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The rapid development of shipping trade pushes automated container terminals toward the direction of intelligence, safety and efficiency. In particular, the formulation of AGV scheduling tasks and the safety and stability of transportation path is an important part of port operation and management, and it is one of the basic tasks to build an intelligent port. Existing research mainly focuses on collaborative operation between port equipment and path optimization under environmental perception, while there is relatively little research on optimization of path smoothness and safety. Therefore, we propose a path optimization model based on the artificial potential field and twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (APF-TD3) framework for the port environment. Firstly, we obtain the scheduling task plan of a single AGV by enumeration. Secondly, according to the artificial potential field (APF) algorithm to generate repulsion for obstacles in the harbor and attraction for container storage at the target point with the position information of the AGV as the input data of the reinforcement learning algorithm is inputted into the twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm (TD3). Then TD3 selects the optimal action strategy for the AGV according to the input AGV state information and the designed reward mechanism as well as executes the action. Through repeated execution, the optimal action for the next step is selected at each point to generate a path with start and end points. We validate the model by simulating the scale of containerized cargo in the port i.e. small scale, medium scale and large scale scenes. The experimental results show that the method has the shortest path length of 27.519 m, 270.847 m, and 496.389 m compared to artificial potential field and deep deterministic policy gradient (APF-DDPG), APF, and rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) algorithms, which also have significant advantages in terms of path security and path smoothness. This framework could respond to the scheduling and transportation tasks of single AGV in different environmental layouts and guarantee the smoothness and safety of the path based on the optimization of the path, which promotes the efficient operation and management of ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galvanized steel is often used in the food industry due to its durability, strength, and lower cost relative to stainless steel. Herein, we report a coating method for galvanized steel that exhibits superhydrophobicity and antifouling capabilities, effectively inhibiting the attachment of fungi, bacteria, and mud. This coating was fabricated through a two-step process involving the immobilization of silica nanoparticles and subsequent chemisorption of an organosilane layer with low surface energy. The resultant coating yielded a static water contact angle of 157 ± 3.6°. Over a period of seven days, this coating achieved log10 reductions of 2.6 ± 0.1 and 2.9 ± 0.1 in the attachment of the bacterial strains of Salmonella enterica and Listeria innocua , respectively. Additional testing revealed a marked reduction in adherence of Aspergillus niger fungus. Following immersion in mud, coated surfaces showed an evident reduction in mud attachment in comparison to the original steel surfaces. Specifically, when tested with mud with a viscosity of ∼90,000 cP, the mud attachment percentage for the untreated steel surfaces and the coated steel surfaces was quantified as 94.57 ± 1.64% and 6.81 ± 2.43%, respectively. The electrochemical characterization of the coated steel, conducted in the presence of Salmonella enterica , revealed a 60.4 ± 10.4% decrease in the corrosion rate compared to the bare steel. The prospect of implementing the developed coating technology on galvanized steel surfaces—including but not limited to grain storage silos as well as various food-related storage units and containers—presents an opportunity for significant progression within the multidisciplinary fields of food engineering, safety, and processing. [Display omitted] • Novel antifouling/anticorrosion coating was developed for galvanized steel. • Coating exhibited antifouling effect against pathogenic fungi Aspergillus niger. • With use of coating, adhesion of Salmonella and Listeria was reduced by >99.5%. • Coated surfaces significantly reduced the corrosion rate induced by microorganisms. • The developed coating is ideal for galvanized steel food-contact surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Durable superhydrophobic nanodiamond based coating for stainless-steel. • Water contact angle of 156.3 ± 1.9° with 2.3 ± 0.5° contact angle hysteresis. • Surfaces characterized with SEM, AFM, and ATR-FTIR. • 2.3 ± 0.6 log 10 & 2.0 ± 0.9 log 10 reductions in E. coli & L. innocua , respectively. • Resisted fouling from contaminated Romaine lettuce leaves. Increasing concerns revolve around bacterial cross-contamination of leafy green vegetables via food-contact surfaces. Given that stainless-steel is among the commonly used food-contact surfaces, this study reports a coating strategy enhancing its hygiene and microbiological safety through an antifouling approach via superhydrophobicity. The developed method involves growing a nickel-nanodiamond nanocomposite film on 304 stainless-steel via electroplating and sequential functionalization of the outer surface layer with nonpolar organosilane molecules via polydopamine moieties. The resultant superhydrophobic stainless-steel surfaces had a static water contact angle of 