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A deep dictionary clustering approach for unsupervised image retrieval using convolutional sparse coding

Collaborative scheduling of dual-trolley quay cranes and AGVs via speed-control strategy

Conflicts may impede AGVs from reaching DQCs promptly during automated terminal operations. This challenge may lead to congestion on the transfer platform and diminish the operational efficiency of unmanned terminals. This research proposes a cooperative scheduling approach integrating a speed control strategy for DQCs and AGVs. Considering the capacity of transfer platforms, time windows for AGVs are established, and tasks are allocated accordingly. A speed control-based conflict resolution model is created with the dual objectives of minimizing energy consumption during travel and maximizing the fulfillment of time windows. The Dijkstra algorithm is employed to plan travel routes, anticipate potential conflicts during AGV operations, and assign priorities based on the satisfaction of task time windows. AGV speeds are dynamically adjusted to generate conflict-free scheduling plans that align with the operational times of the dual-trolley quay cranes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed speed-control strategy effectively resolves conflicts while consuming less energy than traditional stop-and-wait methods. Additionally, this strategy reduces the frequency of AGV starts and stops, ensures timely task completion, decreases quay crane waiting times, and enhances overall terminal operational efficiency.

The learning effect in repeated Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests in adults with different levels of physical fitness

Safe passage analysis for both column screw fixation technique in posterior column acetabular fractures

Does it hold weight? The perceived effects of contraceptive use on weight status in females: A mixed-methods study

Purpose To examine females’ perceived effects of contraceptive use on weight management and to identify potential confounding factors that may contribute to perceived weight changes across their lifespan. Methods Three hundred and fifteen predominantly UK-based females completed a questionnaire assessing the prevalence and type of current and previous contraceptive use, reasons for use, side effects experienced, and perceived effects on weight. Twenty-five participants who reported contraceptive use subsequently completed timeline interviews to gain deeper insight into the perceived impact of contraception on weight status and to identify contextual or lifestyle factors that may have contributed to perceived weight-management difficulties. Results Contraceptive use prevalence was 88% among respondents, with 38% using a contraceptive method at the time of data collection. Forty-two percent reported greater difficulty managing their weight while using hormonal contraception compared with their natural menstrual cycle. In follow-up interviews, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) was consistently identified as the method most associated with difficulties in weight management. However, most participants attributed weight-related challenges to broader life circumstances, such as moving away from home, relationship changes, and stress, rather than contraceptive use alone. Conclusion Although 42% of females reported difficulty managing their weight while using contraception, these perceptions often reflected lifestyle factors rather than physiological effects of the contraceptive itself. Clinicians, coaches, and recreationally active females should consider the most appropriate contraceptive type for their circumstances and also reflect on life status and current events as potential contributors to perceived weight management struggles or weight gain . Individuals may want to consider alternative methods if they are initially affected by DMPA.

Rake angle optimization for balanced efficiency and durability in PDC cutter cutting granite interaction via infrared thermal dynamics and fragmentation mechanism

Performance of multi-trait and single-trait genomic selection for grain Fe and Zn concentrations in sorghum under different breeding constraints

Abstract Sorghum biofortification is a cost-effective approach to solving the issue of micronutrient deficiencies in human diets. Research programs face challenges, e.g., phenotyping time, cost, and accuracy in evaluating breeding populations across years and environments, which can be addressed through genomic selection (GS). The present GS work on sorghum grain Fe and Zn contents revealed that the multi-trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model (MT-GBLUP) consistently outperformed single-trait GBLUP (ST-GBLUP) in terms of prediction accuracy (PA) under different breeding resource-constrained scenarios. The PA gain by MT-GBLUP for Fe (0.274) and Zn (0.183) was greater when information was borrowed from auxiliary agronomic traits evaluated in a few locations than when only highly correlated target traits (Fe and Zn) were evaluated in more years and locations (PA gain ≤ 0.005). These results suggest that easily scorable non-target traits can inform and improve MT-GBLUP prediction accuracy for the genomic estimated breeding values of the target traits, thereby significantly saving multi-environment testing resources and potentially boosting genetic gain per unit time and cost.

