Search Results (103)

Gray mold disease, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, affects a wide variety of plants. In this study, we conducted several in vitro tests and genomic analyses on three strains of this fungus (BcPgIs-1, BcPgIs-3, MIC) previously isolated from diseased pomegranate fruits, collected at two geographic locations in Mexico. Our goal was to identify possible differences among these strains. The development of the three strains in distinct culture media, the production of extracellular enzymes, and their effect on the progression of infection in pomegranate fruits were evaluated. The genomes were sequenced using the Illumina platform and analyzed with various bioinformatics tools. All strains possess genetic determinants for virulence and cell wall polymer degradation, but MIC exhibited the highest pectinolytic activity in vitro. This strain also produced sclerotia in a shorter time (7 days) in PDA medium. BcPgls-3 demonstrated the highest conidia production across all the culture media used. Both BcPgls-3 and MIC damaged all the pomegranate fruits 8 days after inoculation, while the BcPgls-1 required up to 9 days. Sequencing of the three strains yielded high-quality sequences, resulting in a total of 17 scaffolds and genomes that exceed 41 million bp, with a GC content of approximately 42%. Phylogenomic analysis indicated that the MIC strain is situated in a group separate from BcPgIs-1 and BcPgIs-3. BcPgIs-3 possesses more coding sequences, but MIC has more genes for CAZymes and peptidases. The three strains share 10,174 genes, while BcPgIs-3 and MIC share 851. These findings highlight the differences among the strains studied, which may reflect their adaptive capacities to their environment. Results contribute to our understanding of the biology of gray mold in pomegranates and could assist in developing more effective control strategies. Full article

A coding ruler is a device that marks position information in the fordigital signals, and a code reader is a device that decodes the signals on the coding ruler and converts them into digital signals. The code reader and encoder ruler are key devices in ensuring the positioning accuracy of coke oven locomotives and the safety of coke production. They are common information transmission and positioning detection devices that can provide accurate monitoring and information feedback for the position and speed of coke oven locomotives. Four encoding methods were studied, namely, binary encoding, Gray code encoding, shift continuous encoding, and hybrid encoding. The application scenarios and encoding characteristics of each encoding method are summarized in this paper. Hybrid encoding combines the advantages of two different encoding methods, absolute and incremental encoding, to achieve higher accuracy and stability. Hybrid coding has high positioning accuracy in the long-range coke oven tampering tracks, ensuring the accuracy and high efficiency of the tampering operation. A certain number of opposing laser sensors are installed inside the code reader to obtain 0/1 encoding and read the movement displacement of the code reader on the ruler. In order to effectively detect the swing of the coding ruler, a certain number of distance sensors are installed on both sides and on the same side of the code reader. Ruler swing is accurately detected by the sensors, which output and process corresponding signals. Timely adjustment and correction measures are taken on the production line according to the test results, which not only improves detection accuracy but also enhances the stability and reliability of the system. Full article

A DataMatrix (DM) code is an automatic identification barcode based on a combination of coding and image processing. Traditional DM code sampling methods are mostly based on simple segmentation and sampling of a DM code. However, the obtained DM code images often have problems such as wear, corrosion, geometric distortion, and strong background interference in practical scenarios. To improve decoding ability in complex environments, a DM code recognition method based on coarse positioning of images is proposed. The two-dimensional barcode is first converted into a one-dimensional waveform using a projection algorithm. Then, the spacing between segmentation lines is predicted and corrected using an exponential weighted moving average model for adaptive grid division. Finally, the local outlier factor algorithm and local weighted linear regression algorithm are applied to predict and binarize the gray level values, converting the DM code image into a data matrix. The experimental results show that this method effectively handles problems like blurring, wear, corrosion, distortion, and background interference. Compared to popular DM decoding libraries like libdmtx and zxing, it demonstrates better resolution, noise resistance, and distortion tolerance. Full article

