Search Results (24,204)

The Pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO) is a key enzyme in chlorophyll degradation and plays an important role in plant senescence. However, the PaO gene’s function in sorghum remains underexplored. In this study, we identified five SbPaO gene family members in the sorghum genome through bioinformatics analysis. Analyses of gene structure, phylogeny, and collinearity revealed high conservation of this gene family among grass crops, suggesting similar functions. Subcellular localization and protein network predictions indicated that SbPaOs may participate in chlorophyll catabolism and regulate leaf senescence. Expression pattern analysis showed that SbPaO1, SbPaO3, SbPaO4, and SbPaO5 were highly expressed in leaves and significantly upregulated during senescence. Haplotype analysis found three SbPaO genes significantly linked to thousand-grain weight (TGW); superior haplotypes SbPaO1-hap4, SbPaO3-hap5, and SbPaO4-hap4 notably increased this trait. Single-gene improvements increased TGW by 10.57–17.20%, dual-gene aggregation by 18.78–24.75%, and three-gene aggregation by 29.09%. The study also developed Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers that identify superior haplotypes with 100% accuracy. In summary, this study’s results provide a theoretical basis and genetic resources for further exploration of haplotype pyramiding strategies to breed new high-yielding sorghum varieties and delineate a clear research direction for subsequent functional validation and breeding practices. Full article

This paper introduces novel formulations in the framework of $\alpha -\mathcal{E}$-contractions within the context of admissible mappings. We establish new fixed point theorems for $\alpha -\mathcal{E}$- Suzuki-type contractions, thereby generalizing and extending the foundational work of Hossein Piri and Poom Kumam. The principal objective of this research is to investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions to a class of integral equations by leveraging fixed point methodologies in complete metric spaces. By developing these advanced $\alpha -\mathcal{E}$-contraction concepts and analyzing their implications for admissible mappings, this work contributes to the theoretical advancement of fixed point theory. To support our new definition, we illustrate examples. The results demonstrate the efficacy of this approach for addressing nonlinear problems in analysis, specifically enriching the methodology for solving integral equations. The overarching aim is to consolidate the theoretical underpinnings and provide a rigorous analytical framework for the application of $\alpha -\mathcal{E}$-contraction mappings, thereby fostering further progress in mathematical analysis. Full article

Low-voltage electrical appliances, represented by circuit breakers, contactors, and proximity switches, are widely used in various electrical control systems in transportation vehicles. During vehicle operation, engine vibrations, poor workplace balance, constantly changing operating directions, unbalanced transmission systems, emergency braking, and other factors can all cause variable loads. These variable loads may decrease the effectiveness of low-voltage electrical contacts; the failure rate of the low-voltage electrical appliances used in transportation vehicles is three times that of normal indoor low-voltage electrical appliances. This study analyzes the failure mechanism of low-voltage electrical appliances used in transportation vehicles and establishes a model for their reliability evaluation and prediction based on a variable-load data-driven approach. This variable-load data comes from the constructed simulated vehicle operation test platform. Nonlinear variable-load test data generated by simulation is collected through the test platform and is then processed. An evaluation feature dataset is constructed and input into the reliability evaluation and prediction model to obtain the remaining life of low-voltage electrical appliances. The analysis and verification of the predicted evaluation values and the real values detected through platform equipment showed that the accuracy of this model for these appliances based on the variable-load data-driven approach reached 94%, meeting the requirements of practical applications. This method used in this study to derive the model can provide a theoretical basis for online evaluation and prediction of low-voltage electrical appliance reliability for transportation vehicles. This can not only prevent vehicle failures and avoid sudden accidents, but also fully utilize the remaining life of low-voltage electrical appliances and reduce the cost of replacing them. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between sports participation and spectatorship, two dimensions of sports engagement that have significant policy implications, by analyzing data from a 2016 nationwide UK survey (N = 1105). Scholarly research into this connection is relatively limited, especially when examined through a gendered lens. Discussing theoretical considerations of gender and the interrelations between direct sports participation and spectatorship, we utilize statistical techniques, including latent-class analysis (LCA), which enable us to uncover patterns in spectatorship and participation in the UK (two classes for women; three classes for men). We further operationalize capital by drawing on Bourdieu’s framework—encompassing economic, cultural, social, and symbolic forms of capital—to assess the resources that shape individuals’ (gendered) access to and engagement with sport. We find strong evidence for links between sport participation and spectatorship (r = 0.194 for women; r = 0.360 for men). While men exhibit a diverse range of engagement profiles, our findings indicate that women must overcome additional barriers, requiring significantly higher levels of capital and a higher degree of personal engagement to participate, suggesting that women are still disproportionately challenged in accessing this socially salient cultural form. Full article

