Search Results (24,380)

Urban expansion into rural and peri-urban areas increases landslide risks, posing significant threats to infrastructure and public safety. However, most studies focus on surface displacement or meteorological inputs, with less emphasis on subsurface sensor data that could detect early instability precursors. To address these gaps, this study presents a proof-of-concept validation, establishing the feasibility of using subsurface sensor data to predict near-surface slope displacements. A laboratory-scale slope model (300 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm) at a 30° inclination was subjected to simulated rainfall (150 mm/h for 180 s), with displacement measured at depths of 5 cm and 25 cm using PDP-2000 extensometers. The Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) effectively captured the nonlinear relationship between subsurface and surface displacements, achieving high predictive accuracy (R² = 0.939, MSE = 0.470, MAE = 0.320, RMSE = 0.686). Results demonstrate that, while subsurface sensors do not detect sudden failure events, they effectively capture progressive deformation, offering valuable inputs for multi-sensor EWS in proactive urban planning. Despite demonstrating feasibility, limitations include the controlled laboratory environment and simplified slope conditions. Future work should focus on field-scale validation and multi-sensor fusion to enhance real-world applicability in diverse geological settings. Full article

K–Se batteries offer high energy density and cost-effectiveness, making them promising candidates for energy storage systems. However, their practical applications are hindered by Se aggregation, sluggish ion diffusion, and significant volumetric expansion. To address these challenges, monodisperse hierarchical N-doped carbon microspheres (NCHS) with uniformly sized pores were synthesized as cathode hosts. The flower-like microstructure, formed by the assembly of two-dimensional building blocks, mitigated Se aggregation and facilitated uniform distribution within the pores, enhancing Se utilization. Nitrogen doping, introduced during synthesis, strengthened chemical bonding between selenium and the carbon host, suppressed side reactions, and accelerated reaction kinetics. These synergistic effects enabled efficient ion transport, improved electrolyte accessibility, and enhanced redox reactions. Additionally, the uniform particle and pore sizes of NCHS effectively mitigated volumetric expansion and surface accumulation, ensuring long-term cycling stability and superior electrochemical performance. Se-loaded NCHS (Se@NCHS) exhibited a high discharge capacity of 199.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 C after 500 cycles with 70.4% capacity retention and achieved 188 mA h g⁻¹ at 3.0 C, outperforming conventional carbon hosts such as Super P. This study highlights the significance of structural and chemical modifications in optimizing cathode materials and offers valuable insights for developing high-performance energy storage systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an important species in freshwater aquaculture. Genetic admixture and degradation due to rapid industry expansion threaten sustainable development. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity and structure of six P. sinensis populations for better management. Methods: We combined morphological analysis and microsatellite markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of six populations. A discriminant function based on morphology was developed, achieving 71.4% classification accuracy. Two SSR markers were identified to specifically distinguish the HS population. Results: The six populations were classified into three subgroups. Frequent gene flow was observed among the CY, W, and DT populations, with most genetic variation occurring within individuals. However, significant genetic differentiation was detected between populations. While gene flow enhanced diversity, it suppressed differentiation. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the genetic structure and diversity of six P. sinensis populations. The discriminant function and SSR markers offer a basis for germplasm conservation and management, supporting sustainable aquaculture development. Full article

Phytosulfokine (PSK) is a tyrosine-sulfated pentapeptide found throughout the plant kingdom, playing key roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there is still a lack of a comprehensive analysis of the CsPSK gene family in Camellia sinensis. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification and characterized 14 CsPSK genes in tea plants, which are unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes. CsPSK genes encode proteins ranging from 75 to 124 amino acids in length, all belonging to the PSK-α type and containing conserved PSK domains. A synteny analysis revealed that the expansion of the CsPSK gene family is primarily attributed to whole-genome duplication, with homology to Arabidopsis thaliana PSK genes. A promoter region analysis identified cis-regulatory elements related to hormone and stress responses. An expression profile analysis showed that CsPSK genes are highly expressed in roots, stems, flowers, and leaves, and are induced by both biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, an RT-qPCR assay demonstrated that the expression levels of CsPSK8, CsPSK9, and CsPSK10 are significantly upregulated following Discula theae-sinensis infection. These findings establish a basis for further research into the role of the CsPSK gene family in tea plant disease resistance and underlying molecular mechanisms, offering valuable perspectives for developing novel antimicrobial peptides. Full article

