Search Results (102)

Value factorization methods have become a standard tool for cooperative multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) in the centralized-training, decentralized-execution (CTDE) setting. QMIX (a monotonic mixing network for value factorization), in particular, constrains the joint action–value function to be a monotonic mixing of per-agent utilities, which guarantees consistency with individual greedy policies but can severely limit expressiveness on tasks with non-monotonic agent interactions. This work revisits this design choice and proposes Relaxed Monotonic QMIX (R-QMIX), a simple regularized variant of QMIX that encourages but does not strictly enforce the monotonicity constraint. R-QMIX removes the sign constraints on the mixing network weights and introduces a differentiable penalty on negative partial derivatives of the joint value with respect to each agent’s utility. This preserves the computational benefits of value factorization while allowing the joint value to deviate from strict monotonicity when beneficial. R-QMIX is implemented in a standard PyMARL (an open-source MARL codebase) and evaluated on the StarCraft Multi-Agent Challenge (SMAC). On a simple map (3m), R-QMIX matches the asymptotic performance of QMIX while learning substantially faster. On more challenging maps (MMM2, 6h vs. 8z, and 27m vs. 30m), R-QMIX significantly improves both sample efficiency and final win rate (WR), for example increasing the final-quarter mean win rate from $42.3\%$ to $97.1\%$ on MMM2, from $0.0\%$ to $57.5\%$ on 6h vs. 8z, and from $58.0\%$ to $96.6\%$ on 27m vs. 30m. These results suggest that soft monotonicity regularization is a practical way to bridge the gap between strictly monotonic value factorization and fully unconstrained joint value functions. A further comparison against QTRAN (Q-value transformation), a more expressive value factorization method, shows that R-QMIX achieves higher and more reliably convergent win rates on the challenging SMAC maps considered. Full article

Future lunar south pole missions face dual challenges of highly variable illumination and rugged terrain that directly constrain rover mobility and energy sustainability. To address these issues, this study proposes a dynamic illumination-constrained spatio-temporal A* (DIC3D-A*) path-planning algorithm that jointly optimizes terrain safety and illumination continuity in polar environments. Using high-resolution digital elevation model data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Laser Altimeter, a 1300 m × 1300 m terrain model with 5 m/pixel spatial resolution was constructed. Hourly solar visibility for November–December 2026 was computed based on planetary ephemerides to generate a dynamic illumination dataset. The algorithm integrates slope, distance, and illumination into a unified heuristic cost function, performing a time-dependent search in a 3D spatiotemporal state space. Simulation results show that, compared with conventional A* algorithms considering only terrain or distance, the DIC3D-A* algorithm improves CSDV by 106.1% and 115.1%, respectively. Moreover, relative to illumination-based A* algorithms, it reduces the average terrain roughness index by 17.2%, while achieving shorter path length and faster computation than both the Rapidly-exploring Random Tree Star and Deep Q-Network baselines. These results demonstrate that dynamic illumination is the dominant environmental factor affecting lunar polar rover traversal and that DIC3D-A* provides an efficient, energy-aware framework for illumination-adaptive navigation in upcoming missions such as Chang’E-7. Full article

