Search Results (532)

The ambiguous evolution of the depositional system in the Pinghu Formation of Block K, Xihu Depression, East China Sea Basin, has long constrained the accuracy of reservoir prediction in this area. Based on petrological analysis, sedimentary system identification, and depositional model reconstruction, this study systematically elucidates the sedimentary evolution of the Pinghu Formation in Block K. The results indicate that the Pinghu Formation exhibits diverse lithologies and multiple types of grain-size distribution, reflecting complex hydrodynamic conditions. The early stage was dominated by tidal processes with fluvial influence, transitioning to fluvial dominance in the late stage. The depositional system evolved through a complete sequence: the early stage (E2pSQ1) was characterized by a tide-dominated delta, the middle stage (E2pSQ2) by fluvial-tidal interaction, and the late stage (E2pSQ3) by an overwhelmingly fluvial-dominated system. This evolution was controlled by the combined effects of a persistently increasing sediment supply and episodic relative sea-level fall, with the transition mechanism primarily governed by tectonic-eustatic coupling. In the lowstand systems tract of the middle-upper section, a “high-supply, high-progradation” fluvial-dominated delta developed in the Kongbei fault-step zone, whereas a “low-supply, low-progradation” minor fluvial system formed in the Kongnan fault-step zone. Here, tidal reworking was weak, and tidal flats developed only locally. In contrast, the highstand systems tract in the middle-lower section was dominated by a tide-dominated delta in the Kongnan fault-step zone, while the Kongbei fault-step zone remained a “low-supply, low-progradation” minor fluvial system. The established depositional models provide a geological basis for reservoir prediction and hydrocarbon exploration in the Pinghu Formation of Block K. Full article

The rapid development of machine learning, large language models, and related technologies has greatly increased the demand for data storage capacity. Therefore, the role of distributed storage systems in such applications has become more prominent. However, it is inevitable that a single node fails in a distributed storage system during long-term use. Being able to repair failed nodes in a timely manner is extremely important for the stable operation of distributed storage systems, and a specific encoding scheme is required to meet the needs of efficiently repairing failed nodes. This research presents a novel family of binary locally repairable codes (LRCs) developed using multiple disjoint recovery sets constructed based on mutually orthogonal Latin squares (MOLS). The proposed constructions achieve distance optimality under the Singleton-like bound for LRCs with availability. Specifically, the codes are parameterized as $(n=r^2+tr,k=r^2,r,t)$ and $(n=rm+tm,k=rm,r,t)$, where n is the block length, k is the dimension, r is the locality, and t is the availability. These codes achieve minimum distance $d=t+1$, guaranteeing efficient recovery with t disjoint repair sets, each of size r. Compared to existing constructions, the proposed codes offer significant improvements in terms of code rate $\mathcal{R}={\displaystyle \frac{r}{r+t}}$, support for larger block lengths, and reduced finite field size requirements (field size $q=2$). Additionally, a method is introduced to improve the minimum distance of codes with even availability t, constructing codes with parameters $(n+1,k,r,t)$ and $d=t+2$, while preserving optimality. These properties make the proposed codes particularly suitable for distributed storage systems, where efficient and parallel repair of failed nodes is critical. Full article

