Search Results (25,416)

Accurate solar power generation forecasting is paramount for optimizing renewable energy systems and ensuring sustainability in our evolving energy landscape. This study introduces a pioneering approach that synergistically integrates Boosting Cascade Forest and multi-class-grained scanning techniques to enhance the precision of solar farm power output predictions significantly. While Boosting Cascade Forest excels in capturing intricate, nonlinear variable interactions through ensemble decision tree learning, multi-class-grained scanning reveals fine-grained patterns within time-series data. Evaluation with real-world solar farm data demonstrates exceptional performance, reflected in low error metrics (mean absolute error, 0.0016; root mean square error 0.0036) and an impressive R-squared score of 99.6% on testing data. This research represents the inaugural application of these advanced techniques to solar generation forecasting, highlighting their potential to revolutionize renewable energy integration, streamline maintenance, and reduce costs. Opportunities for further refinement of ensemble models and exploration of probabilistic forecasting methods are also discussed, underscoring the significance of this work in advancing solar forecasting techniques for a sustainable energy future. Full article

Background and Objectives: Accelerated orthodontics represents a significant shift in dental practice aimed at reducing treatment times while maintaining optimal patient outcomes. This bibliometric analysis evaluated the research landscape of accelerated orthodontics from 2012 to 2023, focusing on publication trends, citation patterns, influential journals, leading institutions, and key contributors. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search in Scopus identified 600 relevant articles, with the top 50 most-cited papers encompassing systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and experimental studies. Key techniques, such as corticotomy and piezocision, have been frequently highlighted for their effectiveness in expediting tooth movement. Results: The analysis revealed fluctuating annual scientific outputs, with notable peaks driven by technological advancements and increased patient demand for quicker orthodontic solutions. However, the production of high-impact papers was hindered by delays in citation accumulation and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Keyword analysis identified critical themes, such as orthodontic tooth movement, malocclusion, and demographic factors, while a global collaboration map underscored extensive international research partnerships. Leading journals included the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and prominent institutions such as the University of California at Los Angeles played significant roles in advancing the field. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of accelerated orthodontics, emphasizing the need for continued research, particularly RCTs, to further refine and validate accelerated orthodontic techniques and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

This article aims to assess the usability of selected map portals with a checklist. The methods employed allowed the author to conduct user experience tests from a longer temporal perspective against a retrospective analysis of the evolution of design techniques for presenting spatial data online. The author performed user experience tests on three versions of Tomice Municipality’s geoportal available on the Internet. The desktop and mobile laboratory tests were performed by fourteen experts following a test scenario. The study employs the exploratory approach, inspection method, and System Usability Scale (SUS). The author calculated the Geoportal Overall Quality (GOQ) index to better illustrate the relationships among the subjective perceptions of the usability quality of the three geoportals. The usability results were juxtaposed with performance measurements. Normalised and aggregated results of user experience demonstrated that the expert assessments of the usability of geoportals G1 and G3 on mobile devices were similar despite significant development differences. The overall results under the employed research design have confirmed that geoportal G2 offers the lowest usability in both mobile and desktop modes. The study has demonstrated that some websites can retain usability even considering the dynamic advances in hardware and software despite their design, which is perceived as outdated today. Users still expect well-performing and quick map applications, even if this means limited functionality and usability. Moreover, the results indirectly show that the past resolution of the ‘large raster problem’ led to the aggravation of the issue of ‘large scripts’. Full article

