With the increasing demand for decentralized systems and the widespread usage of blockchain, low throughput and high latency have become the biggest stumbling blocks in the development of blockchain systems. This problem seriously hinders the expansion of blockchain and its application in production. Most existing smart contract scheduling solutions use static feature analysis to prevent contract conflicts during parallel execution. However, the conflicts between transactions are complex; static feature analysis is not accurate enough. In this paper, we first build the dependency between smart contracts by analyzing the features. After numerous experiments, we propose a conflict model to adjust the relationship between threads and conflict to achieve high throughput and low latency. Based on these works, we propose adaptive parallel scheduling for smart contracts on the blockchain. Our adaptive parallel scheduling can distinguish conflicts between smart contracts and dynamically adjust the execution strategy of smart contracts based on the conflict factors we define. We implement our scheme on ChainMaker, one of the most popular open-source permissioned blockchains, and build experiments to verify our solution. Regarding latency, our solution demonstrates remarkable efficiency compared with the fully parallel scheme, particularly in high-conflict transaction scenarios, where our solution achieves latency levels just one-twentieth of the fully parallel scheme. Regarding throughput, our solution significantly outperforms the fully parallel scheme, achieving 30 times higher throughput in high-conflict transaction scenarios. These results highlight the superior performance and effectiveness of our solution in addressing latency and throughput challenges, particularly in environments with high transaction conflicts. Full article

Spalling is a widespread dynamic disaster during blasting excavation in underground engineering. To clarify the coupled dynamic response and spalling behavior of an underground tunnel with a spray anchor, an investigation based on the rock–shotcrete combination was conducted using theoretical and numerical methods. The mathematical representation of stress wave propagation between rock and shotcrete was deduced based on the elastic stress wave theory. A novel method for predicting the location and time of initial spalling in a rock–shotcrete combination was proposed. A numerical simulation was conducted to verify the validity of the proposed theoretical method. In addition, the effect of the material’s tensile strength, the loading amplitude, and the thickness of shotcrete on the stress evolution and spalling characteristics was studied. The results demonstrate that the initial spalling locations are sensitive to the relationship between the normalized tensile strength of the rock, shotcrete, and interface. A high incident amplitude can cause the initial spalling in rock, and the shotcrete or rock–shotcrete interface can cause initial spalling due to a low incident amplitude. The stress evolution and spalling characteristics are sensitive to the thickness of shotcrete. The location of the initial spalling failure changes with the thickness of the shotcrete. An appropriate increment in thickness and normalized strength of the shotcrete is beneficial to the dynamic stability of underground engineering. Full article

Structural health monitoring is an effective method to evaluate the safety status of dams. Measurement error is an important factor which affects the accuracy of monitoring data modeling. Processing the abnormal monitoring data before data analysis is a necessary step to ensure the reliability of the analysis. In this paper, we proposed a method to process the abnormal dam displacement monitoring data on the basis of matrix manipulation and Cuckoo Search algorithm. We first generate a scatter plot of the monitoring data and exported the matrix of the image. The scatter plot of monitoring data includes isolate outliers, clusters of outliers, and clusters of normal points. The gray scales of isolated outliers are reduced using Gaussian blur. Then, the isolated outliers are eliminated using Ostu binarization. We then use the Cuckoo Search algorithm to distinguish the clusters of outliers and clusters of normal points to identify the process line. To evaluate the performance of the proposed data processing method, we also fitted the data processed by the proposed method and by the commonly used 3-$\sigma$ method using a regression model, respectively. Results indicate that the proposed method has a better performance in abnormal detection compared with the 3-$\sigma$ method. Full article

SCARECROW-LIKE6 (SCL6) plays a role in the formation and maintenance of the meristem. In Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr., an important afforestation tree species in China, SCL6 (LaSCL6) has two alternative splicing variants—LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2—which are regulated by microRNA171. However, their roles are still unclear. In this study, LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 were transformed into the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. genome, and the phenotypic characteristics of transgenic A. thaliana, including the germination percentage, root length, bolting time, flower and silique formation times, inflorescence axis length, and branch and silique numbers, were analyzed to reveal their functions. It was found that LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 overexpression shortened the root length by 41% and 31%, respectively, and increased the inflorescence axis length. Compared with the wild type, the bolting time in transgenic plants was delayed by approximately 2–3 days, the first flower and silique formation times were delayed by approximately 3–4 days, and the last flower and silique formation times were delayed by about 5 days. Overall, the life cycle in transgenic plants was prolonged by approximately 5 days. These results show that LaSCL6 overexpression inhibited the transitions from the vegetative meristem to inflorescence meristem and from the flower meristem to meristem arrest in A. thaliana, revealing the roles of LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 in the fate transition and maintenance of the meristem. Full article

