A design method for an ultra-wideband coplanar-stripline-based vertical transition that can be used for ultra-high-speed digital interfaces is proposed. A conventional via structure, based on a differential line (DL), inherently possesses performance limitations (<10 GHz) due to difficulties in maintaining constant line impedance and smooth electric field transformation, in addition to the effects of signal skews, FR4 fiber weave, and unbalanced EM interferences. DL-based digital interfaces may not meet the demands of ultra-high-speed digital data transmission required for the upcoming 6G communications. The use of a coplanar stripline (CPS), a type of planar balanced line (BL), for the vertical transition, along with the ultra-wideband DL-to-CPS transition, mostly removes the inherent and unfavorable issues of the DL and enables ultra-high-speed digital data transmission. The design process of the transition is simplified using the analytical design formulas, derived using the conformal mapping method, of the transition. The characteristic line impedances of the transition are calculated and found to be in close agreement with the results obtained from EM simulations. Utilizing these results, the CPS-based vertical transition, maintaining the characteristic line impedance of 100 Ω, is designed and fabricated. The measured results confirm its ultra-wideband characteristics, with a maximum of 1.6 dB insertion loss and more than 10 dB return loss in the frequency range of DC to 30 GHz. Therefore, the proposed CPS-based vertical transition offers a significantly wider frequency bandwidth, i.e., more than three times that of conventional DL-based via structures. Full article

Due to the widespread use of intensive cropping patterns, the problem of continuous cropping obstacle, which is dominated by autotoxicity, has been becoming more and more prominent. Although many methods have been proposed to overcome the continuous cropping obstacle of cucumber, no study has reported the screening and evaluation of cucumber germplasm resistant to autotoxicity. In this study, 28 physiological indices related to the cucumber bud stage under cinnamic acid (CA) treatment were determined. In total, 45 cucumber cultivars were classified into three groups using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, and a model for evaluating cucumber resistance to autotoxicity was developed. The evaluation model was validated using autotoxicity-tolerant and non-autotoxicity-tolerant cultivars. The results showed that the growth of non-autotoxicity-tolerant cultivars was significantly inhibited compared to autotoxicity-tolerant cultivars. This indicated that the evaluation model of cucumber autotoxicity tolerance is reliable. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for the application of cucumber autotoxicity-tolerant germplasm resources and the development of autotoxicity-tolerant genes. Full article

Public bicycle systems (PBSs) serve as the ‘last mile’ of public transportation for urban residents, yet the problem of the difficulty in borrowing and returning bicycles during peak hours remains a major bottleneck restricting the intelligent and efficient operation of public bicycles. Previous studies have proposed reasonable models and efficient algorithms for optimizing public bicycle scheduling, but there is still a lack of consideration for actual road network distances between stations and the temporal characteristics of demand at rental points in the model construction process. Therefore, this paper aims to construct a public bicycle dispatch framework based on the spatiotemporal characteristics of borrowing and returning demands. Firstly, the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of borrowing and returning demands for public bicycles are explored, the origin–destination (OD) correlation coefficients are defined, and the intensity of connections between rental point areas is analyzed. Secondly, based on the temporal characteristics of rental point demands, a random forest prediction model is constructed with weather factors, time characteristics, and rental point locations as feature variables, and station bicycle-borrowing and -returning demands as the target variable. Finally, bicycle dispatch regions are delineated based on actual path distances between stations and OD correlation coefficients, and a public bicycle regional dispatch optimization method is established. Taking the PBS in Ningbo City as an example, the balancing optimization framework proposed in this paper is validated. The results show that the regional dispatch optimization method proposed in this paper can achieve optimized dispatch of public bicycles during peak hours. Additionally, compared with the Taboo search algorithm (TSA), the genetic algorithm (GA) exhibits a 11.1% reduction in rebalancing time and a 40.4% reduction in trip cost. Full article

