Search Results (114)

Multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) under linguistic uncertainty remains a fundamental challenge in applied mathematics, where decision makers seldom assign crisp numerical evaluations and frequently exhibit heterogeneous risk attitudes shaped by behavioural factors. An integrated mathematical framework, hereafter PLR-3WBC (Probabilistic Linguistic Regret-driven Three-Way Bayesian Consensus), is developed to systematically integrate four methodological components that have each been individually validated in the MCGDM literature: representation of decision information with explicit probability mass on linguistic terms; quantification of decision-maker regret and rejoice psychology under linguistic uncertainty; classification of alternatives into three actionable decision regions rather than a single-valued ranking; and group consensus reaching with credal weight aggregation. Each component has demonstrated its effectiveness in its respective domain; the present framework capitalises on their complementary strengths by embedding them within a single pipeline equipped with formal guarantees, an integration that has not been previously reported. The framework integrates five methodological components: probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTS) for information representation; the Bayesian best–worst method (BBWM) for credal criterion weighting; a regret–rejoice value function adapted to the linguistic domain for behavioural evaluation; three-way decision (3WD) thresholds derived from a loss-function model for actionable classification; and a distance-based consensus reaching process with feedback mechanism for group convergence. A case study on age-friendliness evaluation of twelve aging urban residential communities under an indicator system of five dimensions and eighteen criteria, with four expert decision makers, demonstrates that PLR-3WBC delivers an actionable three-way classification, recovers a transparent group consensus, and produces rankings broadly consistent with classical TOPSIS, VIKOR, PROMETHEE-II, and BWM-TOPSIS (Spearman rank correlation exceeding 0.97), thereby confirming that the integrated framework preserves the ordinal reliability of these established methods, while additionally delivering three outputs that arise from the methodological integration: an actionable three-way classification enabling discrete budget-aligned decisions, credal weight intervals quantifying the depth of expert agreement on criterion importance, and a behavioural reordering of borderline non-dominated alternatives that reflects the loss-averse psychology of the decision panel and would remain hidden under single-method deployment. Sensitivity analyses with respect to the regret aversion coefficient, the loss function parameters, and the consensus threshold confirm that the qualitative classification is stable across a wide parameter envelope, supporting the practical deployment of PLR-3WBC in age-friendly community renewal programmes. Full article

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are widely involved in plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, and secondary metabolism. However, the bZIP gene family in Taxus yunnanensis has not been systematically characterized, and its potential involvement in shading-responsive regulation of paclitaxel biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, a genome-wide analysis was performed to identify and characterize the bZIP family in T. yunnanensis. Phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif and domain identification, promoter cis-element analysis, chromosomal localization, and expression profiling were conducted to investigate their structural features and regulatory potential. A total of 18 TyubZIP genes were identified and classified into 10 subfamilies. These genes exhibited variation in physicochemical properties but showed conserved structural features and nuclear localization. Promoter analysis revealed abundant light-responsive, hormone-related, and stress-related cis-elements. Expression profiling indicated tissue-specific expression patterns and diverse responses to shading treatment. WGCNA further identified candidate TyubZIP genes potentially associated with paclitaxel biosynthesis. Among them, TyuHY5 was selected for functional analysis. Subcellular localization and transcriptional assays demonstrated that TyuHY5 can bind to the promoter of TyuDBTNBT and positively regulate its activity. These findings provide the first genome-wide characterization of the bZIP family in T. yunnanensis and identify TyuHY5 as a shading-responsive candidate regulator of paclitaxel biosynthesis, providing insights that may inform the genetic improvement and cultivation strategies of Taxus for enhanced paclitaxel production. Full article

