Search Results (115)

Monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests (MEBFs) represent one of the most species-rich and structurally complex vegetation types, and one of the most widely distributed forests in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. However, they have yet to undergo a comprehensive analysis on their community diversity, spatial differentiation patterns, and underlying drivers across Yunnan. Based on extensive field surveys during 2021–2024 with 548 MEBF plots, this study employed the Unweighted Pair Group Method for forest community classification and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling for ordination and interpretation of community–environment association. A total of 3517 vascular plant species were recorded in the plots, including 1137 tree species, 1161 shrubs, and 1219 herbs. Numerical classification divided the plots into 3 alliance groups and 24 alliances: (1) Castanopsis–Schima (Lithocarpus) Forest Alliance Group (16 alliances), predominantly distributed west of 102°E in central-south and southwest Yunnan; (2) Castanopsis–Machilus (Beilschmiedia) Forest Alliance Group (6 alliances), concentrated east of 101°E in southeast Yunnan with limited latitudinal range; (3) Castanopsis–Camellia Forest Alliance Group (2 alliances), restricted to higher-elevation mountainous areas within 103–104° E and 22.5–23° N. Climatic variation accounted for 81.1% of the species compositional variation among alliance groups, with contributions of 83.5%, 57.6%, and 62.1% to alliance-level differentiation within alliance groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Precipitation days in the driest quarter (PDDQ) and precipitation seasonality (PS) emerged as the strongest predictors of community differentiation at both alliance group and alliance levels. Topography and soil features significantly influenced alliance differentiation in Groups 2 and 3. Collectively, the interaction between the monsoon climate and topography dominate the spatial differentiation of MEBF communities in Yunnan. Full article

Under carbon emission constraints, to promote low-carbon transformation and achieve the aim of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in the energy sector, this paper constructs an operational optimization model for the coordinated operation of a virtual power plant cluster (VPPC). Considering the resource characteristics of different virtual power plants (VPPs) within a cooperative alliance, we propose a multi-VPP interaction and sharing architecture accounting for electricity–carbon interaction. An optimization model for VPPC is developed based on the asymmetric Nash bargaining theory. Finally, the proposed model is solved using an alternating-direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm featuring an improved penalty factor. The research results show that P2P trading within the VPPC achieves resource optimization and allocation at a larger scale. The proposed distributed ADMM solution algorithm requires only the exchange of traded electricity volume and price among VPPs, thus preserving user privacy. Compared with independent operation, the total operation cost of the VPPC is reduced by 20.37%, and the overall proportion of new energy consumption is increased by 16.83%. The operation costs of the three VPPs are reduced by 1.12%, 20.51%, and 6.42%, respectively, while their carbon emissions are decreased by 4.47%, 5.80%, and 5.47%, respectively. In addition, the bargaining index incorporated in the proposed (point-to-point) P2P trading mechanism motivates each VPP to enhance its contribution to the alliance to achieve higher bargaining power, thereby improving the resource allocation efficiency of the entire alliance. The ADMM algorithm based on the improved penalty factor demonstrates good computational performance and achieves a solution speed increase of 15.8% compared to the unimproved version. Full article

The global energy transition is accelerating, bringing new challenges to power systems. A high penetration of renewable energy increases grid volatility. Virtual power plants (VPPs) address this by dynamically responding to market signals. They integrate renewables, energy storage, and flexible loads. Additionally, they participate in multi-tier markets, including energy, ancillary services, and capacity trading. This study proposes a load factor-based VPP pre-dispatch model for optimal resource allocation. It incorporates the coupling effects of electricity–carbon markets. A Nash negotiation strategy is developed for multi-VPP cooperation. The model uses an accelerated adaptive alternating-direction multiplier method (AA-ADMM) for efficient demand response. The approach balances computational efficiency with privacy protection. Revenue is allocated fairly based on individual contributions. The study uses data from a VPP dispatch center in Shanxi Province. Shanxi has abundant wind and solar resources, necessitating advanced scheduling methods. Cooperative operation boosts profits for three VPPs by CNY 1101, 260, and 823, respectively. The alliance’s total profit rises by CNY 2184. Carbon emissions drop by 31.3% to 8.113 tons, with a CNY 926 gain over independent operation. Post-cooperation, VPP1 and VPP2 see slight emission increases, while VPP3 achieves major reductions. This leads to significant low-carbon benefits. This method proves effective in cutting costs and emissions. It also balances economic and environmental gains while ensuring fair profit distribution. Full article

