The development of multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) cancer all too often signals the need for alternative toxic therapy or palliative care. Our recent in vivo and in vitro studies using canine MDR lymphoma cancer cells demonstrate that the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) is impaired in MDR cells compared to normal canine control and drug-sensitive cancer cells. Here, we sought to establish whether this phenomena is a generalizable mechanism independent of species, malignancy type, or chemotherapy regime. To test the association of blunted APC activity with MDR cancer behavior, we used matched parental and MDR MCF7 human breast cancer cells, and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of human triple-negative breast cancer. We show that APC activating mechanisms, such as APC subunit 1 (APC1) phosphorylation and CDC27/CDC20 protein associations, are reduced in MCF7 MDR cells when compared to chemo-sensitive matched cell lines. Consistent with impaired APC function in MDR cells, APC substrate proteins failed to be effectively degraded. Similar to our previous observations in canine MDR lymphoma cells, chemical activation of the APC using Mad2 Inhibitor-1 (M2I-1) in MCF7 MDR cells enhanced APC substrate degradation and resensitized MDR cells in vitro to the cytotoxic effects of the alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DOX). Using cell cycle arrest/release experiments, we show that mitosis is delayed in MDR cells with elevated substrate levels. When pretreated with M2I-1, MDR cells progress through mitosis at a faster rate that coincides with reduced levels of APC substrates. In our PDX model, mice growing a clinically MDR human triple-negative breast cancer tumor show significantly reduced tumor growth when treated with M2I-1, with evidence of increased DNA damage and apoptosis. Thus, our results strongly support the hypothesis that APC impairment is a driver of aggressive tumor development and that targeting the APC for activation has the potential for meaningful clinical benefits in treating recurrent cases of MDR malignancy. Full article

One of the most pressing issues in the implementation of construction projects is the extension of planned deadlines, significantly impacting project costs. This situation often arises due to inaccurate estimation of construction durations, which rely on normative values without accounting for factors hindering construction progress. Consequently, this article aims to develop an innovative approach for assessing construction durations, considering specific risk factors and their influence on construction activities. Given the difficulty of determining risk factors and their effects during the design phase using classical probability theory, characterized by unknown probability distributions, it is highlighted that this scenario represents planning and implementation under conditions of non-statistical uncertainty. Therefore, the article proposes an approach utilizing elements of fuzzy set theory, particularly fuzzy rules and linguistic variables, to determine delays in individual construction tasks. The proposed approach involves estimating extensions of construction timelines based on a specified probability level of occurrence for risk events and their impact. Additionally, the article provides a theoretical description of the proposed approach and practical calculation examples, demonstrating that the authors’ approach significantly enhances the accuracy of construction timeline forecasts, providing more reliable data for project planning and management. Full article

Background: Recently, minimally invasive access via right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy (RAMT) has been gaining popularity in cardiac surgery. This approach is also an option for surgeons performing aortic surgery. The aim of this study is to present our surgical method, highlighting the total endoscopic minimally invasive approach via RAMT for replacement of the ascending aorta (AAR) with or without involvement of the aortic root and the aortic valve. Methods: Clinical data of 44 patients from three participating institutions with AAR with or without involvement of the aortic valve or aortic root via RAMT between April 2017 and February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to surgical procedure, patients were divided into two groups, in the AAR and in the Wheat/Bentall group with concomitant valve or root replacement. Operative time, length of ventilation, perioperative outcome, length of intensive care unit (ICU) as well as postoperative hospital stay, and mid- and long-term results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Mean age was 61.4 ± 10.7 years old with a frequency of male gender of 63.6%. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) time and aortic cross-clamping time was 94.9 ± 32.5 min and 63.8 ± 25.9 min, respectively. CPB and aortic clamp time were significantly lower in AAR group. In the first 24 h, the mean drainage volume was 790.3 ± 423.6 mL. Re-thoracotomy due to bleeding was zero. Sternotomy was able to be avoided in all patients. Patients stayed 35.9 ± 23.5 h at ICU and were discharged 7.8 ± 3.0 days following surgery from hospital. Mean ventilation time was 5.8 ± 7.6 h. All patients survived and 30-day mortality was 0.0%. At a median follow-up time of 18.2 months, all patients were alive. The results were similar in both groups. Conclusions: The full endoscopic RAMT approach with 3D visualization is a safe, feasible and promising technique that can be transferred in the field of aortic surgery without compromising surgical quality, postoperative outcomes, or patient safety when performed by an experienced team in a high-volume center. Full article

