Search Results (181)

Gas sensors are considered a highly effective non-destructive technique for monitoring the quality and safety of food materials. These intelligent sensors can detect volatile profiles emitted by food products, providing valuable information on the changes occurring within the food. Gas sensors have garnered significant interest for their numerous advantages in the development of food safety monitoring systems. The adaptable characteristics of gas sensors make them ideal for integration into production lines, while the flexibility of certain sensor types allows for incorporation into packaging materials. Various types of gas sensors have been developed for their distinct properties and are utilized in a wide range of applications. Metal-oxide semiconductors and optical sensors are widely studied for their potential use as gas sensors in food quality assessments due to their ability to provide visual indicators to consumers. The advancement of new nanomaterials and their integration with advanced data acquisition techniques is expected to enhance the performance and utility of sensors in sustainable practices within the food supply chain. Full article

In response to the issues of severe pitch oscillation and unstable roll attitude present in existing reinforcement learning-based aircraft cruise control methods during dynamic maneuvers, this paper proposes a precise control method for aircraft cruising based on proximal policy optimization (PPO) with nonlinear attitude constraints. This method first introduces a combination of long short-term memory (LSTM) and a fully connected layer (FC) to form the policy network of the PPO method, improving the algorithm’s learning efficiency for sequential data while avoiding feature compression. Secondly, it transforms cruise control into tracking target heading, altitude, and speed, achieving a mapping from motion states to optimal control actions within the policy network, and designs nonlinear constraints as the maximum reward intervals for pitch and roll to mitigate abnormal attitudes during maneuvers. Finally, a JSBSim simulation platform is established to train the network parameters, obtaining the optimal strategy for cruise control and achieving precise end-to-end control of the aircraft. Experimental results show that, compared to the cruise control method without dynamic constraints, the improved method reduces heading deviation by approximately 1.6° during ascent and 4.4° during descent, provides smoother pitch control, decreases steady-state altitude error by more than 1.5 m, and achieves higher accuracy in overlapping with the target trajectory during hexagonal trajectory tracking. Full article

Tetranychus urticae, commonly known as the two-spotted spider mite, is a highly adaptable and polyphagous arthropod in the family Tetranychidae, capable of feeding on over 1200 plant species, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The fitness and microbiota of herbivorous arthropods can vary significantly across different plant species and cultivars. In this study, we investigated the fecundity, longevity, growth rate, and microbiota composition of T. urticae reared on seven Chinese strawberry cultivars: Hongyan (HY), Yuexiu (YX), Tianshi (TS), Ningyu (NY), Xuetu (XT), Zhangjj (ZJ), and Xuelixiang (XLX). Our findings revealed significant differences among cultivars: mites reared on the XT cultivar exhibited the highest fecundity (166.56 ± 7.82 eggs), while those on XLX had the shortest pre-adult period (7.71 ± 0.13 days). Longevity was significantly extended in mites reared on XLX, XT, and NY cultivars (25.95–26.83 days). Microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Proteobacteria dominated (>89.96% abundance) across all mite groups, with Wolbachia as the predominant symbiont (89.58–99.19%). Male mites exhibited higher bacterial diversity (Shannon and Chao1 indices) than females, though Wolbachia abundance did not differ significantly between sexes or cultivars. Functional predictions highlighted roles of microbiota in biosynthesis, detoxification, and energy metabolism. These findings underscore the influence of host plant variety on T. urticae fitness and microbiota composition, suggesting potential strategies for breeding resistant strawberry cultivars and leveraging microbial interactions for pest management. Full article

Sheath blight (ShB), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), poses severe threats to global rice production. Developing a resistant variety with an ShB-resistance gene is one of most efficient and economical approaches to control the disease. Here, we identified a highly conserved chloroplast-localized stem-loop-binding protein encoding gene (OsCSP41b), which shows great potential in developing an ShB-resistant variety. OsCSP41b-knockout mutants exhibit chlorotic leaves and increased ShB susceptibility, whereas OsCSP41b-overexpressing lines (CSP41b-OE) display significantly enhanced resistance to R. solani, as well as to drought, and salinity stresses. Notably, CSP41b-OE lines present a completely comparable grain yield to the wild type (WT). Transcriptomic analyses reveal that chloroplast transcripts and photosynthesis-associated genes maintain observably elevated stability in CSP41b-OE plants versus WT plants following R. solani infection, which probably accounts for the enhanced ShB resistance of CSP41b-OE. Our findings nominate the OsCSP41b gene as a promising molecular target for developing a rice variety with stronger resistance to both R. solani and multi-abiotic stresses. Full article

