Search Results (211)

The Online Droplet Inspection system plays a vital role in closed-loop control for OLED inkjet printing. However, generating realistic synthetic droplet images for reliable restoration and precise measurement of droplet parameters remains challenging due to the complex, multi-factor degradation inherent to microscale droplet imaging. To address this, we propose a physics-informed degradation model, Diffraction–Gaussian–Motion–Noise (DGMN), that integrates Fraunhofer diffraction, defocus blur, motion blur, and adaptive noise to replicate real-world degradation in droplet images. To optimize the multi-parameter configuration of DGMN, we introduce the MISABO (Multi-strategy Improved Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer), which incorporates Sobol sequence initialization for search diversity, lens opposition-based learning (LensOBL) for enhanced accuracy, and dimension learning-based hunting (DLH) for balanced global–local optimization. Benchmark function evaluations demonstrate that MISABO achieves superior convergence speed and accuracy. When applied to generate synthetic droplet images based on real droplet images captured from a self-developed OLED inkjet printer, the proposed MISABO-optimized DGMN framework significantly improves realism, enhancing synthesis quality by 37.7% over traditional manually configured models. This work lays a solid foundation for generating high-quality synthetic data to support droplet image restoration and downstream inkjet printing processes. Full article

The longstanding debate over early hominin subsistence strategies, particularly the hunting-versus-scavenging hypothesis, as well as discussions regarding the functionality of Oldowan sites, has been primarily centered on the archeological and paleoanthropological record of Olduvai Gorge. Historically, FLK Zinj has been at the core of these debates, serving as a principal empirical reference due to the prevailing assumption that most other Bed I sites at Olduvai represented non-anthropogenic accumulations However, recent discoveries have significantly reshaped this perspective. Newly identified early sites, including PTK, DS, and AGS, situated within the paleolandscape and thin stratigraphic context of FLK Zinj, provide crucial new anthropogenic datasets. These sites offer additional dimensions to the study of early hominin behavior, facilitating a more nuanced reconstruction of their adaptive strategies in this paleoenvironment. Furthermore, methodological advancements in recent years—including controlled experimental and actualistic studies, sophisticated statistical modeling, and the integration of machine learning algorithms—have greatly enhanced the analytical frameworks available for investigating early hominin behavior. These innovations have refined the ability to formulate and test hypotheses within a rigorous scientific paradigm, significantly improving the resolution of archeological and taphonomic interpretations. This study presents an in-depth taphonomic analysis of the faunal assemblage from level 22A at DS, a Bed I site at Olduvai Gorge dated to approximately 1.84 Ma. The assemblage exhibits exceptional preservation, enabling detailed assessments of skeletal part representation, fragmentation patterns, and surface modifications. By combining traditional taphonomic methodologies with state-of-the-art AI-driven bone surface modification (BSM) analyses, this research contributes novel insights into the interactions between early hominins and carnivores, elucidating the complex ecological dynamics of an Early Pleistocene African paleolandscape. Full article

Global biodiversity losses continue despite intensive conservation efforts. Many mammal species are understudied due to their specialized ecological niches. One such species is the Philippine colugo (Cynocephalus volans), a nocturnal endemic species in the Philippines. In this study, we utilized Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) to obtain baseline information on species knowledge, attitudes, population status, and threats. Between June and September 2023, we interviewed 471 residents across all villages in Anda, Bohol. The majority of local people recognized the species and had witnessed it in Anda, occasionally near households. Residents have limited knowledge of colugo diet and distribution, which they get primarily through word-of-mouth and personal experience. The species is perceived as neutral, but the willingness to conserve it is high. Although the Philippine colugo population seems to be present in several villages in Anda, one-fourth of the respondents believe it is declining. We identified hunting for consumption as the main threat to the colugo population in Anda, which, together with other threats, may corroborate this result. We recommend actively involving male farmers in colugo population monitoring and behavioral observations, as well as investigating the drivers and importance of colugo meat consumption among residents to design a proper conservation strategy. Full article

One of the most common malignant tumors worldwide is lung cancer, and it is associated with the highest death rate among all cancers. Traditional treatment options for lung cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical resection. However, the survival rate is low, and the outlook is still dreadfully dire. The pursuit of a paradigm change in treatment approaches is, therefore, imperative. Tyrosine kinases (TKs), a subclass of protein kinases, regulate vital cellular function by phosphorylating tyrosine residues in proteins. Mutations, overexpression, and autocrine paracrine stimulation can transform TKs into oncogenic drivers, causing cancer pathogenesis. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as an attractive targeted therapy option, especially for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance to TKIs, and adverse cardiovascular effects such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and sudden death, are among the most common adverse effects of TKIs. There is increasing interest in plant-derived natural products in the hunt for powerful chemosensitizer and pathway modulators for enhancing TKI activity and/or overcoming resistance mechanisms. This highlights the mechanism of TKs’ activation in cancer, the role of TKIs in NSCLC mechanisms, and the challenges posed by TKI-acquired resistance. Additionally, we explored various plant-derived natural products’ bioactive compounds with the chemosensitizer and pathway-modulating potential with TKs’ inhibitory and anticancer effects. Our review suggests that a combination of natural products with TKIs may provide a novel and promising strategy for overcoming resistance in lung cancer. In future, further preclinical and clinical studies are advised. Full article