In the context of electricity and carbon markets, with the in-depth research of virtual power plants and to realize the mutual assistance of electric energy in different regions within the same distribution network, a scheduling strategy of virtual power plant alliance based on dynamic electricity and carbon pricing using the Master–Slave game is proposed. Firstly, an interactive framework of virtual power plant alliance is designed in which the alliance operator formulates the electricity and carbon prices, and each user entity formulates the operation plan according to the prices. Secondly, the information gap decision theory is adopted to handle the uncertainties on the source–load side. Based on the Master–Slave game and source–load interaction, an economic optimal dispatching model for the virtual power plant alliance is established. Finally, the particle swarm optimization algorithm nested with the CPLEX solver is used to solve the model, and the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are demonstrated through case analysis. The simulation results show that, after considering the electricity energy interaction and dynamic electricity–carbon pricing, the daily operation cost of the virtual power plant alliance was reduced by 47.7%, carbon emissions decreased by 24.6%, and comprehensive benefits increased by 77.2%. Full article

With the increasing connection between integrated natural gas, thermal energy, and electric power systems, the integrated energy system (IES) needs to coordinate the internal unit scheduling and meet the different load demands of customers. However, when the energy subjects involved in scheduling are engaged in conflicts of interest, aspects such as hierarchical status relationships and cooperative and competitive relationships must be considered. Therefore, this paper studies the problem of achieving optimal energy scheduling for multiple subjects of source, storage, and load under the same distribution network while ensuring that their benefits are not impaired. First, this paper establishes a dual master-slave game model with a shared energy storage system (SESS), IES, and the alliance of prosumers (APs) as the main subjects. Second, based on the Nash negotiation theory and considering the sharing of electric energy among prosumers, the APs model is equated into two sub-problems of coalition cost minimization and cooperative benefit distribution to ensure that the coalition members distribute the cooperative benefits equitably. Further, the Stackelberg-Stackelberg-Nash three-layer game model is established, and the dichotomous distributed optimization algorithm combined with the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) is used to solve this three-layer game model. Finally, in the simulation results of the arithmetic example, the natural gas consumption is reduced by 9.32%, the economic efficiency of IES is improved by 3.95%, and the comprehensive energy purchase cost of APs is reduced by 12.16%, the proposed model verifies the sustainability co-optimization and mutual benefits of source, storage and load multi-interested subjects. Full article

Quinoa, considered a superfood, is grown in the high Andean zones of Peru and Bolivia. The competitiveness, organizational capacity, and technological level of the producers limit their production. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of competitiveness on the performance of quinoa producer associations in the high Andes. The study was developed in the production period of 2022–2023 and considered associations of quinoa producers from different localities. The correlation between competitiveness (corporate identity, resources, and potential) and production performance (financial and non-financial) was studied. The data were collected through a questionnaire with closed questions and a Likert scale and presented normal distribution, and a one-factor ANOVA, Pearson′s correlation, and PCA at 5% significance were applied. Twenty-three quinoa producer associations were identified with 15 years of organic quinoa production of the varieties of Blanca de Junín, Choclito, Pasankalla, Negra, and Roja, with production ranging from 17 to 40.8 tons grown in a semi-mechanized way. It was observed that the general competitiveness of the associations was rated as moderately inadequate despite good performance; this behavior was more marked in the associations in urban areas such as Andahuaylas and San Jeronimo. Urban quinoa associations have higher quality than rural ones. Competitiveness is limited by a lack of human resources training, government commitment, and strategic alliances, which predicts low sustainability. Full article

