Search Results (761)

Machine learning techniques, particularly decision trees, have been extensively utilized in Network-based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs) due to their transparent, rule-based structures that enable straightforward interpretation. However, this transparency presents privacy risks, as decision trees may inadvertently expose sensitive information such as network configurations or IP addresses. In our previous work, we introduced a sensitive pruning-based decision tree to mitigate these risks within a limited dataset and basic pruning framework. In this extended study, three privacy-preserving pruning strategies are proposed: standard sensitive pruning, which conceals specific sensitive attribute values; optimistic sensitive pruning, which further simplifies the decision tree when the sensitive splits are minimal; and pessimistic sensitive pruning, which aggressively removes entire subtrees to maximize privacy protection. The methods are implemented using the J48 (Weka C4.5 package) decision tree algorithm and are rigorously validated across three full-scale NIDS datasets: GureKDDCup, UNSW-NB15, and CIDDS-001. To ensure a realistic evaluation of time-dependent intrusion patterns, a rolling-origin resampling scheme is employed in place of conventional cross-validation. Additionally, IP address truncation and port bilateral classification are incorporated to further enhance privacy preservation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed pruning strategies effectively reduce the exposure of sensitive information, significantly simplify decision tree structures, and incur only minimal reductions in classification accuracy. These findings reaffirm that privacy protection can be successfully integrated into decision tree models without severely compromising detection performance. To further support the proposed pruning strategies, this study also includes a comprehensive review of decision tree post-pruning techniques. Full article

Sulfur fumigation (SF), acid dipping (HCl treatment, HAT), and their combination (SF+HAT) are common methods for long-term preservation and color protection of litchi. However, their effects on the metabolic profile of the litchi pericarp have not been investigated. SF resulted in a yellowish-green pericarp by up-regulating lightness (L*), b*, C*, and h° but down-regulating total anthocyanin content (TAC) and a*, while HAT resulted in a reddish coloration by up-regulating a*, b*, and C* but down-regulating L*, h°, and TAC. SF+HAT recovered reddish color with similar L*, C* to SF but a*, b*, h°, and TAC between SF and HAT. Differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) detected in HAT (vs. control) were more than those in SF (vs. control), but similar to those in SF+HAT (vs. control). SF specifically down-regulated the content of cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, sinapinaldehyde, salicylic acid, and tyrosol, but up-regulated 6 flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-malonyl)galactoside, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, etc.). Five pathways (biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, flavonoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, glutathione metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism) were commonly enriched among the three treatments, which significantly up-regulated sulfur-containing metabolites (mainly glutathione, methionine, and homocystine) and down-regulated substrates for browning (mainly procyanidin B2, C1, and coniferyl alcohol). These results provide metabolic evidence for the effect of three treatments on coloration and storability of litchi. Full article

As a discontinuous deformation method, the block element method (BEM) characterizes a material’s elastoplastic behavior through the constitutive relation of thin-layer elements between adjacent blocks. To realistically simulate rock damage paths, this work improves the traditional BEM by using random Voronoi polygonal grids for discrete modeling. This approach mitigates the distortion of damage paths caused by regular grids through the randomness of the Voronoi grids. As the innovation of this work, the iterative algorithm is combined with polygonal geometric features so that the area–perimeter fractal dimension can be introduced to optimize random Voronoi grids. The iterative control index can effectively improve the geometric characteristics of the grid while maintaining the necessary randomness. On this basis, a constitutive relation model that considers both normal and tangential damage is proposed. The entire process from damage initiation to macroscopic fracture failure in rocks is described using two independent damage surfaces and a damage relationship based on geometric mapping relationships. The analysis results are in good agreement with existing experimental data. Furthermore, the sensitivity method is used to analyze the influence of key mechanical parameters in the constitutive model. Full article