Carbon fiber reinforced composite material layup design optimization method and its application in automobile battery box

In order to improve the lightweight level of new energy vehicle battery box assembly and its design efficiency and precision, a design scheme of sheet molding compound (SMC) composite box upper plate and carbon fiber composite lower box was proposed. Based on digital twin technology and combined with an improved particle swarm-bacterial foraging (PSO-BFO) algorithm, a fiber reinforced composite layup design and multi-level twin optimization method was proposed. The SMC composite material upper panel was designed and optimized by using the morphology optimization and size optimization methods. The carbon fiber composite material lower panel layup sequence was designed and optimized by using the constructed digital twin multi-level optimization method. Comparing the performance of the battery box assembly before and after optimization, the improvement rates of battery box assembly quality and first-order modal frequency were 40.63% and 33.34% respectively. The stress improvement rates under bumpy conditions, bumpy+braking conditions/bumping+turning conditions are 83.60%; 81.01%; 84.31% respectively, and the displacement improvement rates are 62.80%, 63.21%, and 63.14% respectively. Lightweight and performance improvement The effect is remarkable. The effectiveness of the battery box assembly design scheme and carbon fiber reinforced composite material layup design optimization method proposed in this paper is demonstrated.

Anticipating volcanic eruptions using rescaled range analysis of volcano-tectonic seismicity

Abstract The possibility of forecasting volcanic eruptions remains a major challenge for the volcanological scientific community. To date, various techniques based on volcano-tectonic seismicity, endogenous gas emission and satellite imagery have been widely applied in an effort to understand and anticipate short-term volcanic behaviour leading to eruptions. The rescaled range analysis (R/S) applied to time series of volcano-tectonic earthquakes is a quantitative method for determining the short-term and long-term memory of seismic activity during volcanic unrest. By using the Hurst exponent, it is possible to identify the precise transition from anti-persistence to persistence in volcano-tectonic earthquake time-series (VT) associated with volcanic dike ascent. We calculated the Hurst exponent of volcano-tectonic earthquakes during the 2021 Tajogaite eruption (La Palma, Canary Islands), the temporal evolution of the GEOS diagram and its correlation with the sustained dynamics of the volcanic eruption. Our study suggests that the volcanic unrest system transitions from anti-persistence to persistence approximately two days before the eruption, indicating a non-return point and the imminent onset of the eruption. Furthermore, we identified five magma deep injections during the eruption. The final stage and potential cessation of the eruption can also be inferred from the asymptotic trend of the Hurst exponent.

Growth, immunity, and antioxidant activity responses of phytobiotics and probiotics incorporated into Oreochromis niloticus diets under stressors of unchanged water

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of incorporating commercial mixture phytobiotic/probiotics as feed additives in terms of performance, survival rate proximate composition, hematological parameters, immunological response and antioxidant enzymes activity of Oreochromis niloticus reared under un-exchanged water system. Nile tilapia with an average beginning weight ranged from 48.49 to 52.50 g and were distributed in concrete ponds (1 m × 1 m × 1 m; L × W × H) at 20 fish / pond. Four treatments were performed as follows: control group (CG) fish fed a basal feed without water exchange and three groups were reared under zero water exchange with adding three different doses of commercial phytobiotic /probiotics on the basal feed (Garlex ® , Superimmune ® , and Gallipro 200 ® ): Group 1: (200 mg, 500 mg, and 200 mg)/kg diet, Group 2: (400 mg, 1000 mg, and 400 mg)/ kg diet and Group 3: (600 mg, 1500 mg, and 600 mg)/ kg diet. This trial lasted for ninety days. Groups 1 and 2 had the best growth indices and survival rates, and there was not a significant ( P  ≤  0.05 ) distinction between them. Fish fed Groups 1 and 2 showed the greatest improvement in proximate body composition, immunological responses, and antioxidant enzyme activity, including lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). This study has detected that feed additives of commercial mixture of 200 mg/kg Garlex®, 400 mg/kg Super Immune®, and 200 mg/kg GallPro-200® led to improved growth and physiological status of O. niloticus under un-exchanged water ponds.