This paper considers the estimation of SOC and SOH for lithium batteries using multi-innovation Levenberg–Marquardt and adaptive weighting unscented Kalman filter algorithms. For parameter identification, the second-order derivative of the objective function to optimize the traditional gradient descent algorithm is used. For SOC estimation, an adaptive weighting unscented Kalman filter algorithm is proposed to deal with the nonlinear update problem of the mean and covariance, which can substantially improve the estimation accuracy of the internal state of the lithium battery. Compared with fixed weights in the traditional unscented Kalman filtering algorithm, this algorithm adaptively adjusts the weights according to the state and measured values to improve the state estimation update accuracy. Finally, according to simulations, the errors of this algorithm are all lower than 1.63 %, which confirms the effectiveness of this algorithm. Full article

A new approach is proposed that identifies three different zones of the Si-rich network structure (the cellular structure) in laser powder bed fused (LPBF) AlSi10Mg alloy, based on the variation in morphology, grain growth transition, and melt pool solidification conditions. The three identified zones are denoted in the present work as the liquid solidification zone (LSZ), the mushy solidification zone (MSZ), and the heat affected zone (HAZ). The LSZ is the result of liquid–solid transformation, showing small planar growth at the boundary and large cellular growth in the center, while the MSZ is related to a semisolid reaction, and the HAZ arises from a short-time aging process. The boundary between the LSZ and MSZ is identified by the change of grain growth direction and the Si-rich network advancing direction. The boundary between MSZ and HAZ is identified by the start of the breakdown of the Si-rich network. In addition, it is found that the fracture is generated in and propagates along the HAZ during tensile tests. Full article

Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), a significant quarantine pest, has recently invaded China, marking a new spread outside its known global distribution. This study aims to clarify the invasion and colonization mechanisms of H. ligniperda in Shandong Province, a primary colonization site. This study employed sampling surveys and analysis of damaged wood, discovering that the wood-boring insects sharing the same host as H. ligniperda mainly include Cryphalus sp., Arhopalus rusticus, and Shirahoshizo sp. Through ecological niche theory, the study analyzed the ecological niche relationships between H. ligniperda and these three wood-boring insects, from the perspectives of temporal and spatial resource utilization. The results reveal that these insects could cause damage to P. thunbergii trees at different health levels, with H. ligniperda being the most destructive. The ecological niches of insect populations varied significantly by tree vigor and height. Cryphalus sp. occupied the entire trunk, whereas A. rusticus and Shirahoshizo sp. were concentrated in the lower-middle trunk and the root section up to a depth of 1 m. Notably, H. ligniperda primarily targeted tree roots. Due to the differences in spatial distribution, there was no intense competition between H. ligniperda and other wood-boring insects. With a decline in the health of the host tree, Cryphalus sp. ascended the trunk, whereas H. ligniperda spread deeper into the roots and A. rusticus moved towards the base of the trunk and the top of the roots. Shirahoshizo sp. showed a less defined distribution pattern. Therefore, H. ligniperda was more dominant during the later stage of damage. The position occupied by each insect on the trunk was relatively stable, and the ecological niche overlap value with H. ligniperda was low in terms of temporal resources. Therefore, H. ligniperda and other stem-boring pests exhibit coexisting populations mainly through the allocation and utilization of spatial resources, eventually promoting the successful colonization of H. ligniperda. Full article