Several metabolites of the essential amino acid tryptophan have emerged as key players in gut homeostasis through different cellular pathways, particularly through metabolites which can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This study aimed to map the metabolism of tryptophan in early life and investigate the effects of specific metabolites on epithelial cells and barrier integrity. Twenty-one tryptophan metabolites were measured in the feces of full-term and preterm neonates as well as in human milk and formula. The ability of specific AHR metabolites to regulate cytokine-induced IL8 expression and maintain barrier integrity was assessed in Caco2 cells and human fetal organoids (HFOs). Overall, higher concentrations of tryptophan metabolites were measured in the feces of full-term neonates compared to those of preterm ones. Within AHR metabolites, indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) was significantly higher in the feces of full-term neonates. Human milk contained different levels of several tryptophan metabolites compared to formula. Particularly, within the AHR metabolites, indole-3-sulfate (I3S) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were significantly higher compared to formula. Fecal-derived ILA and milk-derived IAA were capable of reducing TNFα-induced IL8 expression in Caco2 cells and HFOs in an AHR-dependent manner. Furthermore, fecal-derived ILA and milk-derived IAA significantly reduced TNFα-induced barrier disruption in HFOs. Full article

The aim of the present study is to explore differences in personality traits and emotion regulation of people suffering from GD, substance-dependent gamblers (SDGs), and healthy controls (HCs). Additionally, the study proposes a new experimental task: the “Gambling Affective Task” (GAT) to investigate the influence of affective priming on risk-taking behaviors. Results: Our findings indicate that participants placed lower bets following positive priming. Additionally, SDGs wagered significantly higher amounts than HCs, regardless of priming type. In general, participants exhibited longer response times after positive priming trials, compared to negative and neutral priming trials. These findings suggest that experiencing positive emotions can act as a protective factor by delaying and lengthening gambling behaviors. By comparing gamblers with and without substance comorbidity, we can gain insight into the exclusive factors of GD and improve our understanding of this disorder. Conclusions: By elucidating the impact of emotional states on risk-taking, the research also provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of GD. Full article

This narrative review aims to discuss the main interest in and cautions associated with the use of expired antibiotics in the context of repeated shortages, notably in Europe. Articles concerning the topic of expiry dates related to antibiotic use were reviewed using keywords in the PubMed^®/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases to identify the most extensive evidence-based documentation. The present review evaluates the potential interest and efficacy of using expired drugs and their possible related adverse events. Overall, in the context of drug shortages, expiry dates could be safely extended for at least one year for most solid antibiotics (tablets or powder) used in daily clinical practice, as long as they are stored under the right conditions, in accordance with the summary of product characteristics. Full article

Background: Research studies have showed that maternal diet may influence fetal neurodevelopment, but most studies have only assessed single nutrients or food groups. Objective: To investigate the impact of maternal prenatal dietary patterns during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment. Methods: Study participants were obtained from the China National Birth Cohort. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, was used to assess children’s neurodevelopment at 36 months old. Maternal antenatal dietary data were collected over three trimesters using food frequency questionnaires. Five distinct maternal dietary patterns throughout pregnancy were identified by principal component analysis, namely protein- and micronutrient-rich dietary patterns, low-iron dietary patterns, pasta as the staple food dietary patterns, iron-rich dietary patterns, tubers, fruits, and baked food dietary patterns. Group-based trajectory modeling was performed for dietary patterns present in all three periods. Multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: Children of mothers who followed a high protein- and micronutrient-rich dietary pattern trajectory during pregnancy presented better neurodevelopment, including higher gross motor and problem-solving scores. Furthermore, it was observed that children born of women with low-iron dietary patterns had poorer neurodevelopment. In detail, children born to mothers with a low-iron dietary pattern during the first trimester had lower problem-solving scores, while to those who were exposed to a low-iron dietary pattern in the second and third trimesters had lower gross motor scores. Additionally, children with mothers who had a low-iron dietary pattern in the third trimester had lower communication scores. Conclusions: A nutrition-balanced protein- and micronutrient-rich dietary pattern and adequate iron dietary pattern for mothers throughout pregnancy may be beneficial to children’s neurodevelopment. Full article

