Search Results (96)

We propose an auto regressive integrated moving average Markov model (ARIMAMKM) for predicting annual energy consumption in China and enhancing the accuracy of energy consumption forecasts. This novel model extends the traditional auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA($p,\mathrm{d},\mathrm{q}$)) model. The stationarity of China’s energy consumption data from 2000 to 2018 is assessed, with an augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test conducted on the $\mathrm{d}$-order difference series. Based on the auto correlation function (ACF) and partial auto correlation function (PACF) plots of the difference time series, the optimal parameters $\mathrm{p}$ and $\mathrm{q}$ are selected using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), thereby determining the specific ARIMA configuration. By simulating real values using the ARIMA model and calculating relative errors, the estimated values are categorized into states. These states are then combined with a Markov transition probability matrix to determine the final predicted values. The ARIMAMKM model is validated using China’s energy consumption data, achieving high prediction accuracy as evidenced by metrics such as mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE), $\mathrm{S}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{D}$, and ${\mathrm{R}}^2$. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the ARIMAMKM model outperforms five other competitive models: the grey model (GM(1,1)), ARIMA(0,4,2), quadratic function model (QFM), nonlinear auto regressive neural network (NAR), and fractional grey model (FGM(1,1)) in terms of fitting performance. Additionally, the model is applied to Guangdong province’s resident population data to further verify its validity and practicality. Full article

Background. The coevolution of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes has guaranteed mitochondrial function for millions of years. The introduction of European (EUR) and African (AFR) genomes into the Ameridian continent during the Columbus exchange in Latin America created an opportunity to naturally test different combinations of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. However, the impact of potential “mitonuclear discordance” (MND, differences in ancestries) has not been evaluated in Latin American admixed individuals (AMR) affected with developmental disorders, even though MND alters mitochondrial function and reduces viability in other organisms. Methods. To characterize MND in healthy and affected AMR individuals, we used AMR genotype data from the 1000 Genomes Project (n = 385), two cohorts of 22q.11 deletion syndrome patients 22qDS-ARG (n = 26) and 22qDS-CHL (n = 58), and a cohort of patients with multiple congenital anomalies and/or neurodevelopmental disorders (DECIPHERD, n = 170). Based on their importance to mitochondrial function, genes were divided into all mitonuclear genes (n = 1035), high-mt (n = 167), low-mt (n = 793), or OXPHOS (n = 169). We calculated local ancestry using FLARE and estimated MND as the fraction of nuclear mitochondrial genes ancestry not matching the mtDNA ancestry and ∆MND as (MNDoffspring—MNDmother)/MNDmother. Results. Generally, MND showed distinctive population and haplogroup distributions (ANOVA p < 0.05), with haplogroup D showing the lowest MND of 0.49 ± 0.17 (mean ± s.d.). MND was significantly lower in 22qDS-ARG patients at 0.43 ± 0.24 and DECIPHERD patients at 0.56 ± 0.12 compared to healthy individuals at 0.60 ± 0.09 (ANOVA p < 0.05). OXPHOS and high-mt showed the same trend, but with greater differences between healthy and affected individuals. Conclusions. MND seems to inform population history and constraint among affected individuals, especially for OXPHOS and high-mt genes. Full article

In this paper, we investigate the existence results of solutions for Caputo-type fractional $(p,q)$-difference equations. Using Banach’s fixed-point theorem, we obtain the existence and uniqueness results. Meanwhile, by applying Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point theorem and Leray-Schauder’s nonlinear alternative, we also obtain the existence results of non-trivial solutions. Finally, we provide examples to verify the correctness of the given results. Moreover, relevant applications are presented through specific examples. Full article

Ideally, the Perceptual Quantizer (PQ) for High Dynamic Range (HDR) image presentation requires a 12-bit depth to ensure accurate quantization. In most cases, mainstream displays employ a limited 10-bit PQ function for HDR image display, resulting in notable issues such as perceived contrast loss and the emergence of pseudo-contours in the image hierarchy, particularly in low-brightness scenes. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel luminance mapping relationship while preserving a 10-bit depth. Unlike conventional methods that derive PQ using a fixed Just Noticeable Difference (JND) fraction, this approach incorporates an adaptive adjustment factor. By adjusting the JND fraction according to brightness levels, this method effectively optimizes the quantization interval, improves reproducible contrast, and ensures uniform perception. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively reduces the perception of contrast loss in low-brightness scenes, eliminates potential artifacts, and enhances the presentation quality of the display system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Salt-based density gradient ultracentrifugation (SBUC) is frequently used to isolate lipoproteins for their subsequent analysis. However, the addition of salts may disrupt their molecular composition. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the impact of SBUC upon the molecular composition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, compared to a validated non-salt method involving iodixanol gradient ultracentrifugation (IGUC). Methods: Whole human plasma was analysed for various lipid parameters before LDL particles were isolated using both SBUC and IGUC methods. Each fraction was then filtered to obtain low-molecular-weight compounds. The LDL molecular content of the resulting fractions from both methods was determined using untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in positive and negative modes. Results: A total of 1041 and 401 features were putatively identified using positive and negative modes, respectively. Differences were shown in the molecular composition of LDL prepared using SBUC and IGUC; in positive mode ionisation, the PLS-DA model showed reasonable fit and discriminatory power (R2 = 0.63, Q2 = 0.58, accuracy 0.88) and permutation testing was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings reveal distinct differences in the small molecule composition of LDL prepared using the two methods, with IGUC exhibiting greater variation. In negative mode, both methods detected phospholipids, long-chain sphingolipids, and ceramides, but IGUC showed higher fold differences for some phospholipids. However, in positive mode, non-native brominated adducts were found in LDL isolated using SBUC and evidence of potential bacterial contamination was discovered in samples prepared using IGUC, both of which have the capacity to affect in vitro experiments. Full article