This research reviews the phenomenon of extractive deforestation as a possible trigger for cascade reactions that could affect part of the forest ecosystem and its biodiversity (surface, aerial, and underground) in tropical, subtropical, and boreal forests. The controversy and disparities in criteria generated in the international scientific community around the hypothesis of a possible link between “mother trees” and mycorrhizal networks in coopetition for nutrients, nitrogen, and carbon are analyzed. The objective is to promote awareness to generate more scientific knowledge about the eventual impacts of forest extraction. Public policies are emphasized as crucial mediators for balanced sustainable development. Currently, the effects of extractive deforestation on forest ecosystems are poorly understood, which requires caution and forest protection. Continued research to increase our knowledge in molecular biology is advocated to understand the adaptation of biological organisms to the new conditions of the ecosystem both in the face of extractive deforestation and reforestation. The environmental impacts of extractive deforestation, such as the loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, altered water cycles, and the contribution of climate change, remain largely unknown. Long-term and high-quality research is essential to ensure forest sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity for future generations. Full article

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Erysiphe polygoni is an important foliar disease in mungbean (Vigna radiata). A previous study showed that QTL qPMRUM5-2 is a major locus for PM resistance in mungbean accession RUM5 (highly resistant). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that flanking markers of the qPMRUM5-2 covered a region of 1.93 Mb. In this study, we conducted fine mapping for the qPMRUM5-2 using the F₂ population of 1156 plants of the cross between Chai Nat 60 (CN60; highly susceptible) and RUM5. PM resistance evaluation was performed under field conditions using F_2:3 lines grown in three different environments. QTL analyses consistently located the qPMRUM5-2 to a 0.09 cm interval on linkage group 6 between InDel markers VrLG6-InDel05 and VrLG6-InDel10, which corresponded to a 135.0 kb region on chromosome 8 containing nine predicted genes of which five were NBS-LRR-type genes Recognition of Peronospora parasitica 13-like protein (RPP13L). Whole-genome re-sequencing of RUM5 and CN60 showed polymorphisms in four RPP13L genes predictively cause substantial amino acid changes, rendering them important candidate genes for PM resistance. The InDel markers VrLG6-InDel05 and VrLG6-InDel10 flanking to the qPMRUM5-2 would be useful for marker-assisted breeding of PM resistance in the mungbean. Full article

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, is a devastating disease impacting citrus trees worldwide, with severe effects particularly noted in Florida. Current strategies to combat HLB focus on aggressive replanting, despite the high susceptibility of young trees to infection. In this context, it is critical to explore agronomic practices that can enhance the health and resistance of young citrus trees to HLB. Here, we demonstrate that treatment with homobrassinolide (HBr), a type of brassinosteroid, in newly planted citrus (Citrus sinensis) trees can delay HLB infection and improve tree health amidst the high psyllid pressure conditions endemic to Florida. Our study reveals a significant reduction in HLB infection rates in HBr-treated trees compared to control trees, with only 25% of treated trees testing positive for HLB by six months, in contrast to 100% infection in untreated trees. This delay in infection may be attributed to HBr inducing an immune response and negatively impacting psyllid performance, as subsequently demonstrated in a greenhouse experiment. Our findings suggest that HBr applications could serve as a viable strategy to enhance the resilience of citrus production against HLB, underscoring the need for further investigation into their mechanisms of action and potential role in a comprehensive pest and disease management strategy. Full article