The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a Critically Endangered (CR) species, faces numerous threats across its range. Yet, the ecological and anthropogenic factors affecting its conservation in fragmented habitats remain poorly understood. This study integrated field surveys and community questionnaires to assess the distribution drivers and local perceptions, such as attitudes, knowledge, conservation practices, and perceived threats, in the Jalthal Forest, one of the last remnants of suitable habitat for the elongated tortoise in eastern Nepal. Using ArcMap, we established 138 randomly selected grids (500 m × 500 m) to evaluate the environmental covariates of tortoise occurrence and anthropogenic pressures. Generalized linear models revealed that tortoise occurrence was negatively associated with dense ground cover (β = −3.50, p = 0.017) and human disturbance (β = −8.11, p = 0.019). Surveys of local residents from community forest user groups (n = 236 respondents) indicated strong local support for tortoise conservation (69% willing to protect the species). Despite this, the respondents identified persistent threats, including hunting for bushmeat and traditional medicine (74%), habitat degradation (65%), and forest fires. While 60% of the respondents recognized the threatened species status, significant knowledge gaps regarding that status and ongoing illegal exploitation persisted. These findings underscore the need for targeted habitat management, reduced anthropogenic pressures, and community-led initiatives to align local attitudes with conservation actions. This study provides critical baseline data for conserving the elongated tortoise in human-modified landscapes and emphasizes the necessity of integrated ecological and socio-cultural strategies for its long-term survival. Full article

Ungulate browsing represents a contemporary issue for forest development, influencing forest regeneration, composition, and management practices across the world, especially in North America. This review synthesizes findings from 101 studies conducted between 1980 and 2025 to examine patterns of herbivory damage through browsing by moose, elk, white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, and bison. Despite regional variation, high ungulate density consistently emerges as the primary factor driving browsing intensity and ecological and economic impact, leading to decreased social acceptance of coexistence with ungulates. This review highlights the selective suppression of palatable species such as balsam fir, red oak, and white cedar, leading to shifts toward less-preferred conifers. Preventive and control measures, ranging from fencing and repellents to regulated hunting, are widely implemented but vary in effectiveness and social acceptability. Although predator presence is an evident controlling factor, it was not statistically associated in this review with reduced browsing, nor with behavioral or trophic cascade effects. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of integrated management strategies that combine silvicultural adaptation, population control, and, where feasible, predator reintroduction to ensure forest resilience and sustainability in the face of increasing pressure from climate change. Full article

Estimating the human impact on parasites in wildlife is essential to create efficient strategies to control diseases and improve public health. This study assessed the human influence on the parasite burden of the two commonest canine mesocarnivores, the red fox (N = 194) and the golden jackal (N = 151), in Europe. We compared the infracommunity crowding index, parasite diversity, prevalence, and abundance of different parasite taxa, and the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis between groups of hosts, such as jackals and foxes hunted at different distances from human settlements. The analysis of hosts’ distribution ascertained that 61.2% of the investigated wild canids were hunted in a 500–1750 m ring around the human settlements. Ancylostomatidae proved the most prevalent taxon (>60%), while Echinococcus multilocularis and Dipylidium caninum occurred least frequently. The two taxa that mostly contributed to the crowding of infracommunities were Ancylostomatidae and Toxocaridae, with a negative correlation between their abundances (Spearman’s ρ = −0.445, p < 0.001). Parasite infracommunities were more crowded in Echinococcus multilocularis infected foxes (p = 0.02) and jackals (p = 0.001). Our study highlighted that human modification of landscapes worsened the parasite burden of wild mesocarnivores, which could increase the public health risk of zoonotic parasites. Full article