156.3 ± 1.9° with only 2.3 ± 0.5° contact angle hysteresis. Application of the coating to stainless-steel was demonstrated to yield 2.3 ± 0.6 log 10 and 2.0 ± 0.9 log 10 reductions in the number of adherent gram-negative Escherichia coli O157:H7 and gram-positive Listeria innocua cells, respectively. These population reductions were shown to be statistically significant (α = 0.05). Coated stainless-steel also resisted fouling when contacted with contaminated romaine lettuce leaves and maintained significant non-wetting character when abraded with sand or contacted with high concentration surfactant solutions. The incorporation of superhydrophobic stainless-steel surfaces into food processing equipment used for washing and packaging leafy green vegetables has the potential to mitigate the transmission of pathogenic bacteria within food production facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As a result of frequent outbreaks occurring due to poor hygiene and improper sanitation of processing environments, there has been an increasing demand for the development of food-contact surface materials that intrinsically inhibit and reduce likelihood of potential microbial adherence and biofilm formation. Herein, we report the synergistic utilization of surface nanotexturing and chemical modifications with nonpolar functional groups on aluminum surfaces to produce coatings having bacterial super-repellant and mud anti-fouling characteristics. Using these coatings, the attachment of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 and Listeria innocua as pathogen surrogates was reduced more than 99.0%, compared to the bare aluminum surfaces. In addition, the coating strongly resisted the adhesion of mud, showing a 10-fold reduction in the area of mud adhesion upon submerging in mud solution. Moreover, this method is both versatile and scalable, involving inert and biocompatible building blocks. Overall, this study contributes to the field of food safety through the design and development of novel coatings for achieving improved food safety and hygiene. Highlights • Biocompatible silica-based superhydrophobically-modified aluminum surfaces were developed. • Attachment of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 and Listeria innocua was reduced by >99.0%. • Superhydrophobically-modified aluminum surfaces exhibited excellent mud-repelling activity. • Bacterial anti-adhesion properties are attributed to weak intermolecular interactions. • The proposed surface modification method can be applied to metal food-contact surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major challenges of species distribution models (SDMs) is incorporating the influence of prey on the predator. An ensemble modeling approach, the prey-predator species distributabion model (PPSDM), uses environmental variables (sea surface temperature, bathymetry, sea surface salinity, and sea surface current) and a biotic variable (predicted prey distribution: Japanese anchovy) to predict a piscivorous fish (Japanese Spanish mackerel) habitat in the China Seas. PPSDM comprised selected preferable single algorithms from nine algorithms, including tree-based models, machine learning models, regression models, an envelope-style method, and a classification model. Compared with that obtained when using habitat without the Japanese anchovy distribution, the regression models, machine learning models and a classification model have significant improvements. However, tree-based models have only slightly improved. The PPSDM results well reflected the ontogenetic migration of Japanese Spanish mackerel. We found that the wintering ground was distributed in regions with temperatures between 11 and 17 °C and salinities between 33.6 and 34.1. The bottom topography was also closely correlated with Japanese Spanish mackerel, and the suitable habitat was at 50–100 m isobaths as topography determined the position of isotherms (11, 17 °C), salinity isolines (33.6, 34.1), and fronts (temperature, salinity) in winter. The relationships among different climatic indices, temperature, and Japanese Spanish mackerel were analyzed. We found that the East Asian monsoon significantly influenced the Japanese Spanish mackerel habitat by affecting temperature variation. In the future, the suitable habitat of Japanese Spanish mackerel is projected to decrease by 21%, 28%, 36%, and 42% under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5, respectively. The Japanese Spanish mackerel in the northern Yellow Sea is projected to experience the 'cul de sac' effect, which would drive this species toward local extinction. The Japanese Spanish mackerel in the China Seas will probably shift northeastward through the Tsushima Strait, and the Sea of Japan may form the main habitat at the end of the century. • Prey-predator species distribution model (PPSDM) was developed by an ensemble model. • The prediction accuracy of predator distribution was improved by PPSDM with prey. • Spanish mackerel is closely related with temperature and salinity isolines in winter. • Spanish mackerel experience a 'cul de sac' effect in the northern Yellow Sea. • Spanish mackerel suitable habitat was projected to shrink by 21–42% in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nighttime light remote sensing has attracted increasing attention in fishery management due to its unique advantages in observing light fisheries. NASA's Black Marble product suite (VNP46A1) and Luojia 1–01 images are the latest nighttime light data with improved spatial and temporal resolutions. This paper developed an effective night-light fishing