The proliferation of shared electric scooters (E-scooters) has brought convenience to urban transportation but has also introduced challenges such as disorderly parking and an imbalance between supply and demand. Given the current inconsistent quantity and spatial distribution of shared E-scooters, coupled with inadequate research on deployment stations selection, we propose a novel maximal covering location problem (MCLP) based on distance tolerance. The model aims to maximize the coverage of user demand while minimizing the sum of distances from users to deployment stations. A deep reinforcement learning (DRL) was devised to address this optimization model. An experiment was conducted focusing on areas with high concentrations of shared E-scooter trips in Chicago. The solutions of location selection were obtained by DRL, the Gurobi solver, and the genetic algorithm (GA). The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed model in optimizing the layout of shared E-scooter deployment stations. This study provides valuable insights into facility location selection for urban shared transportation tools, and showcases the efficiency of DRL in addressing facility location problems (FLPs). Full article

Set-back modification represents a dependable method to reducing the wind effects on high-rise buildings, but the flow mechanism and aerodynamic responses of set-back tall buildings have not been explored systematically. Using the square building as the benchmark model, six set-back building models with varying steps and sizes were chosen for numerical simulation in this study. The results of mean wind pressure and local wind force distribution, power spectral densities of base moment, flow field, and structural response of the proposed building models are compared and analysed using the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) technique. The results demonstrate that the aerodynamic performance of set-back tall buildings dramatically improved, with the actual optimization in the cross-wind direction being more significant. Generally, a single set-back measure can enhance the aerodynamic performance of high-rise buildings more effectively than a double set-back measure. The outcome of this study provides an aerodynamic design guide for set-back tall buildings. Full article

Introduction: Since verbal memory and visual processing transpire within analogous cerebral regions, this study assessed (i) if a visual function can predict verbal memory performance. It also hypothesized whether neurocognitive (e.g., ImPACT) tests focusing on the Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index will predict Verbal Memory scores and (ii) if vision metrics and age can identify individuals with a history of concussion. Finally, it also hypothesized that King–Devick and near point of convergence scores alongside age considerations will identify candidates with a prior reported history of concussion. Materials and methods: This observational cohort assessed 25 collegiate ice hockey players prior to the competitive season considering age (19.76 ± 1.42 years) and BMI (25.9 ± 3.0 kg/cm²). Hypothesis 1 was assessed using a hierarchical (sequential) multiple regression analysis, assessing the predictive capacity of Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index scores in relation to Verbal Memory scores. Hypothesis 2 utilized a binomial logistic regression to determine if King–Devick and near point of convergence scores predict those with a prior history of concussion. Results: Hypothesis 1 developed two models, where Model 1 included Visual Memory as the predictor, while Model 2 added the Cognitive Efficacy Index as a predictor for verbal memory scores. Model 1 significantly explained 41% of the variance. Results from Model 2 suggest that the Cognitive Efficacy Index explained an additional 24.4%. Thus, Model 2 was interpreted where only the Cognitive Efficacy Index was a significant predictor (p = 0.001). For every 1 unit increase in the Cognitive Efficacy Index, Verbal Memory increased by 41.16. Hypothesis 2’s model was significant, accounting for 37.9% of the variance in those with a history of concussion. However, there were no significant unique predictors within the model as age (Wald = 1.26, p = 0.261), King–Devick (Wald = 2.31, p = 0.128), and near point of convergence (Wald = 2.43, p = 0.119) were not significant predictors individually. Conclusions: The conflicting findings of this study indicate that baseline data for those with a history of concussion greater than one year may not be comparable to the same metrics during acute concussion episodes. Young athletes who sustain a concussion may be able to overcompensate via the visual system. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required using the proposed model’s objective metrics. Full article

Sports performance tracking has gained a lot of interest and widespread use in recent years, especially in elite and sub-elite sports. This makes it possible to improve the effectiveness of training, to calibrate and balance workloads according to real energy expenditure, and to reduce the likelihood of injuries due to excessive physical stress. In this context, the aim of this review was to map the scientific literature on wearable devices used in field hockey, evaluating their characteristics and the available evidence on their validity in measuring physiological and movement parameters. A systematic investigation was carried out by employing five electronic databases and search terms that incorporated field hockey, wearables, and performance analysis. Two independent reviewers conducted assessments of the 3401 titles and abstracts for inclusion, and at the end of the screening process, 102 full texts were analyzed. Lastly, a total of 23 research articles that specifically concentrated on field hockey were incorporated. The selected papers dealt with performance monitoring (6 papers), technical analysis and strategy game (6), injury prevention (1), and physiological measurements (10). To appraise the quality of the evaluations, the Oxford quality scoring system scale was employed. The extraction of information was carried out through the utilization of the participants, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICOS) format. The analysis encompassed research studies that implemented wearable devices during training and competitive events. Among elite field hockey competitions, GPS units were identified as the predominant wearable, followed by heart rate monitors. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) related to wearable devices showed reasonably high between-trial ICCs ranging from 0.77 to 0.99. The utilization of wearable devices in field hockey primarily centers around the measurement of player activity profiles and physiological demands. The presence of discrepancies in sampling rates and performance bands makes it arduous to draw comparisons between studies. Nevertheless, this analysis attested to the fact that wearable devices are being employed for diverse applications in the realm of field hockey. Full article