Straw returning (ST) significantly improves soil quality and profoundly impacts soil microorganisms. However, the effects of different ST application amounts on the soil bacterial community remain unclear, and more studies on optimal ST application amounts are warranted. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial diversity and composition, as well as physicochemical properties, of soil in a corn field with 5-year ST amounts of 0, 3, 4.5, 5, and 6 t/hm², respectively. The results indicated that ST significantly reduced soil bulk density and increased soil pH and nutrients. Meanwhile, ST had a significant effect on the bacterial composition, and the bacterial diversity increased significantly after ST. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria increased dramatically, whereas that of Actinobacteria significantly decreased after ST. The amount of ST had threshold effects on soil physicochemical properties and the dominant bacterial phyla. Moreover, the co-occurrence networks indicated that bacterial stability first increased and then decreased with the increase in ST amounts. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations were the main drivers of bacterial diversity, whereas soil pH and total nitrogen concentrations were the main drivers of bacterial composition. This study strengthens the fact that ST amounts have threshold effects on the soil physicochemical properties and soil microorganisms, and ST amounts of 3–5 t/hm² were appropriate. Full article

Burkholderia gladioli is a multifaceted bacterium with both pathogenic and beneficial strains, and nonpathogenic Burkholderia species have shown potential as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) and biocontrol agents. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their beneficial functions remain poorly characterized. This study systematically investigated the antimicrobial mechanisms and plant growth-promoting properties of B. gladioli strain ZBSF BH07, isolated from the grape rhizosphere, by combining genomic and functional analyses, including whole-genome sequencing, gene annotation, phylogenetic and comparative genomics, in vitro antifungal assays, and plant growth promotion evaluations. The results showed that ZBSF BH07 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity, inhibiting 14 grape pathogens with an average inhibition rate of 56.58% and showing dual preventive/curative effects against grape white rot, while also significantly promoting grape seedling growth with increases of 54.9% in plant height, 172.9% in root fresh weight, and 231.34% in root dry weight. Genomic analysis revealed an 8.56-Mb genome (two chromosomes and one plasmid) encoding 7431 genes and 26 secondary metabolite biosynthesis clusters (predominantly nonribosomal peptide synthetases), supporting its capacity for antifungal metabolite secretion, and functional analysis confirmed genes for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production. These results demonstrate that ZBSF BH07 suppresses pathogens via antifungal metabolites and enhances grape growth through phytohormone regulation and nutrient acquisition, providing novel insights into the dual mechanisms of B. gladioli as a biocontrol and growth-promoting agent and laying a scientific foundation for developing sustainable grapevine disease management strategies. Full article

Aging in sexually reproducing organisms is shaped by the declining force of natural selection after reproduction begins. In Drosophila melanogaster, experimental evolution shows that altering the age of reproduction shifts the timing of aging. Using the Drosophila experimental evolution population (DEEP) resource, which includes long- and short- lived populations evolved under distinct reproductive schedules, we investigated how immune defense against Beauveria bassiana changes with age and evolved lifespan. We tested survival post-infection at multiple ages and examined genomic differentiation for immune-related genes. Both population types showed age-related declines in immune defense. Long-lived populations consistently exhibited age-specific defense when both long- and short-lived populations were tested. Genomic comparisons revealed thousands of differentiated loci, yet no enrichment for canonical immune genes or overlap with gene sets from studies of direct selection for immunity. These results suggest that enhanced immune defense can evolve alongside extended lifespan, likely via general physiological robustness rather than traditional immune pathways. A more detailed analysis may reveal that selection for lifespan favors tolerance-based mechanisms that reduce infection damage without triggering immune activation, in contrast to direct selection for resistance. Our findings demonstrate the utility of experimentally evolved populations for dissecting the genetic architecture of aging and immune defense to inform strategies to mitigate age-related costs associated with immune activation. Full article