Despite the extensive research successes and continuous developments in modern medicine in terms of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, the lack of clinically useful disease-modifying drugs or immunotherapeutic agents that can successfully treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases is an ongoing challenge. To date, only one of the 244 drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has been approved in the past decade, indicating a failure rate of 99.6%. In corollary, the approved monoclonal antibody did not demonstrate significant cognitive benefits. Thus, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly. Therefore, there is an urgent need for creative approaches to identifying and testing biomarkers for better diagnosis, prevention, and disease-modifying strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpression of the endogenous α-synuclein has been identified as the driving force for the formation of the pathogenic α-synuclein (α-Syn) conformers, resulting in neuroinflammation, hypersensitivity, endogenous homeostatic responses, oxidative dysfunction, and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the conformational plasticity of α-Syn proffers that a certain level of α-Syn is essential for the survival of neurons. Thus, it exerts both neuroprotective and neurotoxic (regulatory) functions on neighboring neuronal cells. Furthermore, the aberrant metastable α-Syn conformers may be subtle and difficult to detect but may trigger cellular and molecular events including immune responses. It is well documented in literature that the misfolded α-Syn and its conformers that are released into the extracellular space from damaged or dead neurons trigger the innate and adaptive immune responses in PD. Thus, in this review, we discuss the nonintuitive plasticity and immunogenicity of the α-Syn conformers in the brain immune cells and their physiological and pathological consequences on the neuroimmune responses including neuroinflammation, homeostatic remodeling, and cell-specific interactions that promote neuroprotection in PD. We also critically reviewed the novel strategies for immunotherapeutic delivery interventions in PD pathogenesis including immunotherapeutic targets and potential nanoparticle-based smart drug delivery systems. It is envisioned that a greater understanding of the nonintuitive immunogenicity of aberrant α-Syn conformers in the brain’s microenvironment would provide a platform for identifying valid therapeutic targets and developing smart brain delivery systems for clinically effective disease-modifying immunotherapeutics that can aid in the prevention and treatment of PD in the future. Full article

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing annually, and UC has a serious impact on patients’ lives. Polysaccharides have gained attention as potential drug candidates for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in recent years. Huaier (Trametes robiniophila Murr) is a fungus that has been used clinically for more than 1000 years, and its bioactive polysaccharide components have been reported to possess immunomodulatory effects, antitumour potential, and renoprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to examine the protective effects and mechanisms of Huaier polysaccharide (HP) against UC. Based on the H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress model in HT-29 cells and the dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS)-induced UC model, we demonstrated that Huaier polysaccharides significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis (weight loss, elevated disease activity index (DAI) scores, and colonic shortening). In addition, HP inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation and alleviated DSS-induced intestinal barrier damage. It also significantly promoted the expression of the mucin Muc2. Furthermore, HP reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria Escherichia-Shigella and promoted the abundance of beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Anaerotruncus, and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified to regulate the intestinal flora disturbance caused by DSS. Nontargeted metabolomics revealed that HP intervention would modulate metabolism by promoting levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). These results demonstrated that HP had the ability to mitigate DSS-induced UC by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, maintaining the intestinal barrier, and modulating the intestinal flora. These findings will expand our knowledge of how HP functions and offer a theoretical foundation for using HP as a potential prebiotic to prevent UC. Full article

Online retail platforms such as Amazon and Tmall have the ability to create personalized recommendations based on the consumer’s browsing history, purchase history, and preferences by investing in data analytics capability. In practice, manufacturers may encroach on the retail market through the agency channel that sells products directly to online consumers in addition to wholesale products to retail platforms through the reselling channel. In this study, we develop a game-theoretic model to study the interplay between the manufacturer’s encroachment and the online retail platform’s data analytics capability investment. Our outcomes reveal that the conditions for the manufacturer to encroach become more lenient if the platform invests in data analytics capability, and we show that the investment in data analytics capability can lead to a Pareto improvement and the manufacturer can free ride on the platform’s investment. Moreover, we found that the manufacturer’s encroachment always creates more incentives for the platform to enhance the investment level in data analytics capability. Our research in this study provides useful insights for managers to make encroachment decisions and data analytics capability investment decisions with the manufacturer who sells through the online retail platform. Full article

