A few-shot graph Laplacian-based approach for improving the accuracy of low-fidelity data

Low-fidelity data is typically inexpensive to generate but inaccurate. On the other hand, high-fidelity data is accurate but expensive to obtain. Multi-fidelity methods use a small set of high-fidelity data to enhance the accuracy of a large set of low-fidelity data. In the approach described in this paper, this is accomplished by constructing a graph Laplacian using the low-fidelity data and computing its low-lying spectrum. This spectrum is then used to cluster the data and identify points that are closest to the centroids of the clusters. High-fidelity data is then acquired for these key points. Thereafter, a transformation that maps every low-fidelity data point to its bi-fidelity counterpart is determined by minimizing the discrepancy between the bi- and high-fidelity data at the key points, and to preserve the underlying structure of the low-fidelity data distribution. The latter objective is achieved by relying, once again, on the spectral properties of the graph Laplacian. This method is applied to a problem in solid mechanics and another in aerodynamics. In both cases, this methods uses a small fraction of high-fidelity data to significantly improve the accuracy of a large set of low-fidelity data

Simultaneous fNIRS and thermal infrared imaging during cognitive task reveal autonomic correlates of prefrontal cortex activity

Functional Near Infrared-Spectroscopy (fNIRS) represents a powerful tool to non-invasively study task-evoked brain activity. fNIRS assessment of cortical activity may suffer for contamination by physiological noises of different origin (e.g. heart beat, respiration, blood pressure, skin blood flow), both task-evoked and spontaneous. Spontaneous changes occur at different time scales and, even if they are not directly elicited by tasks, their amplitude may result task-modulated. In this study, concentration changes of hemoglobin were recorded over the prefrontal cortex while simultaneously recording the facial temperature variations of the participants through functional infrared thermal (fIR) imaging. fIR imaging provides touch-less estimation of the thermal expression of peripheral autonomic. Wavelet analysis revealed task-modulation of the very low frequency (VLF) components of both fNIRS and fIR signals and strong coherence between them. Our results indicate that subjective cognitive and autonomic activities are intimately linked and that the VLF component of the fNIRS signal is affected by the autonomic activity elicited by the cognitive task. Moreover, we showed that task-modulated changes in vascular tone occur both at a superficial and at larger depth in the brain. Combined use of fNIRS and fIR imaging can effectively quantify the impact of VLF autonomic activity on the fNIRS signals

Could the periodontal therapy improve the cardiologic patient health? A narrative review

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the major cause of mortality globally, with increasing evidence suggesting a link between periodontitis, and CVD. This study aims to explore the association between periodontitis and CVD, and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular health. Methods: This review synthesized findings from preclinical and clinical studies, without publication year restrictions, examining periodontitis and CVD through various lenses. Scientific databases were inspected with keywords related to periodontitis and CVD. Results: The review identifies a substantial association between periodontitis and an increased risk of several CVD, supported by both epidemiological and interventional studies. Results suggest the complexity of the relationship, influenced by factors like the severity of periodontitis and the presence of other systemic conditions. Clinical data indicates that periodontal therapy, particularly non -surgical periodontal therapy, may reduce systemic inflammatory markers and thus may play a role in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD events, highlighting the potential of periodontal therapy to not only maintain oral health but also to modulate cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: Current evidence supports a significant association between periodontitis and increased cardiovascular risk, promoting integrated healthcare approaches that consider oral health as a key -component of cardiovascular care and wellbeing

