Search Results (96)

The insecticidal efficacy of a commercial silicon dioxide (SiO₂) formulation (ChinCheX^®) was evaluated as a grain protectant and surface treatment against adults of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. In grain-treatment bioassays, wheat and barley kernels were treated with 0, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 ppm of the SiO₂ formulation and adult mortality was assessed after 3, 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure. Mortality increased with both concentration and exposure interval. Complete mortality of O. surinamensis was achieved at all concentrations, including 100 ppm after 21 d, whereas T. confusum was less susceptible at the lowest concentration but reached complete mortality at concentrations of 200 ppm or higher. Progeny production of both species was almost completely suppressed in all treated groups. In surface-treatment bioassays on concrete and plastic surfaces, high mortality (>85%) was recorded within 3 d of exposure at all application rates, while complete mortality was generally achieved within 7 d regardless of surface type. Overall, the SiO₂ formulation tested exhibited strong insecticidal activity both as a grain protectant and as a surface treatment, indicating considerable potential for the management of storage beetles in stored-product protection programs. Full article

High-penetration distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation, energy storage, flexible loads, and voltage source converters (VSCs) are transforming distribution-system operation, making operational flexibility essential in planning. This paper proposes a planning–operation bi-level optimization method for flexible distribution systems with bidirectional flexibility constraints. A multi-resource model is developed for PV, energy storage, interruptible loads, and VSCs. Upward and downward flexibility requirements are quantified from net-load ramping, and the available flexibility of each resource is represented explicitly. The upper level determines PV and energy-storage siting and sizing to minimize annual total cost; the lower level optimizes chronological operation and feeds operating cost, PV curtailment, network losses, voltage deviation, and flexibility shortages back to the planning level. A nested solution strategy combining an improved dung beetle optimization algorithm with operational evaluation was tested on a 58-bus AC/DC hybrid distribution system. Compared with coordinated source-storage planning without flexibility constraints, the proposed scheme reduced annual total cost by CNY 14.8998 million and increased average daily upward and downward flexibility margins to approximately 1.30 MW and 0.38 MW, respectively. The results also show improved PV accommodation and voltage quality, confirming the method’s economic and operational effectiveness under high renewable-energy penetration. Full article

Seed physical integrity is a critical determinant of susceptibility to insect infestation in stored products, yet its interaction with seed provenance remains poorly understood. This laboratory study investigated the survival of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on Pinus nigra L. seeds from ten Greek populations under cracked and intact conditions. Mortality was monitored at Days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-infestation. Using generalized linear mixed models with binomial errors, seed crack condition overwhelmingly determined survival outcomes, explaining 87–90% of total variance in PCA ordination. Cracked seeds supported over two-fold higher beetle survival (84–86%) compared to intact seeds (35–38%). Under intact conditions, seeds from Xanthi, Samos, and Komotini showed the highest beetle survival (38–52%), while seeds from Drama and Grevena showed the lowest (12–18%). These provenance-level differences disappeared under cracked conditions, indicating that seed provenance influences Tribolium survival only when the seed coat remains intact. Feeding damage analysis confirmed that provenance affected weight loss only under intact conditions, though these results should be interpreted with caution due to the absence of insect-free controls. These findings demonstrate that maintaining seed coat integrity is essential for preventing infestation, and that seed sources with lower susceptibility should be prioritized for short-term storage. Full article

The intermittency and seasonal variation of wind and photovoltaic generation complicate the economic–environmental dispatch of microgrids with high renewable-energy penetration. This study develops a grid-connected hybrid microgrid dispatch model that uses min–max normalization to place operating and environmental treatment costs on comparable scales. An improved red-billed blue magpie optimizer (IRBMO) is proposed to solve the resulting nonlinear optimization problem. IRBMO integrates composite chaotic initialization, an anti-predation mechanism, a multi-stage fine foraging strategy, and a simulated annealing acceptance mechanism to improve population diversity and solution accuracy while reducing the risk of becoming trapped in local optima. The algorithm is evaluated on ten CEC2019 benchmark functions and then applied to three microgrid configurations under typical summer and winter conditions. Its performance is compared with the red-billed blue magpie optimizer (RBMO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), snake optimizer (SO), dung beetle optimizer (DBO), hippopotamus optimization (HO), artificial rabbits optimization (ARO), multi-verse optimizer (MVO), and differential evolution (DE). The results show that IRBMO provides competitive solution accuracy and optimization stability. Among the three configurations, the complete system comprising photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), microturbine (MT), fuel cell (FC), and storage battery (SB) achieves the best overall dispatch performance. Its mean comprehensive costs are 1578.20 Chinese yuan (CNY) in summer and 1535.46 CNY in winter, with corresponding mean pollutant emissions of 850.66 kg and 792.51 kg. Under the profiles considered in this study, retaining both renewable sources reduces the comprehensive cost and pollutant emissions of the grid-connected microgrid. Full article