Background/Objectives: The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is exposed to the aging process (not only chronological aging, but also photoaging). One of the methods used to correct visible skin changes due to photoaging is lasers. The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of Q-switched laser treatments on visible changes in the photoaging process among women using specialized measuring devices—ultrasound and Courage & Khazaka. Methods: The study included 36 women with visible signs of photoaged skin. The women were given a series of three treatments with a Fotona QX MAX fractional head laser. Both before and after the treatment, the women were examined for selected skin parameters with the help of specialized measuring devices such as Courage & Khazaka and skin ultrasound. Skin firmness and elasticity, the degree of hydration, TEWL and HL TOTAL levels, and MEP and HEP skin echogenicity were taken into account. The obtained results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted for parameters representing skin elasticity R2 [p = 0.0210] and R7 [p = 0.0302], TEWL [p = 0.0152] and HL TOTAL [p = 0.0367] on the forehead, and HL TOTAL [p = 0.0450] on the cheek. In addition, statistically significant differences were observed in the MEP/TP parameter on the forehead and cheek [p = 0.0236, 0.0475, respectively] and HEP/TP in the forehead area [p = 0.0367]. Conclusions: Q-switched laser treatments have a positive effect on the condition of women’s skin. Therapy with this laser reduces the visible changes in the photoaging process in the face. Full article

This study investigates the role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases, with an additional focus on pro-atherogenic metabolites. We use advanced network analysis and machine learning techniques to identify key microbial features linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This cross-sectional study included 189 participants divided into three groups: coronary artery disease (n = 93), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n = 43), and controls (n = 53). Assessments included physical exams, echocardiography, dietary surveys, blood analysis, and fecal analysis. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis methods for testing hypotheses and correlations, alpha and beta-diversity analyses, co-occurrence networks, and machine learning were conducted using Python libraries or R packages with multiple comparisons corrected using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. Significant gut microbiota alterations were observed, with higher Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratios in CAD and HFrEF groups compared to controls (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in α-diversity indices (Pielou, Chao1, Faith) between disease groups and controls (p < 0.001). β-diversity analyses also revealed distinct microbial profiles (p = 0.0015). Interestingly, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels were lower in CAD and HFrEF groups compared to controls (p < 0.05), while indoxyl sulfate (IS) levels were comparable between the study groups. Co-occurrence network analysis and machine learning identified key microbial features linked to these conditions, highlighting complex interactions within the gut microbiota associated with cardiovascular disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Advanced calcific aortic stenosis, with or without coronary artery disease [CAD], may lead to severe systolic dysfunction. The aim of the study was to reveal clinical and laboratory parameters that may differentiate patients with severe aortic stenosis with and without systolic dysfunction. Methods: A retrospective, single-center study included all consecutive patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis with overt heart failure. Patients with hematological and neoplastic diseases were excluded. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analysed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte [NLR], monocyte-to-lymphocyte [MLR], and platelet-to-lymphocyte [PLR] ratios were calculated. The study group was divided based on left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]. Results: The final study population comprised 301 patients [133 males [44%]; median [Q1–3] age of 80 [75–83] years]. Co-morbidities included CAD [48.8%], arterial hypertension [75.4%], diabetes mellitus [n = 124, 41.2%], atrial fibrillation [39.2%], chronic kidney disease [60.8%]. Fifty-seven patients presented with LVEF ≤ 40% (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)) and 244 with LVEF > 40%. In the multivariable analysis, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NTproBNP] [p < 0.001, OR 1.000, 95%CI 1.000–1.000], baseline MLR [p < 0.020, OR 7.393, 95%CI 1.363–40.091] and female sex [p < 0.001, OR 0.308, 95%CI 0.160–0.593] were revealed as significant predictors of HFrEF. Baseline MLR weakly correlated with EuroScore II [Spearman r = 0.141, p = 0.015] and NTproBNP [r = 0.142, p = 0.014]. Cut-off values were established as 0.36 for MLR and 3927 pg/mL for NTproBNP. After excluding 147 patients with CAD, there was still a statistically significant difference in MLR between the subgroups [p = 0.024]. Conclusions: Increased values of MLR and NTproBNP together with female sex are predictive parameters for LVEF ≤ 40% in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Full article