Dabie Mountain cattle are characterized by their ability to tolerate coarse feed, strong disease resistance, and delicious meat. Lower reproductive efficiency has become one of the key factors limiting its development. Therefore, this study investigated the developmental patterns of Dabie Mountain cattle follicles and screened key candidate genes for in vitro experimental validation. Research collected granulosa cells from small follicles (<5 mm), medium (5–8 mm), and big (>8 mm), followed by RNA extraction for transcriptomic sequencing. A total of 20,775 genes were identified, including 13,777 (66.3%) differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs showing up-regulation and down-regulated in B vs. S, B vs. M, and M vs. S groups were collected. A total of 19 commonly up-regulated DEGs across the three groups were identified, including genes such as DEFB, FAM124A, and RASSF10. Additionally, 227 commonly down-regulated DEGs were identified, including genes such as INSL3, GAS7, and PAQR7. Protein interaction network analysis revealed an interaction between INSL3 and STAR. Bovine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were collected to investigate the effect of the INSL3 on GCs proliferation. The results revealed that INSL3 expression was highest in small follicles and was almost absent in big follicles. Subsequently, the INLS3 gene was knocked down in GCs using small interfering RNA. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that both si-INSL3 (239) and si-INSL3 (392) significantly knock down INSL3 expression (p < 0.01), si-INSL3 (239) for follow-up research. CCK-8 was used to assess cell proliferation, revealing that INSL3 knockdown significantly enhanced GCs viability and number at 24, 48, and 72 h (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution. The results showed that knockdown of INSL3 expression significantly decreased the proportion of G1 phase cells and significantly increased the number of S phase cells (p < 0.01). RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of cell proliferation-related genes. The results showed that compared with the siNC group, the expression levels of Myc, PCNA, Cytochrome C, and Cyclin D1 were significantly increased in the si-INSL3 group. In conclusion, knockdown of INSL3 affects follicular development in Dabie Mountain cattle by regulating granulosa cell proliferation in the ovaries, providing new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of follicular development in cattle. Full article

We consider a model problem of polarization-dependent light bending and time delays in the vicinity of neutron stars endowed with magnetar-strength magnetic fields (B∼${10}^{15}\mathrm{G}$), combining an effective-metric formulation of Heisenberg–Euler nonlinear electrodynamics with general-relativistic ray tracing. The spacetime geometry is analyzed using both the Kerr metric and a quadrupole-deformed q-metric, characterized by a quadrupole parameter varying in the range $q\in [{10}^{-3},0.5]$. In addition, the impact of complex magnetic-field topologies is examined by introducing a magnetic quadrupole component alongside the dipole configuration. The simulations performed in this study demonstrate that the inclusion of the quadrupole deformation parameter significantly modifies photon trajectory deflections compared to the standard Kerr solution. We further quantify the geometric dilution of the photon beam, finding a cross-section expansion ratio of approximately $4.7\times {10}^{13}$ for rays reaching Earth. This strong dilution imposes stringent constraints on the detectability of polarization-dependent signatures and time-delay echoes. Finally, characteristic illustrations are presented for trajectory distortions, bending-angle distributions, and intensity valleys produced by the combined gravitational and magnetic lensing effects. Full article

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a globally invasive pest that threatens crop production through feeding and virus transmission. In this study, we identified genes encoding enzymes in the chitin metabolism pathway of B. tabaci—β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (BtNAG), N-acetylglucosamine kinase (BtNAGK), phosphoacetylglucosamine mutase (BtPAGM), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (BtUAP), and glucosamine-6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase (BtGNA)—using bioinformatic analysis. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses revealed distinct stage-specific expression patterns for these genes. We used the nanomaterial star polycation (SPc) to deliver gene-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting these genes to fourth instar B. tabaci nymphs, which resulted in significant mortality and developmental defects upon gene silencing. Notably, the fusion dsRNA targeting three genes—BtNAG1, BtNAGK, and BtUAP—achieved approximately 80% nymph mortality, 70% inhibition of adult emergence, and an earlier onset of gene silencing. These findings provide evidence that nanomaterial-assisted delivery of dsRNA can significantly enhance RNAi effects in hemipteran pests and that dsRNA targeting chitin metabolic genes may be an effective strategy for RNAi-based control of B. tabaci. Full article

This study introduces a novel AI-powered Business Intelligence Dashboard System (AIBIDS) designed to detect and visualize calendar-based anomalies in cryptocurrency returns. Focusing on Bitcoin as a case study, the system integrates unsupervised machine learning algorithms to identify periods of abnormal market behavior across multiple temporal resolutions. The proposed system leverages a star-schema OLAP data warehouse, enabling real-time anomaly detection, dynamic visualization, and drill-down exploration of market irregularities. Empirical results confirm the presence of pronounced calendar effects in Bitcoin returns, such as heightened anomalies during Q1 and Q4, and reveal model-specific sensitivities to local versus global volatility. Our novel platform offers a practical, scalable innovation for investors, analysts, and regulators seeking to monitor cryptocurrency markets more effectively, and contributes to the emerging FinTech literature on AI-driven anomaly detection and behavioral market dynamics. Full article

