Search Results (3,301)

In this study, 21 agronomic traits (14 quantitative and 7 qualitative) of 366 garlic germplasm accessions were analyzed using correlation, principal component, and cluster analyses. Genetic diversity was analyzed by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). Random (R), priority (P), and deviation (D) sampling methods were adopted to construct core collections, and their representativeness was evaluated. The resources exhibited rich genetic diversity and were divided into five categories. Three core collections, R1, P1, and D1, were constructed, and R1 and P1 conformed to core construction principles. A total of 13 R1 traits had higher variances and coefficients of variation, 15 P1 traits showed significant differences in variance and 20 had higher coefficients of variation, and 16 D1 traits exhibited significant differences in mean values compared to those in the original population. Therefore, the three core collections had good heterogeneity, and the P1 group achieved the greatest genetic variation. Based on the three sets, 90 garlic core collections were constructed, accounting for 24.59% of total resources. These core collections provide a scientific basis for the establishment and conservation of a garlic germplasm resource nursery and the breeding of new varieties. Full article

Evaluating and enhancing system resilience is essential to strengthen the regional ability to external shocks and promote the synergistic development of environment, economy and society. Taking the Upper Yellow River (UYR) as an example, this paper constructed a resilience evaluation index system for the environment—economy—society (EES) composite system. A three-dimensional space vector model was built to calculate the resilience development index (RDI) of three subsystems and the composite system from 2009 to 2022. Pathways supporting high resilience levels of the composite system were examined using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method from a configuration perspective. The results revealed that (1) the RDI of three subsystems and the composite system in the UYR showed an increasing trend; relatively, the environment and economy subsystems were lower, and their RDI fluctuated between 0.01 and 0.06 for most cities. (2) The emergence of high resilience is not absolutely dominated by a single factor, but rather the interaction of multiple factors. To achieve high resilience levels, all the cities must prioritize both environmental protection and economic structure as core strategic pillars. The difference is that eastern cities need to further consider social development and life quality, while western cities need to consider social development, life quality, and social security. Other cities including Lanzhou, Baiyin, Tianshui, and Ordos should focus on social construction and social security. Exploring the interactive relationship between various influencing factors of the resilience of the composite system from a configuration perspective has to some extent promoted the transformation from a single contingency perspective to a holistic and multi-dimensional perspective. These findings provide policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development in the UYR and other ecologically fragile areas around the world. Full article

The protein SNAIL has been widely studied for its roles in promoting cancer invasion and resistance to apoptosis. There are multiple contributors to its expression, including self- and circadian regulation, and it has been posited that SNAIL oscillates in a circadian manner. Given the multiple factors involved, we sought to determine whether this is indeed the case. We developed a luciferase reporter that was used to demonstrate SNAIL’s rhythmic nature (SNAIL:luc) in the circadian model cell line, U2OS. Considering SNAIL’s relevance in breast cancer, we also assessed its oscillations in cellular models representing different levels of aggression. We incorporated the SNAIL:luc reporter in MCF10A breast epithelial cells, and MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, which are less and more aggressive, respectively. We found that SNAIL oscillations were present but weak in MCF7 and arrhythmic in MDA-MB-231 cells, correlating with those of core clock genes (BMAL1 and PER2) in these models. Surprisingly, MCF10A cells, whose core clock genes possess robust circadian expression patterns, did not have rhythmic oscillations of SNAIL. Our findings suggest that SNAIL is under circadian control, but this is cell line/tissue dependent, setting the stage for additional studies to better understand the impacts of various factors contributing to its expression. Full article

