In order for a strain to be considered a probiotic or suitable plant bioprotective agent, it must have proven antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M exhibited significantly high antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Sclerotinia; yeasts of the genera Candida and Saccharomyces; as well as high antibacterial activity against pathogens of the genera Escherichia, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. The manifested antimicrobial activity was influenced by the composition of the growth medium. The antifungal activity of the strain was investigated at growth temperatures of 30 °C and 37 °C, and at different pH values in aerobic and anaerobic cultivation, under static and dynamic culturing conditions. High antifungal activity was observed at the 24th h on both growth media (LBG broth and MPB broth) at pH = 6 and pH = 7 in aerobic and anaerobic cultivation. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M produced antibiotic substances at pH > 5.0, and the antibiotic substances were either secreted into the medium or associated with the cell surface. Four compounds with different antifungal activity and different R_f values were registered through thin-layer chromatography (R_f1 = 0.47; R_f2 = 0.55; R_f3 = 0.67; and R_f4 = 0.75), two of the compounds were ninhydrin-positive. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M was cultured in a bioreactor with stirring, and the parameters of the growth kinetics and the sporulation kinetics have been modeled. A spore concentrate of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M has been obtained. In further research, the efficiency of the concentrate as a plant bioactive agent will be tested. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a wide range of uses such as food additives and raw materials for synthetic chemicals, while its application in the solid-state transformation of pharmaceutical crystals is rare. In this work, we report a case of using 1 atm CO₂ as an accelerator to promote the polymorphic transformation of clarithromycin (CLA). Initially, crystal structures of Form 0′ and three solvates were successfully determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis for the first time and found to be isomorphous. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermal analysis indicated that the solvate desolvates and transforms into the structurally similar non-solvated Form 0′ at room temperature to ~50 °C. Form 0′ and Form II are monotropically related polymorphs with Form II being the most stable. Subsequently, the effect of CO₂ on the transformation of CLA solvates to Form II was studied. The results show that CO₂ can significantly facilitate the transformation of Form 0′ to Form II, despite no significant effect on the desolvation process. Finally, the molecular mechanism of CO₂ promoting the polymorphic transformation was revealed by the combination of the measurement of adsorption capacity, theoretical calculations as well as crystal structure analysis. Based on the above results, a new pathway of preparing CLA Form II was designed: transform CLA solvates into Form 0′ in 1 atm air at 50 °C followed by the transformation of Form 0′ to Form II in 1 atm CO₂ at 50 °C. This work provides a new idea for promoting the phase transformation of pharmaceutical crystals as well as a new scenario for the utilization of CO₂. Full article

In practical radar systems, changes in the target aspect toward the radar will result in glint noise disturbances in the measurement data. The glint noise has heavy-tailed characteristics and cannot be perfectly modeled by the Gaussian distribution widely used in conventional tracking algorithms. In this article, we investigate the challenging problem of tracking a time-varying number of maneuvering targets in the context of glint noise with unknown statistics. By assuming a set of models for the possible motion modes of each single-target hypothesis and leveraging the multivariate Laplace distribution to model measurement noise, we propose a robust interacting multi-model multi-Bernoulli mixture filter based on the variational Bayesian method. Within this filter, the unknown noise statistics are adaptively learned while filtering and the predictive likelihood is approximately calculated by means of the variational lower bound. The effectiveness and superiority of our proposed filter is verified via computer simulations. Full article

Developing argyrodite-type, chlorine-rich, sodium-ion, solid-state electrolytes with high conductivity is a long-term challenge that is crucial for the advancement of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). In this study, chlorine-rich, argyrodite-type Na_6−xPS_5−xCl_1+x solid solutions were successfully developed with a solid solution formation range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5. Na_5.5PS_4.5Cl_1.5 (x = 0.5), displaying a highest ionic conductivity of 1.2 × 10^–3 S/cm at 25 °C, which is more than a hundred times higher than that of Na₆PS₅Cl. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results demonstrated that the rich chlorine significantly enhanced the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, in addition to causing a reduction in activation energy. The Na_5.5PS_4.5Cl_1.5 composite also showed the characteristics of a pure ionic conductor without electronic conductivity. Finally, the viability of Na_5.5PS_4.5Cl_1.5 as a sodium electrolyte for all-solid-state sodium batteries was checked in a lab-scale ASSB, showing stable battery performance. This study not only demonstrates new composites of sodium-ionic, solid-state electrolytes with relatively high conductivity but also provides an anion-modulation strategy to enhance the ionic conductivity of argyrodite-type sodium solid-state ionic conductors. Full article