For three-level regular designs, the confounding from the perspectives of both factor and component effects leads to different results. The aliasing properties of factor effects are more significant than the latter in the experimental model. In this paper, a new three-level aliasing pattern is proposed to evaluate the degree of aliasing among different factors. Based on the classification pattern, a new criterion is introduced for choosing optimal three-level regular designs. Then, we analyze the relationship between the criterion and the existing criteria, including general minimum lower-order confounding, entropy, minimum aberration, and clear effects. The results show that the classification patterns of other criteria can be expressed as functions of our proposed pattern. Further, an aliasing algorithm is provided, and all 27-run, some of the 81-run, and 243-run three-level designs are listed in tables and compared with the rankings under other criteria. A real example is provided to illustrate the proposed methods. Full article

It is great challenge for visually impaired (VI) people to shop in narrow and crowded farmers’ markets. However, there is no research related to guiding them in farmers’ markets worldwide. This paper proposes the Radio-Frequency–Visual Tag Positioning and Automatic Detection (RFTPAD) algorithm to quickly build a high-precision navigation map. It combines the advantages of visual beacons and radio-frequency signal beacons to accurately calculate the guide robot’s coordinates to correct its positioning error and simultaneously perform the task of mapping and detecting information. Furthermore, this paper proposes the A*-Fixed-Route Navigation (A*-FRN) algorithm, which controls the robot to navigate along fixed routes and prevents it from making frequent detours in crowded aisles. Finally, this study equips the guide robot with a flexible robotic arm and proposes the Intelligent-Robotic-Arm-Guided Shopping (IRAGS) algorithm to guide VI people to quickly select fresh products or guide merchants to pack and weigh products. Multiple experiments conducted in a 1600 m² market demonstrate that compared with the classic mapping method, the accuracy of RFTPAD is improved by 23.9%. What is more, compared with the general navigation method, the driving trajectory length of A*-FRN is 23.3% less. Furthermore, the efficiency of guiding VI people to select products by a robotic arm is 100% higher than that through a finger to search and touch. Full article

This study develops an enhanced coding strategy with adaptive parameter adjustment mechanisms to address the premature convergence issue inherent in conventional genetic algorithms (GAs). An improved adaptive genetic algorithm (IAGA) is proposed for optimizing the slit pattern configurations of 16 steel-frame-slotted steel plate shear wall (SSPSW) systems. The methodology incorporates a real-time probability modulation of the crossover and mutation operations based on population diversity metrics. ABAQUS finite element software and PYTHON interactive analysis were systematically used to evaluate the mechanical performance of the optimized configurations, focusing on achieving an optimal ductility–stiffness balance under cyclic loading conditions. The numerical results demonstrate that the IAGA achieves faster convergence than standard GAs. A higher aspect ratio of the inter-slot column (l/b) or a smaller aspect ratio of the slot (b/t) leads to better ductility and lower stiffness. It is recommended that the configuration with connections on two sides of an SSPSW frame be adopted. Full article

Semisteel is the byproduct of the titania slag smelting process of ilmenite concentrate with an electric furnace. To enhance the added value of semisteel, a centrifugal granulation–water curtain process was adopted to manufacture iron powders. The oxidation characteristics of granulated powders were analyzed by thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To obtain iron powders with high purity, the isothermal oxidation kinetics of pure iron powders under vapor atmosphere were studied. TG measurements of pure iron powders were conducted at 1073 K, 1173 K, and 1273 K using a humidity generating instrument and a thermal analyzer. The results indicate that the oxidation rate increases with the increasing temperature and decreasing powder size. The entire isothermal oxidation process of iron powders with different sizes (0.3 mm < d₁ < 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm < d₂ < 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm < d₃ < 0.55 mm) comprises two stages. The first oxidation stage is controlled by chemical reaction; the second oxidation stage is controlled by both internal diffusion and chemical reaction. The activation energies and oxidation reaction rate equations of iron powders at different stages are calculated. Full article