Pediococcus pentosaceus is a lactic acid bacterium used inter alia for the fermentation of milk, meat, vegetables, fruits, and even for brewing beer. Several health-promoting effects, such as antibacterial and antifungal activities or microphage and immune system stimulation, have been attributed. Apart from refining foods during the fermentation process, P. pentosaceus strains are added to meat and meat products as protective cultures to improve food safety, while leaving the organoleptic properties untouched. Since knowledge on the latter issue is still limited, we investigated 32 isolates from milk samples and teat canal biofilms regarding their antibacterial efficacy as a prerequisite for possible application as protective cultures. P. pentosaceus strains were unequivocally identified by DNA sequencing of the rrnA gene encoding 16S rRNA. Binary matrices obtained from random amplification of polymorphic DNA experiments showed that all isolates differed by more than 5% and thus represented subspecies. The antibacterial profiles against eight food-borne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria were determined. They efficiently combatted, although to various extents, Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Salmonella enterica, and Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Interestingly, acid production was dependent on the presence of the challenged pathogen and did not correlate with the extent of inhibition. Bioinformatic analyses of the genomes of the three top-ranked isolates revealed a pronounced genomic plasticity with a core genome of 1460 genes and additional 91, 130, and 161 unique genes, respectively. Each strain included a set of three, five, or six plasmids and was equipped with different genes encoding bacteriocins. The data suggest that multiple strains of P. pentosaceus should be included in order to optimize the selection of a culture for food preservation. The approach could also be applicable to other bacterial species. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, its aggressive progression and tendency to metastasize remain major challenges. Biomarkers such as cathepsins B and D, actin isoforms, and cysteine protease inhibitors may influence tumor invasion and metastasis. However, little is known about their spatial distribution in tumor versus surrounding tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the location-dependent expression of selected biomarkers in CRC tissue to better understand their role in cancer progression. Tissue samples were obtained intraoperatively from 37 CRC patients at three locations: the tumor center, and 2 cm and 5 cm from the tumor margin. The activity and concentrations of cathepsins B and D, anti-papain activity, and actin fractions (globular [G-], filamentous [F-], and total actin [T-actin]) were measured using biochemical and spectrophotometric assays. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, MANOVA, and non-parametric tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Cathepsin B activity was significantly elevated at the tumor center and decreased with distance from the tumor (p < 0.001). F-actin and T-actin levels followed a similar pattern, with significantly higher values near the tumor core (p < 0.05). Differences in G-actin were less pronounced. No significant spatial variation was found for cathepsin D, or anti-papain activity. The G-actin/T-actin and F-actin/G-actin ratios revealed significant shifts in actin polymerization states depending on the distance from the tumor. This study demonstrates spatial heterogeneity in the expression of key biomarkers in CRC tissues. Elevated levels of cathepsin B and altered actin dynamics in tumor regions suggest their involvement in local invasion and progression. Full article

The main focus of this paper is to introduce an algorithm that enhances the outcomes of multiple-attribute decision making by harnessing the adaptability of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy ($IVIF$) sets ($IVIFS$s). This algorithm utilizes $IVIF$ numbers ($IVIFN$s) to represent attribute values and attribute weights, enabling the decision maker to account for the intricate nuances and uncertainties that are inherent in the decision-making process. We introduce a novel generalized score function ($GSF$) designed to overcome the limitations of previous functions. This function incorporates two parameters, denoted as ${\gamma }_1\mathrm{and}{\gamma }_2({\gamma }_1+{\gamma }_2=1)$ with ${\gamma }_1\in (0,0.5)$. The core concept of this algorithm centers around the computation of the p-distance for each alternative relative to the positive ideal alternative. The p-distance is derived from the p-norm associated with each alternative’s score matrix, providing the decision maker ($DM$) with a tool to rank the available alternatives. Various examples are given to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Additionally, we apply the algorithm to a real event-based multiple-attribute decision-making ($MADM$) problem—the investment company problem—to identify the optimal alternatives through a comparative analysis. Full article

The emergence of 6G wireless systems marks a paradigm shift toward intelligent, context-aware networks that can adapt in real-time to their environment. Within this landscape, Sensing-Assisted Communication (SAC) emerges as a key enabler, integrating perception into the communication control loop to enhance reliability, beamforming accuracy, and system responsiveness. Unlike prior surveys that treat SAC as a subfunction of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), this work offers the first dedicated review of SAC in Millimeter-Wave (mmWave) and Sub-Terahertz (Sub-THz) systems, where directional links and channel variability present core challenges. SAC encompasses a diverse set of methods that enable wireless systems to dynamically adapt to environmental changes and channel conditions in real time. Recent studies demonstrate up to 80% reduction in beam training overhead and significant gains in latency and mobility resilience. Applications include predictive beamforming, blockage mitigation, and low-latency Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and vehicular communication. This review unifies the SAC landscape and outlines future directions in standardization, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and cooperative sensing for next-generation wireless networks. Full article

