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Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered immense attention in recent years due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and cost-effective fabrication methods, establishing them as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Among the diverse strategies aimed at enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs, the incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles has emerged as a pioneering approach. This review summarizes the latest research advancements in the utilization of plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the performance of PSCs. We delve into the fundamental principles of plasmonic resonance and its interaction with perovskite materials, highlighting how localized surface plasmons can effectively broaden light absorption, facilitate hot-electron transfer (HET), and optimize charge separation dynamics. Recent strategies, including the design of tailored metal nanoparticles (MNPs), gratings, and hybrid plasmonic–photonic architectures, are critically evaluated for their efficacy in enhancing light trapping, increasing photocurrent, and mitigating charge recombination. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges associated with the integration of plasmonic elements into PSCs, including issues of scalability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the review provides insights into future research directions aimed at advancing the field, thereby paving the way for next-generation, high-performance perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the off-grid photovoltaic DC microgrid, traditional droop control encounters challenges in effectively adjusting the droop coefficient in response to varying power fluctuation frequencies, which can be influenced by factors such as line impedance. This paper introduces a novel Multi-strategy Harris Hawk Optimization Algorithm (MHHO) that integrates variable universe fuzzy control theory with droop control to develop an adaptive variable universe fuzzy droop control strategy. The algorithm employs Fuch mapping to evenly distribute the initial population across the solution space and incorporates logarithmic spiral and improved adaptive weight strategies during both the exploration and exploitation phases, enhancing its ability to escape local optima. A comparative analysis against five classical meta-heuristic algorithms on the CEC2017 benchmarks demonstrates the superior performance of the proposed algorithm. Ultimately, the adaptive variable universe fuzzy droop control based on MHHO dynamically optimizes the droop coefficient to mitigate the negative impact of internal system factors and achieve a balanced power distribution between the battery and super-capacitor in the DC microgrid. Through MATLAB/Simulink simulations, it is demonstrated that the proposed adaptive variable universe fuzzy droop control strategy based on MHHO can limit the fluctuation range of bus voltage within ±0.75%, enhance the robustness and stability of the system, and optimize the charge and discharge performance of the energy storage unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the noise issue in the measured vibration signals of spillway radial gate discharge, this paper utilizes the Multiverse Optimization Algorithm (MVO) to optimize the number of decomposition modes (K) and the penalty factor (α) in Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD). This approach ensures improved efficiency of VMD decomposition while maintaining accuracy. Subsequently, the obtained Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) from VMD decomposition are classified based on Multi-scale Permutation Entropy (MPE). IMFs are divided into pure components and noisy components; the noisy components are processed with Wavelet Threshold Denoising (WTD), while the pure components are overlaid and reconstructed to obtain the denoised vibration signal of the gate. Comprehensive comparisons involving artificial signal simulations, gate flow-induced vibration model tests, and numerical simulations lead to the following conclusions: compared to other algorithms, the proposed combined denoising method (MVO-VMD-MPE-WTD) achieves the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in both the frequency and time domains for artificial signals, while yielding the lowest mean square error (MSE). In the gate flow-induced vibration model tests, the method significantly reduces noise in the vibration signals and effectively preserves characteristic information. The error in preserving characteristic information across model tests and numerical simulations is kept below 1%. Furthermore, compared to other optimization algorithms, the MVO demonstrates higher computational efficiency. The parameter-optimized combined denoising method proposed in this study provides insights into denoising measured vibration signals of hydraulic spillway radial gates and other drainage structures, and it opens possibilities for exploring more efficient optimization algorithms for achieving online monitoring in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional (2D) piston electro-hydraulic pump has been proposed further to enhance the power density of the electro-hydraulic pump. The 2D piston pump, characterized by high power density and a slender shape, is embedded within the stator of the motor in a co-rotor configuration where the piston and the motor's rotor are in tandem. The intimate design of the hydraulic pump and the motor results in a coupling between the two, with intricate relationships and influences existing between the geometric parameters of the piston pump and the dimensions of the motor's rotor. Based on the operational requirements and structure of the 2D piston pump, a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) designed for use with a 2D piston electro-hydraulic pump is developed. This study examines the impact of the motor's stator iron core geometric parameters on both the electromagnetic and mechanical properties of a PMSM and completes the necessary performance validations. The optimization objectives of the motor are determined through an analysis of the influence of the key parameters of the rotor and stator on torque, torque ripple, and motor loss. A surrogate optimization model is constructed using a metamodel of optimal prognosis (MOP) to optimize the torque, torque ripple, and motor loss. Evolutionary genetic algorithms are utilized to achieve the multi-objective optimization design. A finite element simulation is used to compare the electromagnetic performance of the initial motor and optimal motor. Based on the optimal motor parameters, a 2.5 kW motor prototype is manufactured, and the experimental results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the motor design and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, remote sensing data have revealed considerable potential in unraveling crucial information regarding water balance dynamics due to their unique spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, thereby advancing multi-objective optimization algorithms in hydrological model parameter calibration. However, existing optimization frameworks based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) primarily focus on single-objective or multiple-objective (i.e., two or three objective functions), lacking an open, efficient, and flexible framework to integrate many-objective (i.e., four or more objective functions) optimization algorithms to satisfy the growing demands of complex hydrological systems. This study addresses this gap by designing and implementing a multi-objective optimization framework, Py-SWAT-U-NSGA-III, which integrates the Unified Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (U-NSGA-III). Built on the SWAT model, this framework supports a broad range of optimization problems, from single- to many-objective. Developed within a Python environment, the SWAT model modules are integrated with the Pymoo library to construct a U-NSGA-III algorithm-based optimization framework. This framework accommodates various calibration schemes, including multi-site, multi-variable, and multi-objective functions. Additionally, it incorporates sensitivity analysis and post-processing modules to shed insights into model behavior and evaluate optimization results. The framework supports multi-core parallel processing to enhance efficiency. The framework was tested in the Meijiang River Basin in southern China, using daily streamflow data and Penman–Monteith–Leuning Version 2 (PML-V2(China)) remote sensing evapotranspiration (ET) data for sensitivity analysis and parallel efficiency evaluation. Three case studies demonstrated its effectiveness in optimizing complex hydrological models, with multi-core processing achieving a speedup of up to 8.95 despite I/O bottlenecks. Py-SWAT-U-NSGA-III provides an open, efficient, and flexible tool for the