To address the challenge of time-varying reliability assessment for double-span rotor systems under misalignment faults and load-sharing conditions, a time-varying reliability modeling method based on neural networks and reliability velocity mapping is proposed in this paper. By establishing a system dynamics model coupled with misalignment fault, a feedforward neural network surrogate model is constructed to efficiently predict stochastic stress responses, overcoming the limitations of high computational cost and difficulty in probabilistic analysis inherent in traditional finite element methods. Furthermore, by introducing the concept of reliability velocity, an intelligent mapping from independent systems to dependent systems is established, significantly enhancing the assessment accuracy of system time-varying reliability under small-sample conditions. Case study validation demonstrates that the proposed method can accurately capture the system degradation behavior under load-sharing and failure dependency mechanisms, providing a theoretical foundation for reliability analysis and intelligent operation and maintenance of rotor systems. Full article

Salinity is a pivotal environmental factor that significantly influences the survival, growth, development, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. However, the characteristics of serum metabolites and their mechanistic roles in mediating the response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) to long-term salinity stress remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the present study exposed grass carp to different salinity levels (0, 4, and 8 g/L) for 60 days to evaluate the associated physiological alterations and metabolic responses. The results revealed that high salinity (8 g/L) significantly suppressed growth performance (p < 0.05), whereas low salinity (4 g/L) caused no significant reduction in growth or survival. Physiological analyses indicated that fish in the 8 g/L group exhibited markedly reduced levels of lactic acid and total protein, along with elevated concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (p < 0.05). Serum ion homeostasis was also disrupted under high salinity, characterized by increased Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and Cl⁻ levels and decreased Mg²⁺ (p < 0.05). Furthermore, oxidative stress was evident in the high-salinity group through heightened activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), accumulation of oxidative damage markers (protein carbonyl, 8-OHdG) (p < 0.05). Metabolomic profiling identified 367 and 403 significantly altered metabolites in the 4 g/L and 8 g/L groups, respectively, primarily belonging to lipids and lipid-like molecules along with organic acids and derivatives. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these differential metabolites were chiefly involved in amino acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Trend analysis further uncovered eight distinct expression patterns of metabolites across salinity gradients. These results provide novel insights into the metabolic adaptations of grass carp to salinity stress, demonstrating that high salinity induces oxidative stress, disrupts ion regulation, and drives extensive metabolic reprogramming. The study offers valuable theoretical support for improving salinity tolerance management in aquaculture and informs the selective breeding of salt-tolerant fish strains. Full article

Underground gas storage (UGS) facilities are fundamental for national energy security and global decarbonization efforts. However, solid phase production in carbonate reservoirs, such as Qianmi Bridge, poses a significant operational challenge by compromising wellbore integrity and formation permeability. To address this, this study develops a novel, comprehensive methodology for predicting and mitigating solid phase production risk in carbonate UGS under dynamic operating conditions, specifically focusing on the Qianmi Bridge gas storage. This approach systematically integrates qualitative susceptibility assessments (using acoustic time difference, B index, and S index) with quantitative models for critical and ultimate pressure difference forecasting. Crucially, the methodology rigorously accounts for dynamic process parameters, including rock strength degradation due to acidizing, in situ stress variations, and fluid flow dynamics throughout the reservoir’s operational life cycle, a critical aspect often overlooked in conventional models designed for sandstone reservoirs. Analysis reveals that the safe operating pressure window dramatically narrows as formation pressure declines and rock strength is weakened, especially under high-intensity, multi-cycle alternating loads. Specifically, acidizing treatments can reduce the critical pressure difference by over 50% (e.g., from 40.49 MPa to 19.63 MPa), and under depleted conditions (0.6 P₀, 0.8 UCS), the reservoir’s ability to resist solid phase production approaches zero, highlighting an extremely high risk. These findings provide an essential theoretical and technical basis for formulating robust operational control strategies, enabling data-driven decision-making to enhance the long-term safety, efficiency, and overall process integrity of carbonate gas storage operations. Full article