This study proposes a comprehensive framework for establishing an Emissions Trading System (ETS) in Thailand, addressing three core design elements: scope, cap setting, and allowance allocation. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from expert and stakeholder consultations, the research identifies a practical and strategic pathway for implementation. The proposed framework recommends a phased approach, with the initial phase covering 222 high-emitting facilities across seven key sub-industrial sectors. This scope, defined by a 25,000 tCO₂e threshold, is estimated to cover approximately 42.64% of the country’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ETS cap for the first phase is set at 20 MtCO₂e, aligning with national climate targets outlined in Thailand’s draft NDC 3.0. For allowance allocation, free allocation via output-based benchmarking is identified as the most suitable method for initial implementation, given its feasibility and effectiveness in incentivizing efficiency improvements. Furthermore, the standard cost model (SCM) was applied to assess compliance costs, indicating an annual administrative burden of 21,534 h and THB 42.18 million. These insights provide policymakers with a baseline for streamlining monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) requirements. The findings suggest that the proposed framework is a robust and strategic model, tailored to the unique economic and regulatory context of Thailand, providing a clear path to achieving the nation’s ambitious sustainable climate goals. Full article

The centres of historical cities have changed trying to accommodate modern urban needs, while maintaining the original bohemian atmosphere that represents the identity of the local community. Restoration, according to Cesare Brandi, goes beyond mere physical repairs and focuses on preserving the core historical and cultural significance of a building within its context. Brandi highlights the importance of the surrounding environment, suggesting that the “horizontal plan” around a structure should be prioritised to ensure its recognition within its historical setting. Decisions about preserving or removing additions should be informed by historical evidence, as modifications over time contribute to the building’s narrative. Aesthetic considerations are secondary to historical accuracy, with the primary goal being the preservation of the building’s relationship with its context rather than its visual appeal. This perspective aligns with Giovannoni’s view that preservation should not focus solely on individual monuments but on the broader urban fabric, which collectively forms the city’s historical environment. By respecting the context in which buildings exist, restoration efforts can maintain their role in the larger space. Ultimately, the aim is to balance the conservation of architectural value with modern needs, all while ensuring that the structure’s historical integrity is maintained. While there is extensive research on heritage conservation and accessibility, there remains a lack of integrated strategies that harmoniously address both cultural preservation and inclusive access. This paper presents an urban study made on the historical centre of Lugoj, a Romanian city with interesting architecture. This study aims to illustrate how creating an urban promenade can improve cohesion between old and new, creating a harmonious public space that reflects the identity of the local community. Moreover, the accessibility of the case study area is investigated, following four major categories of special needs, mobility, visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments, and offering recommendations for a better public space for all the citizens. Full article

This paper presents a novel methodology for predicting the tire–road friction coefficient in real-time under challenging climatic conditions based on a fuzzy logic inference system. The core innovation of the proposed approach lies in the integration and probabilistic weighting of a diverse set of input data, which includes signals from ambient temperature and precipitation intensity sensors, activation events of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESP), windshield wiper operation modes, and road marking recognition via a front-facing camera. This multi-sensor data fusion strategy significantly enhances prediction accuracy compared to traditional methods that rely on limited data sources (e.g., temperature and precipitation alone), especially in transient or non-uniform road conditions such as compacted snow or shortly after rainfall. The reliability of the fuzzy-logic-based predictor was experimentally validated through extensive road tests on dry asphalt, wet asphalt, and wet basalt (simulating packed snow). The results demonstrate a high degree of convergence between predicted and actual values, with a maximum modeling error of less than 10% across all tested scenarios. The developed methodology provides a robust and adaptive solution for enhancing the performance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs), particularly Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), by enabling more accurate braking distance calculations. Full article

The relationship between Confucianism and Catholicism in contemporary Chinese Catholic educational settings is marked not only by significant cultural and philosophical differences, but also by profound analogies that open promising avenues for dialogue and mutual enrichment. Drawing on dialogical-interpretive methodology grounded in hermeneutic philosophy, the study explores core ontological and pedagogical concepts in both traditions. Confucianism conceives education as the ethical cultivation of virtue in alignment with cosmic and relational harmony, while Catholic pedagogy emphasizes the integral formation of the person in freedom, responsibility, and relationship with a personal God. Despite theological differences, both systems prioritize moral development, teacher exemplarity, and holistic human growth. The analysis proposes a critical pathway for creative inculturation, whereby Confucian relational ethics, contemplative practices, and communal sensibilities enrich Catholic educational practice without compromising doctrinal integrity. Such engagement contributes to the construction of a spiritually grounded, interculturally aware pedagogy responsive to pluralistic religious contexts. Full article