In response to the urgent need for environmental education in the world, the Environmental Care with a One Health approach (ECOH) project aimed to promote sustainable environmental practices in educational institutions in Sucre, Bolivia. The ECOH project was implemented in four phases: (1) building alliances with local leaders and communities; (2) identifying practices and perceptions of the environmental situation among the general population and educational units (Online survey); (3) implementing educational interventions; and (4) disseminating educational materials. During the second phase, most of the participants (86%) identified the local environmental situation as poor and waste and solid waste management (SWM) as the main concern (64%). Although 70% of the participants were interested in environmental issues, only 44% practiced waste separation. Considering this, and the feasibility of implementing subsequent actions, educational interventions on SWM were developed in schools, and waste sorting bins were delivered. Educational materials were distributed through social networks, and a mobile app was launched to increase outreach. The project promoted cross-sectoral cooperation, raised awareness, and encouraged active participation in environmental protection focused in academic units. ECOH project demonstrated that participatory educational interventions can effectively address local challenges and promote sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier environment for people and animals. Full article

In the Prometheus trilogy, fate dictates critical actions taken by Prometheus, such as forming alliances, stealing fire, facing punishment, and eventual liberation. This trajectory gradually aligns with the divine will of Zeus, reflecting the theological framework of early Greek religion. Within the play, Prometheus’s rebellion against the established order of distribution determines his “unlawful act”, which brings about retributive justice—a theological necessity for restoring the balance between human advancement and divine sovereignty. In essence, Prometheus’s punishment results from the interplay between fate and Zeus’s rule, yet this suffering is essential for the harmonization of the cosmic order. Consequently, throughout this process, Zeus’s divine justice undergoes continuous evolution, ultimately establishing the foundation for the legitimacy of civic ethics and providing a theological justification for the justice of human suffering. Ultimately, Aeschylus traces civic ethical norms to Zeus’s justice, demonstrating how democracy gains legitimacy through theological discourse, which highlights the intricate connections among Greek religion, democracy, and tragedy. Full article

Unitised integration is a management model used to address the fragmentation of multiple management entities in complex environments. Small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) safety alliances play an important role in centralised management and cost reduction in the safety management of SMEs, which are large in number, widely distributed, and small in volume. On the basis of the investigation and analysis of the current situation of SMEs’ own safety management and external supervision, as well as the market situation of safety service institutions, this paper explores the fragmentation problem of SMEs’ safety management. An idealised framework for the unitised integration of safety management in SMEs is proposed theoretically, and the model is tested and its limitations are discussed through a field investigation of the operational mechanism and problems of the SME Safety Alliance in Pukou District, Nanjing City, China, taking the SME safety alliance as a case study, with a view to proposing policy recommendations for the optimisation and promotion of the model. The unitised integration of safety management can help promote the adaptation of safety service supply and demand, thereby reducing the cost of safety management for SMEs, promoting the effective implementation of the main responsibility for safety, alleviating the pressure of production safety supervision, and ultimately promoting the further improvement of safety supervision and management systems for SMEs. Full article

As a new business model, cross-border e-commerce has become an important way for countries to meet new foreign trade requirements in the Internet economy. The cross-border logistics industry plays a crucial role in supporting cross-border e-commerce. Compared with domestic e-commerce, cross-border logistics faces more challenges. To address the problems in cross-border logistics, this study takes China as an example and constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model to facilitate information collaboration among cross-border e-commerce platforms, domestic logistics enterprises, and foreign logistics enterprises. The collaboration strategies in this tripartite information system are simulated using MATLAB. The study highlights key factors affecting information cooperation, such as standardization levels, risk and payoff distributions, and their implications on collaboration decisions. Specifically, the results show that higher levels of information collaboration standardization promote cooperative strategies among players; the risk associated with information collaboration is the most sensitive factor influencing decision-making within cross-border logistics alliances; and when the payoff distribution coefficient is too high, other members may resist cooperation. Full article

