QAmplifyNet: Pushing the Boundaries of Supply Chain Backorder Prediction Using Interpretable Hybrid Quantum - Classical Neural Network

Supply chain management relies on accurate backorder prediction for optimizing inventory control, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. However, traditional machine-learning models struggle with large-scale datasets and complex relationships, hindering real-world data collection. This research introduces a novel methodological framework for supply chain backorder prediction, addressing the challenge of handling large datasets. Our proposed model, QAmplifyNet, employs quantum-inspired techniques within a quantum-classical neural network to predict backorders effectively on short and imbalanced datasets. Experimental evaluations on a benchmark dataset demonstrate QAmplifyNet's superiority over classical models, quantum ensembles, quantum neural networks, and deep reinforcement learning. Its proficiency in handling short, imbalanced datasets makes it an ideal solution for supply chain management. To enhance model interpretability, we use Explainable Artificial Intelligence techniques. Practical implications include improved inventory control, reduced backorders, and enhanced operational efficiency. QAmplifyNet seamlessly integrates into real-world supply chain management systems, enabling proactive decision-making and efficient resource allocation. Future work involves exploring additional quantum-inspired techniques, expanding the dataset, and investigating other supply chain applications. This research unlocks the potential of quantum computing in supply chain optimization and paves the way for further exploration of quantum-inspired machine learning models in supply chain management. Our framework and QAmplifyNet model offer a breakthrough approach to supply chain backorder prediction, providing superior performance and opening new avenues for leveraging quantum-inspired techniques in supply chain management

μ-opioid Receptor-Mediated Alterations of Allergen-Induced Immune Responses of Bronchial Lymph Node Cells in a Murine Model of Stress Asthma

ABSTRACTBackgroundPsychological stress has a recognized association with asthma symptoms. Using a murine model of allergic asthma, we recently demonstrated the involvement of μ-opioid receptors (MORs) in the central nervous system in the stress-induced exacerbation of airway inflammation. However, the involvement of MORs on neurons and immunological alterations in the stress asthma model remain unclear.MethodsMOR-knockout (MORKO) mice that express MORs only on noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons (MORKO/Tg mice) were produced and characterized for stress responses. Sensitized mice inhaled antigen and were then subjected to restraint stress. After a second antigen inhalation, bronchoalveolar lavage cells were counted. Before the second inhalation, bronchial lymph node (BLN) cells and splenocytes from stressed and non-stressed mice were cultured with antigen, and cytokine levels and the proportions of T cell subsets were measured.ResultsStress-induced worsening of allergic airway inflammation was observed in wild-type and MORKO/Tg mice but not MORKO mice. In wild-type stressed mice, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios in cell culture supernatants and the proportion of regulatory T cells in BLN cell populations were significantly lower than those in non-stressed mice. These differences in BLN cells were not observed between the stressed and non-stressed MORKO mice. Restraint stress had no effect on cytokine production or T cell subsets in splenocytes.ConclusionsRestraint stress aggravated allergic airway inflammation in association with alterations in local immunity characterized by greater Th2-associated cytokine production and a reduced development of regulatory T cells, mediated by MORs

8-Prenylnaringenin tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics in mice and its binding to human serum albumin and cellular uptake in human embryonic kidney cells

8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN), a hop flavonoid, is a promising food substance with health benefits. Compared with nonprenylated naringenin, 8-PN exhibits stronger estrogenic activity and prevents muscle atrophy. Moreover, 8-PN prevents hot flushes and bone loss. Considering that prenylation reportedly improves the bioavailability of flavonoids, we compared the parameters related to the bioavailability [pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in C57/BL6 mice, binding affinity to human serum albumin (HSA), and cellular uptake in HEK293 cells] of 8-PN and its mother (non-prenylated) compound naringenin. C57/BL6 mice were fed an 8-PN or naringenin mixed diet for 22 days. The amount of 8-PN (nmol/g tissue) in the kidneys (16.8 ± 9.20), liver (14.8 ± 2.58), muscles (3.33 ± 0.60), lungs (2.07 ± 0.68), pancreas (1.80 ± 0.38), heart (1.71 ± 0.27), spleen (1.36 ± 0.29), and brain (0.31 ± 0.09) was higher than that of naringenin. A pharmacokinetic study in mice demonstrated that the Cmax of 8-PN (50 mg/kg body weight) was lower than that of naringenin; however, the plasma concentration of 8-PN 8 h after ingestion was higher than that of naringenin. The binding affinity of 8-PN to HSA and cellular uptake in HEK293 cells were higher than those of naringenin. 8-PN bioavailability features assessed in mouse or human model experiments were obviously different from those of naringenin