Dynamic assessment of the ecological value of cultivated land based on the Gompertz curve model: A case study of Lezhi County, China

With the continuous advancement of ecological compensation mechanisms, there is an urgent need to refine the dynamic evaluation of the ecological value of cultivated land (EVCL). This study constructs a dynamic assessment model for the EVCL based on the Gompertz curve, selecting Lezhi County in Sichuan Province, China, as the study area. The impact of the evolution of ecological compensation policies on the EVCL is examined. Using the functional value method, the study quantifies four key ecosystem services: agricultural product supply, water conservation, carbon sequestration and oxygen release, and soil and water conservation. It estimates that the ecological value per hectare of cultivated land reached CNY 704,250 in 2022, expressed in constant 1990 prices using the official GDP deflator published by the National Bureau of Statistics of China. A Gompertz curve linear equation was developed through logarithmic linearization, and parameter estimation was supported by the GDP growth rate as a proxy variable. This approach ensured statistical consistency and avoided overfitting. The model was compared with the traditional Pearl curve using quantitative indicators such as the coefficient of determination (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE). These measures highlight the superior correction capacity and fitting stability of the Gompertz model. To ensure temporal consistency, all monetary values were harmonized by converting nominal series into constant 1990 prices before integration with historical data (1979–2022) and GM(1,1) forecasts up to 2052. This integration provided a coherent time series for calculating development stage coefficients and projecting EVCL. The results indicate that the ecological value follows an asymmetric S-shaped growth trajectory as development stages advance, aligning with the gradual evolution of ecological compensation policies and increasing institutional maturity. By linking quantitative model validation with policy evolution, the study not only estimates the EVCL from 1979 to 2052 but also provides a methodological reference for evaluating ecological compensation policies across regions.

Synthesis a new family hybrid anionic/nonionic surfactant and investigation their physical properties in relation to chemical enhanced oil recovery

Abstract This study details the synthesis of a new class family of surfactants with dual anionic and nonionic moieties (hybrid surfactants) based on maleic anhydride. The maleic anhydride reacted with 1-octene to prepare the corresponding 2-Octene-1-yl-Succinic Anhydride. Then, this anhydride was esterified with prepared ethoxylated alcohols (ethylene oxide = 20 units) having different alkyl chains to obtain nonionic moiety surfactants named as; NMAE-10, NMAE-12 and NMAE-14. The sulfonation was carried for the nonionic surfactant by using sodium bisulfite to get three anionic moiety surfactants (hybrid surfactants) designated as; AMAES-10, AMAES-12 and AMAES-14. FT-IR and ¹H NMR confirmed the surfactants’ structures. At 50 °C, Alkane carbon number (ACN) and n min were calculated by comparing n-hydrocarbon scans from n-C 6 to n-C 16 with the interfacial tension at the CMC. The work adhesion (W a ), spreading coefficient and surface charge energy for these surfactants were determined from interfacial tension, surface tension and contact angle measurements. A sand back model was utilized to examine the crude oil recovery factor at 50 °C. The obtained results indicated that, these surfactants have excellent performance in the term of surface activity and thermodynamics properties. Notably, AMAES-12 exhibits the most significant reduction in surface tension (16.3 mN/m) and the lowest interfacial tension (0.01 mN/m) at 50 °C. The contact angle data demonstrated that, the prepared surfactants have efficiency to make alteration in wettability. The AMAES-12 achieved the maximum total oil recovery arrived 92.3% of the original from oil in place (OOIP).

Combustion analysis of CI engine fuelled with calophyllum inophyllum methyl ester biodiesel and CeO2 nanoparticle additives