The capacity of untreated cotton stalk to remove and adsorb Cu²⁺ ions in synthetic and natural aqueous solutions was evaluated. The influence of three sensitive parameters of the adsorption process—solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time—on the percentage of Cu²⁺ removal in agricultural wastewater, livestock wastewater, and synthetic samples was studied. Physicochemical and morphological properties were studied using thermogravimetry, Fourier infrared spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The elemental composition, proximal composition, zero charge point, and acid–base sites were determined. In addition, kinetic studies were performed, and the adsorption equilibrium was analyzed. The optimum conditions for Cu²⁺ adsorption were the following: solution pH = 5.5, adsorbent dosage of 0.6 g, and contact time of 60 min. Under these conditions, the percentage of Cu²⁺ removal in synthetic samples was 66.5% when the initial copper concentration was 50 mg/L. The removal percentage in agricultural and livestock wastewater samples was 87.60% and 85.05%, respectively, when the initial copper concentration was 25 mg/L. The adsorption data are consistent with the Freundlich isotherm model, which achieved a quadratic fit of 0.991 compared to 0.5542 for the Langmuir model. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption adequately fits the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The results suggest that cotton stalks are a promising adsorbent for the ecological and economical removal of Cu²⁺ in wastewater. This research, therefore, provides relevant information that contributes to the sustainable management of agricultural waste and instills hope for a reduction in water pollution from heavy metals derived from agricultural activities. Full article

The energy management system (EMS) of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is an algorithm that determines the power split between the electrical and thermal paths. It defines the operating state of the power sources, i.e., the electric motor (EM) and the internal combustion engine (ICE). It is therefore one of the main factors that can significantly influence the fuel consumption and performance of hybrid vehicles. In the transmission path, the power generated by the ICE is in part employed to accelerate the rotating components of the powertrain, such as the crankshaft, flywheel, gears, and shafts. The main inertial components are the crankshaft and the flywheel. This additional power is significant during high-intensity acceleration. Therefore, the actual engine operation is different from that required by the power split unit. This study focuses on exploring the influence of engine inertia on HEV fuel consumption by developing a controller based on an equivalent consumption minimisation strategy (ECMS) that considers crankshaft and flywheel inertia. The optimal solution obtained by the ECMS controller is refined by incorporating the inertia effect of the main rotating components of the engine into the cost function. This reduces the engine operation during high inertial torque transient phases, resulting in a decrease in vehicle CO${}_2$ emissions by 2.34, 2.22, and 1.13 g/km for the UDDS, US06, and WLTC driving cycles, respectively. Full article

NMR is widely considered the gold standard for organic compound structure determination. As such, NMR is routinely used in organic compound identification, drug metabolite characterization, natural product discovery, and the deconvolution of metabolite mixtures in biofluids (metabolomics and exposomics). In many cases, compound identification by NMR is achieved by matching measured NMR spectra to experimentally collected NMR spectral reference libraries. Unfortunately, the number of available experimental NMR reference spectra, especially for metabolomics, medical diagnostics, or drug-related studies, is quite small. This experimental gap could be filled by predicting NMR chemical shifts for known compounds using computational methods such as machine learning (ML). Here, we describe how a deep learning algorithm that is trained on a high-quality, “solvent-aware” experimental dataset can be used to predict ¹H chemical shifts more accurately than any other known method. The new program, called PROSPRE (PROton Shift PREdictor) can accurately (mean absolute error of <0.10 ppm) predict ¹H chemical shifts in water (at neutral pH), chloroform, dimethyl sulfoxide, and methanol from a user-submitted chemical structure. PROSPRE (pronounced “prosper”) has also been used to predict ¹H chemical shifts for >600,000 molecules in many popular metabolomic, drug, and natural product databases. Full article