boat (NLFB) dataset to monitor and assess the coastal light fisheries in the Beibu Gulf. Daily NLFB data from 2018 to 2020 were used to map the spatiotemporal variations in fishing intensity, number of fishing boats and locations of core fishing areas. The influencing mechanisms of climate and environmental changes, fishery closures, COVID-19 and typhoons on the temporal and spatial variations in light fisheries were evaluated and discussed. Combined with the fishery boundaries defined by the China-Vietnam bilateral agreements, nighttime light remote sensing revealed the effective management of and restrictions on (such as fishery closures and lockdowns) fishing activities in the Chinese fishery area. The Vietnamese fishery area was under higher fishing pressure, especially in densely populated estuaries where the fish spawn and feed. Therefore, a cross-regional marine protected area (MPA) is recommended as a realistic strategy for the sustainable management of light fisheries in the Beibu Gulf. Nighttime light remote sensing provides a useful opportunity to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the future. [Display omitted] • A new coastal night-light fishing boat detection method for fisheries monitoring and management was developed. • East Asian monsoons drives the seasonal distribution of light fisheries in Beibu Gulf by changing the environmental factors. • Fishery closures and lockdowns have effectively restricted fishing activities in the Chinese fishery area. • Advices for the comprehensive management of coastal light fisheries based on nighttime light images were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of economic globalization and increasing ice melting in Arctic area enables Arctic shipping activities more convenient. Exploring impact of extreme events (i.e., oil spilling) occurring in the Arctic region attracts increasing interest from the shipping industry and maritime traffic community. For the sustainable Arctic development and marine environment protection, it is in need to develop a comprehensive risk assessment framework to suppress potential loss caused by Arctic oil spill event. To that aim, the study quantifies the Arctic oil spill event impact with an ensemble framework supported by the analytic network process (ANP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. More specifically, we quantify varied factors (e.g., environment, economy, social influence, recovery mode) and establish oil spilling risk level via the help of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model in the proposed framework. Experimental results suggest that our proposed framework can accurately quantify influence of an oil spilling event in Arctic area, and thus the potential risk level can be accurately identified. The proposed framework provides a novel and reasonable decision-making tool, which can help Arctic related communities conduct varied activities in a more reasonable yet lower-risk manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyridine and its derivatives are widely consumed and detected in the environment persistently, which can cause potential adverse impacts on environment and human health. Considering the fact that pyridine could absorb UV light at 254 nm to generate excited one, which could react with reductive radicals, promoting its structural changes, we proposed that one typical efficient advanced reduction process (ARP) which combines UV irradiation with sulfite could be used to eliminate pyridine quickly. Sulfite/UV process showed a higher pyridine removal rate with a pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant of 0.1439 min−1, which was 3 times of that in UV irradiation and 1.3 times in UV/H 2 O 2 process. This was primarily due to reductive radicals (e aq –, H• and SO 3 •–) produced by UV irradiation. The removal rate of pyridine was highest in slightly alkaline environment. And the presence of oxygen, as well as certain concentration of humid acid just showed slight inhibition, indicating the possibility of application in practical environment. A positive impact was observed with increasing sulfite dosage, but it was gradually inhabited when the dosage was over 5 mM. The present study may provide an alternative efficient technology for the degradation of pyridine ring-containing substances. [Display omitted] • Direct UV irradiation and reductive radicals enhanced the degradation of pyridine. • Sulfite/UV process showed a higher degradation efficiency of pyridine. • The removal rate was highest in the environment of pH 8.2 with 2.5 mM sulfite. • The presence of oxygen or HA just showed slight inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne illness outbreaks caused by bacterial pathogens may take place on a large scale and result in millions of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths every year throughout the world. One key strategy for dealing with this global issue is the design of smart surfaces and coatings which inhibit and reduce bacterial attachment. This can mitigate contamination and cross-contamination during farm-to-table food processing, promoting food safety, and hygiene. Herein, we reported a durable superhydrophobic coating on aluminum surfaces fabricated by sequential deposition of ultrahard nanodiamond, self-assembly of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l -dopamine), and chemical modification with an organoflurosilane. This coating achieved static, advancing, and receding water contact angles of 159.0 ± 2.5°,154.0 ± 2.4°; and 153.7 ± 1.7°, respectively, representing water super-repellency with a low