Background: Hippotherapy, a sensorimotor-rich intervention proposed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is suggested to influence executive function (EF). However, the underlying electrophysiological mechanisms, particularly changes observed in resting-state Electroencephalography (EEG), remain underexplored. Methods: A total of forty-eight children with ASD, aged 9–12 years, participated in this quasi-experimental, non-randomized pre-test–post-test study. Participants were assigned to either a standardized 12-session hippotherapy program (n = 24) or a waitlist Control group (n = 24). EF was evaluated pre- and post-intervention using validated measures: the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color–Word Test, Corsi Block-Tapping Task, and Tower of London. Resting-state EEG data (19 channels, 250 Hz) were recorded before and after the intervention and analyzed for spectral power, pairwise Pearson correlation, phase-based functional connectivity using the Phase Lag Index (PLI), and directed effective connectivity using Phase Transfer Entropy (PTE). EEG effects were tested with linear mixed models in MATLAB (fitlme), with the measured values in each ROI as the dependent variable, group and time as fixed effects, and SubjectID included as a random intercept; EF outcomes were analyzed with ANCOVA/MANCOVA, adjusting post-test scores for baseline. The assumptions of homogeneity of slopes, Levene’s test, and the Shapiro–Wilk test were examined, and the Holm–Bonferroni correction together with partial η² effect sizes were reported. Results: Following baseline adjustment, the hippotherapy group showed substantial and statistically significant improvements across all EF measures compared with controls partial η² range = 0.473–0.855; all adjusted p < 0.001; e.g., Stroop Incongruent Reaction Time (F(1,45) = 265.80, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.855). EEG analyses revealed localized Group × Time interaction effects involving frontal delta power as well as selected alpha-, theta-, and beta-band connectivity measures within frontally anchored networks. In addition to these focal interaction effects, the hippotherapy group exhibited a narrower distribution of pre–post EEG changes across spectral power and connectivity metrics compared with controls, indicating greater temporal consistency in resting-state electrophysiological dynamics across sessions. Because group allocation was non-random (based on scheduling feasibility and parental preference), results should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. While the hippotherapy group exhibited significant EF improvements and relative stabilization in EEG spectral and connectivity metrics, particularly in frontal delta/theta/alpha/beta bands, a direct mapping between individual EEG changes and behavioral gains was not observed. Conclusions: A standardized 12-session hippotherapy program was associated with substantial improvements in EF and with relative stabilization of resting-state electrophysiological dynamics in children with ASD. However, the direct mechanistic link between these EEG and behavioral changes warrants further investigation. Larger randomized trials employing active control conditions, task-evoked electrophysiological measures, and extended longitudinal follow-up are needed to confirm efficacy, clarify mechanisms, and establish the durability of effects. Full article

The transition toward capacity-based network tariffs shifts the primary role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) from traditional energy arbitrage to active peak shaving. This paper presents a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization model for the co-optimization of both BESS size and operation scheduling for multiple prosumers operating individually and within an energy community (EC). Battery aging is accounted for in the optimization model through the state of health (SOH). The framework is evaluated by a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of BESS integration under Slovenia’s multi-block tariff structure. The results demonstrate that while individual distributed BESS integration is highly profitable, centralized EC BESS financially underperforms. Because centralized BESS cannot directly reduce individual contracted power limits, its profitability relies on energy arbitrage, making the initial investment and double grid fees the primary barriers. Conversely, integrating distributed storage with peer-to-peer (P2P) trading minimizes the required BESS capacity while maintaining profitability. The evaluation also reveals that ECs do not automatically act as socio-economic equalizers, indicated by a stable Gini coefficient. However, a break-even analysis reveals the necessary reduction in capital costs to overcome these hurdles, confirming the strong future viability of centralized EC BESS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tablet development requires simultaneous optimization of multiple quality attributes under limited experimental budgets, yet formulation–property relationships are highly nonlinear in mixture systems. To support pre-formulation decision-making prior to extensive tablet prototyping, this study proposes an AI framework that organizes formulation and process data together with raw-material property records into a reusable database, and enriches conventional composition/process features with physically motivated mixture descriptors derived from raw-material properties and formulation/process settings. Methods: Mixture-level scalar descriptors are constructed by composition-weighted aggregation of material properties, and particle size distribution (PSD) is incorporated via a compact set of summary statistics computed from composition-weighted mixture PSDs. Three feature sets are compared: (i) Materials + Processes (MP), (ii) MP with scalar Descriptors (MPD), and (iii) MPD with PSD summaries (MPDD). Five target properties are modeled: hardness, disintegration time, flow function, cohesion, and thickness. We train and evaluate Random Forest, Extra Trees Regressor, Lasso, Partial Least Squares, Support Vector Regression, and a multi-branch neural network that processes the three feature blocks separately and concatenates them for prediction. For interpolation assessment, repeated Train/Dev/Test splitting (5:3:2) across multiple random seeds is used, and the effect of feature augmentation is quantified by paired RMSE improvements with bootstrap confidence intervals and paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. To assess robustness under practical formulation updates, rolling-origin time-series splits are employed and Applicability Domain indicators are computed to characterize out-of-distribution coverage. Results: Across interpolation evaluations, mixture-descriptor augmentation (MPD/MPDD) improves hardness and disintegration time in most settings, whereas gains for flow function are smaller and cohesion/thickness show mixed effects under limited sample sizes. Conclusions: Under extrapolation-oriented evaluation, the descriptors can improve hardness but may degrade disintegration-time prediction under covariate shift, emphasizing the need for careful descriptor selection and dimensionality control when deploying pre-formulation predictors. Full article

