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This paper studies a two-agent scheduling problem on mixed batch machines in parallel. A mixed batch machine can process several jobs simultaneously as a batch, as long as the number of jobs in the batch does not exceed the machine capacity. The processing time of a mixed batch is the weighted sum of the maximum processing time and the total processing time of jobs in the batch. The objective is to minimise the weighted sum of two agents' makespans. We present four approximation algorithms based on two strategies: the machine-centric strategy and the agent-centric strategy. For each strategy, a full batch longest processing time (FBLPT) rule and a longest processing time greedy (LPTG) rule are used. We conduct theoretical analyses based on the worst-case performance ratio to provide the provable guarantees on the performances of the algorithms, and simulation analyses based on randomly generated instances to evaluate the average performances of the algorithms. Furthermore, we verify the consistency between the theoretical and simulation results. The algorithms using agent-centric strategy perform better than ones using machine-centric strategy. Finally, we provide managerial insights for the problem by analysing the technological parameters of batches, importance of agents, and demand seasonality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most common infectious diseases with complex inflammatory conditions, having irreversibly destructive impacts on the periodontal supporting tissues. The application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising adjuvant therapy modality for PD. However, the mechanism of CAP in PD treatment is still poorly understood. The review motivates to outline the latest researches concerning the applications of CAP in PD treatment. Methods: We searched CAP‐related literature through utilizing the well‐established databases of Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science according to the following keywords related to periodontal disease (periodontal, gingival, gingivitis, gingiva, periodontium, periodontitis). Results: A total of 18 concerning original studies were found. These studies could be classified according to three pathophysiological perspectives of PD. The therapeutic mechanisms of CAP may be attributed to the oxidative stress‐related cell death of periodontal bacteria, the suppression of periodontal inflammation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion, as well as the acceleration of periodontal soft tissue wound healing and hard tissue reconstruction. Conclusions: Cold atmospheric plasma has potential therapeutic effects on PD through three mechanisms: antimicrobial effect, inflammation attenuation, and tissue remodeling. This review hopefully provides a comprehensive perspective into the potential of CAP in PD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature ferromagnetic insulators play a crucial role in a wide range of emerging magnetoelectricity phenomena and hold the potential to become fundamental components of upcoming spintronic devices. However, the strong interaction between ferromagnetism and metallic properties presents a challenge, impeding the development of high-temperature ferromagnetic insulators based on oxides. Heterostructures or superlattice materials, especially those containing perovskite layers, offer a forward-looking solution. In this work, high-quality Sr4Fe6O13 (SFO) and cobalt-doped SFO (Sr4Fe5CoO13-δ, SFCO) thin films were grown on Nb-SrTiO3(001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition technology. The grown SFO films exhibit paramagnetism, possibly due to the transition of their film structure from the orthorhombic to the tetragonal phase. In contrast to SFO films, high-quality SFCO thin films exhibit significant ferromagnetism at room temperature, with Curie transition temperature as high as 800 K. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the formed Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions between Fe–O–Co and increased lattice distortions caused by Co-doping. In contrast, the Curie transition temperature of the SFCO film is slightly higher than that of the SFCO ceramics. This enhancement is likely due to surface effects, where an increase in surface energy introduces additional energy barriers at the film surface and interface, thereby enhancing the thermal stability of the film. These characteristics advance the research of high-temperature magnetic insulators and broaden the operating temperature range of spintronic devices based on ferromagnetic insulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Gossypol and its derivatives represent a class of toxic and immunosuppressive compounds that are naturally synthesized in cottonseed. These compounds pose several health hazards to humans and animals, such as heart and lung damage, breathing difficulties, and death in swine. In poultry, gossypol reduces egg production and slows growth. Studies have also shown that gossypol can indirectly harm humans and animals through the food chain. Although several physical and chemical approaches are adopted to reduce gossypol levels in cottonseed before food and feed processing, these techniques are expensive. Therefore, genetically regulating gossypol production in cotton could provide a cheaper alternative. Summary: Cotton (Gossypium spp.), the most important fiber crop, is cultivated in over a hundred countries to provide raw materials for the growing textile industry. The seed obtained after delinting cotton is a rich source of protein with a vast potential for oil and feed production. Cottonseed oil production is estimated at 5.08 million metric tons and is expected to generate over 6.56 billion United States Dollars in revenue by 2029. The cake from defatted cottonseed is used as animal feed and food supplements. However, the contamination of gossypol in cottonseed limits its use. Gossypol ingestion impairs weight gain and causes anorexia, respiratory distress, and death under extreme exposure. This review highlights the significance of cottonseed oil and meal; the pharmacological uses and impact of gossypol; the chemistry, toxicity, and bioactivity of gossypol; and the physical and chemical methods used in gossypol removal during feed and food supplement processing. In addition, the biosynthetic pathway of gossypol and attempts to genetically transform some key regulators of this pathway to produce glandless cottonseed or reduce the gossypol levels in the seed are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the basic elements of Yoshimura origami patterns are extracted, a discrete splicing construction method to control the circumference of a tubular origami structure based on basic elements is created by summarizing morphological laws, and a construction function and a solution process for the Yoshimura origami pattern tubular structure based on a combination of the basic elements are proposed. A concrete form of the convex polygonal origami structure based on the Yoshimura origami pattern with different numbers of edges is designed by synthesizing the construction function and geometric constraints. This theoretical synthesis approach provides new ideas for the innovative design of origami robots, mechanical metamaterials, and energy-absorbing cushioned structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]