overall root mean square (rms) roughness of 173.5 ± 69.6 nm. In comparison to the bare, unmodified aluminum, the coated aluminum surfaces prevented the attachment of 99.5% of applied Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E.coli O157:H7) and 99.0% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) cells. In addition, due to the presence of nanodiamond building blocks, the coated surfaces demonstrated a high mechanical resistance against scratching and endured at least 10,000 shearing/rubbing cycles with a nylon surface. Overall, we anticipate that implementation of this coating could improve safety and hygiene of food-contact surfaces that require harsher mechanical operational conditions. • Development of biocompatible nanodiamond-based superhydrophobic coating on aluminum surfaces. • Attachment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus was reduced by >99.0%. • Superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces exhibited excellent mechanical resistance against polymer scratching. • Bacterial antiadhesion properties are based on the minimized contact area and weak intermolecular interactions. • The proposed superhydrophobic coating can be applied on metal food-contact surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impact of solutionizing treatments on the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of the Mg-10.93Li-5.45Al-0.08Er (LA116) alloy. The as-cast LA116 alloy is primarily composed of a single β phase along with AlLi and MgLiAl 2 phases. Results demonstrate that the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of the alloy experience considerable improvement after solutionizing treatments due to the synergistic effect of phase compositions and solid solution strengthening. Specifically, at 400 °C, the mechanical properties of the alloy witness a significant improvement due to the coordination of solid solution strengthening and the dissolution of the second phase. In contrast, the best corrosion resistance is observed at 250 °C due to the decomposition and uniform distribution of the AlLi phase. • The influence of solutionizing treatments on the mechanical properties was studied. • The influence of solutionizing treatments on the corrosion resistance properties was studied. • The mechanism of solutionizing treatments on the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of the LA116 alloy was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a primary etiology of disability, currently, there are exist limited viable therapies modalities. Acquiring comprehension of the diverse pathways that drive mitochondrial aberration may facilitate the identification of noteworthy targets for ameliorating the deleterious consequences precipitated by SCI. Our objective was to determine the efficiency of exosomes produced from Schwann cells (SCDEs) in protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction. This evaluation was conducted using a rat model of compressed SCI and in vitro experiments involving rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The conducted experiments yielded evidence that SCDEs effectively mitigated oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation subsequent to SCI, while concurrently diminishing necroptosis. Subsequent in vitro inquiry assessed the impact of SCDEs on PC12, with a specific emphasis on mitochondrial functionality, necrotic cell prevalence, and mitophagy. The study findings revealed that SCDEs enhanced mitophagy in PC12 cells, leading to a decrease in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines (CK) provoked by OGD-induced injury. This, in turn, mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis. Mechanistically, SCDEs facilitated cellular mitophagy through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, our data strongly support the notion that SCDEs hold considerable promise as a therapeutic approach for managing SCI. Furthermore, our investigation serves to elucidate the pivotal role of AMPK-mediated mitophagy in reducing cell damage, thereby unveiling novel prospects for enhancing neuro-pathological outcomes following SCI. [Display omitted] • SCDEs can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation. • SCDEs enhance mitophagy in primary PC12. • AMPK signaling pathway is involved in mitophagy. • SCDEs mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis. • SCDEs can alleviate SCI and OGD-induced injury in PC12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Twinning intersection is found during the microstructure evolution of CrMnFeCoNi HEA. • Slip plane and direction of the alloy are {111} and< 110 > , respectively. • CR-PDA process improves the comprehensive mechanical and corrosion properties of the alloy. The effects of cold rolling and post deformation annealing (CR‐PDA) process on the comprehensive mechanical and corrosion properties of CrMnFeCoNi high entropy alloy (HEA) were investigated. The results indicate that the grain size was obviously refined from 207.5 µm to 4.6 µm. Moreover, the microhardness, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased by 28%, 68% and 24%, respectively. However, the elongation decreased from 59.3% to 43.8%. The strengthening mechanisms are mainly fine grain and dislocation density strengthening. Furthermore, the corrosion potential increased and the corrosion current density decreased after the CR-PDA process, indicating that the corrosion resistance of the alloy was improved, possibly because of the grain refinement and residual compressive stress. In conclusion, the CR-PDA process improves the comprehensive mechanical and