Climate change and human activities exert significant impact on the mechanism of runoff generation and confluence. Comprehending the reasons of runoff change is crucial for the sustainable development of water resources. Taking the Upper Shule River as the research area, the M-K test and the moving t test were used to diagnose the runoff mutation time. Furthermore, the slope changing ratio of cumulative quantity method (SCRCQ), climate elasticity method, and Budyko equation were utilized to quantitatively evaluate the impacts and contribution rates of climate change and human activities. The following results were obtained: (1) The Upper Shule River experienced a significant increase in runoff from 1972 to 2021, with 1998 marking the year of abrupt change. (2) The runoff sensitivity showed a downward trend from 1972 to 2021. The main factor affecting the decrease in runoff sensitivity was the characteristic parameters of underlying surface (n), followed by precipitation (P), while the influence of potential evapotranspiration (ET₀) was the weakest. (3) The response of runoff changes to runoff sensitivity and influencing factors were 90.32% and 9.68%, respectively. (4) The results of three attribution methods indicated that climate change was the primary factor causing the alteration of runoff in the Upper Shule River. The research results supplement the hydrological change mechanisms of the Upper Shule River and provide a scientific basis for future water resources management and flood control measures. Full article

Due to the dual influence of climate change and human activities, the water cycle patterns in the lakesheds of the Yunnan karst plateau are undergoing significant changes, leading to increasingly prominent ecological issues. In the history of Lake Yangzong, an artificial water-diversion channel was excavated, altering the lake basin structure. Human activities have intensified, posing severe challenges to water resource supply and water security in recent decades. To investigate the significant increase in human activities, the temporal and phase changes, and the resulting transformation of the water and carbon cycles in the Lake Yangzong basin, we applied X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to scan elements continuously in a 10.2 m sediment core from this lake. By combining correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), core chronology, and total organic carbon (TOC) content, we reconstructed the historical sequence of geochemical element contents in the Lake Yangzong catchment over the past 13,000 years. The results show that PC1 and PC2 contribute 78.4% and 10.3%, respectively, suggesting that erosion intensity is the main factor influencing the lake sedimentation process. From 13,400 to 680 cal a BP (calibrated years before the present), the sedimentation process in Lake Yangzong was mainly controlled by climatic conditions, with vegetation degradation during cold periods and relatively high erosion intensity in the watershed. During the Yuan dynasty, a province was established by the central government in Yunnan, promoting settlement and attracting a large number of immigrants from other provinces to Yunnan. Human activities in the Lake Yangzong basin began to intensify, surpassing natural changes and becoming the dominant force influencing the sedimentation process. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the population and cultivated land area in Yunnan further increased, resulting in the significant exacerbation of erosion and soil loss in the watershed due to vegetation destruction. In the year 1388, the Tangchi Canal was excavated, transforming Lake Yangzong to an outflow lake, causing Ca²⁺ to be lost through the Tangchi Canal and preventing the formation of precipitation due to oversaturation. The research results indicate that human activities in the Lake Yangzong area have intensified since the Yuan dynasty, leading to increased erosion intensity. The excavation of the outflow canal transformed Lake Yangzong from an inland lake basin into an outflow state, simultaneously generating a significant transformation in the water and carbon cycling patterns in the watershed. Full article