In hot-forming, integrating in situ quality monitoring is essential for the early detection of thermally induced geometric deviations, especially in the production of hybrid bulk metal parts. Although hybrid components are key to meeting modern technical requirements and saving resources, they exhibit complex shrinkage behavior due to differing thermal expansion coefficients. During forming, these components are exposed to considerable temperature gradients, which result in density fluctuations in the ambient air. These fluctuations create an inhomogeneous refractive index field (IRIF), which significantly affects the accuracy of optical geometry reconstruction systems due to light deflection. This study utilizes existing simulation IRIF data to predict the magnitude and orientation of refractive index fluctuations. A light deflection simulation run on a GPU-accelerated ray tracing framework is used to assess the impact of IRIFs on optical measurements. The results of this simulation are used as a basis for selecting optimized measurement positions, reducing and quantifying uncertainties in surface reconstruction, and, therefore, improving the reliability of quality control in hot-forming applications. Full article

Spacecraft catering to the Lunar Gateway or other “permanent” stations in the lunar vicinity would require frequent travel between periodic orbits around the Earth–Moon $L_1$ and $L_2$ Lagrange points. The transition through the Hill sphere is often characterized by close passages of our nearest neighbor—rendering the optimization problem numerically challenging due to the increased local sensitivities. Depending on the mission requirements and resource constraints, transfer architectures must be studied, and trade-offs between flight time and fuel consumption quantified. While direct low-thrust transfers between the circular restricted three-body problem periodic orbit families have been studied, the asymptotic flow in the neighborhood of the periodic orbits could be leveraged for expansion and densification of the solution space. This paper presents an approach to achieve a dense mapping of manifold-assisted, low-thrust transfers based on initial and terminal coast segments. Continuation schemes are utilized to attain the powered intermediate time-optimal segment through a multi-shooting approach. Interesting insights regarding the linear correlation between $\Delta$V and change in reduced two-body osculating elements associated with the initial-terminal conditions are discussed. These insights could inform the subsequent filtering of the osculating selenocentric periapsis map and provide additional interesting and efficient solutions. The described approach is anticipated to be extremely useful for future crewed and robotic cis-lunar operations. Full article

To achieve the goal of building zero-waste cities, managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is a critical step toward carbon neutrality. Waste produced by consumption activities constitutes an essential component of MSW management. Using the Super Slacks-Based Measure Data Envelopment Analysis (SSBM-DEA) model and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), this study investigates the spatial impacts of consumption upgrading (CU) on municipal waste management across 30 provinces in China, with a particular focus on GHGs as undesirable outputs. In this study, we construct a framework from the dimensions of consumption level, consumption structure, and green consumption. Additionally, other socioeconomic factors influencing waste management are explored. The results indicate a convergence trend in the uneven distribution of consumption upgrading, with the gaps between regions gradually narrowing. Consumption upgrading significantly enhances the eco-efficiency of local waste management and exhibits notable spatial spillover effects, positively influencing the eco-efficiency of neighboring regions. Furthermore, the promotion effect of consumption upgrading on the central and western regions, compared with the eastern region, is more pronounced. This indicates that the technological catch-up resulting from consumption upgrading, supported by policies, can further enhance the eco-efficiency of MSW. This study also provides insights for other regions transitioning from scale expansion to high-quality development in waste management. Full article

This study, within the framework of uncertainty theory, employs an uncertain differential equation with jumps to model the asset value process of a company, establishing a structured model of uncertain credit risk that incorporates jumps. This model is applied to the pricing of two types of credit derivatives, yielding pricing formulas for corporate zero-coupon bonds and Credit Default Swap (CDS). Through numerical analysis, we examine the impact of asset value volatility and jump magnitude on corporate default uncertainty, as well as the influence of jump magnitude on the pricing of zero-coupon bonds and CDS. The results indicate that an increase in volatility levels significantly enhances default uncertainty, and an expansion in the magnitude of negative jumps not only directly elevates default risk but also leads to a significant increase in the value of zero-coupon bonds and the price of CDS through a risk premium adjustment mechanism. Therefore, when assessing corporate default risk and pricing credit derivatives, the disturbance of asset value jumps must be considered a crucial factor. Full article