Cotinus coggygria (Scop) is a medicinally valuable species naturally distributed in the Artvin region of Turkiye. However, information on its seed traits, germination behavior, and seedling morphology in relation to seed size and provenance remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed size and provenance on the seed characteristics, germination, and seedling morphological traits of C. coggygria. Seeds were collected from four provenances (Seyitler, Tepekoy, Eskikale, and Tortum) and classified into large and small size groups using a 2 mm sieve. The seed traits of length, diameter, thickness, sphericity, volume, and thousand-seed weight were considered. To break seed dormancy, the seeds were subjected to sulfuric acid scarification and cold stratification treatments. Germination trials were conducted under nursery conditions using 45-cell trays in a randomized block design with four replicates. The mean germination time was significantly affected by provenance, whereas seed size and pretreatment combinations had no significant effects. Seed size did not significantly influence seedling morphology, whereas provenance caused significant differences. Seedlings originating from Eskikale exhibited greater height and root collar diameter, with root mass fractions ranging from 80.25% to 82.78%. These results indicate that provenance is a key factor influencing germination and seedling morphology rather than seed size. Full article

Secondary salinization in mulched drip-irrigated cotton fields of arid oasis–desert transition zones in Xinjiang imposes coupled root-zone constraints, including salt-induced aggregate structural degradation and ionic stress. However, field evidence remains limited on whether integrating a structure-oriented soil conditioner with humic acid can generate stable improvements across growing seasons. A two-year field experiment with a randomized block design (three replicates) was conducted to evaluate four treatments: control (CK), polyacrylamide (PAM, 30 kg ha⁻¹), humic acid (HA, 450 kg ha⁻¹), and PAM + HA. Soil physical and chemical properties and aggregate-size distribution were determined after harvest, while enzyme activities and root traits were assessed at the flowering–boll stage. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and random forest (RF) analysis were used to explore soil–root–yield linkages and identify key soil predictors associated with yield variation. Treatment effects were most evident in the 0–20 cm layer, with PAM + HA showing the greatest overall improvement. In the topsoil, PAM + HA lowered soil pH from 8.35 to 7.88 in 2024 (p < 0.05), increased soil organic carbon (SOC) to 4.29 g kg⁻¹ in 2025 (p < 0.01), and increased NO₃⁻–N to 25.51 and 30.27 mg kg⁻¹ in 2024 and 2025, respectively (both p < 0.05). PAM + HA also enhanced cellulase activity from 6.17 to 16.85 mg glucose g⁻¹ 72 h⁻¹ in 2024 and increased seed cotton yield to 6683.69 and 5996.89 kg ha⁻¹ in 2024 and 2025, with a 51.0% yield increase over CK in 2024. SEM showed that root development had the strongest direct positive effect on yield (β = 0.79, R² = 0.63; goodness of fit (GOF) = 0.74), while random forest identified alkaline phosphatase, cellulase, and NO₃⁻–N as the main yield predictors (out-of-bag R² (OOB R²) = 0.672, p = 0.01). This study elucidated the effects of the combined application of a structure-oriented soil conditioner and humic acid on the root-zone environment of mulched drip-irrigated cotton fields in arid regions, providing a theoretical basis for the coordinated regulation of soil structural improvement and nutrient activation in saline–sodic cotton fields. Full article