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of body image coping strategies in the relationship between positive body image and wellbeing. Three hundred and seventy-two women and three hundred and seventy-seven men completed a questionnaire assessing body appreciation, body appreciation functionality, body compassion, body image coping strategies (appearance fixing, avoidance, positive rational acceptance), self-acceptance and overall psychological wellbeing. Path analysis showed that avoidance significantly mediated the relationship between body appreciation and overall psychological wellbeing among both women and men; its mediating role was confirmed for men’s but not for women’s self-acceptance. Positive rational acceptance was a significant mediator of the relationship between body compassion and both psychological wellbeing and self-acceptance among men but not among women. These findings show that higher body appreciation is associated with a lower tendency to avoid appearance-related cognitions or thoughts that are interpreted as threatening, with an indirect effect on women’s and men’s psychological wellbeing. Analogously, but only for men, body compassion is associated with mental activities and self-care behaviors that foster rational self-talk and the acceptance of one’s experiences, which, in turn, are linked to higher wellbeing. These findings can help to plan programs aimed at fostering individuals’ wellbeing by focusing on their positive body image considering gender differences. Full article

Vibrio species are naturally found in estuarine and marine ecosystems, but are also recognized as significant human enteropathogens, often linked to seafood-related illnesses. In aquaculture settings, Vibrio poses a substantial risk of infectious diseases, resulting in considerable stock losses and prompting the use of antimicrobials. However, this practice contributes to the proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and resistance genes. Our investigation aimed to explore the potential of biological agents such as bacteriophage CH20 and endolysin LysVPp1 in reducing Vibrio bacterial loads in both rotifer and fish larvae. LysVPp1’s lytic activity was assessed by measuring absorbance reduction against various pathogenic Vibrio strains. Phage CH20 exhibited a limited host range, affecting only Vibrio alginolyticus GV09, a highly pathogenic strain. Both CH20 and LysVPp1 were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing Vibrio load in rotifers or fish larvae through short-setting bioassays. Our results demonstrated the significant lytic effect of endolysin LysVPp1 on strains of Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio splendidus. Furthermore, we have showcased the feasibility of reducing the load of pathogenic Vibrio in live feed and fish larvae by using a non-antibiotic-based approach, such as lytic phage and endolysin LysVPp1, thus contributing to the progress of a sustainable aquaculture from a One Health perspective. Full article

Many cities in coastal areas are prone to typhoon disasters due to their location on the Pacific storm path, and the direct effect of catastrophic winds can lead to the destruction of low-rise buildings and severe damage to high-rise structures. The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of boundary layer wind profiles of strong typhoons in coastal areas and reduce property losses and casualties caused by wind disasters. Based on the field measurements of wind profile acoustic radar in coastal areas, the variation characteristics of the boundary layer wind profile during the passage of super typhoon Lekima were first studied in depth, and the evolution law of the typhoon boundary layer profile was summarized. Then, the effects of typhoon horizontal structure, topography, wind speed, and time distance on the characteristics of the typhoon profile were discussed, respectively. Finally, the evolution characteristics of wind profile parameters were obtained by fitting three wind profile theoretical models. Due to the strong variability of typhoon profile morphology, the theoretical model of wind profile is only applicable to the wind profile from the bottom to the low-level jet height of typhoons, while wind parameters are closely related to the spatial location of the typhoon wind field. Full article

The present-day climate (the recent 100–150 years) obviously constitutes the structure of a global intra-system rhythmic process with an individual rhythm of about 60 years. In turn, each of the rhythms is presented by the two climate phases of about 25–35 years characterized by qualitative differences: one phase is relatively continental, while the other is humid. Globality and quasi-synchronism of environmental changes are accompanied by planetary structures: the Global Atmospheric Oscillation (GAO) in the atmosphere and the Multidecadal Oscillation of the Heat content in the Ocean (MOHO) discovered relatively recently. Unexpected and rapid qualitative phase changes in the climate, which first focused attention in the mid-1970s of the last century, were titled “climate shifts”. The revealed features of the present-day climate are of exceptional scientific and practical interest and deserve the development of methods for predicting the timing of the forthcoming climate shift. Arising unexpectedly and accompanied by rapid significant changes, these shifts identified the problem of understanding the nature and establishing the processes and mechanisms causing them. First of all, of interest are phase changes in the thermodynamic state of the climate system components: the ocean, atmosphere, and continents. As a result of the World Ocean (WO) thermohydrodynamics numerical modelling, it is shown that MOHO is localized in the layer of the main thermocline, where the most important elements of the WO circulation are located. The performed study based on observational data allows us to conclude that, during the phase of the WO thermal discharge (1975–1999), the two key systems of currents, the Kuroshio and the Gulf Stream, were under similar thermodynamic conditions. Full article