Theoretical principles of formation of financial control at the enterprise

У роботі представлено теоретичні основи фінансового контролінгу у системі фінансового менеджменту підприємства. Метою дослідження є висвітлення теоретичних основ фінансового контролінгу на підприємстві, визначення ролі та місця фінансового контролінгу у системі фінансового менеджменту, виявлення основних факторів, що здійснюють вплив на формування фінансового контролінгу на підприємстві Надано визначення терміну «контролінг» як механізму управління підприємствами з метою підвищення прибутку. Обґрунтовано актуальність цього інструменту управління, що дозволяє компанії надійно орієнтуватися в ринкових відносинах, чого не забезпечували раніше застосовувані системи планування та обліку. У статті наведено еволюцію основних етапів формування концепції системного управління на основі впровадження контролінгу на підприємстві. Висвітлено основні фактори, що можуть впливати на ефективність реалізації управління підприємством. Представлено чинники, які здійснюють вплив на впровадження контролінгу на підприємстві.The paper presents the theoretical foundations of the formation of controlling at the enterprise. The definition of the term "controlling" as a mechanism of enterprise management in order to increase profit is provided. The work uses such methods as: analysis and evaluation, comparison, indexation and deduction, graphic method. The relevance of this management tool is determined, which allows the company to reliably navigate market relations compared to the previously available planning and accounting systems. The existing variety of definitions and views suggests that controlling is a dynamic field that develops in the direction of the theory and practice of organization management. It was established that during the practical implementation of the management system and its tools, a number of factors may arise that can lead to the effective implementation of the management system. It was noted that the constant development of economic relations and socio-economic systems also determines the development of approaches to understanding the company's effectiveness. The article describes the evolution of the main stages of the formation of the concept of system management based on the implementation of controlling at the enterprise. The main factors that can affect the effectiveness of the implementation of enterprise management are given. The factors influencing the formation of the strategy for the implementation of controlling at the enterprise are presented. The practical significance of this article lies in the fact that the implementation of a modern concept of financial management based on controlling can help the enterprise achieve the tasks and goals set by it, ensure compliance with the formed strategies and determines the effectiveness of operational and tactical plans for enterprise management

Place of financial controlling in the financial management of industrial enterprises

У статті розглянуто проблеми, пов’язані із впровадженням та розвитком фінансового контролінгу як функції фінансового менеджменту промислових підприємств. Проаналізовано та конкретизовано проблеми фінансового менеджменту і контролінгу на українських промислових підприємствах в сучасних умовах. Визначено роль і місце фінансового контролінгу в системі фінансового менеджменту підприємства. На підставі аналізу проблем фінансового менеджменту та контролінгу доведено, що фінансовий контролінг є найбільш раціональним способом досягнення ефективної діяльності промислового підприємства. Обґрунтовано необхідність застосування та удосконалення окремих специфічних методів та інструментів фінансового контролінгу на промислових підприємствах.В статье рассмотрены проблемы, связанные с внедрением и развитием финансового контроллинга как функции финансового менеджмента промышленных предприятий. Проанализированы и конкретизированы проблемы финансового менеджмента и контроллинга на украинских промышленных предприятиях в современных условиях. Определены роль и место финансового контроллинга в системе финансового менеджмента предприятия. На основании анализа проблем финансового менеджмента и контроллинга доказано, что финансовый контроллинг является наиболее рациональным способом достижения эффективной деятельности промышленного предприятия. Обоснована необходимость применения и усовершенствования отдельных специфических методов и инструментов контроллинга на промышленных предприятиях.The article deals with the problems associated with the introduction and development of financial controlling as the financial management function of industrial enterprises. It analyzes and concretizes specific problems of financial management and controlling of Ukrainian industrial enterprises in the modern conditions. The role and place of financial controlling in the system of financial management of the company are identified. It is proved that financial controlling is the most rational way to achieve efficient operation of the industrial enterprises based on the analysis of problems of financial management and controlling. The necessity of usage and improvement of different specific methods and tools of controlling at industrial enterprises is substantiated

Wearables and the brain

The brain is the last frontier for wearable sensing. Commercially available wearables can monitor your vital signs and physical activity, but few have the ability to monitor what goes on inside your head. With the advent of new wearable and portable neuroimaging technologies, this situation might be about to change, with profound implications for neuroscience and for wearables

Having a chat and then watching a movie: how social interaction synchronises our brains during co-watching