The study of ecological security patterns is of great significance to the balance between regional economic development and environmental protection. By optimizing the regional ecological security pattern through reasonable land-use planning and resource management strategies, the purpose of maintaining ecosystem stability and improving ecosystem service capacity can be achieved, and ultimately regional ecological security can be achieved. As a typical ecological civilization city in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Yichang City is also facing the dual challenges of urban expansion and environmental pressure. The construction and optimization of its ecological security pattern is the key to achieving the harmonious coexistence of economic development and environmental protection and ensuring regional sustainable development. Based on the ecological environment characteristics and land-use data of Yichang City, this paper uses morphological spatial pattern analysis and landscape connectivity analysis to identify core ecological sources, constructs a comprehensive ecological resistance surface based on the sensitivity–pressure–resilience (SPR) model, and combines circuit theory and Linkage Mapper tools to extract ecological corridors, ecological pinch points, and ecological barrier points and construct the ecological security pattern of Yichang City with ecological elements of points, lines, and surfaces. Finally, the community mining method was introduced and combined with habitat quality to analyze the spatial topological structure of the ecological network in Yichang City and conduct ecological security zoning management. The following conclusions were drawn: Yichang City has a good ecological background value. A total of 64 core ecological sources were screened out with a total area of 3239.5 km². In total, 157 ecological corridors in Yichang City were identified. These corridors were divided into 104 general corridors, 42 important corridors, and 11 key corridors according to the flow centrality score. In addition, 49 key ecological pinch points and 36 ecological barrier points were identified. The combination of these points, lines, and surfaces formed the ecological security pattern of Yichang City. Based on the community mining algorithm in complex networks and the principle of Thiessen polygons, Yichang City was divided into five ecological functional zones. Among them, Community No. 2 has the highest ecological security level, high vegetation coverage, close distribution of ecological sources, a large number of corridors, and high connectivity. Community No. 5 has the largest area, but it contains most of the human activity space and construction and development zones, with low habitat quality and severely squeezed ecological space. In this regard, large-scale ecological restoration projects should be implemented, such as artificial wetland construction and ecological island establishment, to supplement ecological activity space and mobility and enhance ecosystem service functions. This study aims to construct a multi-scale ecological security pattern in Yichang City, propose a dynamic zoning management strategy based on complex network analysis, and provide a scientific basis for ecological protection and restoration in rapidly urbanizing areas. Full article

