present in the control medium at a final concentration of 100 µM, it increased the volume of the vacuoles by about 26% or 80% compared to the control, respectively. The time after which the vacuoles ruptured was similar for both metals. The combined effect of IAA and Pb on the volume of the vacuoles was comparable with that observed in the presence of Pb only, while for FC combined with Pb, it was additive. The use of IAA or FC together with Cd caused in both cases a decrease in the vacuole volumes by about 50%. The data presented in this study are discussed, taking into account the structure and function of the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) and their changes in the presence of growth substances, heavy metals, and their combination. Full article

Tunnel-interchange sections are characterized by complex driving tasks and frequent traffic conflicts, posing substantial challenges to overall safety and efficiency. Enhancing safety in these areas is crucial for the sustainability of traffic systems. This study applies behavior adaptation theory as an integrated framework to examine the impact of environmental stimuli on driving behavior and conflict risk in small-spaced sections. Through driving simulation, 19 observation indicators are collected, covering eye-tracking, heart rate, subjective workload, driving performance, and conflict risk. The analysis, using single-factor ranking (Shapley Additive Explanation), interaction effects (dependence plots), and multi-factor analysis (Structural Equation Modeling), demonstrates that driving workload and performance dominate the fully mediating effects between external factors and conflict risk. High-load environmental stimuli, such as narrow spacing (≤500 m) and overloaded signage information (>6 units), significantly elevate drivers’ stress responses and impair visual acuity, thereby increasing task difficulty and conflict risk. Critical factors like saccade size, heart rate variability, lane deviation, and headway distance emerge as vital indicators for monitoring and supporting driving decisions. These findings provide valuable insights for the operational management of small-spacing sections and enhance the understanding of driving safety in these areas from a human factor perspective. Full article

Rising costs, complex supply chain management, and stringent regulations have created significant financial burdens on business sustainability, calling for new and rapid strategies to help enterprises transform. Supply chain digitalization (SCD) has emerged as a promising approach in the context of digitalization and globalization, with the potential to reduce an enterprise’s debt costs. Developing a strategic framework for SCD that effectively reduces the cost of debt (CoD) has become a key academic challenge, critical for ensuring business sustainability. To this end, under the perspective of four flows, SCD is deconstructed into four distinct features: logistics flow digitalization (LFD), product flow digitalization (PFD), information flow digitalization (IFD), and capital flow digitalization (CFD). To precisely measure the four SCD features and the dependent variable, COD, publicly available data from Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises such as annual report texts and financial statement data are collected, and various data mining technologies are also used to conduct data measurement and data processing. To comprehensively investigate the impact pattern of SCD on CoD, we employed the explainable machine learning methodology for data analysis. This methodology involved in-depth data discussions, cross-validation utilizing a series of machine learning models, and the utilization of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) to explain the results generated by the models. To conduct sensitivity analysis, permutation feature importance (PFI) and partial dependence plots (PDPs) were also incorporated as supplementary explanatory methods, providing additional insights into the model’s explainability. Through the aforementioned research processes, the following findings are obtained: SCD can play a role in reducing CoD, but the effects of different SCD features are not exactly the same. Among the four SCD features, LFD, PFD, and IFD have the potential to significantly reduce CoD, with PFD having the most substantial impact, followed by LFD and IFD. In contrast, CFD has a relatively weak impact, and its role is challenging to discern. These findings provide significant guidance for enterprises in furthering their digitalization and supply chain development, helping them optimize SCD strategies more accurately to reduce CoD. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined training with maximal aerobic speed and small-sided games on football players’ aerobic capacity development. Methods: The football players were divided into three groups as a combined training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.40 ± 2.92 yrs, BMI was 23.67 ± 1.59 kg/m², mass: 74.80 ± 5.46 kg, height: 177.73 ± 4.31 cm), maximal aerobic speed group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.93 ± 2.46 yrs, BMI was 23.32 ± 1.42 kg/m², mass: 72.66 ± 5.38 kg, height: 176.46 ± 4.99 cm) and regular training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 24.80 ± 5.84 yrs, BMI was 22.87 ± 1.67 kg/m², mass: 73.06 ± 6.74 kg, height: 178.33 ± 7.98 cm). In addition to regular football training, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games was applied to the combined training group (CT) and only maximal aerobic speed training was applied to the maximal aerobic speed group (MAS) twice a week for 12 weeks. The normal training group (NT) continued their routine football training programme. All participants applied the Yo-Yo IR1 test in the pre-test and post-test of the study. As a result of normality tests, it was determined that the data showed normal distribution, and the ANOVA test and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were used in the intergroup evaluation. Results: When the Yo-Yo IR1 Test pre-test and post-test results were analysed, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games (CT) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) groups were significantly higher compared to the normal training (NT) group regarding training load, running distance, and VO2max value among the football players (p = 0.001). There was no difference in the normal training group (p > 0.05). As a result, it was determined that combined training with maximal aerobic speed, small-sided games, and only maximal aerobic speed effectively improved football players’ aerobic capacity and general performance. Full article