hydrological community that strives to facilitate the application and advancement of multi-objective optimization in hydrological modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scoliodon is a genus of small placental sharks living in offshore waters. For a long time, the genus was considered a monotypic genus until a valid species, Scoliodon macrorhynchos, was confirmed in 2010. However, S. muelleri in the same study was not widely recognized because of the lack of evidence. In this study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Scoliodon from Ranong, Thailand, and tentatively named it Scoliodon sp. By comparing the complete mitochondrial genome with those of two other Scoliodon species and conducting phylogenetic and divergence time analyses, we determined that Scoliodon sp. diverged from the other species. These findings indicate the potential for a new cryptic species (Scoliodon sp.) in the Scoliodon genus. This conclusion was further supported by a subsequent analysis of the published S. laticaudus control region sequences from previous studies. Finally, based on these conclusions, we used machine learning to derive a new identification method for the cryptic species. This approach may be useful for the discovery of new species or cryptic species in other organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) have emerged as a promising energy storage solution for stabilizing power grids integrated with renewable energy sources. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated a series of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) derivatives as electrode materials for VRFBs, aiming to enhance electrochemical performance. Four materials—Co/NC-700, Co/NC-800, Co3O4-350, and Co3O4-450—were prepared through thermal decomposition under different conditions and coated onto graphite felt (GF) electrodes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed the structural integrity and distribution of the active materials. Electrochemical evaluations revealed that electrodes with ZIF-67-derived coatings exhibited significantly lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) and higher energy efficiency (EE) compared to uncoated GF electrodes. Co/NC-800//GF delivered the highest energy efficiency and discharge capacity among the tested configurations, maintaining stable performance over 100 charge–discharge cycles. These results indicate that Co/NC-800 holds great potential for use in VRFBs due to its superior electrochemical activity, stability, and scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are vital organic pigments that determine the color of flowers, roots, and fruits in plants, imparting them yellow, orange, and red hues. This study comprehensively analyzes carotenoid accumulation in different tissues of the Brassica rapa mutant "YB1", which exhibits altered flower and root colors. Integrating physiological and biochemical assessments, transcriptome profiling, and quantitative metabolomics, we examined carotenoid accumulation in the flowers, roots, stems, and seeds of YB1 throughout its growth and development. The results indicated that carotenoids continued to accumulate in the roots and stems of YBI, especially in its cortex, throughout plant growth and development; however, the carotenoid levels in the petals decreased with progression of the flowering stage. In total, 54 carotenoid compounds were identified across tissues, with 30 being unique metabolites. Their levels correlated with the expression pattern of 22 differentially expressed genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation. Tissue-specific genes, including CCD8 and NCED in flowers and ZEP in the roots and stems, were identified as key regulators of color variations in different plant parts. Additionally, we identified genes in the seeds that regulated the conversion of carotenoids to abscisic acid. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the regulation of carotenoid metabolism in B. rapa, which can guide the selection and breeding of carotenoid-rich varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft hydrogel grippers have attracted considerable attention due to their flexible/elastic bodies, stimuli-responsive grasping and releasing capacity, and novel applications in specific task fields. To create soft hydrogel grippers with robust grasping of various types of objects, high load capability, fast grab response, and long-time service life, researchers delve deeper into hydrogel materials, fabrication strategies, and underlying actuation mechanisms. This article provides a systematic overview of hydrogel materials used in soft grippers, focusing on materials composition, chemical functional groups, and characteristics and the strategies for integrating these responsive hydrogel materials into soft grippers, including one-step polymerization, additive manufacturing, and structural modification are reviewed in detail. Moreover, ongoing research about actuating mechanisms (e.g., thermal/electrical/magnetic/chemical) and grasping applications of soft hydrogel grippers is summarized. Some remaining challenges and future perspectives in soft hydrogel grippers are also provided. This work highlights the recent advances of soft hydrogel grippers, which provides useful insights into the development of the new generation of functional soft hydrogel grippers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When single-phase ground faults occur in distribution systems, the fault characteristics of zero-sequence current signals are not prominent. They are quickly submerged in noise, leading to difficulties in fault section location. This paper proposes a method for fault section location in distribution networks based on improved empirical wavelet transform (IEWT) and GINs to address this issue. Firstly, based on kurtosis, EWT is optimized using the N-point search method to decompose the zero-sequence current signal into modal components. Noise is filtered out through weighted permutation entropy (WPE), and signal reconstruction is performed to obtain the denoised zero-sequence current signal. Subsequently, GINs are employed for graph classification tasks. According to the topology of the distribution network, the corresponding graph is constructed as the input to the GIN. The denoised zero-sequence current signal is the node input for the GIN. The GIN autonomously explores the features of each graph structure to achieve fault section location. The experimental results demonstrate that this method has strong noise resistance, with a fault section location accuracy of up to 99.95%, effectively completing fault section location in distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design of a strain-sensitive, dual ball-shaped tunable zone (DBT) taper structure for light intensity modulation. Unlike conventional tapered optical fibers, the DBT incorporates a central light field modulation zone within the taper. By precisely controlling the fusion parameters between single-mode fiber (SMF) and polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF), the ellipticity of the modulation zone can be finely adjusted, thereby optimizing spectral characteristics. Theoretical analysis based on polarization mode interference (PMI) coupling confirms that the DBT structure achieves a more uniform spectral response. In cantilever beam strain tests, the DBT exhibits high sensitivity and a highly linear intensity–strain response (R² = 0.99), with orthogonal linear polarization mode interference yielding sensitivities of 0.049 dB/με and 0.023 dB/με over the 0–244.33 με strain range. Leveraging the DBT's light intensity sensitivity, a temperature-compensated intensity difference and ratio calculation method is proposed, effectively minimizing the influence of light source fluctuations on sensor performance and enabling high-precision strain measurements with errors as low as ±6 με under minor temperature variations. The DBT fiber device, combined with this innovative demodulation technique, is particularly suitable for precision optical sensing applications. The DBT structure, combined with the novel demodulation method, is particularly well-suited for high-precision and stable measurements in industrial monitoring, aerospace, civil engineering, and precision instruments for micro-deformation sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid growth in demand for security surveillance, assisted driving, and remote sensing, object detection networks with robust environmental perception and high detection accuracy have become a research focus. However, single-modality image detection technologies face limitations in environmental adaptability, often affected by factors such as lighting conditions, fog, rain, and obstacles like vegetation, leading to information loss and reduced detection accuracy. We propose an object detection network that integrates features from visible light and infrared images—IV-YOLO—to address