Physical Transformations of Agri-Food Products during Their Convective Drying: Characterization of the Contraction and Isotropicity of Okra

The physical transformations in terms of contraction of okra dimensions during convective drying were examined. During drying, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of okra decrease over time. The lateral dimensions go from their initial value to around 53%, 65% and 66% of this value after 530 min. The length of the two samples used goes from 8.65 and 9.02 cm to 6.79 and 7.52 cm after 14,300 min, i.e. a variation of 78.50% and 83.37%. All the two directions give variations almost linear depending on the water content. These linear contractions result in a volume contraction of the okra. It considerably decreases in volume during the drying process. The volume goes from 831.32 cm3 to 367.57 cm3 in min, a variation of 44.22%. The isotropic index reveals that okra does not behave the same in the lateral and longitudinal directions. It contracts its diameter more than its length.

Generalized Kannan-type contraction and fixed point theorems

In this paper,the generalized Kannan-type contraction in cone metric spaces over Banach algebras is introduced.The fixed point theorems satisfying generalized contractive conditions are obtained,without appealing to completeness of X or normality of the cone.The continuity of the mapping is relaxed.Furthermore,we prove that the completeness in cone metric spaces over Banach algebras is necessary if the generalized Kannan-type contraction has a fixed point in X.These results greatly generalize several well-known comparable results in the literature.

Enhancing the activity of FeNi bimetallic electrocatalysts on overall water splitting by Nd_(2)O_(3)-induced FeNi lattice contraction

The development of high-efficiency and cost-effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting remains a formidable challenge.Herein,FeNi-Nd_(2)O_(3) nanoparticles anchored on N-doped carbon nanotubes(FeNi-Nd_(2)O_(3)/NCN) are designed for highly effective overall water splitting via a facile two-step hydrothermal approach.The synthetic FeNi-Nd_(2)O_(3) hetero-trimers(Fe 2p-Ni 2p-Nd 3d orbital coupling)on NCN achieve excellent oxygen evolution reaction(OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) activities with overpotentials of 270 and 120 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2) in 1 M KOH solution.Moreover,a small voltage of 1.52 V at 10 mA cm^(-2) is achieved when FeNi-Nd_(2)O_(3)/NCN is assessed as bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting,which is superior to the typically integrated Pt/C and RuO_(2) counterparts(1.54 V at 10 mA cm^(-2)).The related characterizations including X-ray absorption fine structure(XAFS)spectroscopy show that the remarkably improved activity is originated from Nd_(2)O_(3)-induced FeNi bimetallic lattice contraction.Furthermore,density functional theory(DFT) calculations indicate that the lattice contraction reduces binding energies of intermediates by downshifting the position of FeNi bimetallic d-band center relative to the Fermi level to optimize catalytic performance.Therefore,the Nd_(2)O_(3)-induced FeNi bimetallic lattice contraction may provide a new perspective for designing and synthesizing innovative catalytic systems.

A Review of Deep Learning-Based Vulnerability Detection Tools for Ethernet Smart Contracts

In recent years,the number of smart contracts deployed on blockchain has exploded.However,the issue of vulnerability has caused incalculable losses.Due to the irreversible and immutability of smart contracts,vulnerability detection has become particularly important.With the popular use of neural network model,there has been a growing utilization of deep learning-based methods and tools for the identification of vulnerabilities within smart contracts.This paper commences by providing a succinct overview of prevalent categories of vulnerabilities found in smart contracts.Subsequently,it categorizes and presents an overview of contemporary deep learning-based tools developed for smart contract detection.These tools are categorized based on their open-source status,the data format and the type of feature extraction they employ.Then we conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of these tools,selecting representative tools for experimental validation and comparing them with traditional tools in terms of detection coverage and accuracy.Finally,Based on the insights gained from the experimental results and the current state of research in the field of smart contract vulnerability detection tools,we suppose to provide a reference standard for developers of contract vulnerability detection tools.Meanwhile,forward-looking research directions are also proposed for deep learning-based smart contract vulnerability detection.