Cucumis melo is an annual dicotyledonous trailing herb. It is fruity, cool, and refreshing to eat and is widely loved by consumers worldwide. The single fruit weight is an important factor affecting the yield, and thus the income and economic benefits, of melon crops. In this study, to identify the main QTLs (quantitative trait locus) controlling the single fruit weight of melon and thereby identify candidate genes controlling this trait, specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF) analysis was performed on the offspring of female 1244 plants crossed with male MS-5 plants. A total of 115 individual plants in the melon F₂ population were analyzed to construct a genetic linkage map with a total map distance of 1383.88 cM by the group in the early stages of the project, which was divided into 12 linkage groups with a total of 10,596 SLAF markers spaced at an average genetic distance of 0.13 cM. A total of six QTLs controlling single fruit weight (sfw loci) were detected. Seven pairs of markers with polymorphisms were obtained by screening candidate intervals from the SLAF data. The primary QTL sfw2.2 was further studied in 300 F_2:3 family lines grown in 2020 and 2021, respectively, a positioning sfw2.2 between the markers CY Indel 11 and CY Indel 16, between 18,568,142 and 18,704,724 on chromosome 2. This interval contained 136.58 kb and included three genes with functional annotations, MELO3C029673, MELO3C029669, and MELO3C029674. Gene expression information for different fruit development stages was obtained from 1244 and MS-5 fruits on the 15d, 25d, and 35d after pollination, and qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription–PCR) indicated that the expression of the MELO3C029669 gene significantly differed between the parents during the three periods. The gene sequences between the parents of MELO3C029669 were analyzed and compared, a base mutation was found to occur in the intronic interval between the parents of the gene, from A-G. Phylogenetic evolutionary tree analysis revealed that the candidate gene MELO3C029669 is most closely related to Pisum sativum Fimbrin-5 variant 2 and most distantly related to Cucumis melo var. makuwa. Therefore, it was hypothesized that MELO3C029669 is the primary major locus controlling single fruit weight in melon. These results not only provide a theoretical basis for further studies to find genes with functions in melon single fruit weight but also lay the foundation for accelerating breakthroughs and innovations in melon breeding. Full article

Traditional scenic road visual landscape assessment methods struggle to quantify drivers’ subjective visual perceptions. This study aims to develop a new method to decipher Scenic Road Visual Landscape Evaluation (SRVLE) of motorists’ visual field, reconciling the longstanding subjectivity–objectivity dichotomy in landscape quality research. By adopting binocular visual simulation and image segmentation, this paper conceptualizes a novel “non-scale semantic differential approach” to quantify landscape qualities across the dimensions of naturalness–artificiality (NA), diversity–coherence (DC), and openness–deepness (OD), constructing a three-dimensional visual landscape quality evaluation system. Taking the Nujiang Beautiful Road in Yunnan as a case study, the results show the following: (1) The three indicators reveal the scenic road’s distinctive visual landscape characteristics, marked by high naturalness, coherence, and relative openness. (2) SRVLE is found to vary between the two driving directions and different sections. (3) The three-dimensional evaluation cube intuitively displays the comprehensive characteristics of landscape quality, providing a basis for scenic road planning. This method offers a new approach to resolving the subjective–objective divide in SRVLE and can assist road administrations in enhancing policy planning, construction, and management, thereby promoting the high-quality development of scenic roads. Full article

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau ecosystem is fragile, experiencing rapid changes in land cover driven by both climate change and human activities, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss and resulting in biodiversity decline. Habitat ecological networks (HA-ENs) are considered effective solutions for habitat connectivity and biodiversity conservation in response to these dual drivers. However, HA-EN studies typically rely on current or historical landscape data, which hinders the formulation of future conservation strategies. This study proposes three future scenarios—improvement, deterioration, and baseline scenarios—focused on the southeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (SE-QPT). The habitats of 10 species across three classes are extracted, integrating land use and climate change data into habitat ecological network modeling to assess the long-term dynamics of HA-ENs in the SE-QPT. Finally, conservation management strategies are proposed based on regional heterogeneity. The results show the following: Climate change and human activities are expected to reduce the suitable habitat area for species, intensifying resource competition among multiple species. By 2030, under all scenarios, the forest structure will become more fragmented, and grassland degradation will be primarily concentrated in the southeastern and western parts of the study area. Compared to 1985 (71,891.3 km²), the habitat area by 2030 is projected to decrease by 12.9% (62,629.3 km²). The overlap rate of species habitats increases from 25.4% in 1985 to 30.9% by 2030. Compared to the HA-EN control in 1985, all scenarios show a decrease in connectivity and complexity, with only the improvement scenario showing some signs of recovery towards the control network, albeit limited. Finally, based on regional heterogeneity, a conservation management strategy of “two points, two cores, two corridors, and two regions” is proposed. This strategy aims to provide a framework for future conservation efforts in response to climate change and human activities. Full article