these challenges. This network is based on YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once v8) and employs a dual-branch fusion structure that leverages the complementary features of infrared and visible light images for target detection. We designed a Bidirectional Pyramid Feature Fusion structure (Bi-Fusion) to effectively integrate multimodal features, reducing errors from feature redundancy and extracting fine-grained features for small object detection. Additionally, we developed a Shuffle-SPP structure that combines channel and spatial attention to enhance the focus on deep features and extract richer information through upsampling. Regarding model optimization, we designed a loss function tailored for multi-scale object detection, accelerating the convergence speed of the network during training. Compared with the current state-of-the-art Dual-YOLO model, IV-YOLO achieves mAP improvements of 2.8%, 1.1%, and 2.2% on the Drone Vehicle, FLIR, and KAIST datasets, respectively. On the Drone Vehicle and FLIR datasets, IV-YOLO has a parameter count of 4.31 M and achieves a frame rate of 203.2 fps, significantly outperforming YOLOv8n (5.92 M parameters, 188.6 fps on the Drone Vehicle dataset) and YOLO-FIR (7.1 M parameters, 83.3 fps on the FLIR dataset), which had previously achieved the best performance on these datasets. This demonstrates that IV-YOLO achieves higher real-time detection performance while maintaining lower parameter complexity, making it highly promising for applications in autonomous driving, public safety, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the acidification and dissolution characteristics of deep coal rock, core acidification and dissolution experiments are carried out based on low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology to study the dissolution characteristics of different acid types when applied to coal rock, and to quantitatively evaluate the dissolution characteristics of acid solutions when applied to different-scale pore throats and the karst corrosion characteristics of primary fractures. This will help to further understand the dissolution rate and pore volume growth rate of coal powder under the action of different acid types. Improving the seepage effect of coal seams is of great significance. The results show that 15% acetic acid has the best effect with regard to karst erosion and permeability. The pore volume growth rate is 442.49%, and the permeability increases by up to 31 times. With large pores, the rapid dissolution stage of mud acid, hydrochloric acid, and mixed acid mainly occurred in the first 36 h, and the rapid dissolution stage of acetic acid and hydrofluoric acid applied to the core mainly occurred at 36–72 h. The dissolution rate of acid solution is strongly correlated with porosity and permeability, and the higher the acetic acid concentration, the larger the permeability increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The infection of animals and humans with Sarcocystis spp. causes public health problems and significant economic losses to the livestock industry. To date, more than 200 species in the genus Sarcocystis have been reported. Sarcocystis spp. can cause sarcocystosis, which leads to emaciation, abortion, and even death in sheep. However, to date, Sarcocystis spp. infection has not been reported in sheep (Ovis aries) in Shanxi Province. In the present study, 582 mutton samples collected from sheep in ten representative counties in this province were investigated for Sarcocystis spp. by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. The results showed that the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in Shanxi Province was 33.85% (197/582). Of them, 196 cox1 sequences showed a nucleotide similarity of 98.56–99.81% with those of S. tenella, and the remaining one cox1 sequence showed a nucleotide similarity of 99.71% with that of S. arieticanis. The present study reported the occurrence and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. for the first time in sheep in Shanxi Province, China, which has important implications for the control and prevention of Sarcocystis infection in this province and elsewhere. Sarcocystis species are intracellular coccidian protozoans that can infect a range of animals and humans and cause public health problems and economically significant losses. Sarcocystosis in sheep (Ovis aries) can cause abortion, neurological symptoms, and even death and results in significant economic losses to the livestock industry. To date, however, it is yet unknown whether sheep in Shanxi Province, north China, are infected with Sarcocystis spp. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in Shanxi Province. Thus, 582 muscle samples of sheep were purchased from farmers' markets from ten representative counties in Shanxi Province, north China, and examined for the presence and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. Of the examined 582 mutton samples, 197 samples (33.85%) were Sarcocystis-positive and were sequenced. Of the obtained 197 cox1 sequences, 196 sequences showed nucleotide similarity of 98.56–99.81% with those of S. tenella, and the remaining one cox1 sequence showed nucleotide similarity of 99.71% with that of S. arieticanis. Two representative cox1 sequences of S. tenella (accession nos. PQ189447 and PQ189448) have 99.52% and 99.61% identity with S. tenalla (KC209725) and S. tenalla (MK419984), respectively. The sequence of S. arieticanis (accession no. PQ165949) obtained in this study has 99.71% identity with S. arieticanis (MK419975). This present study documents the occurrence and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in Shanxi Province for the first time, which enriches the data on the distribution of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in China and has implications for the control of sheep sarcocystosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tension-compression yield asymmetry caused by the strengthening of Mg-Zn-Gd-Zr alloy due to extrusion deformation is an important issue that must be addressed in its application. In this study, the effects of loading direction on the tensile and compressive mechanical behaviors of Mg-5Zn-2Gd-0.2Zr alloy were systematically investigated. As the loading angle (the angle between the loading direction and the extrusion direction) increases from 0° to 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°, the tensile yield strength decreases more significantly than the compressive yield strength. Consequently, the tension-compression yield asymmetry is gradually improved. Additionally, the ultimate compressive strength decreases more markedly than the ultimate tensile strength with the increment of the loading angle. In tensile tests conducted at 0°, 30° and 45°, two distinct stages of decreasing strain hardening rates are typically observed. For the 60° and 90° tensile tests, one unusual ascending stage of strain hardening rate is observed. For all compressive tests, three stages of strain hardening are consistently noted; however, the increment in strain hardening rate caused by {10–12} extension twinning decreases with the increasing loading angle. A model combining loading angle and Schmid factor distribution was established. The calculated results indicate that the dominant deformation modes during the yielding process also vary significantly with the loading conditions. This clarification highlights the differences in yield strength variations between tension and compression. Finally, an analysis of the plane trace and crack propagation direction near the fracture surface reveals the fracture mechanisms associated with tensile and compressive tests at different loading directions. This study promotes understanding of the mechanical behaviors of Mg-5Zn-2Gd-0.2Zr alloy under different loading directions, and helps to thoroughly elucidate the anisotropic effects of texture on the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of seedless traits is regulated by multiple factors. AGLs, which belong to the MADS-box family, were reported to be important regulators in this process; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we identified the VvAGL sub-family genes during the seed abortion process in seedless grapevine cv. 'JingkeJing' and found 40 differentially expressed VvAGL members and 1069 interacting proteins in this process. Interestingly, almost all members and their interacting proteins involved in the tryptophan metabolic pathway (K14486) and participated in the phytohormone signalling (KO04075) pathway, including the growth hormone (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin (CTK), and ethylene signalling pathways. The promoters of AGL sub-family genes contain cis-elements in response to hormones such as IAA, ABA, CTK, SA, and ETH, implying that they might respond to multi-hormone signals and involve in hormone signal transductions. Further expression analysis revealed VvAGL6-2, VvAGL11, VvAGL62-11, and VvAGL15 had the highest expression at the critical period of seed abortion, and there were positive correlations between ETH-VvAGL15-VvAGL6-2, ABA-VvAGL80, and SA-VvAGL62 in promoting seed abortion but negative feedback between IAA-VvAGL15-VvAGL6-2 and CTK-VvAGL11. Furthermore, many genes in the IAA, ABA, SA, CTK, and ETH pathways had a special expressional pattern in the seed, whereby we developed a regulatory network mediated by VvAGLs by responding to multihormonal crosstalk during grape seed abortion. