Search Results (206)

This paper investigates the leader-following $H_{\infty }$ consensus of fractional-order multi-agent systems (FOMASs) under input saturation via the output feedback. Based on the bounded real lemma for FOSs, the sufficient conditions of $H_{\infty }$ consensus for FOMASs are provided in $\alpha \in \left(0,1\right)$ and $\left[1,2\right)$, respectively. Furthermore, the iterative linear matrix inequalities (ILMIs) approaches are applied for solving quadratic matrix inequalities (QMIs). The ILMI algorithms show a method to derive initial values and transform QMIs into LMIs. Mathematical tools are employed to transform the input saturation issue into optimal solutions of LMIs for estimating stable regions. The ILMI algorithms avoid the conditional constraints on matrix variables during the LMIs’ construction and reduce conservatism. The approach does not disassemble the entire MASs by transformations to the Laplacian matrix, instead adopting a holistic analytical perspective to obtain gain matrices. Finally, numerical examples are conducted to validate the efficiency of the approach. Full article

A significant issue facing communicators in the current multicommunicative environment is securing the attention of potential audience members who are likely to be engrossed in their digital devices. The theory of attentional social presence suggests that communicators secure their attention using one of four types of social presence—budgeted, competitive, entitled, and invitational. In this essay, the theory of attentional social presence is extended by identifying strategies interactants use to resolve misalignments in expected or preferred types of social presence. The research design involved interviews with 32 individuals about their experiences with misalignment in attentional social presence. Transcripts of the interviews were coded following the qualitative approach of grounded theory. Three primary strategies emerged from the analysis—prescribing to eliminate misalignment, rationalizing to overlook misalignment, and co-creating to resolve misalignment. Understanding various methods for negotiating mismatches among chosen types of social presence will allow communicators to create more satisfying and productive interactions. Full article

Obejectives: This study explored the immunomodulatory effects of a prebiotic formula consisting of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) (hereinafter referred to as 2FGF) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Sixty healthy female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the following groups: normal control (NC) group; CTX treatment (CTX) group; 2FGF low-dose (2FGF-L) group; 2FGF medium-dose (2FGF-M) group; and 2FGF high-dose (2FGF-H) group. An immunosuppressed model was established in the 2FGF-H group by intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg CTX. After 30 days of 2FGF intervention, peripheral blood, spleen tissue, thymus tissue, and intestinal tissue from the mice were collected and analyzed. The changes in weight and food intake of the mice were recorded weekly. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histological change of the spleen tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect cytokine levels in peripheral blood. Flow cytometry was used to analyze T lymphocyte subgroup ratio of splenic lymphocytes. Western blot analysis was conducted on intestinal tissues to assess the expression of proteins involved in the tight junction, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Additionally, molecular techniques were used to analyze the intestinal microbiota. Results: The results showed that 2FGF restored CTX-induced splenic injury, increased the number of splenic T lymphocytes, and elevated serum cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10. In the intestine, 2FGF upregulated the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins such as Claudin-1 and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), thereby enhancing intestinal barrier function and activating the MAPK and NF-κB pathways via TLR4. Furthermore, 2FGF elevated the α-diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) of the gut microbiota in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, enriching bacteria species positively correlated with anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-4) such as g_Streptomyces and g_Bacillus and negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) such as g_Saccharomyces. The results suggest that 2FGF may enhance immunity via the gut–immune axis. Conclusions: The 2FGF prebiotic formula showed an immunomodulatory effect in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, and the mechanism of which might involve optimizing the gut flora, enhancing intestinal homeostasis, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and promoting the expression of immune factors by regulating the TLR-4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Full article

This study investigated the impact of a transglycosylated product (ACOD) catalyzed by Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR dextransucrase using sucrose as a glucosyl donor and both maltose and Artemisia capillaris as acceptors on gut microbiota through fecal fermentation. ACOD promoted the growth of probiotics such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR, while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus during independent cultivation. Fecal fermentation for 24 h revealed that ACOD significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the blank and fructoooligosaccharide (FOS) groups. Specifically, ACOD led to a 4.5-fold increase in acetic acid production compared to FOSs and a 3.3-fold increase in propionic acid production. Both the ACOD and FOS groups exhibited higher levels of butyric acid than the blank. Notably, ACOD significantly modulated the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and decreasing Escherichia/Shigella and Salmonella. In contrast, FOSs remarkably promoted the growth of Salmonella. These findings suggest that ACOD is a potential candidate for prebiotics that improve the intestinal environment by being actively used by beneficial bacteria. Full article