This study presents a systematic bibliometric review of digital innovations in renewable energy-oriented power systems, with a focus on Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Data Analytics. The objective is to evaluate the research landscape, trends, and integration potential of these technologies within sustainable energy infrastructures. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2020 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus using a structured search strategy. A total of 23,074 records were initially identified and filtered according to inclusion criteria based on relevance, peer-review status, and citation impact. No risk of bias assessment was applicable due to the nature of the study. The analysis employed bibliometric and keyword clustering techniques using VOSviewer and MATLAB to identify publication trends, citation patterns, and technology-specific application areas. AI emerged as the most studied domain, peaking with 1209 papers and 15,667 citations in 2024. IoT and Data Analytics followed in relevance, contributing to real-time system optimization and monitoring. Blockchain, while less frequent, is gaining traction in secure decentralized energy markets. Limitations include possible indexing delays affecting 2025 trends and the exclusion of gray literature. This study offers actionable insights for researchers and policymakers by identifying converging research fronts and recommending areas for regulatory, infrastructural, and collaborative focus. This review was not pre-registered. Funding was provided by the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana under project code 005-01-2025-02-07. Full article

This paper shows that lithium-ion battery model parameters are vital for state-of-health assessment and performance optimization. Traditional evolutionary algorithms often fail to balance global and local search. To address these challenges, this study proposes the Elite Opposition-Based Learning Snake Optimization (EOLSO) algorithm, which uses an elite opposition-based learning mechanism to enhance diversity and a non-monotonic temperature factor to balance exploration and exploitation. The algorithm is applied to the parameter identification of the second-order RC equivalent circuit model. EOLSO outperforms some traditional optimization methods, including the Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Honey Badger Algorithm (HBA), Golden Jackal Optimizer (GJO), Enhanced Snake Optimizer (ESO), and Snake Optimizer (SO), in both standard functions and HPPC experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that EOLSO significantly outperforms the SO, achieving reductions of 43.83% in the Sum of Squares Error (SSE), 30.73% in the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and 25.05% in the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). These findings position EOLSO as a promising tool for lithium-ion battery modeling and state estimation. It also shows potential applications in battery management systems, electric vehicle energy management, and other complex optimization problems. The code of EOLSO is available on GitHub. Full article

This research presents a novel approach to 28 $\mathrm{GHz}$ impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) transmission using pulse position modulation (PPM) over an analog radio-over-fiber (ARoF) link, investigating the impact of fiber-based fronthaul on the overall performance of the communication system. In this setup, an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) is employed for PPM signal generation, while demodulation is performed with a commercial time-to-digital converter (TDC) based on an event timer. To enhance the reliability of transmitted reference PPM (TR-PPM) signals, the transmission system integrates Gray coding and Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS)-standard-compliant Reed-Solomon (RS) error correcting code (ECC). System performance was evaluated by transmitting pseudorandom binary sequences (PRBSs) and measuring the bit error ratio (BER) across a 5-m wireless link between two 20 $\mathrm{d}\mathrm{B}\mathrm{i}$ gain horn (Ka-band) antennas, with and without a 20 $\mathrm{k}\mathrm{m}$ single-mode optical fiber (SMF) link in transmitter side and ECC at the receiver side. The system achieved a BER of less than 8.17 × 10⁻⁷, using a time bin duration of 200 $\mathrm{p}\mathrm{s}$ and a pulse duration of 100 $\mathrm{p}\mathrm{s}$, demonstrating robust performance and significant potential for space-to-ground telecommunication applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polygonatum grandicaule Y.S.Kim, B.U.Oh & C.G.Jang (Asparagaceae Juss.), a Korean endemic species, has been described based on its erect stem, tubular perianth shape, and pedicel length. However, its taxonomic status remains unclear due to limited molecular data. Methods: This study presents the complete plastid genomes (plastomes) of two P. grandicaule individuals and its close relative, P. odoratum (Mill.) Druce var. thunbergii (C.Morren & Decne.) H.Hara. Results: The plastomes, ranging from 154,578 to 154,579 base pairs (bp), are identical to those of P. falcatum A.Gray, P. odoratum var. odoratum, and another Korean endemic species, P. infundiflorum Y.S.Kim, B.U.Oh & C.G.Jang. All contain 78 plastid protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes, except for the pseudogene infA. Phylogenetic analyses using 78 plastid PCGs and whole intergenic spacer (IGS) regions strongly support the three sections within Polygonatum Mill. and show that P. odoratum and its variety are nested within P. falcatum, P. grandicaule, and P. infundiflorum. Conclusions: Given the limited genomic variation and phylogenetic relationships, we propose treating P. falcatum, P. grandicaule, and P. infundiflorum as part of the P. odoratum complex, despite their morphological differences. This study offers valuable putative molecular markers for species identification and supports the application of plastome-based super-barcoding in the morphologically diverse genus Polygonatum. Full article