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are an attractive energy harvesting technology due to their high efficiency and vast applications in self-powered sensors. In this work, dielectric–dielectric contact-separation TENGs were modeled with time-dependent finite element simulations with the objective of improving TENG’s performance by enhancing the relative permittivity (${\epsilon }_r$).To achieve this, the chosen material (PDMS, ${\epsilon }_r=2.75$) was doped with SrTiO${}_3$ (${\epsilon }_r$ = 300) particles. The open-circuit voltage ($V_{OC}$) and short-circuit current ($I_{SC}$) remained constant as ${ϵ}_r$ increased, as predicted by existent models, but in contradiction with available experimental data. Thus, we introduced a charge correction model relating ${ϵ}_r$ and surface charge density, allowing us to observe an increase in TENG performance output ($V_{OC}$ and $I_{SC}$). This work shows that finite element simulations are suitable for better understanding and optimizing TENGs’ performance. Full article

The enzymatic reaction stage (ECS) of oolong tea processing plays an important role in the formation of the flavor quality of the oolong tea. To investigate the dynamic changes in the volatile and non-volatile components in the leaves of oolong tea during the ECS, metabolomic studies were carried out using the leaf samples collected at different stages of the ECS of Aijiao oolong tea. Out of the identified 306 non-volatile metabolites and 85 volatile metabolites, 159 non-volatile metabolites and 42 volatile metabolites were screened out as key differential metabolites for dynamic changes during the ECS. A multivariate statistical analysis on the key differential metabolites showed that the accumulations of most metabolites exhibited dynamic changes, while some amino acids, nucleosides, and organic acids accumulated significantly after turning-over treatment. The evolution characteristics of 27 key precursors or transformed VOCs during the ECS of Aijiao oolong tea were clarified, and it was found that the synthesis of aroma substances was mainly concentrated in lipids as precursors and glycosides as precursor pathways. The results revealed the dynamic changes in the flavor metabolites in the ECS during the processing of Aijiao oolong tea, which provided valuable information for the formation of the characteristic flavor of Aijiao oolong tea. Full article

This study delves into the intricate interplay of economic growth components, specifically focusing on consumption and investment in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2022. Employing vector error correction models and co-integration techniques, we analyze the short- and long-term dynamics within the relationship of consumption, investment, and economic growth. Granger causality analysis is also used to discern these pivotal variables’ causal connections. Our empirical analysis reveals a persistent long-term cointegration relationship among the variables, underscoring the enduring nature of their interdependency. Furthermore, our findings highlight consumption and investment’s statistically significant positive impact on economic growth. Notably, the short-term analysis unveils a stable model characterized by an annual adjustment to equilibrium of 100%. Moreover, the Granger causality study demonstrates unidirectional causal linkages among consumption, investment, and economic growth. These findings hold substantial implications for policy formulation in Saudi Arabia. Policymakers must grasp the ramifications of burgeoning prosperity and evolving private consumption patterns on future environmental outcomes. Achieving sustainable long-term results necessitates equal emphasis on bolstering private consumption and fostering other facets of economic growth. Full article