With the continuous development of rural digitalization, digital literacy has gradually become an important factor affecting farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior. Based on microdata from the China Family Tracking Survey (CFPS) from 2014 to 2022, this paper systematically evaluates the influence and mechanisms of digital literacy on farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior. This paper constructs a comprehensive evaluation system of digital literacy in three dimensions: digital equipment operation literacy, digital technology application literacy, and digital knowledge learning literacy. The entropy weight method is used to determine the index weight, and kernel density estimation and the Moran index method are used to analyze the temporal evolution and spatial agglomeration characteristics of digital literacy. The results show the following: (1) From 2014 to 2022, the overall level of farmers’ digital literacy in China improved significantly, but regional differences remained evident. (2) Digital literacy significantly promotes farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior, both directly and indirectly by alleviating financing constraints and enhancing social capital, while policy accessibility further strengthens this positive relationship. (3) The promotion effect of digital literacy is more significant among young people and among farmers with higher levels of education and better health. The research conclusions enrich the theoretical foundations of the digital economy and rural entrepreneurship, and provide a policy reference for promoting high-quality rural development and enhancing farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity. This study contributes to the literature by conceptualizing digital literacy as a multidimensional form of human capital and empirically demonstrating its effects on rural entrepreneurial behavior and the mechanisms underlying these effects. The findings enrich the theoretical understanding of the digital economy and rural entrepreneurship, and provide policy implications for promoting high-quality rural development and strengthening farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity. Full article

Relying on the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, the Siguniang Mountain Rail Transit project, and the Balang Mountain No.1 Large Longitudinal Slope Tunnel Project, this paper systematically studies the mechanical response of the surrounding rock and support structure induced by TBM tunneling in composite stratum by using the methods of indoor test, similar model test and numerical simulation. In model tests with different rock dip angles (0°, 10°, 20°, 30°), the main findings are as follows: (1) The maximum settlement of the arch crown reaches −4.89 mm (monitoring surface 2, 20° dip angle), the displacement of the arch waist is smaller than that of the arch crown, and the deformation of the soft rock section is more significant. (2) The peak radial surrounding rock pressure generally occurs at a distance of 5 cm from the tunnel wall, with the highest pressure in the soft rock area of the arch waist reaching 16.807 kPa (monitoring surface 4). (3) The lining stress increases with the increase in rock dip angle, and the stress distribution on the same monitoring surface shows as arch waist > arch crown > arch shoulder, with the maximum stress concentrated in the soft rock area of the arch waist. Then, the finite difference method is used for numerical simulation to analyze the convergence deformation mechanism in the composite formation. The results indicate a strong consistency between the simulated displacement/stress patterns of the surrounding rock and lining structure and the experimental data. The research results provide a theoretical basis and experimental reference for the design and construction of similar projects. Full article

To realize high heat transfer capacity with low energy consumption in machine tool thermal control systems under high-flow-rate conditions, a vortex-inducing–microchannel composite enhanced thermal control plate is proposed. Numerical simulations combined with experimental validation are conducted to investigate the effects of vortex-inducing geometry and microchannel configuration under unified boundary conditions. Heat transfer capacity, pressure drop, coefficient of performance (COP), and performance evaluation criterion (PEC) are employed for comprehensive assessment. The results show that vortex induction enhances fluid mixing and boundary layer renewal, while microchannels effectively suppress pressure loss and energy consumption. Their synergistic coupling enables a balanced optimization between heat transfer enhancement and flow resistance control. Compared with a conventional thermal control plate, the proposed composite structure achieves over 20% improvement in heat transfer capacity and more than 50% increase in COP within the tested operating range. Among the investigated configurations, circular and square vortex-inducing structures combined with microchannels exhibit superior overall performance, with the circular configuration reaching a maximum COP enhancement of 72% at a flow rate of 7 L/min. This study provides practical guidance for structural selection and parameter optimization of composite thermal control plates for machine tools. Full article