In order to solve the testing and verification problems at the early development stage of a high-speed Maglev positioning and speed measurement system (MPSS), a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform is presented, which includes induction loops, transmitting antennas, a power driver unit, a simulator based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a host computer, etc. This HIL simulation platform simulates the operation of a high-speed Maglev train and generates the related loop-induced signals to test the performance of a real ground signal processing unit (GSPU). Furthermore, an absolute position detection method based on Gray-coded loops is proposed to identify which Gray-coded period the train is in. A relative position detection method based on height compensation is also proposed to calculate the exact position of the train in a Gray-coded period. The experimental results show that the positioning error is only 2.58 mm, and the speed error is 6.34 km/h even in the 600 km/h condition. The proposed HIL platform also effectively simulates the three kinds of operation modes of high-speed Maglev trains, which verifies the effectiveness and practicality of the HIL simulation strategy. This provides favorable conditions for the development and early validation of high-speed MPSS. Full article

This paper presents an efficient and compact MATLAB code for 3D topology optimization of multi-materials. The multi-material problem using a mapping-based material interpolation function is adopted from previous work, in which each material is modeled in the same way, presenting a clear (clean) result of 0 and 1 for each material of the optimized structures, without gray elements, thus facilitating the manufacturing process. A new projection function, the sigmoid function, is adopted for the filtered design variables for each material in the domain. The proposed method improves computational efficiency, reducing computational costs by up to 36.7%, while achieving a 19.1% improvement in the objective function compared to the hyperbolic tangent function. A multi-material topology optimization solution with minimal compliance under volume constraints, including details of the optimization model, filtering, projection, and sensitivity analysis procedures, is presented. Numerical examples are also used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the code, and the influence of the position of the support on the optimized results is also proven. The complete MATLAB code for 3D elastic structures is presented as an example. Full article

This study examined the influence of the effective embedment depth h_ef of undercut anchors and the diameter of their heads on the formation of the so-called cone failure angle α. Cone failure formation during simulated anchor pull-out tests was analyzed numerically using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with the ABAQUS software and the XFEM algorithm. The analysis was conducted for three sizes of undercut anchor heads and four embedment depths. The numerical analysis results were compared with field test results obtained during pull-out tests of anchors installed in a rock medium (sandstone). Good agreement was observed between the numerical and field test results. The results of the numerical study are highly consistent with those obtained during the field survey. Moreover, they align closely with findings from previous numerical studies conducted by members of the research team, as presented in earlier publications. For the assumed simulation and field test conditions (sedimentary rocks, gray sandstone), no clear correlation was found between the embedment depth or the anchor head diameter and the value of the cone failure angle in the initial phase of the failure zone development. This result contrasts with certain findings reported in the literature. Many existing studies on anchor bolts focus on material properties or load-bearing capacity, but lack an in-depth analysis of how anchor depth influences the geometry of the failure cone. This research addresses that gap, providing valuable insights with practical implications for design codes and safety evaluations. Full article

Achieving Urban Flood Resilience (UFR) is essential for modern societies, requiring the implementation of effective practices in different countries to mitigate hydrological events. Green Water Systems (GWSs) emerge as a promising alternative to achieve UFR, but they are still poorly explored and present varied definitions. This article aims to define GWSs within the framework of sustainable practices and propose a regulation that promotes UFR. Through a systematic review of existing definitions and an analysis of international regulations on sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDSs), this study uncovers the varied perceptions and applications of GWSs and their role in Blue–Green Infrastructure (BGI). Furthermore, the research puts forth a standardized definition of GWSs and emphasizes the implementation of SuDSs in Peru. This approach aims to address the existing knowledge gap and contribute to the advancement of sustainable urban infrastructure. Full article