Mitigating Blackhole and Greyhole Routing Attacks in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks Using Blockchain Based Smart Contracts

The rapid increase in vehicle traffic volume in modern societies has raised the need to develop innovative solutions to reduce traffic congestion and enhance traffic management efficiency.Revolutionary advanced technology,such as Intelligent Transportation Systems(ITS),enables improved traffic management,helps eliminate congestion,and supports a safer environment.ITS provides real-time information on vehicle traffic and transportation systems that can improve decision-making for road users.However,ITS suffers from routing issues at the network layer when utilising Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks(VANETs).This is because each vehicle plays the role of a router in this network,which leads to a complex vehicle communication network,causing issues such as repeated link breakages between vehicles resulting from the mobility of the network and rapid topological variation.This may lead to loss or delay in packet transmissions;this weakness can be exploited in routing attacks,such as black-hole and gray-hole attacks,that threaten the availability of ITS services.In this paper,a Blockchain-based smart contracts model is proposed to offer convenient and comprehensive security mechanisms,enhancing the trustworthiness between vehicles.Self-Classification Blockchain-Based Contracts(SCBC)and Voting-Classification Blockchain-Based Contracts(VCBC)are utilised in the proposed protocol.The results show that VCBC succeeds in attaining better results in PDR and TP performance even in the presence of Blackhole and Grayhole attacks.

Strategic Contracting for Software Upgrade Outsourcing in Industry 4.0

The advent of Industry 4.0 has compelled businesses to adopt digital approaches that combine software toenhance production efficiency. In this rapidly evolving market, software development is an ongoing process thatmust be tailored to meet the dynamic needs of enterprises. However, internal research and development can beprohibitively expensive, driving many enterprises to outsource software development and upgrades to externalservice providers. This paper presents a software upgrade outsourcing model for enterprises and service providersthat accounts for the impact of market fluctuations on software adaptability. To mitigate the risk of adverseselection due to asymmetric information about the service provider’s cost and asymmetric information aboutthe enterprise’s revenues, we propose pay-per-time and revenue-sharing contracts in two distinct informationasymmetry scenarios. These two contracts specify the time and transfer payments for software upgrades. Througha comparative analysis of the optimal solutions under the two contracts and centralized decision-making withfull-information, we examine the characteristics of the solutions under two information asymmetry scenarios andanalyze the incentive effects of the two contracts on the various stakeholders. Overall, our study offers valuableinsights for firms seeking to optimize their outsourcing strategies and maximize their returns on investment insoftware upgrades.

Design and pricing of maintenance service contract based on Nash non-cooperative game approach

Nowadays manufacturers are facing fierce challenge.Apart from the products,providing customers with multiple maintenance options in the service contract becomes more popular,since it can help to improve customer satisfaction,and ultimately promote sales and maximize profit for the manufacturer.By considering the combinations of corrective maintenance and preventive maintenance,totally three types of maintenance service contracts are designed.Moreover,attractive incentive and penalty mechanisms are adopted in the contracts.On this basis,Nash non-cooperative game is applied to analyze the revenue for both the manufacturer and customers,and so as to optimize the pricing mechanism of maintenance service contract and achieve a win-win situation.Numerical experiments are conducted.The results show that by taking into account the incentive and penalty mechanisms,the revenue can be improved for both the customers and manufacturer.Moreover,with the increase of repair rate and improvement factor in the preventive maintenance,the revenue will increase gradually for both the parties.

Thick-skinned Contractional Salt Structures in the Kuqa Depression,the Northern Tarim Basin:Constraints from Physical Experiments

Thick-skinned contractional salt structures are widely developed in the western Kuqa depression, northern Tarim basin. To understand the mechanisms that govern the development of these structures, physical experiments are conducted and the results show that they are largely governed by the activities of basement faults and the forming of paleo-uplifts and basement slopes. The model materials in this study are dry sand, vaseline and plasticene （or hard foam）, simulating the suprasalt, salt, and subsalt layers respectively. The experiments show that, due to the activities of basement faults and the forming of the paleo-uplifts, salt bodies usually accumulate and thicken significantly on the middle top of the paleo-uplifts which are constrained by the pre-exiting boundary faults. The development of large-scale thrust faults and salt nappes is favored by the basement slops with larger dips. The experiments also conclude that differential structural deformation could occur between the subsalt and suprasalt layers because of the presence of salt layers. Their geometries and the locations of structural highs are different, despite of the great similarities in the uplifted areas. The pierced salt diapir is not observed in the experiments, which indicates that the contractional shortening does not effectively accelerate the development of the salt diapir.