corrosion properties of CrMnFeCoNi HEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antagonists of adenosine receptor are under exploration as potential drug candidates for treatment of neurological disorders, depression, certain cancers and potentially used as a cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we describe design and synthesis of novel scaffold benzo[4,5]imidazo [1,2- a ]pyrazin-1-amine (6) derivatives. All the compounds were evaluated for A 2A AR antagonist activity and displayed encouraging results (IC 50 9–300 nM) of A 2A AR antagonist binding affinity in biochemical assay. Compound 27 exhibits good activity in A 2A AR antagonist cAMP functional assay (IC 50 31 nM) and further this compound shows T-cell activation at the IL-2 production assay (EC 50 165 nM). Molecular docking studies were carried out to rationalize the observed binding affinity of compound 27. Image 1 • Design new benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- a ]pyrazin-1-amine scaffold • Developed simple protocol for the synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- a ]pyrazin-1-amine scaffold analogues • This new analogues biological evaluated for Adenosine A 2A receptor (A 2A) antagonist activity • cAMP Functional assays of the hA 2A AR in human HEK-293 cells, compound 27 showed nonomolar potency with IC 50 = 31 nM • Compound 27 stimulate IL-2 production by T cell activation with nonomolar potency i.e. EC 50 = 165 nM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrical muscle stimulation accelerates axon regeneration and functional recovery following nerve injury. • Electrical muscle stimulation promotes autophagy flux in distal nerve segments after nerve injury. • Inhibition of autophagy abolishes the positive effect of electrical muscle stimulation on nerve injury. Electrical muscle stimulation has been demonstrated to facilitate nerve regeneration and functional recovery, but the underlying mechanism remains only partially understood. In this study, we investigated the positive effect of electrical muscle stimulation following nerve injury and its molecular mechanisms of autophagy regulation. The sciatic nerves of Sprague-Dawley rats were transected and immediately repaired. Gastrocnemius muscles were electrically stimulated using surface electrodes. Motor functional recovery was assessed by gait analysis, nerve conduction examination and histological appearance of the target muscle. Axon regeneration was investigated by morphometric analysis. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of molecular biological changes in distal nerve stump. Ultrastructural features of the nerve were evaluated by transmission electron microscope. We found that axon regeneration and motor functional recovery were improved by electrical muscle stimulation. The number of autophagosomes and the expression of autophagy marker LC3-Ⅱ in distal nerve stump were increased while the level of autophagy substrate protein P62 was decreased following electrical muscle stimulation. Blockage of the autophagy flux by chloroquine (CQ) diminished the positive effect of electrical muscle stimulation on nerve injury. These results illustrated that electrical muscle stimulation accelerates axon regeneration and functional recovery through promoting autophagy flux in distal nerve segments following nerve injury and immediate repair (IR) by a so far unknown mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disruption of the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) can trigger secondary tissue damage. Edaravone is likely to protect the BSCB as a free radical scavenger, whereas it has been rarely reported thus far. In this study, the protective effect of edaravone was investigated with the use of compression spinal cord injured rats and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) injury. As indicated by the result of this study, edaravone treatment facilitated functional recovery after rats were subjected to SCI, ameliorated the vascular damage, and up-regulated the expression of BSCB-associated proteins. In vitro results, edaravone improved HBMECs viability, restored intercellular junctions, and promoted cellular angiogenic activities. It is noteworthy that autophagy was activated and RIP1/RIP3/MLKL phosphorylation was notably up-regulated. However, edaravone treatment exhibited the capability of mitigating above-mentioned tendency in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, rapamycin (Rapa) treatment deteriorated the protective effect of edaravone while aggravating the phosphorylation of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL expression. In the model of necrotic activator-induced HBMECs, autophagic expression was increased, whereas edaravone prevented autophagy and phosphorylation of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL. In general, our results suggested that edaravone is capable of reducing the destruction of BSCB and promoting functional recovery after SCI. The possible underlying mechanism is that edaravone is capable of protecting angiogenic activity and improving autophagy and the phosphorylation of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL, as well as their mutual deterioration. Accordingly, edaravone can be a favorable option for the treatment of SCI. [Display omitted] • Edaravone promotes BSCB integrity and functional recovery after SCI. • Edaravone attenuates the expression of necroptosis and autophagy. • Edaravone reduces mutual aggravation between necroptosis and autophagy. • Edaravone increases angiogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]