Maintaining frequency stability in modern interconnected power systems (PSs) has become increasingly challenging due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and the dynamic nature of generation and demand. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel load frequency control strategy that integrates a Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO)-tuned fractional-order Proportional–Integral–Derivative (FOPID) controller with a newly developed multi-source interconnected power system. This model combines PV, thermal, hydro, nuclear, and advanced storage (HAE and fuel cells). Unlike existing methods, the proposed approach simultaneously leverages DBO’s balanced search mechanism and FOPID’s fractional dynamics to enhance frequency stability under high renewable penetration. The performance of the proposed controller is validated through a comparative analysis with Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) methods. Simulation results show that the DBO-based controller significantly improves dynamic response, achieving reductions in settling time of 9.5% and 4.7% compared to PSO and ALO, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed approach enhances frequency regulation and tie-line power stability over other optimization methods and controllers, demonstrating strong robustness and adaptability for future high-RES power systems. Full article

Tribolium confusum is a destructive global pest of processed grains, causing severe economic damages in storages. After the application of synthetic insecticides to surfaces, they degrade, allowing insects to come in contact with lower concentrations of the toxicant. This study focused on the investigation of the sublethal impacts of the pyrrole insecticide chlorfenapyr across different surface types (plastic, glass, metal, cement) on T. confusum. Using Toxtrac for automated video tracking, we quantified locomotor traits of T. confusum adult males and females. Chlorfenapyr surface treatment at LC₁₀ and LC₃₀ suppressed the locomotor activity of T. confusum adults. Important mobility traits were quantified using ToxTrac analysis, such as average speed, average acceleration, total distance, exploration rate, mobility average speed, and total time frozen. In the untreated groups, beetles displayed high levels of activity, with average speeds exceeding 50 mm/s on glass, plastic, and cement. After insecticide exposure, all locomotor traits declined across all surface types, except for total time frozen, that showed a positive correlation with the increase in concentration of chlorfenapyr. Treatments on non-porous materials (plastic, glass, metal) caused higher mobility suppression in both sexes in comparison to respective treatments on cement. These effects were more prevalent at LC₃₀ vs. LC₁₀. Chlorfenapyr induced a strong, negative effect on the mobility behavior of T. confusum adults across all tested surfaces, highlighting the value of automated behavioral tracking for detecting and quantifying key mobility impairment on specific traits relevant to stored-product pest management. Full article

Lhasella potala Zhou, Da, Zahradník & Bai, 2025, a wood-boring pest, infests wooden components of the Potala Palace and threatens structural integrity. To support conservation-oriented pest management, we sequenced and characterized its complete mitochondrial genome and conducted comparative and phylogenetic analyses within Ptinidae. The mitogenome is 15,399 bp long and contains 37 genes (13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and a control region). It exhibits high A + T content (74.23%), positive AT-skew (0.16), and negative GC-skew (−0.26). All PCGs employed ATT, ATA, ATG, ATC, or TTG as the start codons and TAA, TAG, or single T as the stop codons. Comparisons with Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius, 1775), Stegobium paniceum (Linnaeus, 1758), and Gastrallus laevigatus (Olivier, 1790) revealed similar genome sizes and conserved gene order. Ka/Ks analysis showed that cox1 evolves most slowly, whereas nad4 evolves fastest. Nucleotide diversity was low (Pi = 0.18–0.34). Phylogenetic analysis supports a close relationship between G. laevigatus and L. potala. Field observations indicate one generation per year, with peak activity from May to July. These results provide a basis for evolutionary studies and conservation of historic wooden architecture. Full article

With the rapid penetration of renewable energy, grid-connected microgrids have become a cornerstone of low-carbon power systems, while also posing major challenges for coordinated scheduling under coupled economic and environmental goals. The resulting dispatch problem is highly nonlinear and high-dimensional, featuring tight operational constraints and conflicting cost–emission trade-offs that often undermine the efficiency and reliability of conventional optimization methods, thereby limiting overall economic productivity. This paper presents an adaptive economic–environmental dispatch framework for grid-connected microgrids formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem that simultaneously minimizes operating cost and environmental protection cost. To navigate the rugged and constrained search landscape, we develop an enhanced metaheuristic termed the Lévy–Triangular Walk Dung Beetle Optimizer (LTWDBO). The LTWDBO integrates (i) chaotic population initialization to improve diversity and feasibility coverage, (ii) a geometry-inspired triangular walk operator to strengthen local exploitation, and (iii) an adaptive Lévy-flight strategy to boost global exploration, achieving a robust exploration–exploitation balance over the entire optimization process, representing a process innovation in metaheuristic-driven dispatch optimization. The proposed method is validated on a representative grid-connected microgrid comprising photovoltaic generation, wind turbines, micro gas turbines, and battery energy storage. Comparative experiments against representative baselines (DBO, WOA, TDBO, and NSGA-II) demonstrate that the LTWDBO achieves consistently better solution quality. Our LTWDBO attains the lowest optimal objective value of 255,718.34 Yuan, compared with 357,702.68 Yuan (DBO), 347,369.28 Yuan (TDBO), and 3,854,359.36 Yuan (WOA). The LTWDBO also yields the best average objective value of 673,842.24 Yuan, an improvement of over 1,001,813.10 Yuan (DBO). Full article