The maize FT-interacting protein (FTIP) gene family represents a group of multiple C2 domain and transmembrane proteins (MCTPs), characterized by their unique structural motifs and membrane-spanning regions., plays crucial roles in intercellular communication and stress responses. Here, we systematically characterized 27 ZmFTIP genes unevenly distributed across 10 maize chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis with rice, soybean, and Arabidopsis homologs revealed five evolutionary clades with monocot-specific conservation patterns. Promoter cis-element profiling identified hormone-responsive (ABA, JA, auxin) and stress-related motifs, corroborated by differential expression under abiotic stresses and phytohormone treatments. Notably, ZmFTIP18 and ZmFTIP25 showed sustained upregulation under cadmium exposure, while ZmFTIP13 exhibited downregulation. Synteny analysis demonstrated strong conservation with monocot FTIPs, suggesting ancient evolutionary origins. This comprehensive study provides foundational insights into ZmFTIP functional diversification and potential biotechnological applications. Full article

The Yuntai Mountain area in Hunan Province represents a region of significant geological interest due to its position on the Western Hunan Sb-Au metallogenic belt. This area is characterized by distinctive geological structures formed through diverse tectonic activities spanning millions of years, and hosts important antimony and gold deposits. While hydrothermal fluids likely contributed to the formation of these mineral occurrences, the structural evolutionary pattern and its influence on mineralization remain inadequately understood. This study aims to reconstruct the structural evolutionary history of the Yuntai Mountain area. The research objectives are achieved through (a) conducting field geological surveys to identify the structural alignments (faults, fold patterns, shear zones, fractures, displacement markers, and lineations) formed during different deformation episodes within the Yuntai Mountain area’s strata and ore veins, (b) performing classical inversion analysis to categorize the episodes of structural deformation, and (c) correlating these deformation episodes with corresponding structural movements to clarify the region’s tectonic evolutionary pattern. Our findings reveal that the Yuntai Mountain area experienced four major tectonic events: (a) Early Paleozoic NW-SE compression, (b) Triassic NE-SW compression, (c) Jurassic NW-SE compression, and (d) Cretaceous NW-SE extension. Understanding this structural evolutionary pattern of the Yuntai Mountain area holds critical significance for guiding the future exploration of Sb-Au deposits throughout the region. Full article

Pueraria montana is a medicinal and edible plant widely distributed in Asia. It has antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, a novel polysaccharide (PMPS-A₁) was obtained through purification, and its biological activity was investigated. Structural analysis revealed that PMPS-A₁ was composed of fructose and glucose, with a molecular weight of 12168 Da. The main chain structure was →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. The branched chain of α-D-Glcp-(1→3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and α-D-Glcp-(1→ connected to the O-3 and O-6 positions of residue →3,4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, respectively. In vitro, PMPS-A₁ had a favorable scavenging ability of the hydroxyl radical and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and downregulated the expression of interleukin-6 and nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, the Caenorhabditis model assay demonstrated that PMPS-A₁ decreased the buildup of lipofuscin and reactive oxygen species. Overall, these results enhance our knowledge of the chemical composition and bioactivity of a Pueraria montana polysaccharide and point to the potential use of PMPS-A₁ for antioxidant and anti-aging qualities, providing a theoretical basis for the medicinal and edible application of Pueraria montana polysaccharide. Full article