Sodium butyrate (NaBu), a common feed additive, has been shown to enhance reproductive performance in livestock and poultry. However, whether NaBu exerts this effect by directly regulating follicular development remains unclear. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture system of mouse preantral follicles was used to investigate the effects of NaBu on follicular growth, hormone secretion, maturation of oocytes, and subsequent embryonic development. Preantral follicles were treated with different doses of NaBu on the fourth day of culture. Subsequently, the mature oocytes (MII stage) were released from the follicles on the ninth day and subjected to parthenogenetic activation for developmental assessment. The results showed that 0.10 mM NaBu treatment could significantly promote follicular growth, antral formation, and oocyte maturation. Furthermore, NaBu also significantly increased estradiol (E₂) secretion, improved follicular structure, and maintained cellular viability. qPCR analysis revealed that NaBu significantly increased the mRNA levels of STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP1B1. In addition, it significantly enhanced the distribution and organization of F-actin, with increases in the mRNA levels of GDF9, BMP15, and CX37. NaBu treatment significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels and increased the mRNA levels of NRF2 and SOD1, while SOD2 and GSR showed increasing trends without significant differences. NaBu significantly improved oocyte cytoskeletal organization and the morphology of the spindle, but it did not lead to a significant increase in the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation after parthenogenetic activation. Collectively, these findings indicate that NaBu promotes follicular development and improves oocyte quality, at least partly, by enhancing steroidogenesis, alleviating oxidative stress, and maintaining cytoskeletal integrity, providing insight into its potential application for improving reproductive performance in livestock and poultry. Full article

We reconsider the problem of neutrino-pair bremsstrahlung emission originating from the electromagnetic collisions of charged particles in nucleonic ($\mathrm{n}\mathrm{p}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{\mu }$) neutron star cores. Two limiting cases are considered: (i) protons in the normal state and (ii) protons in the superconducting state. In both cases, the dominant contribution to the bremsstrahlung emissivity $Q_{\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{em}}$ comes from the transverse part of in-medium electromagnetic interactions. For non-superconducting matter, we obtain an unusual $Q_{\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{em}}\propto T^{23/3}$ temperature dependence due to the dynamical character of plasma screening in the transverse channel, but these are considerably smaller values of $Q_{\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{em}}$ than in previous studies, rendering the considered process unimportant in practice. In contrast, for superconducting and superfluid matter, the neutrino emission processes involving nucleons are suppressed and $Q_{\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{em}}$ due to lepton collisions provides the residual contribution to the neutrino emissivity of neutron star core matter. In the superconducting case, the plasma screening becomes static and the standard $Q_{\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{em}}\propto T^8$ temperature scaling is restored. Simple analytical expressions for $Q_{\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{em}}$ in both limiting cases are provided. Full article