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory network of VvAGLs in multi-hormone signalling to regulate grape seed abortion, which could be helpful in the molecular breeding of high-quality seedless grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital holography has transformative potential for the measurement of stacked-chip microstructures due to its non-invasive, single-shot, full-field characteristics. However, significant light scattering and diffraction at steep edges in step microstructures cause the batwing effect, leading to measurement errors. Herein, we propose a standard-deviation-based adaptive median filter to eliminate batwing effects in step microstructure measurement using digital holography. The standard deviation determines the positions of the steps and the range of the batwing effect. During filtering, the filter window size varies: it adjusts according to the center's position within the batwing effect range and reduces outside this range to prevent distortion in other regions. Filtering weights are set to maintain information integrity while using larger filter windows. Experiments on the Standard Resolution Target USAF 1951 and the standard step height target show that our method successfully eliminates batwings while preserving the integrity of the remaining profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practical application, existing two-point magnetic gradient tensor (MGT) localization methods have a maximum detection distance of only 2.5 m, and the magnetic moment vectors of measured targets are all unknown. In order to realize remote, real-time localization, a new two-point magnetic localization method based on self-developed, ultra-sensitive superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers and MGT invariants is proposed. Both the magnetic moment vector and the relative position vector can be directly calculated based on the linear positioning model, and a quasi-Newton optimization algorithm is adopted to further improve the interference suppression capability. The simulation results show that the detection distance of the proposed method can reach 500 m when the superconducting MGT measurement system is used. Compared with Nara's single-point tensor (NSPT) method and Xu's two-point tensor (XTPT) method, the proposed method produces the smallest relative localization error (i.e., significantly less than 1% in the non-positioning blind area) without sacrificing real-time characteristics. The causes of and solutions to the positioning blind area are also analyzed. The equivalent experiments, which were conducted with a detection distance of 10 m, validate the effectiveness of the localization method, yielding a minimum relative localization error of 4.5229%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) stands as one of the most critical staple crops globally, with its yield and water use efficiency (WUE) being pivotal for food security. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic and physiological traits and WUE of six rice varieties under two irrigation regimes: alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and conventional irrigation (CI). The results showed the significant improvements in grain yield and WUE with variety improvement under both irrigation treatments. Under AWD, high water use efficiency varieties (HWVs) demonstrated pronounced enhancements, including tillers and spikelet production, filled grain rate, 1000-grain weight, harvest index, leaf area index, non-structural carbohydrate remobilization, photosynthesis and catalase and peroxidase activities of leaf, root and shoot biomass, and root activity. AWD was observed to synchronize and amplify grain yield (2–14%) and WUE, including both leaf-level (13.94–20.72%) and yield-level (23.20–30.87%) water use efficiencies (WUEL and WUEY). The water use potential for HWVs was substantially enhanced under AWD. The integration of variety improvement with AWD irrigation strategies effectively achieves the dual objectives of high yield and WUE, offering a promising approach for sustainable rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between the natural environmental and socioeconomic factors is crucial for assessing the dynamics of plateau ecosystems. Therefore, the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) and CatBoost-SHAP model were employed to investigate changes in the ecological quality and their driving factors in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China, from 2001 to 2021. The results showed an increase from 0.44 in 2001 to 0.71 in 2021 in the average RSEI for the Diqing Prefecture, indicating an overall upward trend in the ecological quality. Spatial analysis shows the percentage of the area covered by different levels of RSEI and their temporal changes. The results revealed that "good" ecological quality accounted for the largest proportion of the study area, at 42.77%, followed by "moderate" at 21.93%, and "excellent" at 16.62%. "Fair" quality areas accounted for 16.11% and "poor" quality areas only 2.57%. The study of ecological and socioeconomic drivers based on the CatBoost-SHAP framework also indicated that natural climate factors have a greater impact on ecological quality than socioeconomic factors; however, this effect differed significantly with altitude. The findings suggest that, in addition to strengthening climate monitoring, further advancements in ecological engineering are required to ensure the sustainable development of the ecosystem and the continuous improvement of the environmental quality in the Diqing Prefecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has attracted much attention due to its high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh/g). However, the specific capacity and cycle stability of the LIBs are reduced due to the pulverization caused by the expansion of Si coated on Cu (copper) foil during cycles. In order to solve this problem, researchers have used an ultra-thin Si deposition layer as the electrode, which improves cyclic stability and obtains high initial coulomb efficiency of LIBs. However, suitable substrate selection is crucial to fabricate an ultrathin Si deposition layer electrode with excellent performance, and a substrate with a three-dimensional porous structure is desirable to ensure the deposition of an ultrathin Si layer on the whole surface of the substrate. In this paper, the Si thin layer has been deposited on a binder-free hybrid film of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanocoils (CNCs) by magnetron sputtering. Compared with densely packed CNT film and flat Cu foil, the loose and porous film provides a large surface area and space for Si deposition, and Si can be deposited not only on the surface but also in the interior part of the film. The film provides a large number of channels for the diffusion and transmission of Li+, resulting in the rapid diffusion rate of Li+, which improves the effective lithium storage utilization of Si. Furthermore, the CNC itself is super elastic, and film provides an elastic skeleton for the Si deposition layer, which eases its volume expansion during charge and discharge processes. Electrochemical tests have showed that the Si/CNT–CNC film electrode has excellent performance as anode for LIBs. After 200 cycles, the Si/CNT–CNC film electrode still had possessed a specific capacity of 2500 mAh/g, a capacity retention of 92.8% and a coulomb efficiency of 99%. This paper provides an effective way to fabricate high performance Si-nanocarbon composite electrodes for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endolysin, a bacteriophage-derived lytic enzyme, has emerged as a promising alternative antimicrobial agent against rising multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Two novel endolysins LysPEF1-1 and LysPEF1-2 derived from Enterococcus phage PEF1 were cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli to test their antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant E. faecalis strains and their biofilms. LysPEF1-1 comprises an enzymatically active domain and a cell-wall-binding domain originating from the NLPC-P60 and SH3 superfamilies, while LysPEF1-2 contains a putative peptidoglycan recognition domain that belongs to the PGRP superfamily. LysPEF1-1 was active against 89.86% (62/69) of Enterococcus spp. tested, displaying a wider antibacterial spectrum than phage PEF1. Moreover, two