The injection of CO₂ into coal reservoirs occurs in its supercritical state (ScCO₂), which significantly alters the pore structure and chemical composition of coal, thereby influencing the adsorption and diffusion behavior of methane (CH₄). Understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing CH₄ extraction and improving CO₂ sequestration efficiency. This study aims to investigate the effects of ScCO₂ on the pore structure, chemical bonds, and CH₄ diffusion mechanisms in bituminous coal to provide insights into coal reservoir stimulation and CO₂ storage. By utilizing high-pressure CO₂ injection adsorption, low-pressure CO₂ gas adsorption (LP-CO₂-GA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and reactive force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF-MD) simulations, this study examines the multi-scale changes in coal at the nano- and molecular levels. The following results were found: Pore Structure Evolution: After ScCO₂ treatment, micropore volume increased by 19.1%, and specific surface area increased by 11.2%, while mesopore volume and specific surface area increased by 14.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Chemical Composition Changes: The content of aromatic structures, oxygen-containing functional groups, and hydroxyl groups decreased, while aliphatic structures increased. Specific molecular changes included an increase in (CH₂)_n, 2H, 1H, and secondary alcohol (-C-OH) and phenol (-C-O) groups, while Car-Car and Car-H bonds decreased. Mechanisms of Pore Volume Changes: The pore structure evolves through three distinct phases: Swelling Phase: Breakage of low-energy bonds generates new micropores. Aromatic structure expansion reduces intramolecular spacing but increases intermolecular spacing, causing a decrease in micropore volume and an increase in mesopore volume. Early Dissolution Phase: Continued bond breakage increases micropore volume, while released aliphatic and aromatic structures partially occupy these pores, converting some mesopores into micropores. Later Dissolution Phase: Minimal chemical bond alterations occur, but weakened π-π interactions and van der Waals forces between aromatic layers result in further mesopore volume expansion. Impact on CH₄ Diffusion: Changes in pore volume directly affect CH₄ migration. In the early stages of ScCO₂ interaction, pore shrinkage reduces the mean square displacement (MSD) and self-diffusion coefficient of CH₄. However, as the reaction progresses, pore expansion enhances CH₄ diffusion, ultimately improving gas extraction efficiency. This study provides a fundamental understanding of how ScCO₂ modifies coal structure and CH₄ transport properties, offering theoretical guidance for enhanced CH₄ recovery and CO₂ sequestration strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The oncofetal membrane protein Claudin 6 (CLDN6) is an attractive target for T cell-based therapies. There is a lack of detailed analyses on the age-dependent expression of CLDN6 in normal tissues is lacking, which limits the expansion of CLDN6 CAR-T cell clinical trials to pediatric populations. Methods: We analyzed CLDN6 expression in extracranial solid tumors and normal tissues of children using RNA-sequencing data from over 500 pediatric solid tumor samples, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in more than 100 fresh-frozen tumor samples and, approximately, 250 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. We examined normal tissue expression via qRT-PCR in 32 different infant tissues and via IHC in roughly 290 tissues from donors across four age groups, as well as in fetal autopsy samples. Results: In fetal tissues, we detected CLDN6 expression primarily in the epithelial cells of several organs, including the skin, lungs, kidneys, intestinal tract, and pancreas, but not in undifferentiated blastemal cells. Postnatally, we found CLDN6-positive epithelial progenitors only during the first few weeks of life. In older-age groups, isolated clusters of CLDN6-positive progenitors were present, but in scarce quantities. In tumor tissues, we found strong and homogeneous CLDN6 expression in desmoplastic small round cell tumors and germ cell tumors. Wilms tumors demonstrated heterogeneous CLDN6 expression, notably absent in the blastemal component. Conclusions: These findings highlight an organ-specific presence of CLDN6-positive epithelial precursors that largely disappear in terminally differentiated epithelia within weeks after birth. Therefore, our data support CLDN6 as a viable therapeutic target in pediatric patients and justify their inclusion in basket studies for anti-CLDN6-based therapies. Full article

This article proposes a displacement reducer based on distributed compliant mechanisms to improve the motion resolution of actuators commonly used in precision operation systems that require high-precision control and positioning, such as micro-grippers, biological manipulation, and micro-alignment mechanisms. Distributed compliance significantly diminishes its effective moving lumped mass, endowing the structure with advantages such as reduced stress concentration and an expansive range of motion. Additionally, the design incorporates an over-constraint structure through a dual-layer displacement reducer, ensuring that the reducer achieves a nearly constant reduction ratio. According to the compliance matrix method, the analytical model of the reducer is established to predict the input–output behaviors, which are verified by finite element simulations. On the basis of sensitivity analysis to structure parameters, including node positions and beam parameters, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the displacement reduction performance. Through finite element analysis and experimental results on the prototype, the proposed displacement reducer demonstrates a large reduction ratio of 11.03, an energy transfer efficiency of 39.6%, and a nearly constant reduction ratio with an input displacement range of 0 to 2000 µm. Full article