Abstract This study investigates the effect of cerium oxide (CeO 2 ​) nanoparticle (NP) size on the combustion characteristics of a single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) or diesel engine fueled with a base blend (BD) composed of 20% Calophyllum Inophyllum Methyl Ester biodiesel (CIMEBD), and 80% diesel (by volume). The CIMEBD used in this study was synthesized via a two-stage transesterification process from crude Calophyllum Inophyllum oil. The challenges related to biodiesel properties such as viscosity and oxidation stability can limit the use of biodiesel blends to less than 20% biodiesel. As a result, 20%-biodiesel, 80%-diesel is a common and widely approved blend for use in modern diesel engines without modification, as per regulatory standards, such as the ASTM D7467 standard. NPs can be used with biodiesels in order to counteract their inherent higher viscosity, and thereby allowing the application of higher biodiesel percentages. CeO 2 ​ NP of four different average sizes (20, 40, 60, and 80 nm) were dispersed in the base biodiesel blend, BD at a fixed concentration of 90 ppm. The engine was operated at a constant speed of 1500 RPM under various loads. Key combustion parameters, including in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate (HRR), ignition delay (ID), cetane number (CN), and the coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure (COVIMEP) were analyzed. Results show that the addition of NPs improves combustion stability and performance. The fuel blend with 40 nm NPs (BD40) exhibited the most favorable characteristics, demonstrating the lowest cyclic variability (COVIMEP​ of 1.9% at 30% load, compared to 3.1% for diesel) and the shortest ID, in crank angle degrees (CAD), that is, 3.14 CAD at 30% load for base biodiesel, vs. 4.5 CAD for diesel. This was attributed to the BD40 blend having the highest measured CN (55.4). A strong inverse correlation was established between CN, ID, and COVIMEP​. The findings indicate that an optimal NP size of 40 nm exists to maximize the catalytic benefits for biodiesel combustion, with agglomeration effects potentially diminishing the performance of larger NPs, thus establishing a clear, size-dependent relationship for combustion stability.

Global, regional, and national burden of kidney dysfunction-attributed ischemic heart disease from 1990 to 2021: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study 2021

Background Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, with kidney dysfunction (KD) emerging as a critical independent risk factor. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the global burden and trends of KD-attributed IHD from 1990 to 2021. Methods We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, covering 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We examined trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of KD-attributable IHD, with stratification by sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI). The association between burden and SDI was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and a smoothed curve model was developed to analyze the stage of the association. Results From 1990 to 2021, global deaths and DALYs from KD-attributable IHD increased by 22.4% and 18.7%, respectively, despite a decline in age-standardized rates (ASRs). Low- and low-middle SDI regions experienced the highest burden, with increasing ASRs, while high-SDI regions showed significant reductions. Males exhibited a higher burden, with pronounced age-specific increases in IHD burden post-50 years. Significant threshold effects were observed, with substantial declines in ASRs only in regions with SDI values above 0.7. Conclusions The global burden of KD-attributable IHD is increasing, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Socioeconomic development plays a crucial role in mitigating the disease burden, underscoring the need for targeted interventions, including chronic kidney disease screening, lifestyle modification, and integrated cardiovascular and renal care.

Neuroprotective effects of Cratoxylum formosum (L.) leaf extract on β-amyloid-induced injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

A DeepSeek cross-modal platform for personalized art education in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Educational inequity in arts learning disproportionately marginalizes students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who require structured, predictable environments for aesthetic development and sensory regulation that traditional pedagogies fail to provide. This study introduces an AI-powered e-learning platform that addresses these systematic barriers through intelligent cross-modal integration, democratizing access to personalized art education for neurodivergent learners. Our DeepSeek-based system transforms visual art features into structured musical accompaniments that accommodate individual sensory processing patterns, cultural backgrounds, and neurodevelopmental profiles while maintaining the predictability essential for ASD learning success. The platform employs enhanced ResNet-50 architecture, high-dimensional manifold mapping, and conditional generation models specifically optimized for sensory regulation principles. Comprehensive evaluation with 203 participants (including 53 neurodivergent learners) and 19 autism education specialists demonstrates substantial improvements: sensory comfort ratings of 4.6/5, learning satisfaction of 4.3/5, and educational outcomes showing 20.5% NAEP score improvements compared to 8.2% for traditional methods (p < 0.008). Technical performance achieved superior cross-modal consistency (MSE 0.05, PCC 0.92) with 89% accommodation success across diverse sensory profiles. This research offers a promising model for inclusive digital education by demonstrating how AI can contribute to mitigating educational inequities for neurodivergent populations. It provides a scalable framework that advances accessible arts education, embracing neurodiversity while maintaining academic rigor.