Moving fast by high-speed planing craft (HSPC) is advantageous for some special missions, though it causes severe hull vibrations and shocks that can transfer to the human body and increase health and comfort risks. This study reviews the current safety standards to avoid human safety risks affected by whole-body vibrations (WBVs), as well as the safety status of HSPC occupants. In addition, the efficiency of motion-reduction devices (trim tab and interceptor) and shock/vibration-mitigation devices (shock-mitigation seat) in improving the safety of HSPC occupants is examined according to existing documents. The research methodology was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRIS-MA) method, and published papers in the Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were analyzed. Because most of these publications are academic research, issues of bias in the eligible publications were not of particular interest. During this systematic review, many gaps and challenges in current information on safety improvement devices were found that need to be addressed in future studies, such as a lack of information on motion-reduction devices and shock-mitigation seat performance in reducing lateral and fore-and-aft motions. Referring to these gaps and challenges can be valuable as a suggestion to improve current knowledge in research and reduce safety risks. Full article

Data mining technology is the process of extracting hidden knowledge and potentially useful information from a large number of incomplete, noisy, and random practical application data. The clustering algorithm based on multi-objective evolution has obvious advantages compared with the traditional single-objective method. In order to further improve the performance of evolutionary multi-objective clustering algorithms, this paper proposes a multi-objective automatic clustering model based on evolutionary multi-task optimization. Based on the multi-objective clustering algorithm that automatically determines the value of k, evolutionary multi-task optimization is introduced to deal with multiple clustering tasks simultaneously. A set of non-dominated solutions for clustering results is obtained by concurrently optimizing the overall deviation and connectivity index. Multi-task adjacency coding based on a locus adjacency graph was designed to encode the clustered data. Additionally, an evolutionary operator based on relevance learning was designed to facilitate the evolution of individuals within the population. It also facilitates information transfer between individuals with different tasks, effectively avoiding negative transfer. Finally, the proposed algorithm was applied to both artificial datasets and UCI datasets for testing. It was then compared with traditional clustering algorithms and other multi-objective clustering algorithms. The results verify the advantages of the proposed algorithm in clustering accuracy and algorithm convergence. Full article

This study builds upon existing research on institutional investors and corporate green innovation by distinguishing green investors, who prioritize environmental contribution, from general institutional investors. Drawing on the stakeholder theory and the Porter hypothesis, we hypothesize that the shareholdings of green investors can effectively stimulate corporate enthusiasm for green innovation, with state ownership exerting a positive moderating influence. Utilizing panel data from China’s A-share listed manufacturing firms spanning from 2010 to 2019, we employ a fixed effect regression model to test these hypotheses. Our empirical findings confirm our expectations, demonstrating that green investors’ shareholdings indeed foster corporate green innovation. Moreover, we observe that this positive relationship is amplified within state-owned enterprises, indicating the presence of a robust and stable environmental regulatory framework across the market. Additionally, our results support the Porter hypothesis, suggesting that adherence to environmental regulations can coexist with firm performance rather than being mutually exclusive. This study contributes to the literature on green investors and corporate green innovation, providing valuable insights for the development of China’s green financial system and sustainable development strategies. Full article

This study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on labor investment efficiency utilizing a sample of China’s listed companies. The empirical results demonstrate that CSR improves labor investment efficiency, and the effect is significant in terms of both overinvestment and underinvestment. Findings from cross-sectional tests indicate that CSR has a more significant effect on labor investment efficiency in non-state-owned firms and firms with more financing constraints or higher labor adjustment costs. The conclusion is robust after utilizing a 2SLS regression, replacing indicators for labor investment efficiency and accounting for the impact of non-labor investment. In general, the results support stakeholder theory and confirm that CSR can enhance external monitoring and improve firms’ investment behavior. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor, is a substantial clinical challenge and a focus of increasing concern globally. Hematological toxicity and drug resistance of first-line drugs underscore the necessity for new anti-glioma drug development. Here, 43 anthracenyl skeleton compounds as p53 activator XI-011 analogs were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cytotoxic effects. Five compounds (13d, 13e, 14a, 14b, and 14n) exhibited good anti-glioma activity against U87 cells, with IC₅₀ values lower than 2 μM. Notably, 13e showed the best anti-glioma activity, with an IC₅₀ value up to 0.53 μM, providing a promising lead compound for new anti-glioma drug development. Mechanistic analyses showed that 13e suppressed the MDM4 protein expression, upregulated the p53 protein level, and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis based on Western blot and flow cytometry assays. Full article