To address the coupled challenge of heat-transfer enhancement and energy consumption in machine-tool temperature control plates under high-flow-rate conditions, a comprehensive performance evaluation method based on an equivalent thermal resistance network is developed. By introducing heat-transfer power, equivalent total thermal resistance, and a coefficient of performance (COP), the thermal performance and energy cost are quantitatively characterized. Building upon established thermal resistance modeling approaches, the method provides a systematic framework for performance evaluation. The effects of inlet flow rate and heat-source temperature are investigated using CFD under consistent conditions, and experimental validation is conducted. The results show that increasing the flow rate enhances heat transfer but exhibits diminishing returns, while the rapidly increasing pressure drop reduces energy efficiency. Increasing the heat-source temperature mainly improves heat-transfer power by strengthening the temperature difference, with a limited impact on thermal resistance. Good agreement among theoretical, numerical, and experimental results confirms the validity and engineering applicability of the proposed method. Full article

Urbanization and climate change are exerting significant pressure on the living environments of traditional rural settlements. In western Sichuan, the persistently cold and humid winter further intensifies the risks for local residents. Linpan, a distinctive agricultural settlement form that has evolved over centuries, embodies climate-responsive construction wisdom shaped by long-term human–environment interaction. Within Linpan, residential units—composed of outdoor and indoor spaces—serve as the primary activity spaces for inhabitants. Their spatial configuration and construction practices directly regulate the thermal environment and consequently influence daily life. However, whether the winter thermal environment satisfies contemporary thermal comfort requirements, and which landscape and construction determinants can effectively enhance thermal adaptation, remains insufficiently understood. To address this gap, this study integrated meteorological field measurements, thermal comfort questionnaire surveys, and coupled numerical simulations to systematically investigate winter thermal conditions in both outdoor and indoor spaces of Linpan residential units. The optimization performance of key landscape determinants (vegetation configurations and ground materials) and construction determinants (building layouts and envelope materials) was evaluated. The results reveal climate-responsive passive design strategies based on actual inhabitants’ thermal adaptation, establishing a sustainable design framework for improving winter thermal comfort in traditional agricultural settlements. The findings provide scientific support for rural revitalization and contribute theoretical insights into climate-resilient preservation of vernacular dwellings under changing environmental conditions. Full article

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation, and their effective protection relies on accurate habitat assessment. This study focused on the Chengdu section of the Giant Panda National Park (Pengzhou, Dujiangyan, Chongzhou, Dayi), integrating terrain, climate, vegetation and human disturbance factors. Using the MaxEnt model (AUC = 0.943) and field infrared camera data, we evaluated snow leopard habitat quality. Results showed that: (1) 95.7% of snow leopard records were concentrated in Dayi County; (2) Key drivers included annual mean temperature (peak at −2 °C), annual mean ground temperature (peak at −1 °C) and human population density (>5 km), while NDVI (≈2000) had a significant negative effect; (3) Suitable habitat was 320.98 km² (22.20%), decreasing from Qionglai Mountain to Minshan. This study fills regional survey gaps and provides a scientific basis for snow leopard conservation. Full article

A method to design diffractive multifocal lenses using phase retrieval was proposed. The phase-retrieval lens could achieve the desired diffraction efficiencies at the targeted foci while maintaining a continuous profile without abrupt steps. An example of an optimum triplicator provided an overall efficiency of 92.59%, matching previously published findings. Another example of a trifocal design showed competitive performance against state-of-the-art methods, and a 5-foci design demonstrated the versatility of the method. With its merits, the proposed method can enhance the performance of multifocal intraocular lenses and cater to other applications requiring multifocality, such as optical tweezers. Full article

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen in nature and serves as an important reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes. The tet(X4) gene is a key determinant mediating tigecycline resistance. Although its core resistance mechanism, encoding a flavin-dependent monooxygenase, has been elucidated, the broader impact of the tet(X4) gene on the secondary regulatory networks of E. coli remains not fully understood. In recent years, multiple studies have indicated that the tet(X4) gene participates in pathways contributing to resistance to other antibiotics by regulating the expression of various genes. In this study, E. coli tet(X4) gene deletion and complementation strains were constructed to investigate the mechanisms by which the tet(X4) gene influences the growth characteristics and antibiotic resistance of E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 24 different antibiotics, as well as the degradation capacities of tetracycline and tigecycline, were determined for the wild-type, deletion, and complementation strains. In addition, a four-week starvation stress experiment was performed under both the presence and absence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of tigecycline, during which the bacterial growth curves, survival rates, and MIC variations were analyzed. Transcriptomic sequencing of the wild-type, deletion, and complementation strains identified 531 differentially expressed genes associated with ABC transporter activity, drug metabolism, and bacterial two-component systems. These findings provide reliable evidence for elucidating the mechanism by which the tet(X4) gene affects E. coli resistance, offering valuable insights into the prevention and control of tigecycline-resistant E. coli infections. Full article