“Ganghwal” is a widely used herbal medicine in Republic of Korea, but it has not been reported as a treatment strategy for obesity and diabetes within adipocytes. In this study, we determined that Ostericum koreanum extract (OKE) exerts an anti-obesity effect by inhibiting adipogenesis and an anti-diabetic effect by increasing the expression of genes related to glucose uptake in adipocytes and inhibiting α-glucosidase activity. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated for 8 days in methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin medium, and the effect of OKE was confirmed by the addition of 50 and 100 µg/mL of OKE during the differentiation process. This resulted in a reduction in lipid accumulation and the expression of PPARγ (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) and C/EBPα (CCAAT enhancer binding protein α). Significant activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), increased expression of GLUT4 (Glucose Transporter Type 4), and inhibition of α-glucosidase activity were also observed. These findings provide the basis for the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of OKE. In addition, OKE has a significant antioxidant effect. This study presents OKE as a potential natural product-derived material for the treatment of patients with metabolic diseases such as obesity- and obesity-induced diabetes. Full article

Tamarisk witches’ broom, yellowing, and little leaf symptoms were observed during 2018–2023 surveys of rural deserts in central regions of Iran with the highest disease incidence up to 72% in Chah Afzal (Yazd province). A verification of the presence and identity of phytoplasmas associated with these symptoms was then performed. Tamarisk tree branch cuttings obtained from symptomatic plants sprouted up to 90.3% but with 15–25 days’ delay compared to the asymptomatic ones and showed internode shortening and witches’ broom, while the branch cuttings from asymptomatic plants had normal growth and sprouted up to 97.8%. Phytoplasma transmission by dodder bridges to periwinkle did not succeed, while nested polymerase chain reaction on the phytoplasma ribosomal gene followed by RFLP and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’, ‘Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum’, and ‘Ca. P. trifolii’ (ribosomal subgroups 16SrI-B, 16SrII-D, and 16SrVI-A, respectively) in the samples from symptomatic plants only. Further amplifications were performed on selected phytoplasma-positive samples on tuf and secA genes, and the produced sequences indicated the presence of mixed phytoplasma infection in some of the samples. In particular, in the tuf gene, a mixed infection of ‘Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum’ and ‘Ca. P. trifolii’ was detected, while in the secA gene, the presence of ‘Ca. P. asteris’ or ‘Ca. P. tritici’ strains was identified. The first-time detection of diverse phytoplasma strains in symptomatic T. aphylla suggests that this species represent a relevant source of infection for the agricultural crops and for landscape plants especially when temperature allows insect vector transmission, and therefore, it represents a risk in every environment especially in the frame of climatic changes. Full article

Fludioxonil is a highly effective phenylpyrrole fungicide for controlling Botrytis cinerea. Although the field efficacy of fludioxonil remains high, Botrytis cinerea isolates with reduced sensitivity have been reported globally. The molecular target of fludioxonil still remains unknown; however, a mechanism of reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil underlies the overexpression of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter AtrB in a dependent pathway of the Mrr1 transcription factor. Fludioxonil is a key player in controlling B. cinerea infection in table grapes in Chile. However, some isolates with a reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil were recently detected. This study observed endogenous atrB overexpression in Chilean isolates with reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil (n = 22) compared to the sensitive isolates (n = 10). All isolates increased the expression of atrB in a growth medium supplemented with fludioxonil (0.05 μg/mL). However, sensitive isolates showed lower atrB expression than those with reduced fludioxonil sensitivity. Remarkably, a mutant version of the transcription factor Mrr1 carrying 21 amino acid modifications was identified in all isolates with reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil. These changes alter the protein’s transcription factor domain and the C-terminal portion of the protein but not the Zn (2)-C6 fungal-type DNA-binding domain. These results suggest a direct relationship between the conserved and divergent mutant version of mrr1 and sensitivity to fludioxonil. This study provides a new target for developing molecular diagnostic strategies to monitor B. cinerea’s sensitivity to fludioxonil in the field. Full article