Mechanisms mediating CCK-8S-induced contraction of proximal colon in guinea pigs

AIM:To investigate the effects of sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8S) on the contractile activity of guinea-pig proximal colon.METHODS:Proximal colonic smooth muscle (PCSM) strips were obtained from adult female guinea pigs and contractile response of PCSM strips was recorded using a polyphysiograph.PCSM cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion.Resting potential (RP),action potential (AP),large conductance potassium channel currents (IBKCa) and L-type calcium currents (ICa-L) were recorded by patch-clamp techniques.RESULTS:(1) CCK-8S (10-7 mol/L) enhanced the mean contractile amplitude of colonic circular muscle and longitudinal muscle (LM) strips by 56.53% ± 11.92%(P=0.038) and 65.93% ± 12.98% (P=0.019),respectively,as well as the mean frequency of LM by 31.69% ± 13.58% (P=0.023),which were significantly attenuated by pretreating strips with devazepide,nifedipine,iberiotoxin,thapsigargin (TG) and BAPTA-AM (BA) respectively;(2) CCK-8S (10-7 mol/L) increased the AP amplitude by 38.6% ± 3.2% (P=0.015),decreased AP duration by 36.9% ± 8.7% (P=0.026),and depolarized the RP from-61.3 ± 2.7 mV to-29.8 ± 5.9 mV (P=0.032);and (3) Compared with the normal control group,CCK-8S (10-7 mol/L) enhanced the peak current of IBKCa by 18.7% ± 2.1% (from 916 ± 183 pA to 1088 ± 226 pA;at +60 mV;P=0.029),which was inhibited by respective pretreatment with iberiotoxin and devazepide.Additionally,CCK-8S (10-7 mol/L) intensif ied the peak current of ICa-L by 40% (from 60 ± 8 pA to 84 ± 11 pA;at +10 mV;P=0.012),compared to the normal control group,which was apparently suppressed by respective pretreatment with nifedipine,devazepide,TG and BA.In the respective presence of heparin and staurosporine,CCK-8S did not signif icantly enhance IBKCa and ICa-L.CONCLUSION:The results suggest that CCK-8S promotes guinea-pig proximal colon contraction by CCK1 receptors,following activation of the inositol triphosphate-protein kinase C signal transduction pathway.

Rapid bilateral anterior capsule contraction following high myopic cataract surgeries:a case report

We describe a rapid anterior capsule contraction following phacoemulsifiction and intraocular lens(IOL) implantation in an old woman with high myopia. The patient with high myopia complicated with cataract received phacoemulcification and IOL implantation bilaterally .The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.1 to 0.4 in the right eye and 0.5 in the left eye 1 week after surgeries.5 weeks after surgery of the right eye and 4 weeks after surgery of the left eye, the patient complained blurred vision in the right eye. BCVA of the right eye was 0.06 and that of the left was 0.1. Slit-lamp examination revealed anterior capsule contraction in both eyes and a fully closed capsulorhexis opening in the right eye. The IOLs were centered but almost completely enclosed, with numerous linear fibrous folds radiating from the hick central fibrosis. We surgically excised the central part of the anterior capsule of the eyes with microscissors, resulting again in BCVA of 0.4 and 0.5 in the right and left eyes respectively. Anterior capsule contraction might appear much earlier than three months after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery in case of high myopia complicated with cataract. Patients with high myopia receive cataract and IOL surgery should be monitored carefully for the rapid development of anterior capsule contraction.

Metformin attenuates motility,contraction,and fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells in vivo and in vitro by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

AIM To investigate the effect of metformin on activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) and the possible signaling pathways involved. METHODS A fibrotic mouse model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) and subsequent treatment with or without metformin. The level of fibrosis was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry. The HSC cell line LX-2 was used for in vitro studies. The effect of metformin on cell proliferation(CCK8 assay),motility(scratch test and Transwell assay), contraction(collagen gel contraction assay), extracellular matrix(ECM) secretion(Western blot), and angiogenesis(ELISA and tube formation assay) was investigated. We also analyzed the possible signaling pathways involved by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Mice developed marked liver fibrosis after intraperitoneal injection with CCl_4 for 6 wk. Metformin decreased the activation of HSCs, reduced the deposition of ECM, and inhibited angiogenesis in CCl_4-treated mice. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) promoted the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vitro, while metformin inhibited the activation, proliferation, migration, and contraction of HSCs, and reduced the secretion of ECM. Metformin decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in HSCs through inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)-1α in both PDGF-BB treatment and hypoxic conditions, and it down-regulated VEGF secretion by HSCs and inhibited HSC-based angiogenesis in hypoxic conditions in vitro. The inhibitory effects of metformin on activated HSCs were mediated by inhibiting the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) pathways via the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).CONCLUSION Metformin attenuates the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vivo and in vitro, and may therefore be useful for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