endolysins demonstrated lytic activity against additional gram-positive and gram-negative species pretreated with chloroform. LysPEF1-1 showed higher activity against multidrug-resistant E. faecalis strain E5 than LysPEF1-2. The combination of two endolysins effectively reduced planktonic cells of E5 in broth and was more efficient at inhibiting biofilm formation and removing biofilm cells of E. faecalis JCM 7783T than used individually. Especially at 4 °C, they reduced viable biofilm cells by 4.5 log after 2 h of treatment on glass slide surfaces. The results suggest that two novel endolysins could be alternative antimicrobial agents for controlling E. faecalis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the process of capturing non-cooperative targets in space, space robots have strict constraints on the position and orientation of the end-effector. Traditional methods typically focus only on the position control of the end-effector, making it difficult to simultaneously satisfy the precise requirements for both the capture position and posture, which can lead to failed or unstable grasping actions. To address this issue, this paper proposes a reinforcement learning-based capture strategy learning method combined with posture planning. First, the structural models and dynamic models of the capture mechanism are constructed. Then, an end-to-end decision control model based on the Optimistic Actor–Critic (OAC) algorithm and integrated with a capture posture planning module is designed. This allows the strategy learning process to reasonably plan the posture of the end-effector to adapt to the complex constraints of the target capture task. Finally, a simulation test environment is established on the Mujoco platform, and training and validation are conducted. The simulation results demonstrate that the model can effectively approach and capture multiple targets with different postures, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult for traditional aluminum alloy manufacturing technology to meet the requirements of large-scale and high-precision complex shape structural parts. Wire Arc additive manufacturing technology (WAAM) is an innovative production method that presents the unique advantages of high material utilization, a large degree of design freedom, fast prototyping speed, and low cast. As a result, WAAM is suitable for near-net forming of large-scale complex industrial production and has a wide range of applications in aerospace, automobile manufacturing, and marine engineering fields. In order to serve as a reference for the further development of WAAM technology, this paper provides an overview of the current developments in WAAM both from the digital control system and processing parameters in summary of the recent research progress. This work firstly summarized the principle of simulation layering and path planning and discussed the influence of relative technological parameters, such as current, wire feeding speed, welding speed, shielding gas, and so on. It can be seen that both the welding current and wire feeding speed are directly proportional to the heat input while the travel speed is inversely proportional to the heat input. This process regulation is an important means to improve the quality of deposited parts. This paper then summarized various methods including heat input, alloy composition, and heat treatment. The results showed that in the process of WAAM, it is necessary to control the appropriate heat input to achieve minimum heat accumulation and improve the performance of the deposited parts. To obtain higher mechanical properties (tensile strength has been increased by 28%–45%), aluminum matrix composites by WAAM have proved to be an effective method. The corresponding proper heat treatment can also increase the tensile strength of WAAM Al alloy by 104.3%. In addition, mechanical properties are always assessed to evaluate the quality of deposited parts. The mechanical properties including the tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness of the deposited parts under different processing conditions have been summarized to provide a reference for the quality evaluation of the deposition. Examples of industrial products fabricated by WAAM are also introduced. Finally, the application status of WAAM aluminum alloy is summarized and the corresponding future research direction is prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tradable green certificate (TGC) scheme is an important approach for mitigating carbon emissions within the context of a renewable energy development strategy and regional sustainable development. However, studies investigating the role of TGCs in encouraging carbon emissions reduction in China are limited and inconclusive due to ignoring the interference of other renewable energy policies and little distinguishing the impact of different green certificates. Using Chinese provincial data from 2013 to 2023, this study employs a difference-in-differences strategy to estimate the effect of the TGC policy on regional carbon emissions. The results reveal that the TGC policy significantly reduces provincial carbon emissions, and this reduction is predominantly contributed by certificate-electricity integration green certificates rather than certificate-electricity separation certificates. A 1% increase in the provincial trade volume of certificate-electricity integration green certificates can reduce total provincial carbon emissions by 0.8–1.3%. These findings hold across a series of rigorous robustness tests. This study also explains the different effects between certificate-electricity integration and certificate-electricity separation green certificates by the concept of additionality. To effectively reduce carbon emissions in the future, the TGC system must meet the requirement of additionality. These insights can provide reference for the improvement of TGC policy to better achieve the carbon reduction objective and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature is a common abiotic stress that causes significant damage to crop production. Polyamines (PAs) are a class of aliphatic amine compounds that serve as regulatory molecules involved in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, we found that the exogenous application of two concentrations of spermidine (Spd) significantly enhanced the freezing tolerance of three differently matured rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties, as manifested by higher survival rates, lower freezing injury indexes, and reduced H2O2 content. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses showed that Spd enhanced the freezing tolerance of rapeseed by regulating genes related to the PA metabolic pathway and antioxidant mechanism, and generally inhibited the expression of genes related to the JA signaling pathway. This study provides a reference basis for understanding the functionality and molecular mechanisms of polyamines in the response of rapeseed to freezing stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise segmentation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum clusters is crucial for developing picking robots. An improved Mask R-CNN model was proposed in this study for the segmentation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum clusters in natural environments. Firstly, the Swin-Transformer network was introduced into the model's backbone as the feature extraction network to enhance the model's feature extraction capabilities. Then, the SK attention mechanism was utilized to fuse the detailed information into the mask branch from the low-level feature map of the feature pyramid network (FPN), aiming to supplement the image detail features. Finally, the distance intersection over union (DIOU) loss function was adopted to replace the original bounding box loss function of Mask R-CNN. The model was trained and tested based on a self-constructed Zanthoxylum bungeanum cluster dataset. Experiments showed that the improved Mask R-CNN model achieved 84.0% and 77.2% in detection mAP 50 box and segmentation mAP 50 mask , respectively, representing a 5.8% and 4.6% improvement over the baseline Mask R-CNN model. In comparison to conventional instance segmentation models, such as YOLACT, Mask Scoring R-CNN, and SOLOv2, the improved Mask R-CNN model also exhibited higher segmentation precision. This study can provide valuable technology support for the development of Zanthoxylum bungeanum picking robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a modular and passive all-metal lens to achieve near-field focusing with adjustable focus. The proposed lens consists of all-metal units with the phase coverage range exceeding 360°, and the arrangement of units is guided by the phase compensation method. Specifically, using the strategy of module unit synthesis, the arrangement of lens units under different focuses can be assembled arbitrarily, which reduces the production costs by 