Viral infections persistently challenge global health through immune evasion and zoonotic transmission. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in antiviral immunity by detecting viral nucleic acids via conserved pattern recognition receptors, triggering interferon-driven innate responses and cross-presentation-mediated activation of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells. This study synthesizes DC-centric defense mechanisms against viral subversion, encompassing divergent nucleic acid sensing pathways for zoonotic DNA and RNA viruses, viral counterstrategies targeting DC maturation and interferon signaling, and functional specialization of DC subsets in immune coordination. Despite advances in DC-based vaccine platforms, clinical translation is hindered by cellular heterogeneity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and limitations in antigen delivery. Future research should aim to enhance the efficiency of DC-mediated immunity, thereby establishing a robust scientific foundation for the development of next-generation vaccines and antiviral therapies. A more in-depth exploration of DC functions and regulatory mechanisms may unlock novel strategies for antiviral intervention, ultimately paving the way for improved prevention and treatment of viral infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cisplatin remains a cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, yet its clinical utility is substantially limited by acquired resistance and the inadequate suppression of tumor metastasis. Emerging evidence implicates interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a critical mediator of chemoresistance through cancer stem cell (CSC) enrichment and metastasis promotion via epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, ultimately contributing to cisplatin therapy failure. This study sought to address these challenges by designing a nanoplatform with two innovative aims: (1) to achieve active tumor targeting through binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and (2) to concurrently inhibit IL-6-mediated chemoresistance signaling pathways. Methods: A lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPC) encapsulating cisplatin was synthesized and subsequently surface-functionalized with tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-6R. The therapeutic efficacy of this TCZ-modified nanoparticle (LPC-TCZ) was assessed through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, focusing on the inhibition of EMT, expression of CSC markers, tumor growth, and metastasis. Results: Systematic in vitro and in vivo evaluations revealed that LPC-TCZ synergistically attenuated both EMT progression and CSC marker expression through the targeted blockade of IL-6/STAT3 signaling. This multimodal therapeutic strategy demonstrated superior tumor growth inhibition and metastatic suppression compared to conventional cisplatin monotherapy. Conclusions: Our findings establish a nanotechnology-enabled approach to potentiate cisplatin efficacy by simultaneously countering chemoresistance mechanisms and metastatic pathways in NSCLC management. Full article

Melanin is a complex natural pigment that imparts a variety of colors to the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, influencing both their nutritional quality and commercial value. Stropharia rugosoannulata is an emerging type of edible fungus that has been widely cultivated in recent years. It can be categorized into red and yellow varieties based on cap color, while its pigment characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the melanins from the two varieties were obtained using an alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method, followed by comprehensive characterization of their chemical properties and ultrastructural features. Both melanins displayed distinct absorption maxima at approximately 211 nm. The melanin extracted from the red variety consisted of 55.63% carbon (C), 7.40% hydrogen (H), 30.23% oxygen (O), 5.99% nitrogen (N), and 0.64% sulfur (S), whereas the yellow variety comprised 52.22% C, 6.74% H, 29.70% O, 5.91% N, and 0.99% S. Both types of melanin included eumelanin and phaeomelanin forms, with eumelanin being the predominant type. Variations in the quantities and relative proportions of eumelanin and phaeomelanin contributed to the observed color differences in the mushroom caps. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed the melanins were primarily localized in the cell wall, consistent with findings in other fungal species. These findings contribute valuable insights into fundamental knowledge and potential applications of mushroom pigments. Full article

Seedling transplantation, a pivotal component in advancing the cultivation of vegetables and cash crops, significantly bolsters crops’ resilience against drought, cold, pests, and diseases, while substantially enhancing yields. The implementation of transplanting machinery not only remarkably alleviates the labor-intensive nature of transplantation but also elevates the precision and uniformity of the process, thereby facilitating mechanized plant protection and harvesting operations. This article summarizes the research status and development trends of mechanized field transplanting technology and equipment. It also analyzes and summarizes the types and current status of typical representative automatic seedling picking mechanisms. Based on the current research status, the challenges of mechanized transplanting technology were analyzed, mainly the following: insufficient integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy; the standards for each stage of transplanting are not perfect; the adaptability of existing transplanting machines is poor; the level of informatization and intelligence of equipment is low; the lack of innovation in key components, such as seedling picking and transplanting mechanisms; and the proposed solutions to address the issues. Corresponding solutions are proposed, such as the following: strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration; establishing standards for transplanting processes; enhancing transplanter adaptability; accelerating intelligentization and digitalization of transplanters; strengthening the theoretical framework; and performance optimization of transplanting mechanisms. Finally, the development direction of future fully automatic transplanting machines was discussed, including the following: improving the transplanting efficiency and quality of transplanting machines; integrating research and development of testing, planting, and seedling supplementation for transplanting machines; unmanned transplanting operations; and fostering collaborative industrial development. Full article