Tartary buckwheat is an important characteristic multigrain crop, mainly planted in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Tibet, and other alpine and remote ethnic mountainous areas. In order to clarify the effect of sowing date on the yield and quality of Tartary buckwheat and its relationship with meteorological factors The variety Jinqiao No. 2 was used for a two-year trial at Dingxiang Test Base in Shanxi Province on four sowing dates (15 June, 26 June, 6 July and 17 July 2022 and 19 June, 30 June, 10 July and 21 July 2023) starting from the bud stage. Responses to sowing date were investigated by examining the growth period structure, yield, yield component, quality, and their relationship to climatic factors. The results showed that meteorological factors during the grain grain-filling stage were different when the sowing date was different. Compared with other sowing times, the treatment with the sowing of early and mid-July had less than 13.5~27.9 h of sunshine, less than 28.8~48.5 mm of rainfall, more than 10.5~19 days of ≤15 °C days, but the most serious low-temperature stress (≤15 °C days up to 27 days). The yield of sowing in July was 69.8~77.0% and 69.9~79.1% lower than that of sowing in June in 2022 and 2023 respectively, and the later sowing had a lower yield. Delayed sowing is beneficial to the accumulation of flavonoids and protein in Tartary buckwheat grains, and the average value in 2022 and 2023 is 11.55% and 14.64% higher than that in the first sowing, but the content of fat and starch is significantly reduced. The result of path analysis showed that the low temperature (≤15 °C days up to 27 days) and less solar radiation duration were the key points for attaining high yield and quality, due to the mean daily temperature and ≤15 °C days from flowering to maturity had negative effect on 1000-seed weight, seed setting rate, starch and crude lipid content of Tartary buckwheat, and the direct effect of sunshine duration on the content of protein and flavonoid in Tartary buckwheat was the greatest. The yield of Tartary buckwheat sown in June was higher than that of other treatments, because of avoiding low-temperature stress and long rainy and sunless weather during the grain filling stage, which enabled the blossoming and grain filling normally and finally attained higher yield. Full article

Sheath blight (ShB), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most serious rice diseases worldwide. In this study, we successfully grafted salicylic acid (SA) onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles through an amide-bond coupling method, forming functionalized MSN-SA nanoparticles. Physicochemical characterization showed that the MSN-SA nanoparticles were spherical, with an average particle size of approximately 30 nm and an SA loading rate of around 7.21%. The assessment of ShB resistance revealed that both SA and MSN-OH treatments were capable of inducing resistance to a certain extent. When SA and MSN-OH were applied in combination, the resistance was further augmented, indicating an additive effect between them. Intriguingly, MSN-SA treatment (50% in Lemont) exhibited a higher and more durable control efficacy compared with SA + MSN-OH treatment (33%). Moreover, field experiments demonstrated that the MSN-SA was safe for rice, and under severe disease conditions, it could recover 16.7% of the yield loss, thus highlighting its substantial application value. Further transcriptome analysis and physicochemical assays suggested that MSN-SA released SA in a slow and continuous manner, thus persistently activating the immune response, and that MSN-SA integrated the effects of SA and MSN-OH, thereby enhancing the ShB resistance. Altogether, our results provide new perspectives and a novel nanomaterial-based immune elicitor for the green control of ShB. Full article

Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) serves as a valuable instrument for surveillance of space targets. There has been a great deal of research on space target identification using ISAR. However, the polarization characteristics of space target components are rarely studied. Polarimetric Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolISAR) comprises two information dimensions, namely, polarization and image, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of target structures. This paper proposes a space target structure polarization interpretation method based on component decomposition and PolISAR feature extraction. The proposed method divides the target into components at the stage of modeling. Subsequently, electromagnetic calculations are performed for each component. The names of these components are used to label the dataset. Multiple polarization decomposition techniques are applied and many polarization features are obtained. The mapping correlations between the interpreted results and authentic target structures are improved through preferential selection of polarization features. Ultimately, the method is validated through analysis of simulation and anechoic chamber measurement data. The results show that the proposed method exhibits a more intuitive correlation with the authentic target structures compared to traditional polarized interpretation methods based on Cameron decomposition. Full article

Granular samples are often used to characterize the pore structure of shale. To systematically analyze the influence of particle size on pore characteristics, case studies were performed on two groups of organic-rich deep shale samples. Multiple methods, including small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption (LP-N₂GA), low-pressure carbon dioxide gas adsorption (LP-CO₂GA), and XRD analysis, were adopted to investigate how the crushing process would affect pore structure parameters and the fractal features of deep shale samples. The research indicates that with the decrease in particle size, the measurements from nitrogen adsorption and SANS experiments significantly increase, with relative effects reaching 95.09% and 51.27%, respectively. However, the impact on carbon dioxide adsorption measurements is minor, with a maximum of only 8.97%. This suggests that the comminution process primarily alters the macropore structure, with limited influence on the micropores. Since micropores contribute the majority of the specific surface area in deep shale, the effect of particle size variation on the specific surface area is negligible, averaging only 16.52%. Shales exhibit dual-fractal characteristics. The distribution range of the mass fractal dimension of the experimental samples is 2.658–2.961, which increases as the particle size decreases. The distribution range of the surface fractal dimension is 2.777–2.834, which decreases with the decrease in particle size. Full article