Elastic Wave Property of Concrete Decomposed by Steam Pressure Cracking Agent

A steam pressure cracking (SPC) agent is a method that can dismantle concrete safely and quickly. In previous studies, the authors showed that the direction of the crack could be controlled by the tensile stress at the induction holes and not by the compressive stress at the SPC hole. We demonstrate that the compression elastic wave changes to a tensile wave when the wave is reflected at the free surface of the induction hole. We also examined the properties of the concrete by developing an elastic wave measuring system that is difficult to break down even in high-temperature, wet, and radiation environment. The elastic wave velocity change in the four concrete types was less than 4%. It was found that the standard deviation value, σ, changed four times. Therefore, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the internal structure of concrete using the standard deviation value σ, which indicates the dispersion of the elastic wave velocity

Controlled Cracking of Large Size Concrete Structures by a Steam Pressure Cracking Agent

The dismantling of large concrete structures causes environmental pollution due to the dispersion of polluted micro-particles. The purpose of this study is to develop an environmentally friendly demolition method. Steam pressure cracking (SPC) is a method that can safely and quickly separate concrete because there is less vibration compared to the explosion method. To date, the authors have shown that the direction of cracking in a small sample can be controlled by an induction hole. The principle of control is that the elastic wave of compression stress generated from the SPC reaction changes to a tensile elastic wave at the induction hole, and a crack is initiated. In this study, it was shown that the direction of crack propagation can be controlled by using induction holes in large concrete structures that are 1m on each side. Further, in the SPC method, the large amount of concrete powder generated by the explosion method is not produced, and there is no risk of secondary contamination by fine concrete powder. It was also possible to separate small pieces from the end face of the large concrete by SPC and induction holes. The area over which the crack propagated depends on the energy generated from the SPC agent, and the relationship was linear. By applying an SPC agent to dismantling large concrete structures, we can achieve controlled cracking safely and quickly without any environmental pollution.&nbsp

Association between upper limb movements during drumming and cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment and dementia at a nursing home: a pilot study

BackgroundDespite the association between motor dysfunction and dementia, quantitative assessment of dementia-related specific motor dysfunction in patients with severe dementia is difficult. Thus, this study aimed to develop a new method to measure upper limb motor function in people with dementia.MethodsWe examined the relationship between dementia severity and dementia-related specific motor dysfunction using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a dementia screening test. Participants comprised 16 nursing home residents with a mean age of 86 years and MMSE score of 15.75 (range, 1–27) Points. Participants were seated in a circle and instructed to play a drum that was placed in their lap using mallets (drumsticks) in their dominant hand. Acceleration and gyroscopic sensors were attached to their wrists to collect data on arm movements while drumming. Upper limb motor characteristics were confirmed by recording acceleration and arm movement during drumming and analyzing the correlation with handgrip strength.ResultsHandgrip strength was correlated with arm elevation angle during drumming. The arm elevation angle displayed a significant regression equation with the MMSE score and showed the best regression equation along with handgrip strength (adjusted R2 = 0.6035, p = 0.0009).ConclusionWe developed a new method using drums to measure upper limb motor function in people with dementia. We also verified that the average arm elevation angle during drumming could predict cognitive dysfunction. This system may be used to monitor people with dementia in a simple and safe way

Elastic Wave Property of Concrete Decomposed by Steam Pressure Cracking Agent

A steam pressure cracking (SPC) agent is a method that can dismantle concrete safely and quickly. In previous studies, the authors showed that the direction of the crack could be controlled by the tensile stress at the induction holes and not by the compressive stress at the SPC hole. We demonstrate that the compression elastic wave changes to a tensile wave when the wave is reflected at the free surface of the induction hole. We also examined the properties of the concrete by developing an elastic wave measuring system that is difficult to break down even in high-temperature, wet, and radiation environment. The elastic wave velocity change in the four concrete types was less than 4%. It was found that the standard deviation value, σ, changed four times. Therefore, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the internal structure of concrete using the standard deviation value σ, which indicates the dispersion of the elastic wave velocity

アレルギー性気道炎症の性差の加齢変化-サイトカイン産生とプロゲステロンの影響に関する検討-

The incidence,severity and prognosis of asthma can be affected by a number of factors,including the patient\u27s age and sex.Clinical observations and epidemiologic studies indicate that the severity of asthma is higher among boys than girls,but that the ratio inverts after puberty.Thereafter,in the elderly,the sex difference disappears.However,the mechanisms underlying the age-related sex differences in the severity of asthma are not clear.Therefore,to clarify the mechanisms we compared using a murine model of asthma allergen-induced airway inflammation and the effect of progesterone on antigen-induced cytokine production by lymphocytes betoween the different age and sex.In 6 weeks old C57BL/6 mice,the airway inflammation in flammation in female mice sensitized with OVA followed by OVA inhalation was more severe than in male mice,whereas the sex difference in the airway inflammation was not observed in 16 weeks old mice.In not only 6 but also 16 weeks old mice,bronchial lymph nodes (BLN) cells from OVA-sensitized female mice produced more Th2 cytokine,than those from age-matched male mice,upon simulation with OVA.Progesterone did not significantly affect the sex difference in Th2 cytokine production by BLN cells in either 6 or 16 weeks old mice.Our findings suggest that the age-related sex differences in allergic airway inflammation are not due to simply the differences in lymphocytes function and sensiticities to progesterone