Chronic stress alters hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, affecting corticosterone regulation and adaptive responses. Understanding individual variability in stress adaptation requires identifying distinct HPA axis response patterns. Here, we assessed HPA axis sensitivity in male C57BL6 mice exposed to 30 days of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Negative feedback integrity was evaluated using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), with corticosterone measured after saline or low-dose dexamethasone administration at days 10 and 30. Behavioral testing (open field, elevated plus maze, social interaction test, partition, social defeat, forced swimming test, sucrose preference test) and qPCR analysis of HPA-axis-related genes in the hypothalamus (Crh, Crhr1, Crhbp, Fkbp5, Nr3c1), pituitary (Pomc, Crhr1, Nr3c1, Nr3c2), and adrenal glands (Cyp11a1, Cyp11b1, Hsd11b1, Mc2r, Star, Fkbp5, Nr3c1) were performed. K-means cluster analysis identified three distinct response profiles differing in baseline and dexamethasone-suppressed corticosterone levels. Clusters also exhibited differences in behavioral phenotypes and HPA axis gene expression. Cluster 1 showed low basal corticosterone and an abnormal dexamethasone suppression response, without significant Crh or Crhbp dysregulation in the hypothalamus. Cluster 2 exhibited elevated basal corticosterone, a blunted dexamethasone response, anhedonia, and reduced immobility in the forced swim test; increased Crh and reduced Fkbp5 suggested enhanced glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and sustained hypercortisolemia. Cluster 3, characterized by normal basal corticosterone and normal dexamethasone response, displayed upregulation of Crh and Crhbp, consistent with balanced and potentially adaptive HPA axis regulation under chronic stress. These results demonstrate that corticosterone response heterogeneity reflects distinct adaptive trajectories under chronic stress. Identifying behavioral and molecular markers of these strategies may advance understanding of stress vulnerability and resilience mechanisms, with implications for stress-related disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the influencing factors of daily physical activity among Chinese adults and its association with obesity. Methods: A nationwide online questionnaires survey was conducted using Question star, involving 863 Chinese adults. One-way χ² test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression were employed to explore the determinants of physical activity. Additionally, chi-square test and t-test were utilized to compare and analyze the impact of physical activity on obesity. Results: Males reported significantly higher physical activity levels than females (e.g., total score: 57.19 vs. 52.89, p < 0.001). Participants in the 28~37 years age group had the highest activity scores, which were significantly greater than those in older groups (38~58 years, p < 0.001). Both higher income (p = 0.018) and educational attainment (p = 0.001) were positively associated with physical activity engagement The non-obese population demonstrated significantly better performance in terms of daily physical activity compared to the obese population, particularly for question Q1 (p = 0.016), Q5 (p = 0.005), Q6 (p = 0.021), Q7 (p = 0.01), and Q8 (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Interventions aimed at promoting daily physical activity among adults should prioritize women, individuals with obesity, those with lower income levels, and those with limited educational attainment. This study provides a validated tool (the Daily Physical Activity Behavior Scale, DPABS) and targeted behavioral insights to support the design of feasible, daily physical activity interventions for obesity prevention in Chinese adults. Full article

We review the past 20 yr evolution of VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry) in both science and techinology. VERA is a VLBI array in Japan which consists of four 20 m-diameter telescopes, originally dedicated to phase-referencing VLBI astrometry. Its main observing bands are K (22 GHz) and Q (43 GHz) for conducting astrometry observations of H₂O and SiO maser sources. In its 20 yr history, VERA has conducted astrometry observations of ∼100 maser sources, revealing the three-dimensional structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. Its long-term observations of Sgr A* resulted in the first parallax detection of the super-massive black hole at the Galaxy center. Observations of maser sources also revealed physical properties of star-forming regions and provided calibration of AGB stars’ distances and their Period–Luminosity relation. In parallel, several upgrades have been carried out in receivers as well as digital back-ends and correlator to extend the frequency bands and the data rate. Full article

The nature of the $F(R,T)$-gravity in conjunction with the quark matter fluid $\left(QMF\right)$ is examined in this research note. In the $F(R,T)$-gravity framework, we derive the equation of state for the $QMF$ in the form of: $F(R,T)=F_1\left(R\right)+F_2\left(T\right)$ and the model of $F\left(R\right)$-gravity. We also discuss how the quark matter supports the Ricci solitons with a conformal vector field in $F(R,T)$-gravity. In this continuing work, we give estimates for the pressure and quark density in the phantom barrier period and the radiation epoch, respectively. Additionally, we use Ricci solitons to identify several black hole prospects and energy requirements for quark matter fluid spacetime ($QMF$-spacetime) connected with $F(R,T)$-gravity. Furthermore, in the $F(R,T)$-gravity model connected with $QMF$, we also discuss some applications of the Penrose singularity theorem in terms of Ricci solitons with a conformal vector field. Finally, we deduce the Schrödinger Equation using the equation of state of the $F(R,T)$-gravity model connected with $QMF$, and we uncover some constraints that imply the existence of compact quark stars of the $Ia$-supernova type in the $QMF$-spacetime with $F(R,T)$-gravity. Full article