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communications is a technology that enables intelligent vehicles to exchange information and thus coordinate with other vehicles, road users, and infrastructure. However, despite advancements in cellular technology for V2X applications, significant challenges remain regarding the ability of the system to meet stringent Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements when deployed at scale. Thus, smaller-scale V2X use case deployments may embody a necessary stepping stone to address these challenges. This work assesses network architectures for an Intelligent Perception System (IPS) blind road junction or blind corner scenarios. Measurements were collected using a private 5G NR network with Sub-6GHz and mmWave connectivity, evaluating the feasibility and trade-offs of IPS network configurations. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the IPS as a V2X application, with implementation considerations based on deployment and maintenance costs. If computation resources are co-located with the sensors, sufficient performance is achieved. However, if the computational burden is instead placed upon the intelligent vehicle, it is questionable as to whether an IPS is achievable or not. Much depends on image quality, latency, and system performance requirements. Full article

Sea Island cotton is renowned for its superior fiber quality. Although mechanical harvesting has the potential to significantly increase efficiency and reduce the production cost of Sea Island cotton, there is still little research in this area. In this study, we analyzed 240 Sea Island cotton germplasm resources and evaluated 19 traits related to mechanical harvesting. The coefficient of variation ranged from 5.42% to 66.96%, and the genetic diversity index spanned from 1.57 to 2.07. In most traits studied, there was a strong correlation between the height of the first fruiting branch and the defoliation rate. The 19 traits were categorized into 6 factorial groups by principal component analysis, in which the defoliation factor contributed the most (30.89%). The cluster analysis divided the 240 cotton accessions into four main groups, with the second group exhibiting favorable mechanical harvesting characteristics such as higher defoliation rate and first fruit branch height. Using stepwise regression, a model was constructed with the joint evaluation score F-value as the response variable and eight traits (X₁: PH, X₂: SNB, X₃: SBN, X₄: MBL, X₅: AFBM, X₇: MLIA, X₈: NB, and X₁₃: 15 d DR) as predictors: Y = −7.2 + 0.01X₁ + 0.23X₂ + 0.192X₃ + 0.038X₄ + 0.007X₅ + 0.014X₇ + 0.025X₈ + 2.952X₁₃. Selected materials suitable for machine harvesting, such as MoShi729, were identified. This study provides valuable theoretical insights into the mechanical harvesting of Sea Island cotton germplasm resources and identifies promising materials for targeted breeding and improvement programs. Full article

Reducing high concentrations of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and dyes from water is an emerging necessity. We evaluated the use of Luffa cylindrica (Lc) as a natural non-conventional adsorbent to remove azo dye mixture (ADM) from water. The capacity of Lc at three different doses (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/L) was evaluated using three concentrations of azo dyes (0.125, 0.250, and 0.500 g/L). The removal percent (R%), maximum adsorption capacity (Q_m), isotherm and kinetics adsorption models, and pH influence were evaluated, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The maximum R% was 70.8% for 10.0 g L⁻¹ Lc and 0.125 g L⁻¹ ADM. The Q_m of Lc was 161.29 mg g⁻¹. Adsorption by Lc obeys a Langmuir isotherm and occurs through the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Statistical analysis showed that the adsorbent dose, the azo dye concentration, and contact time significantly influenced R% and the adsorption capacity. These findings indicate that Lc could be used as a natural non-conventional adsorbent to reduce ADM in water, and it has a potential application in the pretreatment of wastewaters. Full article

Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is the inappropriate movement of the vocal folds during respiration, leading to vocal fold adduction and/or abduction problems and causing respiratory and vocal impairments. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a wide range of disorders characterized by progressive loss of neurons and deposition of altered proteins in the brain and peripheral organs. VFMI may be unrecognized in patients with NDDs. VFMI in NDDs is caused by the following: laryngeal muscle weakness due to muscular atrophy, caused by brainstem and motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; hyperactivity of laryngeal adductors in Parkinson’s disease; and varying degrees of laryngeal adductor hypertonia and abductor paralysis in multiple system atrophy. Management of VFMI depends on whether there is a presence of glottic insufficiency or insufficient glottic opening with/without severe dysphagia. VFMI treatment options for glottic insufficiency range from surgical interventions, including injection laryngoplasty and medialization thyroplasty, to behavioral therapies; for insufficient glottic opening, various options are available based on the severity and underlying cause of the condition, including continuous positive airway pressure therapy, botulinum toxin injection, tracheostomy, vocal fold surgery, or a combination of interventions. In this review, we outline the mechanisms, clinical features, and management of VFMI in NDDs and provide a guide for physicians who may encounter these clinical features in their patients. NDDs are always progressive; hence, timely evaluation, proper diagnosis, and appropriate management of the patient will greatly affect their vocal, respiratory, and swallowing functions as well as their quality of life. Full article

The immunohistochemical assessment of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins represents a pivotal screening tool for identifying Lynch syndrome (LS)-related cancers, as the loss of their expression often indicates MMR dysfunction associated with genetic or epigenetic alterations. Frequently, LS-related colorectal cancers present germline pathogenic variants in the MLH1 or MSH2 genes, which result in the simultaneous immunohistochemical loss of MLH1 and PMS2 or MSH2 and MSH6 proteins expression, respectively. Less commonly observed is the single involvement of the MSH6 or PMS2 proteins expression, indicative of the presence of germline pathogenic variants in the corresponding genes. Extremely rarely reported are the null immunohistochemistry phenotypes represented by the complete loss of expression of all MMR proteins. The molecular mechanisms contributing to the raising of this latter uncommon immunohistochemical phenotype are derived from the combination of pathogenic germline variants in MMR genes with the somatic hypermethylation of the MLH1 gene promoter. This study focuses on elucidating the molecular cascade leading to the development of the null immunohistochemical phenotype, providing valuable insights into understanding the sequential molecular events driving the LS-associated tumorigenesis, which may have pivotal implications in the clinical management of patients with LS-related cancers. Full article

The traditional approach of considering the probability distribution of rain attenuation leads to provide very large power margin (overdesign) in data channels. We have extended a method which, with a small power margin, bandwidth expansion and variable symbol rate, avoids overdesign and can transfer the same data volume as if the link were in clear—sky conditions. It is characterized only by the link mean efficiency, suitably defined. It is useful only if: (a) data must be up— and downloaded when it is raining; (b) real—time communication is not required. We have applied it to the links of GeoSurf satellite constellations (in which, at any latitude of ground stations, propagation paths are at the local zenith) by simulating rain attenuation time series at 80 GHz (mm—wave)—the new frontier of satellite frequencies—with the Synthetic Storm Technique, from rain—rate time series recorded on—site, at sites located in different climatic regions. The power margin to be implemented at 80 GHz ranges from 2.0 dB to 7.4 dB—well within the current technology—regardless the instantaneous rain attenuation. The clear—sky bandwidth is expanded 1.75 to 2.80 times, a factor not large per se, but it may challenge current technology if the clear—sky bandwidth is already large. Full article

Handedness, a complex human aspect that reflects the functional lateralization of the hemispheres, also interacts with the immune system. This study aimed to expand the knowledge of the lateralization of hand, foot, and eye activities in patients with immune-mediated (IM) or other (noIM) neurological diseases and to clarify the properties of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) in an Italian population. Three hundred thirty-four patients with IM or noIM diseases affecting the brain or spine and peripheral nervous system were interviewed about stressful events preceding the disease, subjective handedness, and familiarity for left-handedness or ambidexterity. The patients and 40 healthy subjects underwent EHI examination. In the whole group of participants, 24 items of the EHI were classified into five factors (Hand Transitive, Hand Refined, Hand Median, Foot, Eye), demonstrating good reliability and validity. Chronological age had a significant influence on hand and foot EHI factors and the laterality quotient (LQ), particularly on writing and painting. In the patient groups, EHI factors and the LQ were also predicted by age of disease onset, duration of disease, and family history of left-handedness or ambidexterity. No differences were found between patients and healthy subjects, but pencil use scored significantly lower in patients with IM diseases than in those with noIM brain diseases. These results demonstrate that the lateralization of hand and foot activities is not a fixed human aspect, but that it can change throughout life, especially for abstract and symbolic activities. Chronic neurological diseases can cause changes in handedness. This may explain why, unlike systemic immunological diseases, IM neurological diseases are not closely associated with left-handedness. In these patients, the long version of the EHI is appropriate for determining the lateralization of body activities to contextualize the neurological picture; therefore, these findings extend the Italian normative data sets. Full article