Artificial intelligence technology is profoundly reshaping the aviation field, driving the accelerated evolution of air confrontation patterns toward intelligence and autonomy. Given that experimental aircraft platforms are key means to verify intelligent air confrontation technologies, this paper—on the basis of systematically sorting out the progress of intelligent technologies in the air confrontation domain at home and abroad—first focuses on analyzing the connotation, technological evolution path, and application prospects of experimental aircraft platforms, and deeply interprets the technological breakthroughs and application practices of typical experimental platforms such as X-37B and X-62A in the field of artificial intelligence integration. Furthermore, through the analysis of three typical air confrontation projects, it reveals the four core advantages of experimental aircraft platforms in intelligent technology research: efficient iterative verification, risk reduction, promotion of capability emergence, and provision of flexible carriers. Finally, this paper focuses on constructing a technical implementation framework for the deep integration of intelligent technologies and flight tests, covering key links such as requirement analysis and environmental test design, construction of intelligent test aircraft platforms and capability generation, ground verification, and test evaluation, and summarizes various key technologies involved in the technical implementation framework. This study can provide theoretical support for the deep integration of artificial intelligence technology and the aviation field, including an engineering path from intelligent algorithm design, verification to iterative optimization, supporting the transformation of air confrontation patterns from “human-in-the-loop” to “autonomous gaming,” thereby enhancing the intelligence level and actual confrontation effectiveness in the aviation field. Full article

Material handling (MH) plays a critical role in the performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability of high-rise construction projects. Despite its significance, MH practices in such projects remain challenged by complex vertical logistics, space constraints, fragmented supply chains, and increasing pressure to align with decarbonisation goals. This study applies a mixed-methods approach that integrates a systematic literature review, semi-structured expert interviews, and a SWOT–AHP (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats—Analytic Hierarchy Process) model to identify and prioritise factors influencing MH optimisation in China’s high-rise construction sector. Eighteen factors were evaluated across four SWOT dimensions, and expert pairwise comparisons were aggregated using geometric means. The results revealed that Technological Adoption (S1) and Technological Advancements (O3) are the most critical enablers, while High Implementation Costs (W2) and Resource Scarcity (T3) are the most significant constraints. Interactions among these factors highlight the dual importance of internal digital capabilities and external technological trajectories in shaping MH strategies. Comparative analysis with practices in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East demonstrates that digitalisation, financial mechanisms, and policy incentives are globally consistent drivers of MH innovation. The findings advance theoretical understanding by integrating perspectives from the Resource-Based View, Technology-Organisation-Environment, and Institutional Theory, and they offer practical implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to align MH optimisation with China’s dual-carbon targets. This study contributes to the development of a comprehensive decision-support framework that enhances the sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of material logistics in high-rise construction projects. Full article

China has witnessed extensive construction of underground powerhouses for pumped storage power stations. With the continuous increase in unit capacity, vibration problems have become particularly pronounced. Intense vibrations may not only disrupt the normal operation of hydropower units but also compromise the overall structural safety of the powerhouse. Moreover, in dynamic analyses of powerhouse structures, different parameters exert varying degrees of influence on the results, making it essential to systematically examine their impacts. This study focuses on a large-scale underground powerhouse, establishing a three-dimensional finite element model of Unit #1 to investigate its dynamic characteristics and parametric sensitivity. Through modal and harmonic response analyses, the effects of key parameters—including the zone of surrounding rock, elastic modulus of surrounding rock, dynamic elastic modulus of concrete, and damping ratio—were systematically evaluated. Results indicate that an expanded surrounding rock zone reduces natural frequency and increases dynamic displacement, with a zone twice the span length offering an optimal balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. Increasing the elastic modulus of the surrounding rock raises the natural frequency and slightly reduces displacement, while having a limited impact on dynamic stress. The dynamic elastic modulus of concrete shows a square-root relationship with natural frequency and an inverse correlation with dynamic displacement. The damping ratio has negligible influence on natural frequency, dynamic displacement, and dynamic stress. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for parameter selection in the dynamic analysis of underground powerhouse structures, enhancing the reliability of numerical simulations. Full article

In the processes of deep hole drilling and boring, tool deflection and chatter are prevalent problems that significantly affect the quality and efficiency of deep hole part machining. This paper designs a Helical-Type Vibration-Damping and Deflection Correction Device for BTA (boring and trepanning association) deep hole drilling based on the principles of fluid dynamic pressure lubrication and squeeze film damping. By leveraging the flow field characteristics of cutting oil during machining, the device achieves vibration-damping, deflection correction, and enhanced support for the tool system throughout the drilling operation. Through theoretical analysis, this research examines the oil film pressure distribution and stability of the Designed Vibration-Damping and Deviation Correction Device. It also explores the influence patterns of factors such as cutting parameters, device structure, minimum film thickness, film thickness ratio, and length-to-diameter ratio on its vibration-damping, deviation correction, and stability performance. Taking a $\varphi 29.35$ deep hole as the research object, an experimental platform was designed and constructed to measure and verify the device’s vibration-damping and deviation correction effects under different operating conditions. Deep hole drilling tests were carried out on 10 conventional gun steel specimens ($\varphi 29.35$ × 3000 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$). The results indicate that, when the minimum oil film gap of the Vibration-Damping and Deflection Correction Device is 0.08$\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$, the axis deviation range is 0.27~0.45$\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$, with a surface roughness of 0.589 to 0.677$\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$. Compared to similar conditions without the device, these represent reductions of 55~73% and 47.07~53.95%, respectively. It allows for a reduction of over 10% in blank material allowance and an increase of 5–15% in tool feed rates. Full article