Cloning from historically cryopreserved cells offers a potential means to restore lost genetic variation or increase the representation of particular lineages within bottlenecked species, provided such biobanked materials are archived for such genetic rescue applications. One species for which cloning can provide genetic management benefits is Przewalski’s horse, Equus przewalskii. All ~1800 living Przewalski’s horses, distributed across ex situ breeding facilities and in situ reintroduction sites, are descended from one or more of the five founder lineages established by the 12 horses captured from the wild between 1898 and 1947. Since the 1970s, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo^® (Escondido, CA, USA) has biobanked cells or tissues of 575 individuals spanning many generations. A pedigree analysis of a subset of deceased individuals represented in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo^® revealed an underrepresented male that lived from 1975 to 1998, Studbook Number 615 (also known as Kuporovitch), who would be of high value for breeding if cloned. Here, we report that two healthy clones were produced from this cell line using cross-species somatic cell nuclear transfer from 2020 to 2023. Their identification as clones was verified by a standard horse-pedigree genotyping panel, and, for one clone, a whole genome sequencing comparison to the original donor was performed. This is the first time that multiple healthy clones surviving the perinatal period have been produced for an endangered species. Full article

Background/Objectives: T cell receptor fusion constructs (TRuCs), a next generation engineered T cell therapy, hold great promise. To accelerate the clinical development of these therapies, improving patient selection is a crucial pathway forward. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 23 mesothelioma patients (85 target tumors) treated in a phase 1/2 single arm clinical trial (NCT03907852). Five imaging sites were involved, the settings for the evaluations were Blinded Independent Central Reviews (BICRs) with double reads. The reproducibility of 3416 radiomics and delta-radiomics (Δradiomics) was assessed. The univariate analysis evaluated correlations at the target tumor level with (1) tumor diameter response; (2) tumor volume response, according to the Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance; and (3) the mean standard uptake value (SUV) response, as defined by the positron emission tomography response criteria in solid tumors (PERCISTs). A random forest model predicted the response of the target pleural tumors. Results: Tumor anatomical distribution was 55.3%, 17.6%, 14.1%, and 10.6% in the pleura, lymph nodes, peritoneum, and soft tissues, respectively. Radiomics/Δradiomics reproducibility differed across tumor localizations. Radiomics were more reproducible than Δradiomics. In the univariate analysis, none of the radiomics/Δradiomics correlated with any response criteria. With an accuracy ranging from 0.75 to 0.9, three radiomics/Δradiomics were able to predict the response of target pleural tumors. Pivotal studies will require a sample size of 250 to 400 tumors. Conclusions: The prediction of responding target pleural tumors can be achieved using a machine learning-based radiomics/Δradiomics analysis. Tumor-specific reproducibility and the average values indicated that using tumor models to create an effective patient model would require combining several target tumor models. Full article

Aiming at solving the problem of new energy and load uncertainty leading to a steep increase in the demand for flexible reserve resources by integrated energy service providers (IESPs), a coordinated and optimized scheduling method for multi-region integrated energy service providers considering flexible reserve resources is proposed. First, for the uncertainty of new energy and load, Latin hypercube sampling is used to generate scenarios, and the scenarios are reduced by a K-means clustering algorithm. Second, based on the interaction relationship between the active distribution network (ADN) and multi-region IESPs, a mixed game model of the ADN and IESP alliance is established. ADN guides IESPs to optimize their operation by setting prices for electricity and reserves, and IESPs fully tap their own flexible reserve resources according to the prices set by ADN and achieve power interoperability through the interaction of IESPs in multiple regions to synergistically cope with the uncertainties of new energy and load. Finally, the example results show that the model proposed in this paper is able to realize the allocation of flexibility resources in a wider range, reduce the reserve pressure on the superior grid, and improve the profitability of IESPs. Full article