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) need to replicate feature detectors when modeling spatial information, which reduces their efficiency. The number of replicated feature detectors or labeled training data required for such methods grows exponentially with the dimensionality of the data being used. On the other hand, space-insensitive methods are difficult to encode and express effectively due to the limitation of their rich text structures. In response to the above problems, this paper proposes a capsule network (self-attention capsule network, or SA-CapsNet) with a self-attention mechanism for text classification tasks, wherein the capsule network itself, given the feature with the symmetry hint on two ends, acts as both encoder and decoder. In order to learn long-distance dependent features in sentences and encode text information more efficiently, SA-CapsNet maps the self-attention module to the feature extraction layer of the capsule network, thereby increasing its feature extraction ability and overcoming the limitations of convolutional neural networks. In addition, in this study, in order to improve the accuracy of the model, the capsule was improved by reducing its dimension and an intermediate layer was added, enabling the model to obtain more expressive instantiation features in a given sentence. Finally, experiments were carried out on three general datasets of different sizes, namely the IMDB, MPQA, and MR datasets. The accuracy of the model on these three datasets was 84.72%, 80.31%, and 75.38%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with the benchmark algorithm, the model’s performance on these datasets was promising, with an increase in accuracy of 1.08%, 0.39%, and 1.43%, respectively. This study focused on reducing the parameters of the model for various applications, such as edge and mobile applications. The experimental results show that the accuracy is still not apparently decreased by the reduced parameters. The experimental results therefore verify the effective performance of the proposed SA-CapsNet model. Full article

Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites classified as water-soluble, non-photosynthetic pigments with the potential ability to shield chloroplasts from excess light energy. This study investigated the morphological and physiological responses of six lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars with different leaf anthocyanin contents grown in a greenhouse under different supplemental photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD). Cultivars ‘Cherokee’, ‘Teodore’, ‘Rex’, and ‘Rouxai’ decreased in specific leaf area with increasing PPFD, respectively. We observed that growth in cultivars with higher leaf anthocyanin content (‘Cherokee’ and ‘Rouxai’) increased with increasing PPFD. Light use efficiency (LUE) is an important physiological parameter affecting biomass accumulation, and cultivars ‘Cherokee’, ‘Rex’, ‘Teodore’, and ‘Rouxai’ had the highest LUE and shoot weight. We found that red lettuce varieties, especially ‘Cherokee’ and ‘Rouxai’, showed increased shoot dry weight as light intensity increased. Interestingly, these varieties also had the highest anthocyanin levels in their leaves. This suggests that higher anthocyanin content might contribute to the increased shoot dry weight under higher light intensity, although this was mainly evident in ‘Cherokee’. Full article

Simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) are effective for teaching healthcare students clinical and communication skills. The current study assessed self-perceived clinical and communication confidence among dietetics students completing a series of four SBLEs (3 group, 1 individual) across nine months. Dietetics students were recruited in February 2023 prior to their first SBLE. Simultaneously through the academic year, students completed clinical and communication courses. Students were invited to complete an online, anonymous self-reported survey regarding confidence with nutrition care and communication prior to their first SBLE (Time 1), prior to their third SBLE (Time 2), and following their final SBLE (Time 3). The survey measured healthcare work experience and self-perceived confidence. Student confidence increased among 30 of the 38 indicators (p < 0.05). At Time 2 (following two group SBLEs), those with healthcare experience had higher confidence among 12 of the 39 items (p < 0.05). At Time 3 (following four simulation experiences) those with healthcare experience had higher confidence among just four of the 39 total items (p < 0.05). Cohort increases in confidence suggest that SBLEs, along with dietetics coursework, were critical in increasing confidence and students’ perceived ability to carry-out entry-level tasks of a dietitian. While student confidence increased across the cohort, SBLEs were particularly beneficial in leveling confidence between those with prior clinical experience and those without. Full article