Sugars will eventually be exported transporter (SWEET), a class of glucose transport proteins, is crucial in plants for glucose transport by redistribution of sugars and regulates growth, development, and stress tolerance. Although the SWEET family has been studied in many plants, little is known about its function in winter B. rapa (Brassica rapa L.). Bioinformatics approaches were adopted to identify the SWEET gene (BraSWEETs) family in B. rapa to investigate its role during overwintering. From the whole-genome data, 31 BraSWEET genes were identified. Gene expansion was realized by tandem and fragment duplication, and the 31 genes were classified into four branches by phylogenetic analysis. As indicated by exon–intron structure, cis-acting elements, MEME (Multiple EM for Motif Elicitation) motifs, and protein structure, BraSWEETs were evolutionarily conserved. According to the heat map, 23 BraSWEET genes were differentially expressed during overwintering, revealing their potential functions in response to low-temperature stress and involvement in the overwintering memory-formation mechanism. BraSWEET10 is mainly associated with plant reproductive growth and may be crucial in the formation of overwintering memory in B. rapa. The BraSWEET10 gene was cloned into B. rapa (Longyou-7, L7). The BraSWEET10 protein contained seven transmembrane structural domains. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that the BraSWEET10 gene responded to low-temperature stress. BraSWEET10 was localized to the cell membrane. The root length of overexpressing transgenic A. thaliana was significantly higher than that of wild-type (WT) A. thaliana under low temperatures. Our findings suggest that this gene may be important for the adaptation of winter B. rapa to low-temperature stress. Overall, the findings are expected to contribute to understanding the evolutionary links of the BraSWEET family and lay the foundation for future studies on the functional characteristics of BraSWEET genes. Full article

Agriculture in the Indian Sundarbans deltaic region primarily depends on a rice-based monocropping system during the rainy season, with the subsequent season often remaining fallow. To mitigate this issue, a series of experiments using zero tillage and straw mulching (ZTSM) potato cultivation were conducted over eight consecutive years (2017–2024) across various islands in the Sundarbans Delta, West Bengal, aimed to intensify the cropping system and ensure the betterment of the land use pattern using climate-smart agricultural practices. In the initial two years, the experiments concentrated on assessing different potato cultivars and nutrient dosages under zero tillage and paddy straw mulching conditions. During the subsequent years, the focus shifted to field demonstrations under diverse climatic conditions. The research included the application of different macronutrients and growth regulators, in combination with different depths of straw mulching. In the final years of the study, the intervention was dedicated solely to the horizontal expansion of cultivated land. These initiatives aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable land use in the polders, promoting climate-resilient farming practices. From the sets of experiments, we standardized the sustainable nutrient management strategies and selection of appropriate potato cultivars vis-à-vis depth of straw mulching and, finally, the overall best agronomic practices for the region. The adoption of the ZTSM potato cultivation system demonstrated considerable success, as evidenced by the remarkable increase in the number of farmers employing this sustainable agricultural practice. The number of farmers practicing zero tillage potato cultivation surged from 23 in the initial year to over 1100, covering an area of more than 15 ha, highlighting the effectiveness of the technology. The analysis of the estimated adoption also showed that more than 90% adoption is likely to be achieved within a decade. This potential expansion underscores the benefits of the ZTSM potato cultivation system in improving soil health, conserving water, and reducing labour and costs. As more farmers recognize the advantages of zero tillage potato mulching, this approach is poised to play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture, enhancing productivity while promoting environmental stewardship. Full article

The thermal stabilization of expansive soils has emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical stabilization methods, addressing the long-standing challenges associated with soil swelling and shrinkage. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms, applications, and advancements in thermal stabilization techniques, with a particular focus on both traditional approaches (e.g., kiln heating) and emerging innovations such as microwave heating. This study synthesizes recent research findings to assess how thermal treatment modifies the mineralogical, physical, and mechanical properties of expansive soils, reducing their plasticity and improving their strength characteristics. Comparative analysis highlights the advantages, limitations, and sustainability implications of different thermal methods, considering factors such as energy efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. While thermal stabilization offers a viable alternative to chemical treatments, key challenges remain regarding cost, field implementation, and long-term performance validation. The integration of thermal treatment with complementary techniques, such as lime stabilization, is explored as a means to enhance soil stability while minimizing environmental impact. By addressing critical research gaps and providing a comprehensive perspective on the future potential of thermal stabilization, this review contributes valuable insights for researchers and engineers seeking innovative and sustainable solutions for managing expansive soils. Full article