The main challenge of this scientific work was the implementation on an industrial olive oil extraction plant of an NIR device for the multispectral analysis of pomace to predict the percentage of humidity and oil contained in it. Subsequent to the implementation of the NIR device on the oil extraction line on the solid’s outlet from the decanter, NIRS interaction measurements in the 761–1081 nm region were used to probe the pomace. NIRS calibration models for the prediction of water and oil content in the pomace were obtained and successfully tested and validated. The correlations of calibration results for oil and water content were 0.700 and 0.829, while the correlations of validation were 0.773 and 0.676, respectively. Low values of root mean square error were found for both the prediction and validation set. The results highlight the good robustness of an NIR approach based on a PLS calibration model to monitor the industrial olive oil process. The results obtained are a first step toward the large-scale implementation of NIR devices for monitoring pomace in oil mills. The possibility of knowing the oil lost in the pomace, moment by moment, would open a new frontier towards system control and the sustainability of the olive oil extraction process. Full article

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is strongly linked to a group of syndromes referred to as porcine-circovirus-associated diseases (PCVADs), which are controlled through vaccination; however, this does not induce sterilizing immunity but is instead involved in the evolution of the virus and is considered a factor in vaccine failure. This study sampled 84 herds (167 pigs) vaccinated against PCV2 and with clinical signs of PCVADs in five provinces across Colombia. PCV2 was identified and further characterized at the molecular level via genotyping and phylogenetic reconstructions. In addition, PCV2-associated lesions were examined via histopathology. Furthermore, the PCV2-Cap sequences retrieved were compared with three vaccines via the EpiCC tool and T cell epitope coverage. The prevalence of PCV2 was 82% in pigs and 92.9% in herds. The highest viral loads were identified in lymphoid tissue, and PCV2d emerged as the most predominant in pigs and herds (93.4% and 92.3%). Sequences for PCV2-ORF2 (n = 57; 55 PCV2d and 2 PCV2a) were determined, and PCV2d sequences were highly similar. The most common pneumonia pattern was suppurative bronchopneumonia, while the most common lung lesion was exudation in the airways; in lymphoid tissue, there was lymphoid depletion. The bivalent vaccine (PCV2a and PCVb) exhibited a higher EpiCC score (8.36) and T cell epitope coverage (80.6%) than monovalent PCV2a vaccines. In conclusion, PCV2d currently circulates widely in Colombia. Despite vaccination, there are clinical cases of PCV2, and immunoinformatic analyses demonstrate that bivalent vaccines improved the average coverage. Full article

Fiber optic sensors (FOSs) have transformed industrial applications with their high sensitivity and precision, especially in real-time monitoring. This study presents a fiber optic sensor based on multimodal interference (MMI) applied to detect honey adulteration. The sensor is built using a non-core multimode fiber (NC-MMF) segment spliced between two standard single-mode fibers (SMFs). We focus on reporting the detection of two main adulterants in honey that modify its refractive index (RI): the presence of glucose and moisture content. Detailed testing was performed with two commercially approved honey brands, named A and B. The sensor successfully detected glucose concentrations from 1% to 5% and moisture content from 0% to 20% for both brands. For glucose detection, we obtained sensitivity values −0.55457 nm/% for brand A and −2.61257 nm/% for brand B. In terms of moisture content in honey, we observed a sensitivity around −0.3154 nm/% and −0.3394 nm/% for brands A and B, respectively. Additionally, temperature tests were performed, showing that the sensor works optimally up to 30 °C. The results were validated using a conventional refractometer, showing a close agreement with the data obtained and confirming the reliability and accuracy of the proposed sensor. Compared to other refractometers, the MMI sensor offers advantages such as real-time monitoring, ease of assembly, cost-effectiveness, and minimal maintenance. Furthermore, the sensor represents an alternative tool to guarantee the quality and authenticity of honey, overcoming the limitations of conventional measurement techniques. Full article