This paper introduces a novel nature-inspired optimization algorithm called the Grizzly Bear Fat Increase Optimizer (GBFIO). The GBFIO algorithm mimics the natural behavior of grizzly bears as they accumulate body fat in preparation for winter, drawing on their strategies of hunting, fishing, and eating grass, honey, etc. Hence, three mathematical steps are modeled and considered in the GBFIO algorithm to solve the optimization problem: (1) finding food sources (e.g., vegetables, fruits, honey, oysters), based on past experiences and olfactory cues; (2) hunting animals and protecting offspring from predators; and (3) fishing. Thirty-one standard benchmark functions and thirty CEC2017 test benchmark functions are applied to evaluate the performance of the GBFIO, such as unimodal, multimodal of high dimensional, fixed dimensional multimodal, and also the rotated and shifted benchmark functions. In addition, four constrained engineering design problems such as tension/compression spring design, welded beam design, pressure vessel design, and speed reducer design problems have been considered to show the efficiency of the proposed GBFIO algorithm in solving constrained problems. The GBFIO can successfully solve diverse kinds of optimization problems, as shown in the results of optimization of objective functions, especially in high dimension objective functions in comparison to other algorithms. Additionally, the performance of the GBFIO algorithm has been compared with the ability and efficiency of other popular optimization algorithms in finding the solutions. In comparison to other optimization algorithms, the GBFIO algorithm offers yields superior or competitive quasi-optimal solutions relative to other well-known optimization algorithms. Full article

This paper explores the innovative integration of digitalization and gamification in urban design to address social sustainability challenges in rapidly evolving cities. Using Gensen, a metaverse platform launched in 2024, as a case study, the research investigates how the convergence of virtual environments and real urban spaces can foster new forms of social interaction, spatial usage, and community engagement. The motivation behind this study is to assess the potential of gamification in enhancing social sustainability within digitalized urban contexts. By introducing the opening event, “Treasure Hunting”, established by Gensen, the study examines how users engage with existing urban settings through a gamified approach. The research investigates how gameful design, facilitated by digitalization, can transform public spaces into more dynamic environments that encourage diverse participation while also addressing emerging risks such as spatial inequality resulting from varying levels of access to digital tools and literacy. The research questions focus on how gamification can bridge these gaps and contribute to creating more inclusive urban environments. In conclusion, the study argues that current gamified design approaches, based on digitalization, often overlook the playfulness inherent in physical environments and human interaction. However, a bottom-up approach that emphasizes individuals’ understanding of the inherent playfulness in existing urban spaces is still lacking. This aspect needs further exploration to inform and enhance gameful design strategies aimed at promoting social sustainability in urban development. Bridging this gap is essential for integrating digital interventions into everyday life, ultimately achieving a more effective gameful design in urban contexts. Full article

Proactively hunting known attack behaviors within system logs, termed threat hunting, is gaining traction in cybersecurity. Existing methods typically rely on constructing a query graph representing known attack patterns and identifying it as a subgraph within a system-wide provenance graph. However, the large scale and redundancy of provenance data lead to poor matching efficiency and high false-positive rates. To address these issues, this paper introduces SGMNet, a supervised seeded graph-matching network designed for efficient and accurate threat hunting. By selecting indicators of compromise (IOCs) as initial seed nodes, SGMNet extracts compact subgraphs from large-scale provenance graphs, significantly reducing graph size and complexity. It then learns adaptive node-expansion strategies to capture relevant context while suppressing irrelevant noise. Experiments on four real-world system log datasets demonstrate that SGMNet achieves a runtime reduction of over 60% compared to baseline methods, while reducing false positives by 35.2% on average. These results validate that SGMNet not only improves computational efficiency but also enhances detection precision, making it well suited for real-time threat hunting in large-scale environments. Full article

Considering the taxonomic uncertainties of Neotropical deer species, as well as the threat status of many of them, new studies and strategies for their maintenance are urgently needed. Obtaining live cells is of great importance for the conservation of wild species in order to allow cytogenetic and molecular studies to be carried out and for the construction of genomic resource banks. In order to increase the genetic diversity stored in these banks, the possibility of collecting skin fragments from dead animals (e.g., run over, hunted, deaths related to disease or natural causes) becomes a valuable source and a last alternative for obtaining material from these individuals. However, the interval between the death of the animal and the collection of tissue can directly interfere with the quality of the sample obtained and it is therefore essential to identify the maximum time during which viable cells are still found. Thus, this study sought to establish a protocol for the collection, storage, cryopreservation, and cultivation of skin obtained postmortem from individuals of the species Subulo gouazoubira (gray brocket deer) and Mazama rufa (red brocket deer). The collection of tissue fragments at different postmortem intervals (0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 5 h, 6 h, 7 h, 8 h, 9 h, 10 h, and 11 h) was evaluated. The tissues were analyzed for fibroblast cell viability immediately after collection. Their ability to undergo cryopreservation was evaluated based on techniques that can be directly applied to samples obtained in the field and their subsequent thawing and success of cell cultures was performed in the laboratory. Regarding the genetic integrity of the cells, the number of metaphases was observed by the mitotic index. The cell viability presented by the samples always remained above 60%. It was possible to establish cell cultures even with the tissues obtained 11 h after the death of the individuals; however, they required twice as many days to reach bottle confluence compared to the cultures performed with the tissues obtained 0 h after the death of the individuals. The results suggest that the best rates of cell viability, time to reach confluence, and number of metaphases per cell (mitotic index) are found in skin fragments collected up to 5 h after the death of individuals when their carcasses are kept at room temperature. Full article