The recent discovery of an extremely light and small central compact object (CCO) within the supernova remnant HESS J1731-347, with mass $0.{77}_{-0.17}^{+0.20}{M}_{\odot }$ and radius $10.4_{-0.78}^{+0.86}$ km, is challenging our understanding of neutron stars. In this article, we identify it as an ultra-light neutron star (NS) and constrain the chiral invariant mass of nucleon $m_0$ from the observational data of NS using an extended parity doublet model with the isovector scalar meson $a_0\left(980\right)$. We show that the $1\sigma$ data from the HESS J1731-347 impose a very narrow constraint on the allowed values of $m_0$ and $L_0$ in the crossover model: $830\mathrm{MeV}\lesssim m_0\lesssim 900\mathrm{MeV}$ for $L_0=40$ MeV, and $850\mathrm{MeV}\lesssim m_0\lesssim 890\mathrm{MeV}$ for $L_0=45$ MeV. We also study the higher-order asymmertic matter properties such as the symmetry incompressibility $K_{sym}$ and the symmetry skewness $Q_{sym}$ in the presence of the $a_0$ meson. We find that $K_{sym}$ and $Q_{sym}$ are very sensitive to $m_0$ in the presence of the $a_0$ meson. Full article

China’s dual carbon goals necessitate green transformation across industries, with STAR Market enterprises serving as crucial drivers of technological innovation. Existing studies predominantly focus on traditional sectors, overlooking dynamic policy interactions and structural heterogeneity in these technology-intensive firms. This study examines how coordinated environmental tax reforms, green finance initiatives, and equity network synergies collectively shape enterprise green transition, using multi-period difference-in-differences and triple-difference models across 2019 Q3–2023 Q4. By integrating financial records, patent filings, and carbon emission data from 487 STAR Market firms, the analysis identifies environmental cost pressures as the dominant policy driver, complemented by delayed financing incentives and accelerated resource integration through corporate networks. Regional institutional environments further modulate these effects, with areas implementing stricter tax reforms exhibiting stronger outcomes. The findings advocate for adaptive policy designs that align fiscal instruments with regional innovation capacities, optimize financial tools for technology commercialization cycles, and leverage inter-firm networks to amplify sustainability efforts. These insights contribute to refining China’s climate governance framework for emerging technology sectors. Full article

Let ${\chi }_{n-1}\left(\sigma \right)$ denote the irreducible character of the symmetric group $S_n$ corresponding to the partition $(n-1,1)$. For an $n\times n$ matrix $M=\left(m_{i,j}\right)$, we denote its $(n-1)$-th immanant by $d_{n-1}\left(M\right)$. Let G be a simple connected graph and let $L\left(G\right)$ and $Q\left(G\right)$ denote the Laplacian matrix and the signless Laplacian matrix of G, respectively. The $(n-1)$-th Laplacian (respectively, signless Laplacian) immanantal polynomial of G is defined as $d_{n-1}(xI-L\left(G\right))$ (respectively, $d_{n-1}(xI-Q\left(G\right))$). In this paper, we partially resolve Chan’s open problem by establishing that the broom graph minimizes $d_{n-1}\left(L\left(T\right)\right)$ among all trees with given diameter. Furthermore, we give combinatorial expressions for the first five coefficients of the $(n-1)$-th Laplacian immanantal polynomial $d_{n-1}(xI-L\left(G\right))$. We also investigate the characterizing properties of this polynomial and present several graphs that are uniquely determined by it. Additionally, for the $(n-1)$-th signless Laplacian immanantal polynomial $d_{n-1}(xI-Q\left(G\right))$, we show that the multiplicity of root 1 is bounded below by the star degree of G. Full article