The article concerns the problem of capacitor diagnosis in a hybrid aircraft. Capacitors are one of the most commonly damaged components of electrical vehicle drive systems. The result of these failures is an increase in voltage ripple. Most known analytical methods are based on frequency spectrum analysis, which is time-consuming and computationally complex. The use of deep neural networks (DNNs) allows for the direct use of the measurement signal, which reduces the operating time of the overall diagnostic system. However, the problem with these networks is the long training process. Therefore, this article uses transfer learning (TL), which allows for the secondary use of previously learnt DNNs. To collect data to learn the network, a test bench with the ability to simulate a capacitor failure was constructed, and a model based on it was made in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A convolutional neural network (CNN) structure was developed and trained by the TL method to estimate the capacitance of the capacitor based on signals from the Simulink-designed model. The proposed fault diagnostic method is characterised by a nearly 100% efficiency in determining capacitance, with an operating time of about 10 ms, regardless of load and supply voltage. Full article

These days, many assembly lines are becoming automated, leading to a trend of decreasing defect rates. However, in assembly lines that have opted for partial automation due to high cost of construction, defects still occur. The cause of defects are that the location of the work instructions and the work field are different, which is inefficient and some workers who are familiar with the process tend not to follow the work instructions. As a solution to establishing a system for object detection without disrupting the existing assembly lines, we decided to use wearable devices. As a result, it is possible to solve the problem of spatial constraints and save costs. We adopted the YOLO algorithm for object detection, an image recognition model that stands for “You Only Look Once”. Unlike R-CNN or Fast R-CNN, YOLO predicts images with a single network, making it up to 1000 times faster. The detection point was determined based on whether the pin was fastened after the worker’s hand appeared and disappeared. For the test, 1000 field data were used and the object-detection performance, mAP, was 35%. The trained model was analyzed using seven regression algorithms, among which Xgboost was the most excellent, with a result of 0.15. Distributing labeling and class-specific data equally is expected to enable the implementation of a better model. Based on this approach, the algorithm is considered to be an efficient algorithm that can be used in work fields. Full article

Background: Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is characterised by high resistance in the nasal cavity with a collapsible and narrowed upper airway and is an integral part of OSA pathophysiology. The literature demonstrates that the identification of high-risk OSA in the young adult population leads to the prevention of later health consequences. A nasoorospirometer is a prototype device that measures nasal capacity during inspiration. The basis for measurement is a Wheatstone bridge and a thermal anemometer. The parameters are recorded via hot wire anemometry (HTA) with velocity measurements in the airflow field. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of the device by examining a young adult sample. The secondary aim was to determine whether subjective NAO correlates with nasal capacity and whether NAO corresponds with anthropometric parameters and individual risk of OSA. Methods: A group of 31 participants (mean age 24.9 years) underwent a thorough laryngological examination. The nasoorospirometer was used to measure objective NAO (nasal capacity), the NOSE scale was used to gain subjective NAO evaluation, and the Berlin Questionnaire for the risk of OSA. Results: A correlation analysis confirmed no significant associations between the subjective and objective measures (p > 0.05). Higher BMI and neck circumference are associated with lower NAO and higher nasal patency in the population of young adults (r: 0.32–0.45; p < 0.05). The risk of OSA showed no statistically significant association (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We presented three methods of NAO assessment: subjective participant evaluation, objective nasoosopirometry, and objective laryngological assessment. However, the use of a nasoorospirometer with anthropometric measures in young adults needs to be verified in future studies. Full article

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) latency represents a significant hurdle in finding a cure for HIV-1 infections, despite tireless research efforts. This challenge is partly attributed to the intricate nature of HIV-1 latency, wherein various host and viral factors participate in multiple physiological processes. While substantial progress has been made in discovering therapeutic targets for HIV-1 transcription, targets for the post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 infections have received less attention. However, cumulative evidence now suggests the pivotal contribution of post-transcriptional regulation to the viral latency in both in vitro models and infected individuals. In this review, we explore recent insights on post-transcriptional latency in HIV-1 and discuss the potential of its therapeutic targets, illustrating some host factors that restrict HIV-1 at the post-transcriptional level. Full article