With the increasing global focus on sustainable development, circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers, as highly efficient and low-pollution combustion equipment, play an important role in energy production and environmental protection. However, the combustion efficiency and emission control of CFB boilers still face challenges, and there is an urgent need for multi-objective optimization through advanced technologies to support the goal of sustainable development. This study proposes an intelligent framework integrating Bidirectional Temporal Convolutional Network (BiTCN) and Hybrid Dung Beetle Optimizer (HDBO) for multi-objective optimization of combustion efficiency and NOx/SO₂ emissions in CFB boilers. The BiTCN model captures bidirectional temporal dependencies between dynamic parameters (e.g., air-coal ratio, bed temperature) and target variables through operational data analysis. Three key improvements are implemented in DBO: (1) Chaotic initialization via sequential pattern mining (SPM) enhances population diversity and spatial coverage; (2) The osprey optimization algorithm (OOA) hunting mechanism replaces the original rolling update strategy, improving global exploration; (3) t-Distribution perturbation is applied to foraging beetles in later iterations, leveraging its “sharp peak and thick tail” characteristics to dynamically balance exploitation and exploration. Experimental results demonstrate 0.5–1% combustion efficiency improvement and 15.1%/30% reductions in NOx/SO₂ emissions for a typical CFB boiler. Full article

The diffusion of green energy technological innovation based on international green energy cooperation is a critical pathway to achieving global low-carbon emission reductions. However, few studies have considered the innovation diffusion pathways of green energy technologies under bilateral policy uncertainties. This paper constructs an evolutionary game model for the diffusion of green energy technological innovation in a complex network environment, with a focus on analyzing the impacts of key parameters such as policy spillover effects, technological heterogeneity, technical leakage risks, and free-riding risks on the equilibrium outcomes of evolutionary strategies. The results of the study are as follows: (1) Technological synergy and technological heterogeneity have a significant role in promoting the diffusion of green energy technological innovation, but when technological heterogeneity is too high, it is difficult for the two parties to find more common interests and areas of technological interaction, and the cooperative innovation will be turned into an empty shell that has a name but no reality. (2) Policy uncertainty has a significant impact on the diffusion of green energy technology innovation, and the specific impact depends on the type of policy, policy intensity, policy spillover effects, and other key parameters. (3) The risk of technological obsolescence has prompted countries to deeply participate in green energy international cooperation to realize the “curved road overtaking” of green energy technology based on technological locking and latecomer advantages; due to the existence of the phenomenon of “free-riding”, the logic of value creation based on win–win cooperation is replaced by the opportunism of “enjoying the benefits”, and cooperative innovation may be turned into a one-time “handshake agreement”. The existence of the risk of technology leakage can turn collaborative innovation into a “witch hunt” by the underdog against the overdog, and the diffusion process of green energy technology innovation is led in the wrong direction. Full article

With the increasingly severe problem of water shortage and the increasing contradiction between supply and demand, the optimal allocation of water resources has become an essential method for alleviating the water crisis. In this context, natural-element-inspired optimization algorithms have been extensively used to solve water resource optimization problems. The hunting search (HUS) algorithm has a slow convergence speed, and low accuracy, which makes it easy to fall into local optima when solving multi-objective problems, and it is also not easy to apply directly to multi-objective optimization. It is improved by introducing a fast, non-dominated sorting, congestion comparison operator, and elite retention strategy. The improved algorithm was evaluated against popular algorithms using the ZTD series of objective functions, and the results indicate that the improved algorithm performs better in terms of convergence and diversity of solution sets. The improved algorithm is then applied to solve the optimal allocation model for water resources in the receiving area of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in Hebei Province, which is based on the objective of social and economic benefits. Based on the obtained Pareto optimal frontier, the scheme with a special preference for the minimum shortage of water resources is selected as the ultimate decision-making scheme. The optimization results show that in 2030, the total water demand of water users in the receiving area is 4661.82 × 10⁶ m³, the total water allocation is 4082.88 × 10⁶ m³, and the water deficit is 578.94 × 10⁶ m³. The improved hunting search algorithm offers a new solution method for the multi-objective water resource optimization allocation problem. Full article

This study examines the impact of fear effects and cooperative hunting strategies in the context of intraguild predation food webs. The presented model includes a shared prey species with logistic growth and assumes that both the intraguild prey and intraguild predator draw their sustenance from the same resource. Using a Lyapunov function enables the system’s global stability to be proven. The impacts of key parameters on system stability are determined through bifurcation analysis. Numerical simulations show that even slight increases in the intensity of fear have drastic impacts on intraguild prey populations and, at higher levels, populations may go extinct. In addition, shifts in the parameter of cooperative hunting have a profound impact on the survival of the intraguild prey. Full article