39.3% and improves the freedom of lens design. The simulation and experimental results show that the lens exhibits excellent focusing properties and freely changes the position of the expected focus (0.30 m–0.75 m). Therefore, the modular all-metal lens designed in this article has the characteristics of high transparency and a high degree of freedom, which can provide low-cost and lightweight solutions for various applications in the field of antennas, such as near-field target detection, microwave imaging, biomedicine, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-disaster protection strategies are essential for enhancing the resilience of electric power systems against natural disasters. Considering the budgets for protection strategies, the dependency of other infrastructure systems on electricity, and the uncertainty of disaster scenarios, this paper develops risk-neutral and risk management models of strategies for pre-disaster protection. The risk-neutral model is a stochastic model designed to maximize the expected value of resilience (EVR) of the integrated system. The risk management model is a multi-objective model prioritizing the minimization of risk metrics as a secondary goal alongside maximizing the EVR. A case study conducted on the energy infrastructure systems in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) validates the effectiveness of the models. The findings reveal the following: (i) increasing the budget enhances the EVR of the integrated system; however, beyond a certain budget threshold, the incremental benefits to the EVR significantly diminish; (ii) reducing the value of the downside risk often results in an increase in the EVR, with the variation in Pareto-optimal solutions between the two objectives being non-linear; and (iii) whether for the risk-neutral or risk management protection strategies, there are reasonable budgets when considering disaster intensity and the cost of protection measures. The models can help decision-makers to select effective protection measures for natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the fractional Fourier series on the fractional torus and proceeds to investigate several fundamental aspects. Our study includes topics such as fractional convolution, fractional approximation, fractional Fourier inversion, and the Poisson summation formula. We also explore the relationship between the decay of its fractional Fourier coefficients and the smoothness of a function. Additionally, we establish the convergence of the fractional Féjer means and Bochner–Riesz means. Finally, we demonstrate the practical applications of the fractional Fourier series, particularly in the context of solving fractional partial differential equations with periodic boundary conditions, and showcase the utility of approximation methods on the fractional torus for recovering non-stationary signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood part of mature sandalwood and is known for its pleasant fragrance and exceptional medicinal activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The (Z)-α-santalol and (Z)-β-santalol are the most vital ingredients contributing to sandalwood oil's bioactivities and unique woody odor characteristics. Metabolic engineering strategies have shown promise in transforming microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria into effective cell factories for enhancing the production of vital sesquiterpenes (santalene and santalol) found in sandalwood oil. This review aims to summarize sources of sandalwood oil, its components/ingredients, and its applications. It also highlights the biosynthesis of santalene and santalol and the various metabolic engineering strategies employed to reconstruct and enhance santalene and santalol biosynthesis pathways in heterologous hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus cereus sensu stricto is a foodborne pathogen that causes food poisoning. Their spore and biofilm-forming abilities persist in various environments and foods. This study investigated the prevalence, virulence, antibiotic resistance, and genetic diversity of B. cereus s. s. strains isolated from various food samples. Of 179 samples, 22.34% were positive for B. cereus s. s., with significantly high detection rates in milk products and raw chicken meat. Forty strains were isolated from positive samples. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometry analysis revealed nine distinct clusters and multi-locus sequence typing revealed 34 sequence types including 23 novel sequences, demonstrating high genetic diversity among the isolates. PCR analysis revealed that all the strains contained at least one toxin gene, but none contained the cytK gene. Antibiotic resistance tests revealed that all isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant, with high resistance levels, particularly to β-lactam antibiotics and vancomycin, but were susceptible to gentamicin. All isolates showed variations in biofilm formation. This study highlights the significant public health risk due to B. cereus s. s. and underscores the need for stringent monitoring and control measures in food production to manage antimicrobial resistance and ensure food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphing wingtips have the potential to improve aircraft performance. By connecting the wingtips and the wings with a compliant structure, a continuous aerodynamic surface can be achieved for a better aerodynamic performance. However, how to maintain the shape-changing capability while keeping a high stiffness to carry aerodynamic loads is a key problem. In this paper, based on asymmetric stiffness, a type of single-row corrugated panel is designed to satisfy the limited space around the wingtip. A finite element model of the single-row corrugated panels is established, and parameter analysis is performed to investigate the impact of the thickness characteristics of the corrugated panel on the folding angle. The corrugated panel is then optimised to find the maximum folding angle. Based on the optimisation results, corrugated panels with asymmetric and symmetric stiffness are fabricated and tested. The results demonstrate that the asymmetric stiffness corrugated panels have the capability to increase the wingtip folding angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the water entry process of a trans-domain morphing aircraft, significant impact forces are generated when the aircraft hits the water surface, which will potentially cause the deformation of the cabin structure and might damage the structure or onboard devices. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the water entry process of the cabin structure. This paper analyses changes in fluid loads and the corresponding structural responses during the water entry process. Firstly, the numerical model is established for the water entry process and the modeling method is validated by comparing the results to the experimental data. An empirical formula is developed to correlate the impact loads with the water entry velocities. Then, fluid–structure interaction analysis of the water entry process is performed using a two-way coupling approach. The relationship between structural deformation and the water entry process is then investigated. The results are compared with those without considering the structural deformation. The empirical formula is then modified to reflect the effects of the deformation. The results show that structural deformation will disperse the impact load, which represents different responses compared to the rigid cabin structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates building energy consumption in the Fujian region of China, characterized by warm winters and hot summers. The study focuses on window configurations and their impact on heat exchange and solar gain management. Initially examining three aluminum alloy window frames, the study utilizes the Multi-Quality Metric Calculator (MQMC) software V1 to assess the benefits of filled insulating glass. The reference values for the heat transfer coefficient, visible transmittance, and sun shading coefficient are established. Subsequently, Ecotect software V5.6 is employed to conduct a comprehensive year-round energy consumption simulation analysis, identifying an optimal window layout tailored to Fujian's climate. In the Fuzhou simulation, aluminum–plastic co-extruded windows exhibit the lowest cooling energy consumption, while aluminum alloy windows have the highest. Summer cooling energy consumption, comprising about 75% of the total annual energy usage in hot summer and warm winter regions, significantly influences overall energy consumption. Windows made of aluminum–plastic co-extruded material with superior thermal insulation qualities can greatly reduce building energy consumption. The results contribute valuable insights to sustainable building practices and energy-conscious designs in regions characterized by warm winters and hot summers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fodder soybean (Glycine max) is an excellent leguminous forage with a high protein content and hay yield, cultivated comprehensively in alpine regions, but seasonal drought in northern regions severely impacts the growth of seedlings. Melatonin (MT) and strigolactone (SL) are critical in relieving the restraint of plant growth in water-deficient environments, but the mechanisms of MT- and SL-mediated drought resistance in fodder soybean needs to be explored. This study mainly investigated the potential morphophysiological mechanism of MT and SL treatments in protecting fodder soybean from drought stress. The fodder soybean 'Gongnong 535' was treated with 100 µM MT or 1 µM SL under normal, moderate, and severe water deficit conditions. The results showed that MT and SL treatments enhanced the plant growth parameters and stomatal aperture under drought stress. Moreover, the observed reductions in superoxide ion (O2.