This paper proposes a unified approach based on maximal consistent blocks (MCBs) to address the problem of incomplete single-label and multi-label dimensional reduction. The matrix computation method for maximal consistent blocks is improved by introducing a dynamic multi-row detection mechanism and optimizing the block size determination criteria. The complete set of maximal consistent blocks can be efficiently obtained via matrix intersection operations. For incomplete single-label decision information systems, an attribute reduction algorithm is designed based on maximal consistent blocks. Redundant attributes are eliminated by preserving the upper and lower approximation distributions of decision classes. In the multi-label scenario, a complementary decision reduct method integrating coarse and fine decision functions is proposed, and a unified solution paradigm is adopted to accomplish multi-label dimensional reduction. The effectiveness in classification (F1-score, Ranking Loss, Hamming Loss), reduction performance, and runtime efficiency is validated via statistical tests, scalability studies, structured missingness studies, and comparisons with four representative baselines on Birds, Scene, and Yeast datasets (5%/10%/15% missing rates). Full article

Document Layout Analysis (DLA) is a critical step in intelligent document processing and is essential for accurately reconstructing the hierarchical structure of pages. While modern convolutional neural networks exhibit high performance, their effectiveness heavily depends on the quality and representativeness of training data, limiting their application in scenarios where labeled datasets are scarce. This paper proposes a method for enhancing DLA through synthetic generation of training data. A formalized mathematical model for generating document layouts has been developed, allowing control over element placement density, sizes, and spatial distribution. An experimental study investigated the impact of various data generation strategies on the training of the YOLO11m model, including median and threshold-based element splitting as well as different block sampling schemes. The experiments showed that employing median element splitting combined with random sampling from a large shuffled pool of synthetic data yields consistent improvements of 2–4% across all key metrics: precision, recall, mAP@50, and mAP@50:95, as compared with simple data generation strategies. These results demonstrate that targeted optimization of the data preparation process can enhance the performance of convolutional models in DLA tasks without increasing architectural complexity. The practical applicability of the method is validated through integration into the MinerU system. Future research will focus on extending the proposed model to complex layouts in scientific journals, technical reports, and handwritten documents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accessory mandibular foramina (AMaFs) are small osseous openings of the mandible that are clinically relevant anatomical variations. This study aimed to characterize the morphology and spatial distribution of AMaFs in dry mandibles and to integrate the existing anatomical evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis, with the goal of clarifying their potential clinical relevance. Methods: A series of dry mandibles from human adults of unknown age and sex from our laboratory collection was examined to document AMaFs using direct osteological inspection. Stainless steel wire threads and digimatic caliper measurements were utilized by two separate raters. Cluster analysis was employed for the classification of foramina into distinct spatial groups. Furthermore, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, an unrestricted literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Google Scholar using appropriate database-specific combinations of the terms “accessory mandibular” and “foramen/foramina” to search for studies on the prevalence and morphology of AMaFs in dry mandibles or cadaveric material. Radiological studies were excluded. The search was completed on 13 July 2025. Study quality was evaluated using the appropriate AQUA tool. Data synthesis was carried out using STATA 19. No external funding was received. Results: A total of 96 dry mandibles (50 dentate and 46 edentulous) were analyzed. AMaFs were detected in 8/96 mandibles (8.3%). In these mandibles, a total of 25 accessory mandibular foramina, all superior to the mandibular foramen, were identified (mean: 3.13 foramina/mandible), with a mean diameter (SD) of 0.56 ± 0.10 mm and a mean distance from the mandibular foramen of 11.34 ± 1.29 mm (mean vertical distance: 10.32 ± 1.35 mm; mean absolute horizontal distance: 3.78 ± 0.49 mm). Of these foramina, 21/25 (84%) had a diameter ≥0.5 mm; the number, diameters, and distances from the mandibular foramen were comparable between left and right hemimandibles. Based on their positioning relative to the mandibular foramen, the AMaFs were classified into two distinct groups (clusters). In the meta-analysis, a total of 36 studies were included. In most of the mandibles (65.1%; 95% CI: 57.7–72.2%; I²: 94.9%), no AMaFs were detected. The unilateral presence of one or more AMaFs was observed in 20.9% of the mandibles (95% CI: 16.3–25.9%; I²: 91.3%), while bilateral occurrence was identified in 10.6% (95% CI: 6.9–15.0%; I²: 93.0%). Additionally, 2.4% of the mandibles (95% CI: 1.0–4.2%; I²: 86.3%) exhibited multiple AMaFs (≥2) on at least one side. On average, each hemimandible contained 0.253 AMaFs (95% CI: 0.198–0.312; I²: 96.9%). The overall mean diameter of AMaFs was estimated to be 0.65 ± 0.33 mm. The substantial heterogeneity observed was not explained by geographic origin, sample size, publication period, or publication bias. Conclusions: AMaFs were detected in approximately one-third of the mandibles in the studies included in the meta-analysis. AMaFs are typically located superior to the mandibular foramen and may represent additional anatomical pathways associated with inferior alveolar nerve branching. Awareness of these features could help clinicians to anticipate anatomical variability during mandibular surgery and when applying local anesthesia. In addition, it should be acknowledged that inferior alveolar nerve block failure is multifactorial and not solely determined by the presence of AMaFs. Full article