The rising prevalence of geopolitical conflicts and other disruptive events threatens the globally integrated supply chain of the integrated circuit (IC) industry. To identify the key industries and key enterprises within the IC industry and clarify the key influencing factors of the industry’s resilience, this paper takes the Chinese IC industry as the research object. Firstly, this paper has achieved the quantitative modeling of China’s IC industry system by constructing a three-level industrial chain and supply chain network. Then, using the agent-based modeling simulation method, a large number of risk events were simulated, and the key risk nodes within the system were identified. Finally, through the experimental design, this study completes the analysis of the key points of the resilience capability of China’s IC industry. The results provide theoretical insights into resilience mechanisms and support evidence-based management strategies for the IC industry. Full article

The flow of a two-dimensional incompressible hybrid nanofluid over a stretching cylinder containing microorganisms with parallel effect of inclined magnetohydrodynamic was examined in the current study in relation to chemical reactions, heat source effect, nonlinear heat radiation, and multiple convective boundaries. The main objective of this research is the optimization of heat transfer with inclined MHD and variation in different physical parameters. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations by applying the appropriate similarity transformations. The Runge–Kutta method is recognized for using shooting as a technique. Surface plots, graphs, and tables have been used to illustrate how various parameters affect the local Nusselt number, mass transfer, and heat transmission. It is demonstrated that when the chemical reaction parameter rises, the concentration and motile concentration profiles drop. The least responsive is the rate of heat transfer to changes in the inclined magnetic field and most associated with changes in the Biot number and radiation parameter shown in contour plot. The streamline graph illustrates the way fluid flow is affected simultaneously by the magnetic parameter M and an angled magnetic field. Local Nusselt number and local skin friction are improved by the curvature parameter and mixed convection parameter. The contours highlight the intricate interactions between restricted magnetic field, significant radiation, and substantial convective condition factors by displaying the best heat transfer. The three-dimensional surface, scattered graph, pie chart, and residual plotting demonstrate the statistical analysis of the heat transfer. The results support their use in sophisticated energy, healthcare, and industrial systems and enhance our theoretical knowledge of hybrid nanofluid dynamics. Full article

Entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a critical engine of economic growth. This is especially true in rural areas, where resources, policy support, and talent pools are often constrained. Stimulating entrepreneurial vitality in these regions has thus become an urgent policy and research priority. This study adopts an inclusive growth perspective, selecting six key elements—economic level, industrial structure, financial development, educational condition, medical condition, and social security—to construct a theoretical model exploring the configuration pathways that drive rural entrepreneurial activity. Using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the study examines 982 rural regions in China and draws the following conclusions: (1) None of the six key elements is a necessary condition for rural entrepreneurial activity. (2) The “finance and healthcare-driven” type (C1), “industrial and educational balance” type (C2), “financial and educational synergy” type (C3), and “industrial and healthcare support” type (C4) are the configuration paths to achieve high rural entrepreneurial activity. The findings provide both theoretical and practical insights for stimulating entrepreneurship in rural China. Specifically, they highlight how different developmental configurations can activate local entrepreneurial ecosystems, expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable groups, and contribute to sustainable poverty alleviation. Full article

Volvariella volvacea, the Chinese mushroom, is a high-temperature grass-rot fungus with great production potential, yet its low yield limits industrial development. Exogenous sodium acetate (NaAc) has been shown to increase yield by promoting indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis during the primordium stage, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene VvALDH, highly expressed at the primordium stage, was cloned and functionally characterized. VvALDH encodes a 1509 bp cDNA with a conserved aldehyde dehydrogenase domain. Using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, overexpression lines showed a 4.76-fold increase in VvALDH expression, accompanied by higher biomass (38%), yield (83%), and IAA content (34%), while RNAi lines showed opposite trends. These results demonstrate that VvALDH promotes IAA biosynthesis, enhances primordium differentiation, and increases yield. Further analysis revealed its involvement in multiple IAA biosynthetic pathways, including indolepyruvate, tryptamine, and tryptophan side-chain oxidase pathways. This work clarifies the molecular basis of NaAc-mediated yield improvement and provides a theoretical foundation for genetic and cultivation strategies in V. volvacea. Full article