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dujiangyan Irrigation District is a key area for Chengdu’s rural revitalisation. However, as the plan progresses, issues have emerged, including loss of traditional features, cultural heritage, and landscape degradation. Within the framework of “landscape information collection—landscape information processing—landscape information output”, the study utilized literature review, field surveys, and remote sensing interpretation to collect data for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020 as time slices. A system of landscape characteristic elements was then built to identify the types of landscape characteristics. The types were determined, and a systematic analysis of the regional landscape’s evolution was conducted. The results indicated that the types of landscape characteristics were classified as follows: Urban Settlement Landscape (8.70–16.10%), Low-Hill Forest Landscape (1.82–3.47%), Village Woodland-Grove Landscape (15.89–44.23%), and Idyllic Agricultural Landscape (36.20–73.59%). Over the last two decades, there has been a steady increase in Urban Settlement Landscape, a slow overall growth trend in Low-Hill Forest Landscape, a rapid growth trend in Village Woodland-grove Landscape, and a rapid decline in Idyllic Agricultural Landscape. Among these, built-up land dominates Urban Settlement Landscape evolution; forest land shapes Low-Hill Forest Landscape; cultivated and built-up land influence Village Woodland-grove Landscape; and cultivated land drives Idyllic Agricultural Landscape changes. Based on the changes observed, the study explored the impact of relevant policies on the landscape characteristics of the study area. Policies for urban-rural integration have encouraged the networked growth of settlement landscapes, creating a system with several centres. Both ecological and economic gains have resulted from forestry practices. Policies that safeguard farmhouse forests have made multifunctional transformation easier. Large-scale farming and ecological agriculture are now linked in a zone established by agricultural modernisation strategies. The study offers scientific references for the protection of regional landscapes and the construction of rural living environments in the irrigation area. Full article

The emergence and global dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) represent a major public health concern. However, the characterization and capacity for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ESBL-E. coli in captive black bears remain substantially understudied. In the present study, 19 ESBL-E. coli strains were successfully identified (13.38%, 19/142). A total of 11 sequence types (STs) were identified from 19 ESBL-E. coli strains using MLST. This included eight known types (ST10, ST2690, ST208, ST695, ST4160, ST540, ST3865 and ST2792) and three new STs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated that all 19 ESBL-E. coli exhibited high resistance to KZ (100.00%), CRO (78.95%), and CTX (73.68%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for 14 β-lactam antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their variants revealed that bla_CTX-M was the most prevalent, followed by bla_SHV, bla_TEM, and bla_DHA. Furthermore, eight β-lactamase variants were detected, including five bla_CTX-M variants (bla_CTX-M-15, bla_CTX-M-3, bla_CTX-M-14, bla_CTX-M-55, and bla_CTX-M-27) and one variant each of bla_SHV-1, bla_TEM-1, and bla_DHA-14. Conjugation assays revealed that eight ESBL-E. coli strains were capable of conjugative transfer. Five plasmid types (IncFII, IncW, IncFrepB, IncY, and IncHI1) and three mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (IS26, ISEcp1, and trbC) were identified as co-transferred with bla_CTX-M. ESBL-E. coli poses a potential threat to captive black bears and may lead to further transmission. Consequently, the implementation of continuous surveillance and targeted interventions is imperative to prevent the transmission of ESBL-E. coli. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)–concrete bonding is widely adopted for structural strengthening, yet its durability is highly vulnerable to freeze–thaw (FT) degradation. This study combines experimental testing with interpretable machine learning (ML) to reveal the degradation mechanism and predict the interfacial behavior of FRP–concrete systems under FT exposure. Single-lap shear tests showed that all specimens failed through interfacial debonding accompanied by partial concrete peeling. The ultimate bond strength decreased by 6.0–18.5%, and the peak shear stress dropped by 53–80%, indicating a pronounced loss of ductility and adhesion. To extend the analysis, experimental data were integrated with literature datasets, and three ensemble ML algorithms—AdaBoost, Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were employed to predict key bond–slip parameters including ultimate bond strength, local maximum bond stress, slip values, and interfacial fracture energy. Among them, XGBoost achieved the highest predictive accuracy, with R² values exceeding 0.94 for most output parameters and consistently low RMSE values. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDPs) further identified adhesive tensile strength, fiber modulus, FRP thickness, and concrete strength as dominant factors and defined their optimal ranges. The findings offer a scientific foundation for evaluating and predicting the long-term bond durability of FRP–concrete systems and support the development of reliable reinforcement strategies for infrastructure in cold and severe environments. Full article