Spinosad, Saccharopolyspora spinosa, is widely used as a stored product protectant. However, its efficacy against the hide beetle Dermestes maculatus DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), a major pest of dried animal-based materials, remains underexplored. In this study, we evaluated the contact and oral toxicities of spinosad across a range of concentrations applied directly to animal-derived substrates. Larval and adult mortality, along with probit parameters, were determined to assess susceptibility. Spinosad produced significant mortality in both life stages, with larvae exhibiting higher susceptibility under contact exposure, whereas adults showed increased susceptibility under feeding exposure. These patterns are consistent with prior reports of spinosad’s dual-action toxicity against stored-product pests. The larval contact and adult feeding exposures to spinosad were positively associated with higher doses, while adult contact and larval food exposures aligned with lower doses. The larval contact and adult ingestion routes drive the strongest toxic responses, whereas adult contact and larval feeding elicit weaker effects under the same doses. Overall, our results highlight spinosad as a promising tool for integrated pest management of hide beetles in animal-based storage systems. Full article

Propelled by the “dual-carbon” strategy, green and intelligent ports are rapidly advancing toward low-carbon and intelligent development. However, the large-scale incorporation of renewable energy and the extensive electrification of transport equipment have substantially heightened system volatility and scheduling complexity. To address the challenges associated with multi-energy coupling and economic operation in medium and large ports, a hierarchical collaborative optimization scheduling strategy is proposed. The upper layer employs an improved Bio-enhanced Dung Beetle Optimization (BDBO) algorithm for parameter optimization and carbon-cost minimization. Meanwhile, the lower layer establishes a rolling time-series control mechanism grounded in Adaptive Dynamic Hierarchical Decoupling Planning (ADHDP), thereby constituting an integrated BDBO-ADHDP dual-agent system. Simulation results across four seasonal scenarios demonstrate that the proposed methodology outperforms DQN, PSO, GA, ACO, and DBO algorithms in reducing grid power purchases, enhancing renewable energy utilization, mitigating curtailment, and lowering operational costs. Moreover, it achieves faster convergence, superior robustness, and effective carbon-emission control. This study substantiates the efficacy of the proposed strategy within green port integrated energy systems and highlights its potential for broader application in other multi-energy coupled systems. Full article

Mating disruption (MD) is an environmentally friendly pest management approach that uses synthetic pheromones to interfere with insect mate location and reproduction. This review summarizes current progress in the application of MD for stored-product pests, with emphasis on Lepidoptera (Plodia interpunctella Hübner and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Pyralidae)) and Coleoptera (Sitophilus spp. (Curculionidae)). For moth pests, numerous studies have demonstrated substantial suppression of mating and population growth under both laboratory and field conditions, particularly when MD is integrated with sanitation, monitoring and other IPM measures. Conversely, MD applications against beetles have been less successful due to their aggregation-based communication and lower volatility of their pheromones. Advances in pheromone formulation technology, including polymer dispensers, microencapsulated sprays and aerosol emitters, have improved pheromone stability and controlled release, although achieving uniform coverage in large and aerated storage environments remains challenging. The integration of MD with biological control, temperature management and reduced fumigant use offers promising directions for sustainable pest suppression. Continued development of smart-release devices, long-term field validation and integration with automated monitoring systems will further enhance the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of MD. Overall, MD represents a key behavioral component in reducing pesticide reliance and promoting sustainable management of stored-product pests. Full article