In dynamical systems, Hilbert spaces provide a useful framework for analyzing and solving problems because they are able to handle infinitely dimensional spaces. Many dynamical systems are described by linear operators acting on a Hilbert space. Understanding the spectrum, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors of these operators is crucial. Functional analysis typically involves the use of tensors to represent multilinear mappings between Hilbert spaces, which can result in inequality in tensor Hilbert spaces. In this paper, we study two types of function spaces and use convex and harmonic convex mappings to establish various operator inequalities and their bounds. In the first part of the article, we develop the operator Hermite–Hadamard and upper and lower bounds for weighted discrete Jensen-type inequalities in Hilbert spaces using some relational properties and arithmetic operations from the tensor analysis. Furthermore, we use the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral and develop several new identities which are used in operator Milne-type inequalities to develop several new bounds using different types of generalized mappings, including differentiable, quasi-convex, and convex mappings. Furthermore, some examples and consequences for logarithm and exponential functions are also provided. Furthermore, we provide an interesting example of a physics dynamical model for harmonic mean. Lastly, we develop Hermite–Hadamard inequality in variable exponent function spaces, specifically in mixed norm function space (${\mathcal{l}}^{\mathtt{q}(·)}\left({\mathtt{L}}^{\mathtt{p}(·)}\right)$). Moreover, it was developed using classical Lebesgue space (${\mathtt{L}}_{\mathtt{p}}$) space, in which the exponent is constant. This inequality not only refines Jensen and triangular inequality in the norm sense, but we also impose specific conditions on exponent functions to show whether this inequality holds true or not. Full article

We investigated the shuttling of Homer protein isoforms identified in soluble (cytosolic) vs. insoluble (membrane–cytoskeletal) fraction and Homer protein–protein interaction/activation in the deep postural calf soleus (SOL) and non-postural gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles of het^−/− mice, i.e., mice with an autosomal recessive variant responsible for a vestibular disorder, in order to further elucidate a) the underlying mechanisms of disrupted vestibular system-derived modulation on skeletal muscle, and b) molecular signaling at respective neuromuscular synapses. Heterozygote mice muscles served as the control (CTR). An increase in Homer cross-linking capacity was present in the SOL muscle of het^−/− mice as a compensatory mechanism for the altered vestibule system function. Indeed, in both fractions, different Homer immunoreactive bands were detectable, as were Homer monomers (~43–48 kDa), Homer dimers (~100 kDa), and several other Homer multimer bands (>150 kDA). The het^−/− GAS particulate fraction showed no Homer dimers vs. SOL. The het^−/− SOL soluble fraction showed a twofold increase (+117%, p ≤ 0.0004) in Homer dimers and multimers. Homer monomers were completely absent from the SOL independent of the animals studied, suggesting muscle-specific changes in Homer monomer vs. dimer expression in the postural SOL vs. the non-postural GAS muscles. A morphological assessment showed an increase (+14%, p ≤ 0.0001) in slow/type-I myofiber cross-sectional area in the SOL of het^−/− vs. CTR mice. Homer subcellular immuno-localization at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) showed an altered expression in the SOL of het^−/−mice, whereas only not-significant changes were found for all Homer isoforms, as judged by RT-qPCR analysis. Thus, muscle-specific changes, myofiber properties, and neuromuscular signaling mechanisms share causal relationships, as highlighted by the variable subcellular Homer isoform expression at the instable NMJs of vestibular lesioned het^−/− mice. Full article

The study of small data Sobolev solutions to the Cauchy problem for weakly coupled systems of semi-linear fractional $\sigma –$evolution equations with different power nonlinearities is of interest to us in this research. These solutions must exist globally (in time). We explain the relationships between the admissible range of exponents $p_1$ and $p_2$ symmetrically in our main modeland the regularity assumptions for the data by using $L^m-L^q$ estimates of Sobolev solutions to related linear models with a vanishing right-hand side and some fixed point argument. This allows us to prove the global (in time) existence of small data Sobolev solutions. Full article