Although the vast majority of CTCL subtypes are of the CD4+ T-helper cell differentiation phenotype, there is a spectrum of CD8+ variants that manifest wide-ranging clinical, histologic, and phenotypic features that inform the classification of the disease. CD8, like CD4, and cytotoxic molecules (including TIA and granzyme) are readily detectable via IHC staining of tissue and, when expressed on the phenotypically abnormal T-cell population, can help distinguish specific CTCL subtypes. Nonetheless, given that the histopathologic differential for CD8+ lymphoproliferative disorders and lymphomas may range from very indolent lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) to aggressive entities like CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (AECTCL), CD8 and/or cytotoxic molecule expression alone is insufficient for diagnosis and is not in itself an indicator of prognosis. We present a review of CTCL subtypes that can demonstrate CD8 positivity: CD8+ mycosis fungoides (MF), LyP type D, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL), primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGDTL), CD8+ AECTCL, and acral CD8+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (acral CD8+ TCLPD). These diseases may have different clinical manifestations and distinctive treatment algorithms. Due to the rare nature of these diseases, it is imperative to integrate clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings to determine an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Full article

Bioceramic endodontic cements, known for their antibacterial properties, calcium ion release, and alkaline pH, may come into contact with various irrigants after furcal perforation repair. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different irrigating solutions and setting times on the shear bond strength (SBS) of Biodentine^® (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses Cedex, France) to a self-adhering flowable composite. Sixty Biodentine^® (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses Cedex, France) blocks were prepared and divided into two groups based on the setting time: 72 h and 7 days. These were further subdivided into five subgroups based on the irrigation solution applied: distilled water, sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, chlorhexidine, and phosphoric acid. They were then restored with Dyad Flow^TM (Kerr^TM, Orange, CA, USA). SBS and failure modes were assessed at 24 h and 6 months. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to analyze the effect of the different irrigating solutions and setting times on the SBS of Biodentine^® (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses Cedex, France) and Dyad Flow^TM (Kerr^TM, Orange, CA, USA). The level of significance was set at a ≤0.05. At 24 h, SBS was significantly influenced by both the irrigant solution (p = 0.029) and setting time (p = 0.018); at 6 months, SBS was influenced only by the irrigating solutions (p < 0.001). The predominant mode of bond failure was adhesive across all groups. In conclusion, while the setting time did not affect the bond strength, certain irrigating solutions reduced it. Thus, careful consideration of surface treatments applied to Biodentine^® is crucial for successful endodontic and restorative outcomes. Full article

This study discusses a new method for the fractional-order system reduction. It offers an adaptable framework for approximating various fractional-order systems (FOSs), including commensurate and non-commensurate. The fractional-order modeling and control (FOMCON) toolbox in MATLAB and the gaze cues learning-based grey wolf optimizer (GGWO) technique form the basis of the recommended method. The fundamental advantage of the offered method is that it does not need intermediate steps, a mathematical substitution, or an operator-based approximation for the order reduction of a commensurate and non-commensurate FOS. The cost function is set up so that the sum of the integral squared differences in step responses and the root mean squared differences in Bode magnitude plots between the original FOS and the reduced models is as tiny as possible. Two case studies support the suggested method. The simulation results show that the reduced approximations constructed using the methodology under consideration have step and Bode responses more in line with the actual FOS. The effectiveness of the advocated strategy is further shown by contrasting several performance metrics with some of the contemporary approaches disseminated in academic journals. Full article

Organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites are poised to revolutionize the next generation of photovoltaics with their exceptional optoelectronic properties and compatibility with low-cost and large-scale fabrication methods. Since perovskite tends to degrade over short time intervals due to various parameters (oxygen, humidity, light, and temperature), advanced characterization methods are needed to understand their degradation mechanisms. In this context, investigation of the electrical and optoelectronic properties of several perovskite mini-modules was performed by means of photo- and electroluminescence imaging as well as Dark Lock-In Thermography methods. Current–voltage curves at periodic time intervals and External Quantum Efficiency measurements were implemented alongside other measurements to reveal correlations between the electrical and radiative properties of the solar cells. The different imaging techniques used in this study reveal the changes in radiative emission processes and how those are correlated with performance. Alongside the indoor optoelectronic characterization of perovskite reference samples, the outdoor monitoring of two perovskite modules of the same structure for 23 weeks is reported. Significant performance degradation is presented outdoors from the first week of testing for both samples under test. The evolution of the major electrical characteristics of the mini-modules and the diurnal changes were studied in detail. Finally, dark storage recovery studies after outdoor exposure were implemented to investigate changes in the major electrical parameters. Full article

In the context of hydroelectric plants, this article emphasizes the imperative of robust monitoring strategies. The utilization of fiber-optic sensors (FOSs) emerges as a promising approach due to their efficient optical transmission, minimal signal attenuation, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. These optical sensors have demonstrated success in diverse structures, including bridges and nuclear plants, especially in challenging environments. This article culminates with the depiction of the development of an array of sensors featuring Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs). This array is designed to measure deformation and temperature in protective grids surrounding the turbines at the Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Plant. Implemented in a real-world scenario, the device identifies deformation peaks, indicative of water flow obstructions, thereby contributing significantly to the safety and operational efficiency of the plant. Full article

The activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the ileum has been shown to regulate Paneth cell-specific defensins, a large family of antimicrobial peptides; hence, this may serve as a potential mechanism to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Previously, we have demonstrated that a combination of vitamin D₃ (VD) and fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) upregulates colonic Vdr in mice. Here, we aim to examine the effect of VD, alone or in combination with FOSs, on intestinal barrier integrity and the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, as well as the gut microbial community. Male and female C57BL/6J mice at 6 weeks old were randomized into three groups to receive the following dietary regimens (n = 10/sex/group) for 8 weeks: (1) standard AIN-93G control diet (CTR), (2) CTR + 5000 IU vitamin D₃ (VD), and (3) VD + 5% fructooligosaccharides (VF). VD and VF differentially regulated the mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins in the colon and ileum. VF suppressed the upregulation of colonic ZO-1 and occludin, which was induced by VD supplementation alone. In the ileum, occludin but not ZO-1 was upregulated 20-fold in the VF-treated mice. While VD did not alter the mRNA expressions of Vdr and defensins in the ileum, these targets were downregulated by VF. Microbial analysis further reveals a shift of microbial beta diversity and a reduction in Romboutsia ilealis, a pathobiont, in VF-treated mice. Though the implications of these phenotypical and microbial changes remain to be determined, the administration of FOSs in the presence of VD may serve as an effective dietary intervention for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Full article

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and visible near-infrared spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) are spectroscopic techniques that offer promising alternatives to traditional laboratory methods for the rapid and cost-effective determination of soil properties on a large scale. Despite their individual limitations, combining LIBS and vis-NIRS has been shown to enhance the prediction accuracy for the determination of soil properties compared to single-sensor approaches. In this study, we used a comprehensive Danish national-scale soil dataset encompassing mostly sandy soils collected from various land uses and soil depths to evaluate the performance of LIBS and vis-NIRS, as well as their combined spectra, in predicting soil organic carbon (SOC) and texture. Firstly, partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed to correlate both LIBS and vis-NIRS spectra with the reference data. Subsequently, we merged LIBS and vis-NIRS data and developed PLSR models for the combined spectra. Finally, interval partial least squares regression (iPLSR) models were applied to assess the impact of variable selection on prediction accuracy for both LIBS and vis-NIRS. Despite being fundamentally different techniques, LIBS and vis-NIRS displayed comparable prediction performance for the investigated soil properties. LIBS achieved a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of <7% for texture and 0.5% for SOC, while vis-NIRS achieved an RMSEP of <8% for texture and 0.5% for SOC. Combining LIBS and vis-NIRS spectra improved the prediction accuracy by 16% for clay, 6% for silt and sand, and 2% for SOC compared to single-sensor LIBS predictions. On the other hand, vis-NIRS single-sensor predictions were improved by 10% for clay, 17% for silt, 16% for sand, and 4% for SOC. Furthermore, applying iPLSR for variable selection improved prediction accuracy for both LIBS and vis-NIRS. Compared to LIBS PLSR predictions, iPLSR achieved reductions of 27% and 17% in RMSEP for clay and sand prediction, respectively, and an 8% reduction for silt and SOC prediction. Similarly, vis-NIRS iPLSR models demonstrated reductions of 6% and 4% in RMSEP for clay and SOC, respectively, and a 3% reduction for silt and sand. Interestingly, LIBS iPLSR models outperformed combined LIBS-vis-NIRS models in terms of prediction accuracy. Although combining LIBS and vis-NIRS improved the prediction accuracy of texture and SOC, LIBS coupled with variable selection had a greater benefit in terms of prediction accuracy. Future studies should investigate the influence of reference method uncertainty on prediction accuracy. Full article

In this paper, we first present multiple numerical simulations of the anti-symmetric matrix in the stability criteria for fractional order systems (FOSs). Subsequently, this paper is devoted to the study of the admissibility criteria for descriptor fractional order systems (DFOSs) whose order belongs to (0, 2). The admissibility criteria are provided for DFOSs without eigenvalues on the boundary axes. In addition, a unified admissibility criterion for DFOSs involving the minimal linear matrix inequality (LMI) variable is provided. The results of this paper are all based on LMIs. Finally, numerical examples were provided to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the conclusions. Full article