Heavy metal exposure and its impact on inflammatory ratios in minors: The mediating role of BMI

Background Despite existing evidence that endocrine-disrupting chemicals like heavy metals exposure impairs health of minors, the association between the exposures and inflammatory ratios remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the relationship between heavy metal exposure and inflammatory ratios, focusing on BMI as a potential mediator in this association. Method We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from the NHANES 2007–2018. 14,007 minors were categorized into different age groups, and analyses were performed based on demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression and mediation analysis were applied to asses associations between heavy metal concentrations and inflammatory ratios, with BMI included as a mediating variable. Results The participants were divided into four age groups: toddlers (2487), preschool children (2297), school-age children (5019), and teenagers (4204). Blood Pb was positively correlated with LMR (β = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60–0.81) and PNR (β = 14.88, 95% CI: 12.29–17.47), with 25.89% and 27.02% of these associations mediated by BMI. Negative correlations were observed between Pb and inflammation ratios, including NLR (β = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.34 – −0.24), PLR (β = −10.35, 95% CI: −12.61– −8.08), and NMR (β = −0.63, 95% CI: −0.78 – −0.48), with BMI accounting for 37.64%, 22.40%, and 39.59% of these effects, respectively. Blood Cd and Hg were also correlated with these ratios, with BMI consistently mediating these associations. Conclusions BMI serves as a significant mediator between blood heavy metals and inflammatory ratios among minors.

A two-stage surface defect segmentation method for wind turbine blades based on Deeplabv3+

Abstract A two-stage segmentation model based on improved Deeplabv3 + is proposed for segmenting Blade regions and defects in complex environments. Accurate segmentation is critical for timely maintenance and safe operation of wind turbines. The model consists of Blade-Deeplabv3 + and Defect-Deeplabv3+, collectively named BD-Deeplabv3+. In the first stage, Blade-Deeplabv3 + segments the Blade from the background using the Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling module to extract multi-scale features and suppress background interference. The resulting segmented Blade is then input to the second stage. In this stage, Defect-Deeplabv3 + extracts multi-scale features and refines boundaries of surface crack, hole, and spalling defects. DenseASPP replaces the original ASPP, employing densely connected dilated convolutions to enhance multi-scale feature fusion and improve semantic representation and boundary accuracy for minor defects. Experimental results show that the mean intersection over union for Blade segmentation reaches 98.97%, and for defect segmentation reaches 94.25%. Finally, Blade defect severity is quantified using the ratio of defect area to Blade area, enabling more reliable maintenance planning.

Impact of germination and kilning parameters on Eleusine coracana malting for industrial brewing applications

Abstract This study examined the influence of malting conditions on the quality of finger millet (Eleusine coracana, Mecha variety) malt and its brewing potential. A 3 × 3 × 3 factorial design was applied, varying germination temperature (20–30 °C), germination time (2–4 days), and curing temperature (70–90 °C). The malts were characterized by germination energy, enzyme activity, protein and tannin content, as well as brewing performance indicators including diastatic power and hot water extract. Through the interaction of 30 °C germination temperature and 4-day duration meeting international malting standards. Higher germination temperatures and longer durations improved enzyme activity and modification, though accompanied by greater weight loss (20.3–24.5%) and reduced moisture (2.1–4.5%). Wort analysis yielded hot water extract values of 77.7–90.7% (dry basis), with upper values surpassing EBC standards, suggesting possible over-modification under certain treatments. These findings demonstrate finger millet’s suitability as an alternative brewing raw material and support its potential for commercial millet-based beer production in Ethiopia and beyond.

The PREHAAAB Trial: Multimodal prehabilitation for patients awaiting open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair – A study protocol for an international randomized controlled trial

Background Patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair remain at high risk for postoperative complications, particularly when presenting with limited baseline functional capacity. Prehabilitation, encompassing physical, nutritional, and psychological optimization before surgery, may improve outcomes in this population. However, evidence is limited in the context of open AAA repair. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal prehabilitation program in reducing the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing open AAA repair. Methods This is a multicenter, international, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants include adults scheduled for elective open AAA surgery. A total of 152 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either standard preoperative care or a 6-week multimodal prehabilitation program consisting of supervised exercise training, individualized nutritional support, and psychological counseling. The primary outcome is the rate of postoperative complications as measured by the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Secondary outcomes include length of hospital stay, and readmission rates, changes in functional capacity, health-related quality of life and anxiety & depression. Data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. The study complies with SPIRIT 2013 guidelines and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05756283). Discussion This trial will address a significant evidence gap regarding preoperative optimization in open abdominal aneurysm surgery. Findings will inform best practices for reducing morbidity in this high-risk population and contribute to enhanced recovery strategies in vascular surgery. Trial registration [NCT05756283]