With the expansion of the scale of ultra-high-voltage transmission lines and the complexity of the corridor environment, the traditional manual inspection method faces serious challenges in terms of efficiency, cost, and safety. In this study, based on power laser inspection technology with a high-precision servo control system, a complete set of laser point cloud processing technology is proposed, covering three core aspects: transmission line extraction, scene recovery, and operation status monitoring. In transmission line extraction, combining the traditional clustering algorithm with the improved PointNet++ deep learning model, a classification accuracy of 92.3% is achieved in complex scenes; in scene recovery, 95.9% and 94.4% of the internal point retention rate of transmission lines and towers, respectively, and a vegetation denoising rate of 7.27% are achieved by RANSAC linear fitting and density filtering algorithms; in the condition monitoring segment, the risk detection of tree obstacles based on KD-Tree acceleration and the arc sag calculation of the hanging chain line model realize centimetre-level accuracy of hidden danger localisation and keep the arc sag error within 5%. Experiments show that this technology significantly improves the automation level and decision-making accuracy of transmission line inspection and provides effective support for intelligent operation and maintenance of the power grid. Full article

Compared with a traditional distribution transformer with silicon steel sheet as the core material, the no-load loss of an amorphous alloy transformer is greatly reduced due to its core using iron-based amorphous metal material, which has been applied in many countries. However, due to the brittleness of its amorphous strip, an amorphous alloy transformer is prone to debris in the process of production, transportation and work. The charge and migration characteristics of these debris will reduce the insulation strength of the transformer oil and endanger the safe operation of the transformer. In this paper, a charge measurement platform of amorphous alloy debris is set up, and the charging characteristics of amorphous alloy core debris under different flow velocities, particle radius and plate electric field strength are obtained. The results show that with an increase in pipeline flow velocity, the charge-to-mass ratio of the debris increases first and then decreases. With an increase in electric field strength, the charge-to-mass ratio of the debris increases; with an increase in the number of debris, the charge-to-mass ratio of the debris decreases; with an increase in debris size, the charge-to-mass ratio of the debris increases. The debris with different charge-to-mass ratios and types obtained from the above experiments are added to the simulation model of an amorphous alloy transformer. The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) is used to simulate the migration process of metal particles in an amorphous alloy transformer under the combined action of gravity, buoyancy, electric field force and oil flow resistance under electrothermal excitation boundary. The results show that the trajectory of the debris is related to the initial position, electric field strength and oil flow velocity. The LBM–DEM calculation model and charge measurement platform proposed in this paper can provide a reference for studying the charge mechanism and migration characteristics of amorphous alloy core debris in insulating oil. Full article

The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is the core of new energy vehicle drive systems, and its temperature status is directly related to the safety of the entire vehicle. However, the temperature of rotor permanent magnets is difficult to measure directly, and traditional sensor schemes are costly and complex to deploy. With the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, deep learning (DL) provides a feasible path for sensorless modeling. This paper proposes a prediction model that integrates a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN), Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM), and multi-head attention mechanism (MHA) and introduces a Hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer (H-GWO) for hyperparameter optimization, which is applied to PMSM temperature prediction. A public dataset from Paderborn University is used for training and testing. The test set verification results show that the H-GWO-optimized TCN-BiLSTM-MHA model has a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.3821 °C, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.4857 °C, and an R² of 0.9985. Compared with the CNN-BiLSTM-Attention model, the MAE and RMSE are reduced by approximately 11.8% and 19.3%, respectively. Full article

Background/Objectives: Studies have shown that healthcare providers struggle to discuss difficult end-of-life issues, including palliative sedation (PS), with patients and relatives. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate communication challenges related to PS among healthcare providers in eight European countries. Methods: In each country, two clinical settings providing palliative care were selected. Two moral case deliberation (MCD) sessions were conducted, each with 3 to 9 palliative healthcare professionals (HCPs). They discussed patient cases involving PS and refractory symptom management. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed using a framework analysis. Results: Key issues included core communication values—open, empathetic, and honest dialogue—which were consistent across countries but varied in practice. In The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the UK, communication prioritized patient autonomy through timely discussions and family dialogue. In Spain and Italy, family-centered communication approaches predominated, while in Romania and Hungary, tendencies for selective disclosure were also evident, along with delegated decision-making and complex family dynamics. Certain challenges reflected professional experience rather than national culture. Nurses mediated across contexts, while terminology surrounding palliative sedation remained a source of ambiguity. Conclusions: This is the first study to present HCPs’ perceptions of communication issues related to PS across Europe. Despite variations between settings, consistently open dialogue among patients, families, and HCPs emerged as the most valued element. These findings highlight the need to better understand how end-of-life communication about PS varies in practice and underscore the importance of considering healthcare providers’ real-world experiences to improve communication with patients and families. Full article