Microplastic pollution is a research hotspot around the world. This study investigated the characteristics of microplastic pollution in the freshwater environments of 21 major cities across China. Through indoor and outdoor experimental analysis, we have identified the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of microplastic pollution in China’s freshwater environments. Our findings indicate that the average concentration of microplastics in China’s freshwater environments is 3502.6 n/m³. The majority of these microplastics are fibrous (42.5%), predominantly smaller than 3 mm (28.1%), and mostly colored (64.7%). The primary chemical components of these microplastics are polyethylene (PE, 33.6%), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 21.5%), polypropylene (PP, 16.8%), and polystyrene (PS, 15.6%). The abundance of microplastics in China’s freshwater environments generally tends to increase from west to east and from south to north, with the lowest concentration found in Xining, Qinghai (1737.5 n/m³), and the highest in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang (5650.0 n/m³). The distribution characteristics of microplastics are directly related to land use types, primarily concentrated in areas of intense human activity, including agricultural, transport, and urban land. Seasonal changes affect the abundance of microplastics, peaking in summer, followed by spring and autumn, mainly due to variations in rainfall, showing a positive correlation. Full article

Uncertainty remains about the composition of contemporary plant-based diets and whether they provide recommended nutrient intakes. We established Feeding the Future (FEED), an up-to-date online cohort of UK adults following different plant-based diets and diets containing meat and fish. We recruited 6334 participants aged 18–99 [omnivores (1562), flexitarians (1349), pescatarians (568), vegetarians (1292), and vegans (1571)] between February 2022 and December 2023, and measured diet using a food frequency questionnaire and free text. We compared personal characteristics and dietary intakes between diet groups and assessed compliance with dietary guidelines. Most participants met UK dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetables, sodium, and protein, although protein intakes were lowest among vegetarians and vegans. Omnivores did not meet the fibre recommendation and only vegans met the saturated fat recommendation. All diet groups exceeded the free sugars recommendation. Higher proportions of vegetarians and vegans were below the estimated average requirements (EARs) for zinc, iodine, selenium, and, in vegans, vitamins A and B12, whereas calcium intakes were similar across the diet groups. People following plant-based diets showed good compliance with most dietary targets, and their risk for inadequate intakes of certain nutrients might be mitigated by improved dietary choices and/or food fortification. Full article

Recent studies have highlighted the lipid-lowering ability of hawthorn ethanol extract (HEE) and the role played by gut flora in the efficacy of HEE. Our study sought to explore the effects of HEE on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in normal flora and pseudo germ-free mice. The results showed that HEE effectively diminished hepatic lipid accumulation, ameliorated liver function, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and blood lipid profiles, and regulated blood glucose levels. HEE facilitated triglyceride breakdown, suppressed fatty acid synthesis, and enhanced intestinal health by modulating the diversity of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. In addition, HEE apparently helps to increase the presence of beneficial genera of bacteria, thereby influencing the composition of the gut microbiota, and the absence of gut flora affects the efficacy of HEE. These findings reveal the potential of hawthorn for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD and provide new perspectives on the study of functional plants to improve liver health. Full article

Nutrition periodization in football training is an important determinant of adaptation to cyclic training loads. Personalizing an athlete’s diet is crucial to ensure optimal performance and body composition, depending on the phase of training. The purpose of this review is to answer the question of how the body composition of football players changes over the training macrocycle and how dietary recommendations should be tailored to specific training periods. The review of scientific evidence was conducted based on the available literature, typing in phrases related to training and nutrition periodization using the PubMed and Google Scholar database methodology tools. A literature search resulted in the selection of 346 sources directly related to the topic of the study, and then those with the highest scientific value were selected. There is a need to adjust energy and nutrient intake according to the different training phases in a football player’s preparation cycle. During the preparatory phase, it is recommended to increase protein and energy intake to support anabolic processes and muscle mass development. During the competitive period, due to the intensity of matches and training, the importance of carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment and recovery is emphasized. The transition phase requires the regulation of caloric intake to prevent adverse changes in body composition. Hydration has been identified as a key element in each phase of training. Cooperation between coaches, nutritionists, and players is essential to optimize sports performance and rapid recovery, and the authors recommend continuous adaptation and nutritional optimization as an integral part of football training. Full article

This paper uses the bootstrapped Granger Causality Testing approach to investigate the relationship between electricity consumption, renewable energy production, and the current account of the six OECD countries. One of the main advantages of using this approach is that it captures the cross-section dependence in our sample and applies the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) to examine the causality relationship between the variables. The empirical findings show the presence of cross-section dependence in our sample as the six Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries share resources, capabilities, and key competencies. Notably, a unidirectional causality exists running from electric power consumption to the current account of the USA. The current account balance causes electric power consumption in the case of France and Switzerland. The tri-variate causality relationship between electricity consumption, renewable energy production, and current account balance could not be established in the case of Germany, Finland, or the UK. Full article