Under the backdrop of the “dual carbon” strategy, the rapid increase in renewable energy penetration has exacerbated challenges such as widening peak–valley load gaps and insufficient grid regulation capacity, highlighting the urgent need to establish a market-oriented collaborative dispatching mechanism. This paper proposes a peak-shaving and valley-filling dispatching approach based on a multi-agent system (MAS) to enhance both the regulatory capability and economic efficiency of power grids. A multi-agent collaborative architecture is established on the generation side, where behavioral modeling and interaction simulations of generation, load, and energy storage agents are conducted using the NetLogo platform to emulate dynamic responses under market conditions. On the grid side, dynamic electricity pricing and energy storage control strategies are implemented. An integrated time-of-use electricity pricing mechanism is designed that incorporates environmental pollution factors, supply–demand state factors, and price-smoothing factors to dynamically adjust tariffs. A price-responsive load demand model and a dynamic threshold-based energy storage control strategy are developed to facilitate flexible regulation. On the load side, an optimized dispatch model is formulated with dual objectives of minimizing system operating costs and reducing the standard deviation of the net load profile. The Beetle Antennae Search (BAS) algorithm is employed to solve the model, striking a balance between economic efficiency and stability. Case study results demonstrate that, compared with traditional dispatch methods, the coordinated optimization of the BAS algorithm and the dynamic pricing mechanism proposed in this paper achieves a dual improvement in solution efficiency and economy. This ultimately reduces the system’s peak-to-valley difference by 10.92% and operating costs by 66.2%, proving its effectiveness and superiority in power grids with high renewable energy penetration. Full article

In the face of the global climate and ecological crisis, as well as growing consumer needs and demands, a transformation of the global food production and distribution system is necessary. The productivity and quality characteristics of Tritordeum make this cereal an effective tool in the sustainable modernization of the agricultural sector. However, this potential can be significantly limited in the supply chain by storage pests. This study aimed to assess the impact of Tritordeum resistance on the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.). The experiment used 11 Tritordeum breeding lines in comparison to three cereal species derived from conventional cultivation systems (common wheat Triticum aestivum L., durum wheat Triticum durum Desf., spring barley Hordeum vulgare L.). The research showed that Tritordeum may be a substrate on which S. oryzae feeds, although the intensity of the pest’s development varied depending on the line. The study also demonstrated that the hardness of the Tritordeum seed coat did not directly influence the development intensity of the analyzed beetles. It was noted, however, that the degree of infestation by these insects depended on the chemical profile of the infested kernels. The increased total protein content and lower fiber content (compared to common wheat) likely influence the development of Tritordeum resistance. This study demonstrates that Tritordeum possesses inherent resistance traits linked to its grain chemistry, providing a basis for breeding more storage-resistant cereal cultivars. Full article

The large-scale integration of Distributed Generation (DG) poses significant challenges to the stable operation of distribution networks. It is particularly crucial to explore the power supply restoration capability of Soft Open Points with Energy Storage (E-SOP) and enhance power supply dependability. To address this issue, this paper proposes a power supply restoration method for flexible interconnected distribution networks (FIDN) considering wind–solar uncertainty. First, the control strategy and mathematical model of E-SOP are analyzed. Second, a wind–solar uncertainty model is established, with the weighted sum of maximizing restored node active load and minimizing power loss as the objective function, followed by a detailed analysis of constraints. Then, chance constraints are introduced to transform the proposed problem into a Mixed-Integer Second-Order Cone Programming (MISOCP) model. The Dung Beetle Optimization (DBO) algorithm is improved through logistic chaotic mapping, golden sine strategy, and position update coefficient to construct a distribution network power supply restoration model. Finally, simulations are conducted on the IEEE 33-node system using a hybrid optimization algorithm that combines Improved Dung Beetle Optimization (IDBO) with MISOCP. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively maximize power supply restoration in outage areas, further enhance the self-healing capability of distribution networks, and verify the feasibility of the method. Full article

This study investigates the configuration of an energy storage system (ESS) and the optimization of energy management strategies for diesel-electric hybrid ships, with the goal of enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. An integrated mathematical model of the diesel generator set and the battery-based ESS is established. A rule-based energy management strategy (EMS) is proposed, in which the ship operating conditions are classified into berthing, maneuvering, and cruising modes. This classification enables coordinated power allocation between the diesel generator set and the ESS, while ensuring that the diesel engine operates within its high-efficiency region. The optimization framework considers the number of battery modules in series and the upper and lower bounds of the state of charge (SOC) as design variables. The dual objectives are set as lifecycle cost (LCC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, optimized using the Multi-Objective Coati Optimization Algorithm (MOCOA). The algorithm achieves a balance between global exploration and local exploitation. Numerical simulations indicate that, under the LCC-optimal solution, fuel consumption and GHG emissions are reduced by 16.12% and 13.18%, respectively, while under the GHG-minimization solution, reductions of 37.84% in fuel consumption and 35.02% in emissions are achieved. Compared with conventional algorithms, including Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO), Non-dominated Sorting Dung Beetle Optimizer (NSDBO), and Multi-Objective Sparrow Search Algorithm (MOSSA), MOCOA exhibits superior convergence and solution diversity. The findings provide valuable engineering insights into the optimal configuration of ESS and EMS for hybrid ships, thereby contributing to the advancement of green shipping. Full article