This study utilizes the Standard k-ε turbulence model and ANSYS CFX software to tackle silt erosion in the top cover clearances of guide vane of the Francis turbine at Genda Power Station (Minjiang River Basin section, 103°17′ E and 31°06′ N) under sediment-laden flow conditions. A numerical simulation of a solid–liquid two-phase flow along the whole flow route was performed under rated operating circumstances to examine the impact of varying guide vane end clearance heights (0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm) on internal flow patterns and sediment erosion characteristics. The simulation parameters employed an average sediment concentration of 2.9 kg/m³ and a median particle size of 0.058 mm, indicative of the flood season. The findings demonstrate that augmenting the clearance height intensifies leaky flow and secondary flow, resulting in a 0.49% reduction in efficiency. As the gap expanded from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, the leakage flow velocity notably increased to 40 m/s, exacerbating flow separation, enlarging the vortex structures in the vaneless space, and augmenting the sediment velocity gradient and concentration, consequently heightening the risk of erosion. An experimental setup was devised based on the numerical results, and the dynamic resemblance between the constructed test section and the prototype turbine was confirmed for flow velocity, concentration, and Reynolds number. Tests on sediment erosion revealed that the erosion resistance of the anti-sediment erosion material 04Cr13Ni5Mo markedly exceeded that of the base cast steel, especially in high-velocity areas. This study delivers a systematic, quantitative analysis of clearance effects on flow and erosion, along with an experimental wear model specifically for the Gengda Power Station, thereby providing direct theoretical support and engineering guidance for its wear protection strategy and maintenance planning. Full article

The evolution of traditional rural settlements is a dynamic process. During urbanization, traditional rural settlements, as dual carriers of natural and cultural heritage, face the structural contradiction between preservation and development. The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake caused systemic damage to the Linpan settlements in western Sichuan. The post-seismic reconstruction (2008-) and rural revitalization (2017-) phases have offered a unique case for exploring sustainable cultural landscape patterns. This study innovatively devises a “preservation–development” dual-system evaluation framework. Using the coupling coordination degree model, it analyzes the characteristics of Linpan at different stages within a composite cultural–economic–social system. The study found that while tangible carriers can be quickly repaired through financial support, intangible culture is often at risk of losing its inheritors. Over 60% of Linpan depend on government support, exposing the fragility of “dependence-based development”, and few achieve high-quality “preservation–development” synergy (coupling coordination degree D > 0.8). Most remain in a “preservation lag–development obstruction” cycle (D < 0.5). This paper explores ways to balance Linpan preservation and development dynamically and suggests creating a self-cycling “resource empowerment–cultural identity–value transformation” development pattern. It provides a theoretical reference for cultural heritage preservation and disaster resilience building and contributes a unique solution for the revitalization of traditional settlements. Full article