An in-band low radar cross section (RCS) microstrip patch antenna based on a phase control metasurface is proposed. As the size of the phase control metasurface changes, it will have different phase adjustments to the incident electromagnetic wave. Two kinds of phase control metasurfaces with a 90° reflection phase difference are arranged in a checkerboard configuration and loaded above a microstrip array antenna. The metal of the microstrip array antenna can fully reflect the electromagnetic wave, so the incident wave passes through the metasurface again and forms a reflected wave with a phase difference of 180° ± 37° when passing through the phase control metasurfaces of different sizes. Thus, the microstrip array antenna can achieve in-band RCS reduction. The metamaterial forms a transmission window in the microstrip patch array antenna band to maintain the radiation performance. Finally, a reasonable agreement is obtained between the measured and simulated results. Full article

The ever-increasing diversity of Internet applications and the rapid evolution of network infrastructure due to emerging technologies have made network management more challenging. Effective traffic classification is critical for efficiently managing network resources and aligning with service quality and security demands. The centralized controller of software-defined networking provides a comprehensive network view, simplifying traffic analysis and offering direct programmability features. When combined with deep learning techniques, these characteristics enable the incorporation of intelligence into networks, leading to optimization and improved network management and maintenance. Therefore, this research aims to develop a model for traffic classification by application types and network attacks using deep learning techniques to enhance the quality of service and security in software-defined networking. The SEMMA method is employed to deploy the model, and the classifiers are trained with four algorithms, namely LSTM, BiLSTM, GRU, and BiGRU, using selected features from two public datasets. These results underscore the remarkable effectiveness of the GRU model in traffic classification. Hence, the outcomes achieved in this research surpass state-of-the-art methods and showcase the effectiveness of a deep learning model within a traffic classification in an SDN environment. Full article

An Nd:YAG-based Raman lidar provides a mature technology to derive profiles of the optical properties of aerosols over a wide altitude range. However, the derivation of micro-physical parameters is an ill-posed problem. Hence, increasing the information content of lidar data is desirable. Recently, ceilometers and wind lidar systems, both operating in the near-infrared region, have been successfully employed in aerosol research. In this study, we demonstrate that the inclusion of additional backscatter coefficients from these two latter instruments clearly improves the inversion of micro-physical parameters such as volume distribution function, effective radius, or single-scattering albedo. We focus on the Arctic aerosol and start with the typical volume distribution functions of Arctic haze and boreal biomass burning. We forward calculate the optical coefficients that the lidar systems should have seen and include or exclude the backscatter coefficients of the ceilometer (910 nm) and wind lidar data (1500 nm) to analyze the value of these wavelengths in their ability to reproduce the volume distribution function, which may be mono- or bimodal. We found that not only the coarse mode but also the properties of the accumulation mode improved when the additional wavelengths were considered. Generally, the 1500 nm wavelength has greater value in correctly reproducing the aerosol properties. Full article

The ionosphere equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) is usually characterized by two plasma density maxima in the Earth’s equatorial region. Merged EIA (MEIA) is a unique phenomenon in the evolution of the EIA. Currently, the occurrence characteristics of MEIA are still not well understood. In this study, we investigate the occurrence characteristics of nighttime MEIA using NASA Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) observations between October 2018 and the end of 2023. We found that the occurrence of nighttime MEIA exhibits solar cycle, seasonal, and local time variations. The occurrence rate of the MEIA is inversely dependent on solar activity. Occurrence of the MEIA maximizes near the equinoxes, with a primary (secondary) low occurrence rate near the June (December) solstice. In addition, occurrences of the MEIA are suppressed during the pre-reversal enhancement (PRE), resulting in relatively fewer events. Furthermore, it was found that the occurrence of the MEIA is not significantly dependent on the strength of geomagnetic activity. As far as we know, this study represents the first instance of utilizing observations from GOLD observations to investigate the characteristics of MEIA occurrences and their correlations with solar activity, season, and local time. Full article