Effect of burden and origin sites of premature ventricular contractions on left ventricular function by 7-day Holter monitor

Recent studies have shown that premature ventricular contractions （PVCs） could enlarge the heart, but its risk factors are incompletely understood as a single 24-hour recording cannot reflect the true PVC burden due to day-to-day variability. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of burden and origin sites on left ventricular （LV） function in patients with PVCs by 7-day Holter electrocardiography （ECG）. From May 2012 to August 2013, 112 consecutive patients with PVCs were recruited from the authors＇ affiliated hospital. All patients received 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, 12-lead routing ECG and 7-days Holter ECG. Serum N-terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） levels were measured. A total of 102 participants with PVCs were included in the final analysis. Origin of PVCs from the tricuspid annulus had the highest burden and NT-proBNP level. LV papillary muscle had a higher LV ejection fraction （EF） level and a lower LV end-systolic dimension （ESD） than other PVC foci （P〈0.05）. The high burden group had a higher LV end-diastolic dimension （EDD） and LVESD but lower LVEF than the other two groups （P〈0.05）. Female, older age, physical work, and history of PVCs had a significantly positive correlation with symptoms. Male, older age, physical work, and high burden were positive predictors of enlarged LVEDD, LVESD and higher serum NT-proBNP level, but lower LVEF. Seven-day dynamic ECG Holter monitor showed the true PVC burden on patients with PVCs. PVCs with a lower burden or origin from the LV papillary muscle and the fascicle were relatively benign, while PVCs with a higher burden or origin from the tricuspid annulus may lead to cardiac dysfunction.

Developmental changes in contraction of gastric smooth muscle cells in rats correlate with their differences in RhoA/ROCK pathway

Previous research has shown that smooth muscle of the stomach undergoes developmental changes in the intracellular regulatory mechanism responsible for the contractile process. Whether these developmental changes relate to differences in the expression and/or activity of the key enzymes regulating smooth muscle contraction has not been previously evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression and activation of the small monomeric G protein "Rho A" and Rho kinase(ROCK) as well as their correlation with the contraction of gastric smooth muscle cells(GSMCs) in newborn vs. adult rats. Freshly isolated single GSMCs from Sprague-Dawley rats at 1 week(newborn) and 3 months(adult) of age were used in the study. Protein and m RNA expression levels of both ROCK2 and total Rho A were higher in adult compared to newborn rats. Moreover, acetylcholine(ACh)-induced contractions of GSMCs in adult rats were significantly higher than that in newborn animals. Meanwhile,ROCK and Rho activation was higher in adult stomach cells compared to newborn ones. Pretreatment of GSMCs with Y-27632, the ROCK inhibitor, significantly reduced ACh-induced contraction in both groups of cells and greatly abolished contractile differences. In conclusion, our results indicate that Rho A/ROCK pathway and contraction of stomach muscle cells are under developmental regulation.

Role of intracellular calcium in contraction of internal anal sphincter

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Experimental Study of Assessment on Ventricular Activation Origin and Contraction Sequence by Doppler Tissue Imaging

To evaluate the possibility and accuracy of Doppler tissue image (DTI) on assessment of normal and abnormal ventricular activation and contraction sequence, 9 open chest canine hearts were analyzed by acceleration mode, M mode, and spectrum mode DTI. Our results showed that: (1) Acceleration mode DTI could show the origin of activation and conduction sequence on line; (2) M mode DTI revealed that the activation in mid interventricular septum was earlier than that in mid left ventricular posterior wall at sinus activation; (3) Spectrum DTI showed the ventricular endocardium was activated earlier than the ventricular epicardium in all segments at sinus rhythm. The earliest site of activation of the normal ventricular wall was at middle interventricular septum; the latest site was at basal posterior wall; the contraction sequence was different at the different walls; (4) During abnormal ventricular activation, mid left ventricular posterior wall was activated earliest in accordance with the pacing sites. Abnormal ventricular activation was slower than sinus activation, and the contraction sequence varied at different sites of ventricular wall. It is concluded that DTI can be used to localize the origin of normal or abnormal myocardial activation and to assess the contraction sequence conveniently, accurately and non invasively.

Effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal body contraction

AIM:To clarify the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal contraction and determine their possi-ble relationship with gastro-esophageal reflux disease.METHODS:Thirteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled. Esophageal body peristaltic contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were measured using high resolution manometry. All subjects were randomly examined on four separate occasions following administrations of nifedipine,losartan,and atenolol,as well as without any drug administration.RESULTS:Peristaltic contractions by the esophageal body were separated into three segments by two troughs. The peak peristaltic pressures in the mid and lower segments of the esophageal body under atenolol administration were signifi cantly higher than those without medication in a supine position. On the other hand,peristaltic pressures under nifedipine administration were lower than those observed without drug ad-ministration. Losartan did not change esophageal body peristalsis. Atenolol elevated LES pressure and slowed peristaltic wave transition,while the effects of nifedip-ine were the opposite. CONCLUSION:Among the anti-hypertensive drugs tested,atenolol enhanced esophageal motor activity,which was in contrast to nifedipine.

Effects of adenosine triphosphate concentration on motor force regulation during skeletal muscle contraction

We employ a mechanical model of sarcomere to quantitatively investigate how adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration affects motor force regulation during skeletal muscle contraction. Our simulation indicates that there can be negative cross-bridges resisting contraction within the sarcomere and higher ATP concentration would decrease the resistance force from negative cross-bridges by promoting their timely detachment. It is revealed that the motor force is well regulated only when ATP concentration is above a certain level. These predictions may provide insights into the role of ATP in regulating coordination among multiple motors.

Effects of Amrinone on Cardiac Contraction and Relaxation in Isolated，Perfused Rat Heart

The effects of amrinone on cardiac contraction and relaxation were assessed in isolated, perfused rat hearts. It was found that the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), dp/dtmax and -da/dtmax did not significantly increase . and the time constant (τ) did not markedly shorten with perfusion of low concentration ( 1 nmol/L , 100 nmol/L) of amrinone. The perfusion with higher concentration (1000 nmol/L) of amrinone reduced LVDP (P<0. 01 ) ,dp/dtmax (P<0.01) , -dp/dtmax (P<0. 01). and prolonged τ(P< 0. 05) significaiatly. It was assumed that amrinone has no direct positive inotropic effect. and can not improve cardiac relaxation. On the contrary, the cardiac contraction and relax ation will be inhibited at higher concentration of amrinone.

Spinal and supraspinal control of motor function during maximal eccentric muscle contraction:Effects of resistance training

Neuromuscular activity is suppressed during maximal eccentric(ECC)muscle contraction in untrained subjects owing to attenuated levels of central activation and reduced spinal motor neuron(MN)excitability indicated by reduced electromyography signal amplitude,diminished evoked H-reflex responses,increased autogenic MN inhibition,and decreased excitability in descending corticospinal motor pathways.Maximum ECC muscle force recorded during maximal voluntary contraction can be increased by superimposed electrical muscle stimulation only in untrained individuals and not in trained strength athletes,indicating that the suppression in MN activation is modifiable by resistance training.In support of this notion,maximum ECC muscle strength can be increased by use of heavy-load resistance training owing to a removed or diminished suppression in neuromuscular activity.Prolonged(weeks to months)of heavy-load resistance training results in increased H-reflex and V-wave responses during maximal ECC muscle actions along with marked gains in maximal ECC muscle strength,indicating increased excitability of spinal MNs,decreased presynaptic and/or postsynaptic MN inhibition,and elevated descending motor drive.Notably,the use of supramaximal ECC resistance training can lead to selectively elevated V-wave responses during maximal ECC contraction,demonstrating that adaptive changes in spinal circuitry function and/or gains in descending motor drive can be achieved during maximal ECC contraction in response to heavy-load resistance training.

Biomechanical response of skeletal muscle to eccentric contractions

The forced lengthening of an activated skeletal muscle has been termed an eccentric contraction(EC).This review highlights the mechanically unique nature of the EC and focuses on the specific disruption of proteins within the cell known as cytoskeletal proteins.The major intermediate filament cytoskeletal protein,desmin,has been the focus of work in this area because changes to desmin occur within minutes of ECs and because desmin has been shown to play both a mechanical and biologic role in a muscle's response to EC.It is hoped that these types of studies will assist in decreasing the incidence of muscle injury in athletes and facilitating the development of new therapies to treat muscle injuries.