FIDO2 authentication is starting to be applied in numerous web authentication services, aiming to replace passwords and their known vulnerabilities. However, this new authentication method has not been integrated yet with network authentication systems. In this paper, we introduce FIDO2CAP: FIDO2 Captive-portal Authentication Protocol. Our proposal describes a novel protocol for captive-portal network authentication using FIDO2 Authenticators as security keys and passkeys. For validating our proposal, we have developed a prototype of FIDO2CAP authentication in a mock scenario. Using this prototype, we performed a usability experiment with 15 real users. This work makes the first systematic approach for adapting network authentication to the new authentication paradigm relying on FIDO2 authentication. Full article

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by a virus within the Poxviridae family and Capripoxvirus genus, induces nodular skin lesions in cattle. This spreads through direct contact and insect vectors, significantly affecting global cattle farming. Despite the availability of vaccines, their efficacy is limited by poor prophylaxis and adverse effects. Our study aimed to identify the potential inhibitors targeting the LSDV-encoded DNA polymerase protein (gene LSDV039) for further investigation through comprehensive analysis and computational methods. Virtual screening revealed rhein and taxifolin as being potent binders among 380 phytocompounds, with respective affinities of −8.97 and −7.20 kcal/mol. Canagliflozin and tepotinib exhibited strong affinities (−9.86 and −8.86 kcal/mol) among 718 FDA-approved antiviral drugs. Simulating the molecular dynamics of canagliflozin, tepotinib, rhein, and taxifolin highlighted taxifolin’s superior stability and binding energy. Rhein displayed compactness in RMSD and RMSF, but fluctuated in Rg and SASA, while canagliflozin demonstrated stability compared to tepotinib. This study highlights the promising potential of using repurposed drugs and phytocompounds as potential LSD therapeutics. However, extensive validation through in vitro and in vivo testing and clinical trials is crucial for their practical application. Full article

This review was aimed at collecting the knowledge on the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of endocrine rhythms and their implications in clinical practice, derived from the published literature and from some personal experiences on this topic. We chose to review, according to the PRISMA guidelines, the results of original and observational studies, reviews, meta-analyses and case reports published up to March 2024. Thus, after summarizing the general aspects of biological rhythms, we will describe the characteristics of several endocrine rhythms and the consequences of their disruption, paying particular attention to the implications in clinical practice. Rhythmic endocrine secretions, like other physiological rhythms, are genetically determined and regulated by a central hypothalamic CLOCK located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which links the timing of the rhythms to independent clocks, in a hierarchical organization for the regulation of physiology and behavior. However, some environmental factors, such as daily cycles of light/darkness, sleep/wake, and timing of food intake, may influence the rhythm characteristics. Endocrine rhythms are involved in important physiological processes and their disruption may cause several disorders and also cancer. Thus, it is very important to prevent disruptions of endocrine rhythms and to restore a previously altered rhythm by an early corrective chronotherapy. Full article

In order to improve the efficiency of the “last-mile” distribution in urban logistics and solve the problem of the difficult charging of electric logistics vehicles (ELVs), this paper proposes a charging station location optimization scheme for ELVs that takes into account time-window and load constraints (TW-LCs). Taking the optimal transportation path as the objective function and considering the time-window and vehicle load constraints, a charging station siting model was established. For the TW-LC problem, an improved genetic algorithm combining the farthest-insertion heuristic idea and local search operation was designed. Three different types of standardized arithmetic examples, C type, R type, and RC type, were used to test the proposed algorithm and compare it with the traditional genetic algorithm. The results indicate that, under the same conditions, compared to the traditional genetic algorithm, the improved genetic algorithm reduced the optimal path length by an average of 11.12%. It also decreased the number of charging stations selected, the number of vehicles in use, and the algorithm complexity by 22.97%, 13.71%, and 46.81%. Building on this, a case study was conducted on the TW-LC problem in a specific area of Chongqing, China. It resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of charging stations and a 25% reduction in the number of vehicles selected. In terms of economic indicators, the proposed algorithm improves unit electricity sales by 73.88% and reduces the total annualized cost of the logistics company by 18.81%, providing a theoretical basis for the subsequent promotion of ELVs. Full article