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been considered, for many years, an important source of medicine to treat different diseases. As a type of TCM, Illicium simonsii Maxim (ISM) is used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-virus. Besides, ISM is also used in the treatment of cancer. In order to evaluate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity, petroleum ether extract was prepared from part of the fruit of ISM. First, the compounds of the petroleum ether fraction of Illicium simonsii Maxim (PEIM) were identified using LC-MS/MS analysis. Next, the cell viability and morphological changes were evaluated by MTT assay and Hoechst staining. In addition, the effect of PEIM on the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) was determined using the ELISA kit. Furthermore, apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and gene expression and the regulation of signaling pathways were investigated, respectively, by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Results showed that a total of 64 compounds were identified in the PEIM. Additionally, the PEIM had anti-HCC activity against HepG2 cells, in which the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was 55.03 μg·mL⁻¹. As well, the PEIM was able to modulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while we also found that it induced HepG2 cell apoptosis through the activation of P53 mRNA and caspase-3 mRNA. Finally, the PEIM possibly downregulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β, INOS, IL-6, JAK2, STAT3, CyclinD1, CDK4, MDM2, and Bcl-2, and upregulated the expression of P53, P21, Bax, Cytochrome-C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 in HepG2 cells. These findings may confirm that the PEIM has possible anti-HCC effects. However, additional studies are required to fully understand the mechanisms of action of the PEIM and the signaling pathways involved in its effects. Moreover, the anti-HCC activity of the PEIM should be studied in vivo, and signaling pathways involved in its effects should be explored to develop the anti-HCC drug. Full article

In this article, we mainly generalize the results in the literature for a fractional q-difference equation. Our study considers a more comprehensive type of fractional $\left(p,q\right)$-difference system of nonlinear equations. By the Banach contraction mapping principle, we obtain a unique solution. By Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point theorem, we prove the existence of solutions. In addition, finite stability has been established too. The main results in the literature have been proven to be a particular corollary of our work. Full article

Fractional calculus provides some fractional operators for us to model different real-world phenomena mathematically. One of these important study fields is the mathematical model of the elastic beam changes. More precisely, in this paper, based on the behavior patterns of an elastic beam, we consider the generalized sequential boundary value problems of the Navier difference equations by using the post-quantum fractional derivatives of the Caputo-like type. We discuss on the existence theory for solutions of the mentioned $(\mathtt{p};\mathtt{q})$-difference Navier problems in two single-valued and set-valued versions. We use the main properties of the $(\mathtt{p};\mathtt{q})$-operators in this regard. Application of the fixed points of the $\mathsf{\rho }$-$\mathsf{\theta }$-contractions along with the endpoints of the multi-valued functions play a fundamental role to prove the existence results. Finally in two examples, we validate our models and theoretical results by giving numerical models of the generalized sequential $(\mathtt{p};\mathtt{q})$-difference Navier problems. Full article

Wildfires are a natural part of the dynamics of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. The fire patterns in the Mediterranean basin have been altered mainly due to changes in land use and climate change. In 2017, a wildfire in Yeste (Spain) burned 3200 hectares of two Mediterranean pine forests. We investigated the effects of burn severity and postfire salvage logging practices on vegetation and soil properties in four experimental areas distributed within the wildfire perimeter. These areas included unburned, low, high, and high burn severity with salvage logging, all located under Pinus halepensis Mill and Pinus pinaster Aiton stands. Salvage logging was applied 18 months after the fire. We established 72 circular plots (nine per treatment and pine species). We collected soil samples to analyze physicochemical and biological soil properties, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM) content, carbon from microbial biomass (CBM), basal soil respiration (BSR), metabolic quotient (qCO₂), and two enzymatic activities: β-glucosidase (GLU) and phosphatase (PHP). To understand how vegetation changed after fire, we implemented three linear transects per plot to calculate α-diversity indices (richness, Shannon, and Simpson), vegetation coverage (COBV), fraction of bare soil (BSOIL), the number of postfire seedlings (NSeed) and their average height (Hm), and we grouped vegetation into different postfire adaptive strategies: facultative seeder (R+S+), obligate resprouter (R+S−), obligate seeder (R−S+), and non-fire-adapted (R−S−). We ran ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests to evaluate the differences between burn severity and salvage logging practices on the variables examined for each pine stand. We used PCA and correlation analysis to identify plant-soil interactions. Our results suggest that Pinus halepensis stands were more affected by the wildfire than Pinus pinaster stands due to the distinct characteristics of each species (morphology of the leaves, bark thickness, cone structure, etc.) and the significant differences observed in terms of pH, SOM, CBM, qCO₂, GLU, PHP, and Nseed. The proportion of obligate resprouter species was higher in Pinus halepensis stands, and the obligate seeder species were higher in Pinus pinaster stands. The study highlighted the importance of monitoring burn severity and postfire management practices to promote forest recovery and reduce wildfire risk. Limiting the negative impact of postfire salvage logging practices can enhance the resilience of vulnerable ecosystems. Full article