The main focus of this paper is to analyze the algebraic structure of constacyclic codes over the ring $\mathcal{R}={\mathbb{F}}_p+w_1{\mathbb{F}}_p+w_2{\mathbb{F}}_p+w_2^2{\mathbb{F}}_p+w_1{w}_2{\mathbb{F}}_p+w_1{w}_2^2{\mathbb{F}}_p$, where $w_1^2-{\alpha }^2=0$, $w_1{w}_2=w_2{w}_1$, $w_2^3-{\beta }^2{w}_2=0$, and $\alpha ,\beta \in {\mathbb{F}}_p\setminus \left\{0\right\}$, for a prime p. We begin by introducing a Gray map defined over $\mathcal{R}$, which is associated with an invertible matrix. We demonstrate its advantages over the canonical Gray map through some examples. Finally, we create new and improved quantum codes from constacyclic codes over $\mathcal{R}$ using Calderbank–Shore–Steane (CSS) construction. Full article

The insular cortex is an important hub for sensory and emotional integration. It is one of the areas consistently found activated during pain. While the insular’s connections to the limbic system might play a role in the aversive and emotional component of pain, its connections to the descending pain system might be involved in pain intensity coding. Here, we used anterograde tracing with viral expression of mCherry fluorescent protein, to examine the connectivity of insular axons to different brainstem nuclei involved in the descending modulation of pain in detail. We found extensive connections to the main areas of descending pain control, namely, the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the raphe magnus (RMg). In addition, we also identified an extensive insular connection to the parabrachial nucleus (PBN). Although not as extensive, we found a consistent axonal input from the insula to different noradrenergic nuclei, the locus coeruleus (LC), the subcoereuleus (SubCD) and the A5 nucleus. These connections emphasize a prominent relation of the insula with the descending pain modulatory system, which reveals an important role of the insula in pain processing through descending pathways. Full article

This research investigates the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways of two ecotypes of Leymus chinensis, distinguished by their gray-green (GG) and yellow-green (YG) leaf colors, to uncover the molecular bases of their adaptability to different environmental conditions. By integrating comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we identified 338 metabolites, with 161 showing differential expression—124 upregulated and 37 downregulated. The transcriptomic data revealed substantial variation, with 50,065 genes differentially expressed between the ecotypes, suggesting complex genetic regulation of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways involving 20 enzyme-coding genes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further highlighted the involvement of 26 genes in the synthesis of four distinct types of flavonoid metabolites, indicating the sophisticated modulation of these pathways. Our results demonstrate that the GG and YG ecotypes of Leymus chinensis exhibit distinct flavonoid profiles and gene expression patterns, with the GG ecotype showing a higher accumulation of quercetin and kaempferol (increased by 25% and 33%, respectively, compared to YG), suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. Conversely, the YG ecotype displayed a broader spectrum of flavonoid metabolites, possibly indicating an adaptive strategy favoring diverse ecological interactions. Our results show that the GG and YG ecotypes of Leymus chinensis exhibit distinct flavonoid profiles and gene expression patterns, suggesting divergent adaptive strategies to environmental stress. This study highlights the crucial role of flavonoid metabolites in plant adaptation strategies, enhancing our understanding of plant resilience and adaptability. The distinct metabolic profiles observed suggest that the GG ecotype may be better equipped to handle oxidative stress, while the YG ecotype could be predisposed to broader ecological interactions. This emphasizes the value of applying machine learning in predicting plant adaptability, providing a new perspective for the future exploration of how plants adapt to environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the information gleaned from this nuanced study offers a foundation for future investigations into the genetic and environmental factors involved in plant adaptation. Full article

Fuzz testing technology is an important approach to detecting SQL injection vulnerabilities. Among them, coverage-guided gray-box fuzz testing technology is the current research focus, and has been proved to be an effective method. However, for SQL injection vulnerability, coverage-guided gray-box fuzz testing as a detection method has the problems of low efficiency and high false positives. In order to solve the above problems, we propose a potentially vulnerable code-guided gray-box fuzz testing technology. Firstly, taint analysis technology is used to locate all the taint propagation paths containing potential vulnerabilities as potentially vulnerable codes. Then, the source code of the application program is instrumented according to the location of the potentially vulnerable code. Finally, the feedback of seeds during the run is used to guide seed selection and seed mutation, and a large number of test cases are generated. Based on the above techniques, we implement the sqlFuzz prototype system, and use this system to analyze eight modern PHP applications. The experimental results show that sqlFuzz can not only detect more SQL injection vulnerabilities than the existing coverage-guided gray box fuzz testing technology, but also significantly improve the efficiency, in terms of time efficiency increased by 80 percent. Full article