Background: The emergence of more than 40 new infectious diseases since the 1980s has emerged as a serious global health concern, many of which are zoonotic. In response, many international organizations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), have developed strategies to combat these health threats. The need for rapid vaccine development has been highlighted by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and mRNA technology has shown promise as a platform. While the acceleration of vaccine development has been successful, concerns have been raised about the technical limits, safety, supply, and distribution of vaccines. Objective: This study analyzes the status of vaccine platform development in global pandemics and explores ways to respond to future pandemic crises through an overview of the roles of international organizations and their support programs. It examines the key roles and partnerships of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine research and development expertise of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), control of the vaccine supply chain and distribution by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and technology transfer capabilities of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) in supporting the development, production, and supply of vaccine platform technologies for pandemic priority diseases announced by WHO and CEPI and analyzes their vaccine support programs and policies to identify effective ways to rapidly respond to future pandemics caused by emerging infectious diseases. Methods: This study focused on vaccine platform technology and the key roles of international organizations in the pandemic crisis. Literature data on vaccine platform development was collected, compared, and analyzed through national and international literature data search sites, referring to articles, journals, research reports, publications, books, guidelines, clinical trial data, and related reports. In addition, the websites of international vaccine support organizations, such as WHO, CEPI, GAVI, and IVI, were used to examine vaccine support projects, initiatives, and collaborations through literature reviews and case study methods. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic brought focus on the necessity for developing innovative vaccine platforms. Despite initial concerns, the swift integration of cutting-edge development technologies, mass production capabilities, and global collaboration have made messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines a game-changing technology. As a result of the successful application of novel vaccine platforms, it is important to address the remaining challenges, including technical limits, safety concerns, and equitable global distribution. To achieve this, it is essential to review the regulatory, policy, and support initiatives that have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on the key stages of vaccine development, production, and distribution, to prepare for future pandemics. An analysis of the status of vaccine development for priority pandemic diseases implies the need for balanced vaccine platform development. Also, international organizations such as WHO, CEPI, GAVI, and IVI play key roles in pandemic preparedness and the development and distribution of preventive vaccines. These organizations collaborated to improve accessibility to vaccines, strengthen the global response to infectious diseases, and address global health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic response demonstrates how the synergistic collaboration of WHO’s standardized guidelines, CEPI’s vaccine research and development expertise, GAVI’s control of the vaccine supply chain and distribution, and IVI’s technology transfer capabilities can be united to create a successful process for vaccine development and distribution. Conclusions: In preparation for future pandemics, a balanced vaccine platform development is essential. It should include a balanced investment in both novel technologies such as mRNA and viral vector-based vaccines and traditional platforms. The goal is to develop vaccine platform technologies that can be applied to emerging infectious diseases efficiently and increase manufacturing and distribution capabilities for future pandemics. Moreover, international vaccine support organizations should play key roles in setting the direction of global networking and preparing for international vaccine support programs to address the limitations of previous pandemic responses. As a result, by transforming future pandemic threats from unpredictable crises to surmountable challenges, it is expected to strengthen global health systems and reduce the social and economic burden of emerging infectious diseases in the long term. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive revision of the dry grasslands, specifically the alliance Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis within the order Scorzoneretalia villosae along the eastern Adriatic, aimed at developing a formalized classification of this vegetation type. The revision is based on 490 relevés, including 44 newly sampled from the loci classici of previously identified associations, alongside additional relevés from the phytosociological literature. Both hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis, as well as NMS ordination, were employed to delineate the main vegetation types. Although numerous associations have been described to date, several were found to be floristically similar and were subsequently merged. Ultimately, 15 associations and one plant community were identified, including the description of a new association, Sideritido purpureae-Asphodeletum ramosi, from Montenegro, along with four new subassociations. The associations of the Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis predominantly occur in the sub-Mediterranean variant of the temperate bioclimate. While this study provides a comprehensive framework for the syntaxonomic diversity of this alliance, it also underscores the need for additional phytosociological data from poorly known areas within its distribution range, particularly in the southernmost regions and inland areas (e.g., Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Full article