A significant change to the land cover in the Hula Valley was carried out during the 1950s: A swampy area densely covered by aquatic vegetation and the old shallow lake Hula were drained. The natural shallow lake and swamps land cover were converted into agricultural development land use in two stages: (1) Drainage that was accomplished in 1957; (2) Implementation of the renovated hydrological system structure, including the newly created shallow Lake Agmon-Hula (LAH), was completed in 2007. The long-term data record of the restored diversity of the submerged and emerged aquatic plant community, and its relation to water quality in the newly created shallow Lake Agmon-Hula LAH, was statistically evaluated. Internal interactions within the LAH ecosystem between aquatic plants and water quality, including nitrification, de-nitrification, sedimentation, photosynthetic intensity, and plant biomass and nutrient composition, were statistically evaluated. The plant community in LAH maintains a seasonal growth cycle of onset during late spring–summer and dieback accompanied by decomposed degradation during fall–early winter. The summer peak of aquatic plant biomass and consequent enhancement of photosynthetic intensity induces a pH increase during daytime and carbonate precipitation. Nevertheless, the ecosystem is aerobic and sulfate reduction and H₂S concentration are negligible. The Hula reclamation project (HP) is aimed at the improvement of eco-tourism’s integration into management design. The vegetation research confirms habitat enrichment. Full article

Based on the energy consumption data of the Changjiang River Administration of Navigation Affairs public building located in Wuhan, China, this paper analyzes the energy consumption characteristics of public buildings. Using the DesignBuilder energy simulation software (v7.0.0.096), various factors influencing building energy consumption are investigated. Furthermore, SPSS (v26.0.0.0) is employed to conduct correlation analyses between measured and simulated energy consumption data. The results indicate that the most significant factors affecting energy consumption are outdoor temperature, office equipment usage time, anticipated room temperature settings, boiler usage time, and per capita daily water consumption. By exploring the factors influencing energy consumption in public buildings, this study contributes novel insights into setting targets, adjusting schemes, and achieving energy-saving effects. Full article

The Setifian high-plains region, Northeast of Algeria, grapples with challenges in water resource management. As the water demand intensifies across a diverse range of sectors, assessing groundwater quality becomes indispensable. This article responds to the critical need for a thorough assessment of groundwater quality in the Wadi Boussellam sub-watershed. Employing a GIS-based method, we evaluate groundwater geochemistry by estimating the Water Quality Index (WQI), offering a comprehensive overview of water consumption. The analysis of groundwater samples reveals distinct facies, including calcic bicarbonate, calcic chloride, calcic sulfate, and magnesium sulfate, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the hydrochemical composition in the Setif region. Hydrochemical indices, specifically the WQI, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Na% are applied to assess groundwater suitability for various applications. The results indicate that most crops are generally suitable for irrigation, though they advise exercising caution with regard to human consumption. This study underscores the significance of regular monitoring to avert groundwater contamination and ensure sustainable use in the Setif region, providing insights that emphasize the ongoing necessity for efforts in water resource management and the preservation of this vital resource’s quality. Full article