-), malondialdehyde (MDA), and relative electrical conductivity (REC), along with enhancements in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), as well as higher levels of ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), and free proline (Pro), indicated that MT and SL application effectively alleviated the oxidative damage and prevented the cell membrane disruption caused by drought stress. Additionally, MT and SL treatments improved photosynthesis and growth in fodder soybean seedlings under water stress by adjusting chlorophyll pigments, gas exchange indexes, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, as well as endogenous hormone levels. Simultaneously, MT and SL influenced the expression of genes associated with photosynthesis and antioxidant defenses, as well as phytohormone concentrations. Notably, the protective effect of the SL treatment was superior to that of MT in water-deficient conditions. This study contributes to further understanding the defensive mechanism of MT and SL against drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spoke-type permanent magnet (STPM) machines have high power density and low cost due to flux concentrated effect and high air-gap flux density, but they can cause high cogging torque and torque ripple. To reduce the cogging torque, the analytical model considering a rotor slot is established and compared with the finite element mothed (FEM). Then, the cogging torque production mechanism is revealed and analyzed under different conditions, which provides direction to optimize the cogging torque STPM machines. The harmonic content of cogging torque under different conditions is obtained based on the freezing permeability (FP) method. It is found that the fundamental waves mainly generate the cogging torque under a no-load condition, and it is mainly generated by the second harmonics under an on-load condition. In addition, the optimization method is introduced and researched, including rotor slot width, uneven rotor core, and so on. Finally, a 50 kW STPM machine prototype is manufactured and tested to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the analysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing multiple active sites and constructing a heterostructure are efficient strategies to develop high-performance electrocatalysts. Herein, two-dimensional heterostructure NiFeP@FeOOH nanosheets supported by nickel foam (NF) are prepared by a hydrothermal–phosphorization–electrodeposition process. The synthesis of self-supporting heterostructure NiFeP@FeOOH nanosheets on NF increases the specific surface region, while bimetallic phosphide realizes rapid charge transfer, improving the electron transfer rate. The introduction of FeOOH and the construction of a heterostructure result in a synergistic effect among the components, and the surface-active sites are abundant. In situ Raman spectroscopy showed that the excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance was due to reconstruction-induced hydroxyl oxide, which achieved a multi-active site reaction. The NiFeP@FeOOH/NF electrocatalytic activity was then significantly improved. The findings indicate that in a 1.0 M KOH alkaline solution, NiFeP@FeOOH/NF showed an OER overpotential of 235 mV at 100 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 46.46 mV dec−1, and it worked stably at 50 mA cm−2 for 80 h. This research proves that constructing heterostructure and introducing FeOOH are of great significance to the study of the properties of OER electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an early warning sign of stroke and death, necessitating suitable animal models due to the associated clinical diagnostic challenges. In this study, we developed a TIA model using flexible spatially targeted photothrombosis combined with real-time blood flow imaging feedback. By modulating the excitation light using wavefront technology, we precisely created a square light spot (50 × 250 µm), targeted at the distal middle cerebral artery (dMCA). The use of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) provided real-time feedback on the ischemia, while the excitation light was ceased upon reaching complete occlusion. Our results demonstrated that the photothrombus formed in the dMCA and spontaneously recanalized within 10 min (416.8 ± 96.4 s), with no sensorimotor deficits or infarction 24 h post-TIA. During the acute phase, ischemic spreading depression occurred in the ipsilateral dorsal cortex, leading to more severe ischemia and collateral circulation establishment synchronized with the onset of dMCA narrowing. Post-reperfusion, the thrombi were primarily in the sensorimotor and visual cortex, disappearing within 24 h. The blood flow changes in the dMCA were more indicative of cortical ischemic conditions than diameter changes. Our method successfully establishes a photochemical TIA model based on the dMCA, allowing for the dynamic observation and control of thrombus formation and recanalization and enabling real-time monitoring of the impacts on cerebral blood flow during the acute phase of TIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-world understanding serves as a medium that bridges the information world and the physical world, enabling the realization of virtual–real mapping and interaction. However, scene understanding based solely on 2D images faces problems such as a lack of geometric information and limited robustness against occlusion. The depth sensor brings new opportunities, but there are still challenges in fusing depth with geometric and semantic priors. To address these concerns, our method considers the repeatability of video stream data and the sparsity of newly generated data. We introduce a sparsely correlated network architecture (SCN) designed explicitly for online RGBD instance segmentation. Additionally, we leverage the power of object-level RGB-D SLAM systems, thereby transcending the limitations of conventional approaches that solely emphasize geometry or semantics. We establish correlation over time and leverage this correlation to develop rules and generate sparse data. We thoroughly evaluate the system's performance on the NYU Depth V2 and ScanNet V2 datasets, demonstrating that incorporating frame-to-frame correlation leads to significantly improved accuracy and consistency in instance segmentation compared to existing state-of-the-art alternatives. Moreover, using sparse data reduces data complexity while ensuring the real-time requirement of 18 fps. Furthermore, by utilizing prior knowledge of object layout understanding, we showcase a promising application of augmented reality, showcasing its potential and practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of high-precision physical field detection, measurements based on magnetic signals are crucial due to their exceptional accuracy, sensitivity, and stability. Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs), with their ultra-high sensitivity, have become key in detecting minute changes in magnetic flux. However, with increasing demands for higher precision, further enhancing device performance under quantum constraints remains a significant challenge. This study improved the precision of SQUID sensors by optimizing the geometry of microscale washers using the physical response of superconducting films under micromachining technologies and quantum constraints. Our research extensively examined the effects of square, octagonal, and circular washers on the magnetic field response, shielding currents, and inductance. Experimental results showed that, compared to traditional square washers, octagonal washers significantly enhanced sensor sensitivity and efficiency by minimizing edge magnetic flux and optimizing current distribution. Notably, all observed inductance values exceeded predictions based on traditional empirical formulas, with square washers showing the highest average relative error of 80.8%, while circular and octagonal washers had errors of 65.31% and 66.43%, respectively. This breakthrough not only lays a new theoretical foundation for the design of SQUID sensors but also provides robust evidence for enhancing magnetic field detection through microscale technological innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of gas channeling during CO2 flooding in low-permeability reservoirs, a novel CO2 responsive gel channeling system was prepared by using carrageenan, branched polyethylene imide and ethylenediamine under laboratory conditions. Based on the Box–Behnken response surface design method, the optimal synthesis concentration of the system was 0.5 wt% carrageenan, 2.5 wt% branchized polyethylenimide and 6.5 wt% ethylenediamine. The micromorphology of the system before and after response was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The rheology and dehydration rate were tested under different conditions. The channeling performance and enhanced oil recovery effect of the gel system were simulated by a core displacement experiment. The experimental results show that the internal structure of the system changes from a disordered, smooth and loosely separated lamellae structure to a more uniform, complete and orderly three-dimensional network structure after exposure to CO2. The viscosity of the system was similar to aqueous solution before contact with CO2 and showed viscoelastic solid properties after contact with CO2. The experiment employing dehydration rates at different temperatures showed that the internal structure of the gel would change at a high temperature, but the gel system had a certain self-healing ability. The results of the displacement experiment show that the plugging rate of the gel system is stable at 85.32% after CO2 contact, and the recovery rate is increased by 17.06%, which provides an important guide for the development of low-permeability reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's highly advanced information technology environment, modern network and communication technologies are widely used in monitoring and controlling power systems. These technologies have evolved significantly. They now form a high-performance digital system known as the cyber–physical power system. However, vulnerabilities in communication networks present growing threats to these systems. This paper seeks to enhance the accurate assessment of the security posture of cyber-physical power systems by inferring attackers' intentions. A threat modeling approach based on Bayesian attack graphs is presented, employing Bayesian networks to define and evaluate potential threats that attackers could pose to different system infrastructures. The paper initially conducts a qualitative analysis of the system's threats, constructing a directed graph structure and establishing conditional probability tables among nodes based on prior knowledge. Subsequently, methods are developed to compute the threat levels at different system nodes using real-time detected attack events. Further analysis methods and security assessment metrics are also developed to identify attack paths and quantify system security. Finally, a Bayesian attack graph is constructed in accordance with the system's structure. In practical scenarios, the attack path analysis method can predict the most vulnerable attack paths, while the absolute values of the security assessment metrics indicate the overall risk level of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde is widely utilized across various industries such as food, textiles, and leather, yet its presence raises significant health concerns due to its irritation and carcinogenicity. Numerous methods have been developed to probe it in solution and gas states. Among them, absorption spectroscopy-based methods commonly employed. However, these methods require complex preprocessing for colored solutions to avoid interference. In response to this challenge, a novel interference-resistant detection kit leveraging surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with reaction-induced self-amplification for rapid and direct detection of formaldehyde was developed. The kit needed only ten minutes and achieved a limit of detection lower than 10−4 μg/mL with a handheld Raman spectrometer. Thanks to the kit's reaction with formaldehyde, colloidal nanoparticles were linked to form "hot-spots" to further enhance the SERS signals. The signal demonstrated outstanding resistance to interference, including different dyes, ensuring a practical tool for direct detection of formaldehyde in complex solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effects of Chinese Baijiu with different flavors as supplementary material on microbial communities and flavor formation during inoculated fermentation of Chinese Dongbei Suancai. The results showed that the addition of Fen flavor Baijiu significantly increased the relative abundance of Candida, Luzhou flavor Baijiu increased the relative abundance of Pedobacter and Hannaella, while Maotai flavor Baijiu increased the Chryseobacterium and Kazachstania. A total of 226 volatile metabolites were detected in Suancai fermented when adding different flavors of Baijiu. Furthermore, the significantly upregulated metabolites (p < 0.01) of Suancai after adding Baijiu increased by 328.57%, whereas the significantly downregulated metabolites decreased by 74.60%. Simultaneously, the addition of Baijiu promoted the synthesis and decomposition of amino acids and short-chain fatty acids in the early and middle stages of fermentation. Further, Maotai flavor Baijiu improved the diversification of metabolic pathways in the late stage of Suancai fermentation. The E-nose response showed that sulfur-organic, broad-alcohol, sulfur-chlor was the principal differential flavor in Suancai caused by adding Baijiu with different flavors. Simultaneously, Fen flavor Baijiu and Luzhou flavor Baijiu accelerated the formation of the Suancai flavor. These results indicated that Baijiu with different flavors had significant effects on the flavor formation of inoculated fermented Suancai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study investigates the genetic mechanisms underlying the spotted leaf phenotype in rice, focusing on the spl43 mutant. This mutant is characterized by persistent reddish-brown leaf spots from the seedling stage to maturity, leading to extensive leaf necrosis. Using map-based cloning, we localized the responsible locus to a 330 Kb region on chromosome 2. We identified LOC_Os02g56000, named OsRPT5A, as the causative gene. A point mutation in OsRPT5A, substituting valine for glutamic acid, was identified as the critical factor for the phenotype. Functional complementation and the generation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout lines in the IR64 background confirmed the central role of OsRPT5A in controlling this trait. The qPCR results from different parts of the rice plant revealed that OsRPT5A is constitutively expressed across various tissues, with its subcellular localization unaffected by the mutation. Notably, we observed an abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in spl43 mutants by examining the physiological indexes of leaves, suggesting a disruption in the ROS system. Complementation studies indicated OsRPT5A's involvement in ROS homeostasis and catalase activity regulation. Moreover, the spl43 mutant exhibited enhanced resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), highlighting OsRPT5A's role in rice pathogen resistance mechanisms. Overall, our results suggest that OsRPT5A plays a critical role in regulating ROS homeostasis and enhancing pathogen resistance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic stress (CS) endangers the physical and mental health of adolescents. Therefore, alleviating and preventing such negative health impacts are a top priority. This study explores the effect of feeding shrimp head hydrolysate (SHH) on gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and neurotransmitters in growing C57BL/6 mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Mice in the model group and three SHH groups were exposed to CS for 44 days, distilled water and SHH doses of 0.18, 0.45, 0.90 g/kg·BW were given respectively by gavage daily for 30 days from the 15th day. The results showed that SHH can significantly reverse depression-like behaviour, amino acids degradation, α diversity and β diversity, proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, abundance of genera such as Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Parabacteroides and Alistipes, concentration of five short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), 5-HT and glutamate induced by CS. Muribaculaceae and butyric acid may be a controlled target. This study highlights the potential and broad application of SHH as an active ingredient in food to combat chronic stress damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]