Despite a growing body of research on supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO₂) heat transfer in microchannels, comprehensive reviews remain scarce. Existing studies predominantly focus on isolated experiments or simulations, yielding inconsistent findings and lacking a unified theory or optimization framework. This review systematically consolidates recent SCO₂ microchannel heat transfer advancements, emphasizing key performance factors, degradation mechanisms, and optimization strategies. We critically analyze over 260 studies (1962–2024), evaluating the experimental and numerical methodologies, heat transfer deterioration (HTD) phenomena, and efficiency enhancement techniques. Key challenges include the complexity of heat transfer mechanisms, discrepancies in experimental outcomes, and the absence of standardized evaluation criteria. Future research directions involve refining predictive models, developing mitigation strategies for HTD, and optimizing microchannel geometries to enhance thermal performance. This work not only integrates the current knowledge but also provides actionable insights for advancing SCO₂-based technologies in energy systems. Full article

The optimization of ventilation strategies in high-ceiling theater stage spaces is crucial for improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This study addresses the challenge of uneven temperature distribution and airflow stagnation in stage environments by employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the effectiveness of different ventilation modes, including natural, mechanical, and hybrid systems. Six airflow organization scenarios were designed based on modifications to structural layout, equipment settings, and mechanical disturbances (e.g., fan integration). Key evaluation indicators such as temperature uniformity coefficient, airflow velocity, and exhaust efficiency were used to assess performance. The results show that a multi-dimensional optimization approach combining spatial adjustments and mechanical disturbances significantly reduced the average temperature from 26 °C to 23 °C and the temperature uniformity coefficient from 2.79 to 1.49. This study contributes a comprehensive design strategy for stage ventilation that improves comfort while minimizing energy consumption, offering practical implications for performance space design and HVAC system integration. Full article

The Luhua chicken is an outstanding local breed in China that has been placed under conservation due to the impact of specialized breeding and the widespread adoption of commercial varieties. As such, this study analyzed reproductive traits across three consecutive generations and utilized whole-genome resequencing data from 60 Luhua chickens to assess conservation efficacy through genetic diversity, run of homozygosity (ROH) distribution, kinship, and population structure so as to better conserve the breed. The results show that, across generations, the body weight at first egg increased, the age at first egg was delayed, and the egg weight at first laying increased. No significant variations were found in the body weight at 300 d or the total egg number. The key genetic parameters of the polymorphism information content (PIC), expected heterozygosity (HE), observed heterozygosity (HO), and mean identical-by-state (IBS) distance were 0.234, 0.351, 0.277, and 0.782, respectively. The majority of ROHs ranged from 0.5 to 1 Mb, and the inbreeding coefficient based on ROHs was calculated at 0.021. The findings reveal that these traits remained unchanged across the three generations. Our research suggests that optimizing the mating plan of Luhua chickens is essential to minimize inbreeding risk. Furthermore, the methodology applied in this study provides a valuable reference for the conservation monitoring of other indigenous chicken breeds. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA) fabrics exhibit significant sunlight reflectivity and high emissivity within the atmospheric window, making them suitable as the foundational material for this study. This research involves the modification of one side of the fabric with hydrophilic agents and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), while the opposite side is treated with MXene and subsequently coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to inhibit oxidation of the MXene. Through these surface modifications, a thermal management fabric based on PLA was successfully developed, capable of passively regulating temperature in response to environmental conditions and user requirements. The study discusses the optimal concentrations of TiO₂ and MXene for the fabric, and characterizes and evaluates the functional surface of the PLA. Surface morphology analyses and tests indicate that the resulting functional PLA fabrics possess excellent ultraviolet (UV) resistance, favorable air permeability, high sunlight reflectivity on the TiO₂-treated side, and superior photothermal conversion capabilities on the MXene-treated side. Furthermore, photothermal effect tests conducted under a light intensity of 1000 W/m² reveal that the MXene-treated fabric exhibits a heating effect of approximately 25 °C, while the TiO₂-treated side demonstrates a cooling effect exceeding 5 °C. This study developed PLA functional fabrics with heating and cooling capabilities. Full article