Eutectic alloys stand out for their ability to combine high strength and good ductility; a behaviour rooted in their characteristic two-phase microstructure—lamellar or globular—formed at a constant solidification temperature that minimizes segregation and suppresses brittle phases. Their low interfacial energy limits microcrack propagation, while interfacial sliding and dislocation blocking at phase boundaries enhance both strength and toughness. In this work, we investigate how controlled microstructural modifications influence the behaviour of the eutectic high-entropy alloy AlCoCrFeNi2.1, composed of B2 (Ni–Al-rich) and L12 (Co–Fe–Ni-rich) phases. Because these phases exhibit distinct mechanical responses, microconstituent morphology becomes a design parameter. Powder metallurgy is the only processing route capable of providing the level of microstructural control required in this study. It preserves the rapidly solidified eutectic architecture of gas-atomised powders while allowing its intentional transformation during consolidation. Two strategies were implemented: (i) tuning the thermal–electrical input in Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Electrical Resistance Sintering (ERS), and (ii) engineering the particle size distribution, including a bimodal design that enhances surface-energy-driven morphological transitions. SPS enables a gradual lamellar-to-globular evolution, whereas ERS induces ultrafast transformations governed by current intensity. The bimodal PSD significantly accelerates globularisation at lower energy input. EBSD-KAM (Electron Backscatter Diffraction—Kernel Average Misorientation) mapping identifies the lamellar B2 phase as metastable and highly strained, while globular B2 domains show reduced dislocation density. Nanoindentation confirms that intrinsic phase properties remain unchanged, whereas microhardness scales with morphology and lamellar spacing. These results demonstrate that the macroscopic mechanical response is governed by microstructure, establishing powder metallurgy as a uniquely powerful pathway for microstructure-driven design in eutectic HEAs. Full article

This work presents a systematic design flow for the fundamental building blocks (namely, the low-noise amplifier and the down-conversion mixer) of an analog receiver for 5G backhauling systems implemented in SiGe BiCMOS technology. The proposed methodology enables the sizing and optimization of receiver blocks up to post-layout simulations, starting from the specified performance requirements. It accounts for both the parasitic effects of active devices and the distributed effects of interconnects. The design flow was applied using STMicroelectronics BiCMOS55X technology to develop low-noise amplifiers and D-band to E-band downconverters capable of covering the 130–150 GHz and 150–165 GHz sub-bands. Preliminary measurement results obtained from both the standalone LNA blocks and the complete receivers are presented and discussed. Full article