Optimizing production processes to conserve resources and reduce waste has become crucial in pursuing sustainable manufacturing practices. The solid wood panel industry, marked by substantial raw materials and energy consumption, stands at the forefront of addressing this challenge. This research delves into production scheduling and equipment utilization inefficiencies, offering innovative solutions for the solid wood panel processing line aimed at achieving environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The study is articulated through two main segments: (1) an exhaustive analysis and the development of a simulation system for the solid wood panel processing line, delineating all production elements and operational logic, furnished with a user-friendly simulation interface, and (2) a comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of various scheduling algorithms specific to the Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP) encountered in solid wood panel workshops. A significant leap forward is made with the introduction of the Adaptive Intelligent Optimization Genetic Algorithm (AIOGA), an evolved version of the standard Genetic Algorithm (GA) engineered for optimal scheduling within the solid wood panel processing line. AIOGA incorporates advanced features such as encoding strategy, population initialization, objective function setting, selection strategy, crossover operation, and mutation operation, demonstrating the methodological depth of the study. We applied AIOGA in a designed FJSP, and AIOGA substantially reduced the maximum completion time to 90 min. It evidenced an improvement of 39.60% over the conventional GA, enhancing the equilibrium of the equipment workload across the system. This research presents a multifaceted strategy to address the scheduling complications inherent in solid wood panel production and highlights the extensive applicability of adaptive intelligent optimization in diverse industrial settings. This study establishes a new paradigm in manufacturing optimization, underlining the valuable integration of sustainability and efficiency in production methodologies. Full article

Thin-walled bearings are widely used owing to the advantages of their light structure, high hardness, and strong load-carrying capacity. However, thin-walled bearings are often prone to deformation during the machining process, which can seriously affect the performance of the bearings. In addition, the machining deformation and quality of bearings are difficult to balance. To address the above issues, this paper investigates the effects of the machining parameters on the machining deformation, surface quality, and machining efficiency of a thin-walled bearing during the roughing stage. The dynamic balance between deformation inhibition and high quality in rough grinding was studied, and the optimal parameters for thin-walled bearing outer ring grinding were obtained. The deformation mechanism of thin-walled bearings caused by grinding was revealed through simulation and experimental analysis. The results show that the machining deformation and quality reach a balance when the workpiece speed is 55 r/min, the grinding wheel rotational speed is 2000 r/min, and the feed rate is 0.1 mm/min. Deformation increases with the increase in workpiece speed and grinding wheel speed. At the same time, the surface roughness increases with the increase in the workpiece speed, but the increase in the wheel speed will improve the surface roughness. As the workpiece speed increases, the surface topography shows a more pronounced stockpile of material, which is ameliorated by an increase in grinding wheel speed. As the rotational speed of the workpiece increases, the number of abrasive grains involved in the process per unit of time decreases, and the surface removal of the workpiece is less effective, while the increase in the rotational speed of the grinding wheel has the opposite effect. The grinding deformation of thin-walled bearings is mainly induced by machining heat and stress. As the rotational speed increases, the heat flux in the grinding zone increases. More heat flux flows into the surface of the workpiece, causing an increase in thermal stresses on the inner surface of the bearing collar, leading to greater deformation. The temperature in the grinding area can be reduced during machining, realizing a reduction in deformation. The research content contributes to the balance between high quality and low distortion in machining processes. Full article

Oxytocin, a significant pleiotropic neuropeptide, regulates psychological stress adaptation and social communication, as well as peripheral actions, such as uterine contraction and milk ejection. Recently, a Japanese Kampo medicine called Kamikihito (KKT) has been reported to stimulate oxytocin neurons to induce oxytocin secretion. Two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P) regulate the resting potential of excitable cells, and their inhibition results in accelerated depolarization that elicits neuronal and endocrine cell activation. We assessed the effects of KKT and 14 of its components on a specific K2P, the potassium channel subfamily K member 2 (TREK-1), which is predominantly expressed in oxytocin neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). KKT inhibited the activity of TREK-1 induced via the channel activator ML335. Six of the 14 components of KKT inhibited TREK-1 activity. Additionally, we identified that 22 of the 41 compounds in the six components exhibited TREK-1 inhibitory effects. In summary, several compounds included in KKT partially activated oxytocin neurons by inhibiting TREK-1. The pharmacological effects of KKT, including antistress effects, may be partially mediated through the oxytocin pathway. Full article