How does co-presence change our neural experience of the world? Can a conversation change how we synchronise with our partner during later events? Using fNIRS hyperscanning, we measured brain activity from 27 pairs of familiar adults simultaneously over frontal, temporal and parietal regions bilaterally, as they co-watched two different episodes of a short cartoon. In-between the two episodes, each pair engaged in a face-to-face conversation on topics unrelated to the cartoon episodes. Brain synchrony was calculated using wavelet transform coherence and computed separately for real pairs and shuffled pseudo) pairs. Findings reveal that real pairs showed increased brain synchrony over right Dorso-Lateral Pre-Frontal cortex (DLPFC) and right Superior Parietal Lobe (SPL), compared to pseudo pairs (who had never seen each other and watched the same movie at different times; uncorrected for multiple comparisons). In addition, co-watching after a conversation was associated with greater synchrony over right TPJ compared to co-watching before a conversation, and this effect was significantly higher in real pairs (who engaged in conversation with each other) compared to pseudo pairs (who had a conversation with someone else; uncorrected for multiple comparisons). The present study has shed the light on the role of social interaction in modulating brain synchrony across people not just during social interaction, but even for subsequent non-social activities. These results have implications in the growing domain of naturalistic neuroimaging and interactive neuroscience

Mitochondrial DNA and exercise: Implications for health and injuries in sports

Recently, several studies have highlighted the tight connection between mitochondria and physical activity. Mitochondrial functions are important in high-demanding metabolic activities, such as endurance sports. Moreover, regular training positively affects metabolic health by increasing mitochondrial oxidative capacity and regulating glucose metabolism. Exercise could have multiple effects, also on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and vice versa; some studies have investigated how mtDNA polymorphisms can affect the performance of general athletes and mtDNA haplogroups seem to be related to the performance of elite endurance athletes. Along with several stimuli, including pathogens, stress, trauma, and reactive oxygen species, acute and intense exercise also seem to be responsible for mtDNA release into the cytoplasm and extracellular space, leading to the activation of the innate immune response. In addition, several sports are characterized by a higher frequency of injuries, including cranial trauma, associated with neurological consequences. However, with regular exercise, circulating cell-free mtDNA levels are kept low, perhaps promoting cf-mtDNA removal, acting as a protective factor against inflammation

Molecular mechanisms of mtdna-mediated inflammation

Besides their role in cell metabolism, mitochondria display many other functions. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the own genome of the organelle, plays an important role in modulating the inflammatory immune response. When released from the mitochondrion to the cytosol, mtDNA is recognized by cGAS, a cGAMP which activates a pathway leading to enhanced expression of type I interferons, and by NLRP3 inflammasome, which promotes the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-1beta and Interleukin-18. Furthermore, mtDNA can be bound by Toll-like receptor 9 in the endosome and activate a pathway that ultimately leads to the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. mtDNA is released in the extracellular space in different forms (free DNA, protein-bound DNA fragments) either as free circulating molecules or encapsulated in extracellular vesicles. In this review, we discussed the latest findings concerning the molecular mechanisms that regulate the release of mtDNA from mitochondria, and the mechanisms that connect mtDNA misplacement to the activation of inflammation in different pathophysiological conditions

Synthesis and anticancer activity of CDDO and CDDO-me, two derivatives of natural triterpenoids

Triterpenoids are natural compounds synthesized by plants through cyclization of squalene, known for their weak anti-inflammatory activity. 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO), and its C28 modified derivative, methyl-ester (CDDO-Me, also known as bardoxolone methyl), are two synthetic derivatives of oleanolic acid, synthesized more than 20 years ago, in an attempt to enhance the anti-inflammatory behavior of the natural compound. These molecules have been extensively investigated for their strong ability to exert antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic activities, and to induce apoptosis and differentiation in cancer cells. Here, we discuss the chemical properties of natural triterpenoids, the pathways of synthesis and the biological effects of CDDO and its derivative CDDO-Me. At nanomolar doses, CDDO and CDDO-Me have been shown to protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress by increasing the transcriptional activity of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). At doses higher than 100 nM, CDDO and CDDO-Me are able to modulate the differentiation of a variety of cell types, both tumor cell lines or primary culture cell, while at micromolar doses these compounds exert an anticancer effect in multiple manners; by inducing extrinsic or intrinsic apoptotic pathways, or autophagic cell death, by inhibiting telomerase activity, by disrupting mitochondrial functions through Lon protease inhibition, and by blocking the deubiquitylating enzyme USP7. CDDO-Me demonstrated its efficacy as anticancer drugs in different mouse models, and versus several types of cancer. Several clinical trials have been started in humans for evaluating CDDO-Me efficacy as anticancer and anti-inflammatory drug; despite promising results, significant increase in heart failure events represented an obstacle for the clinical use of CDDO-Me