Delayed initiation of effective antifibrotic therapy in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) may influence the progression and outcome of the disease. This study analyzes the differences in the journey of patients with ILD in the Brazilian and Mexican health systems. An evaluative study was conducted in reference centers for interstitial lung diseases in Brazil and Mexico with a panel of four specialists. The patient’s journey in both countries begins when the patient seeks medical care after observing a chronic respiratory symptom. In both countries, due to diagnostic complexity, these patients arrive at ILD referral centers at an advanced stage of the disease. Once diagnosis is established, the treatment onset differs between Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, access to antifibrotic drugs through the public health system has been a significant challenge, and their cost makes them unaffordable for most people. This situation forces medical specialists to provide only supportive care to patients until these drugs can be accessed. In Mexico, antifibrotics have been available in health sectors since 2018. Brazil and Mexico have several similarities regarding the initial journey of the patient due to diagnosis difficulties. Still, the outcome tends to be different due to a difference in access to treatment with antifibrotics. For this reason, advancing health policies that ensure proper treatment for patients with ILD is crucial for the sustainability and reliability of the health system. Full article

Ultrasound is a highly adaptable medical imaging modality that offers several applications and a wide range of uses, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The principles of sound wave propagation and reflection enable ultrasound imaging to function as a highly secure modality. This technique facilitates the production of real-time visual representations, thereby assisting in the evaluation of various medical conditions such as cardiac, gynecologic, and abdominal diseases, among others. The ultrasound modality encompasses a diverse range of modes and mechanisms that serve to enhance the methodology of pathology and physiology assessment. Doppler imaging and US elastography, in particular, are two such techniques that contribute to this expansion. Elastography-based imaging methods have attracted significant interest in recent years for the non-invasive evaluation of tissue mechanical characteristics. These techniques utilize the changes in soft tissue elasticity in various diseases to generate both qualitative and quantitative data for diagnostic purposes. Specialized imaging techniques collect data by identifying tissue stiffness under mechanical forces such as compression or shear waves. However, in this review paper, we provide a comprehensive examination of the fundamental concepts, underlying physics, and limitations associated with ultrasound elastography. Additionally, we present a concise overview of its present-day clinical utilization and ongoing advancements across many clinical domains. Full article

Land use and land cover change (LUCC) prediction of cities in Western China requires higher accuracy in quantitative demand and spatial layout because of complex challenges in balancing relationships between urban constructions and ecological developments. Considering city-level areas and various types of land use and land cover, existing LUCC models without constraint or with only loose demand constraints were impractical in providing evidence of high accuracy and high-resolution predictions in areas facing fierce land competition. In this study, we proposed a two-layer SD-ANN-CA model to simulate and explore the LUCC trend and layout predictions for 2018, 2028, and 2038 in Ya’an City, Western China. The two-layer structure with an upper layer of the SD model and a lower layer of the ANN-CA model, as well as the advantages of all three methods of system dynamics (SD), artificial neural network (ANN), and cellular automata (CA), have allowed us to consider the macro-level demand constraints, meso-level driving factors constraints, and the micro-level spatial constraints into a unified model framework. The simulation results of the year 2018 have shown significant improvement in the accuracy of the ANN-CA model constructed in our earlier work, especially in types of forest land (error-accuracy: 0.08%), grassland (error-accuracy: 0.23%), and construction land (error-accuracy: 0.18%). The layout predictions of all six types of land use in 2028 and 2038 are then carried out to provide visual evidence support, which may improve the efficiency of planning and policy-making processes. Our work may also provide insights into new ways to combine quantitative methods into spatial methods in constructing city-level or even regional-level LUCC models with high resolution. Full article

Icing is a common physical phenomenon, and the icing of wind turbine blades can significantly affect the performance of wind turbines. Therefore, researching methods to prevent icing is of great significance, and the coating method of anti-icing is an effective way to delay icing, with advantages such as low energy consumption and easy implementation. In this study, using the coating method as the background, tetradecane phase change microcapsules were prepared, with a melting enthalpy of 90.8 J/g and a crystallization enthalpy of 96.3 J/g, exhibiting good coverage and energy storage efficiency. After mixing tetradecane phase change microcapsules (PCMS) with polyurethane coating (PUR) and coating them on wind turbine blades, after a 5 min icing wind tunnel test, the coating could significantly delay the icing on the blade surface, with the highest anti-icing rate reaching 60.41%. This indicates that the coating has a good anti-icing effect and provides basic research data for exploring new anti-icing methods. Full article