Accurate monitoring of soybean seedlings in the field is a core component for implementing scientific management during the seedling stage and unlocking yield potential. Traditional manual survey methods are inefficient and highly subjective, making them inadequate for real-time assessment at the field scale. This study addresses challenges such as the small size of individual seedlings, dense inter-plant overlap, blurred boundaries, and complex interferences from soil residue and varying illumination by proposing a high-precision method for soybean seedling instance segmentation and georeferenced localization based on low-altitude (12 m) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery. By implementing targeted improvements in the YOLOv11n-seg model, we developed the YOLOv11-seg-SSC model, which integrates the SCSA (Shared Cross-Semantic Space and Progressive Channel Self-Attention) mechanism, the Context-Guided (CG) Block, and a lightweight Slim-Neck structure based on GSConv and VoV-GSCSP. While significantly reducing computational complexity (approximately 9.5 GFLOPs and 2.96 M parameters), the model improved the mean average precision for segmentation (mAP@0.5 Mask) from the baseline of 80.6% to 83.3%, maintained a stable detection mAP@0.5 (Box) at 95.9%, and achieved an overall segmentation precision of 85.1% and recall of 80.3%. This approach not only meets the requirements for near-real-time field processing but also outputs seedling spatial distribution results with true geographic coordinates through georeferenced mapping, thereby providing directly applicable data support for seedling count statistics, missing seedling diagnosis, population spatial pattern analysis, and variable-rate management. This study establishes a complete technical pipeline from precise UAV image segmentation to spatially informed seedling status decision support, offering a theoretical foundation for efficient and accurate monitoring of soybean seedlings in the context of smart agriculture. Full article

Background: Brucea javanica oil (BJO) suffers from poor oral bioavailability due to oxidative degradation and hepatic first-pass effect. Methods: Here, we report a one-step, solvent-free isolation of endogenous Brucea javanica lipid droplets (BJLDs) that function as a “drug-in-carrier” delivery platform. Results: BJLDs exhibited a uniform size distribution and superior oxidative stability. In vitro digestion showed 80% long-chain fatty acids released within 4 h following first-order kinetics. Caco-2 transport studies revealed caveolin-dependent endocytosis as the dominant uptake route and a 2.3-fold increase in rhodamine 123 accumulation versus free drug, indicating potent P-gp inhibition. A cycloheximide-blocked rat model quantified the intestinal lymphatic transport rate at 89.73%. Plasma t_1/2 and MRT of linoleic acid were 8.44 ± 3.16 h and 11.45 ± 2.72 h, respectively. LC-MS/MS confirmed retention of brusatol and bruceine inside BJLDs. Conclusions: This study provides direct evidence that micron-sized lipid droplets derived from plants can achieve >80% lymphatic targeting after oral administration, offering a green and scalable alternative to conventional BJO formulations. Full article

Amphiphilic copolymers based on polystyrene and polyglycidol combine the chemical inertness of polystyrene with the biocompatibility of polyglycidol, making them attractive materials for polymeric micelles. While comb-like architectures have been explored to control micellization behavior and biological response, a direct comparison between comb-like and coil-comb topologies in polystyrene–polyglycidol copolymers at identical polyglycidol content remains insufficiently investigated. In this work, amphiphilic comb-like and coil-comb polystyrene–polyglycidol copolymers were synthesized via copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne click chemistry by grafting a monoalkyne-terminated polyglycidol precursor onto azide-functionalized random and block styrene copolymers. The copolymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Polymeric micelles were prepared by nanoprecipitation, and their self-assembly in aqueous solution was investigated by critical micelle concentration determination, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Both copolymers formed stable aqueous dispersions and exhibited comparable critical micelle concentrations. At identical polyglycidol content, the random copolymer formed a uniform, monomodal micellar population, whereas the block-based coil-comb architecture led to bimodal size distributions, indicating the coexistence of two distinct micellar populations. The investigated systems showed low cytotoxicity and did not induce significant oxidative stress within the studied concentration range. On isolated rat brain sub-cellular fractions (synaptosomes, mitochondria and microsomes), administered alone, the comb-like and coil-comb polystyrene-polyglycidol copolymers did not reveal statistically significant neurotoxic effects. The results demonstrate that macromolecular architecture plays a key role in governing micellar organization and in vitro biological response in polystyrene–polyglycidol copolymers, highlighting their potential as architecture-controlled polymer-based nanocarriers. Full article