Buckwheat is a valuable crop that contains various nutrients and functional components. Tartary buckwheat peptide is a protease-hydrolyzed protein with a wide range of physiological functions. Tartary buckwheat peptide produced through microbial fermentation can decrease the enzymatic digestion of buckwheat protein, which contributes to the bitter taste, and improve both the flavor and texture of buckwheat peptide products. In this study, microbial fermentation using probiotics was employed to prepare Tartary buckwheat peptides, and the preparation process was optimized. Based on single-factor experiments, the polypeptide content in the fermentation solution initially increased and then decreased with varying water content, inoculum concentration, glucose addition, fermentation temperature, fermentation time, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate addition. According to the response surface methodology, the maximum peptide content was achieved under fermentation conditions of 60.0% moisture content, 12.87% inoculum ratio, 2.0% glucose, and a fermentation temperature of 30.0 °C, with an actual value of (22.18 ± 1.02) mg/mL. The results show that fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum produces higher peptide levels and is safer than other microbial fermentation methods. Full article

Cationic porous organic polymers have a unique advantage in removing radioactive iodine from the aqueous phase because iodine molecules exist mainly in the form of iodine-containing anions. However, halogen anions will inevitably be released into water during the ion-exchange process. Herein, we reported a novel and easy-to-construct zwitterionic hypercrosslinked polymer (7AIn-PiP)-containing cationic pyridinium-type group, uncharged pyridine-type group, pyrrole-type group, and even an electron-rich phenyl group, which in synergy effectively removed 94.2% (456 nm) of I₂ from saturated I₂ aqueous solution within 30 min, surpassing many reported iodine adsorbents. Moreover, an I₂ adsorption efficiency of ~95% can still be achieved after three cyclic evaluations, indicating a good recycling performance. More importantly, a unique dual 1,3-dipole was obtained and characterized by ¹H/¹³C NMR, HRMS, and FTIR, correlating with the structure of 7AIn-PiP. In addition, the analysis of adsorption kinetics and the characterization of I₂@7AIn-PiP indicate that the multiple binding sites simultaneously contribute to the high affinity towards iodine species by both physisorption and chemisorption. Furthermore, an interesting phenomenon of inducing the formation of HIO₂ in unsaturated I₂ aqueous solution was discovered and explained. Overall, this work is of great significance for both material and radiation protection science. Full article

Modern technology allows ductile cast iron parts to be efficiently machined while ensuring a relatively long tool life. One of the basic indices describing the susceptibility of ductile cast irons to change in volume, shape, and dimensions under machining conditions is their machinability. Machinability can be expressed directly in terms of the values of basic quantities such as periodic cutting speed and roughness. At the same time, machinability is a relative quantity evaluated alternatively. This means that the machinability of ductile cast iron can be good, allowing high cutting speeds to be achieved, but it can also be poor, expressed in terms of poor surface quality. In the experimental research carried out, an attempt was made to determine the limit values of the cutting speed, beyond which one should not exceed, in order to increase the efficiency of the machining process. The surface roughness, unlike the periodic cutting speed, is a quantity defined in the product design documentation, so its limits must be observed. In addition to the usual indices of surface geometric texture, the research analysed alternative indices for determining the condition of surface geometric texture and the influence of periodic cutting speed on their values. In the conclusions, valuable recommendations are given for designers and technologists on the purpose and functionality of product surfaces and how to define them. Methods of specifying tribological characteristics, hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties, as well as the ability to retain fluids and maintain protective coatings of ductile cast iron parts after machining are described, for which relative values, depending on the machining parameters used, can vary from about 10 to even 30%. Full article

We report a case of SYNE1-associated autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia (SCAR8) presenting with a complex multisystemic phenotype, including highly elevated creatine kinase levels and lower-leg muscle atrophy. In addition to identifying two novel pathogenic variants in the SYNE1 gene, whole-exome sequencing revealed three variants of uncertain significance in the DYSF gene. Electromyography and muscle magnetic resonance imaging indicated a neurogenic pattern of muscle involvement. These findings, along with the segregation analysis of the variants, allowed us to exclude DYSF-associated muscular dystrophy; however, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility that the DYSF gene variants may act as modifiers of the patient’s phenotype. Full article

Three common floating bed plants, Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Ipomoea aquatica, were selected in the present study to investigate their inhibitory effects on toxic Microcystis aeruginosa. The results showed that all three types of floating-bed plants could considerably inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa and effectively remove the microcystins (MCs) from water systems, among which, E. crassipes and P. stratiotes were more effective in resisting M. aeruginosa, and the removal rate of the intracellular MCs could be up to 100%. In addition, the roots and leaves of the three plants were enriched with a large number of MCs and demonstrated significant antioxidant responses, as evidenced by the increase in the content of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roots, stems, and leaves of the plants. Furthermore, this study also showed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Actinobacteriota dominated the root microorganisms of the three plants. Moreover, a variety of MC-degrading bacteria, including Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Novosphingobium, and Pseudomonas, were found at the genus level, which further provides important basic data for the regulation of eutrophic water bodies and the removal of MCs. Full article