Soil salinization significantly impacts the ecological environment and agricultural production, posing a threat to plant growth. Currently, there are over 400 varieties of Bougainvillea with horticultural value internationally. However, research on the differences in salt tolerance among Bougainvillea varieties is still insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the physiological responses and tolerance differences of various Bougainvillea varieties under different concentrations of salt stress, reveal the effects of salt stress on their growth and physiology, and study the adaptation mechanisms of these varieties related to salt stress. The experimental materials consisted of five varieties of Bougainvillea. Based on the actual salinity concentrations in natural saline-alkali soils, we used a pot-controlled salt method for the experiment, with four treatment concentrations set: 0.0% (w/v) (CK), 0.2% (w/v), 0.4% (w/v), and 0.6% (w/v). After the Bougainvillea plants grew stably, salt stress was applied and the growth, physiology, and salt tolerance of the one-year-old plants were systematically measured and assessed. The key findings were as follows: Salt stress inhibited the growth and biomass of the five varieties of Bougainvillea; the ‘Dayezi’ variety showed severe salt damage, while the ‘Shuihong’ variety exhibited minimal response. As the salt concentration and duration of salt stress increase, the trends of the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and osmotic regulation systems in the leaves of the five Bougainvillea species differ. Membrane permeability and the production of membrane oxidative products showed an upward trend with stress severity. The salt tolerance of the five varieties of Bougainvillea was comprehensively evaluated through principal component analysis. It was found that the ‘Shuihong’ variety exhibited the highest salt tolerance, followed by the ‘Lvyehuanghua’, ‘Xiaoyezi’, ‘Tazi’, and ‘Dayezi’ varieties. Therefore, Bougainvillea ‘Shuihong’, ‘Lvyehuanghua’, and ‘Xiaoyezi’ are recommended for extensive cultivation in saline-alkali areas. The investigation focuses primarily on how Bougainvillea varieties respond to salt stress from the perspectives of growth and physiological levels. Future research could explore the molecular mechanisms behind the responses to and tolerance of different Bougainvillea varieties as to salt stress, providing a more comprehensive understanding and basis for practical applications. Full article

Ongoing global climate change, marked by sustained warming and extreme weather events, poses a severe threat to both the Earth’s ecosystems and human communities. Traditional settlements that underwent natural selection and evolution developed a unique set of features to adapt to and regulate the local climate. A comprehensive exploration of the spatial patterns and mechanisms of the adaptation of these traditional settlements is crucial for investigating low-energy climate adaptation theories and methods as well as enhancing the comfort of future human habitats. This study used numerical simulations and field measurements to investigate the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and thermal comfort of traditional settlements in Western Sichuan Plain, China, and uncovered their climate suitability characteristics to determine the impact mechanisms of landscape element configurations (building height, building density, tree coverage, and tree position) and spatial patterns on microclimates within these settlements. The results revealed the structural and layout strategies adopted by traditional settlements to adapt to different climatic conditions, providing valuable insights for future rural protection and planning and enhancing climate resilience through natural means. These findings not only contribute to understanding the climate adaptability of Earth’s ecosystems and traditional settlements but also offer new theories and methods to address the challenges posed by climate change. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, powered by pathogens that become increasingly proficient at withstanding antibiotic treatments. This review introduces the factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), highlighting the presence of antibiotics in different environmental and biological matrices as a significant contributor to the resistance. It emphasizes the urgent need for robust and effective detection methods to identify these substances and mitigate their impact on AMR. Traditional techniques, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and immunoassays, are discussed alongside their limitations. The review underscores the emerging role of biosensors as promising alternatives for antibiotic detection, with a particular focus on electrochemical biosensors. Therefore, the manuscript extensively explores the principles and various types of electrochemical biosensors, elucidating their advantages, including high sensitivity, rapid response, and potential for point-of-care applications. Moreover, the manuscript investigates recent advances in materials used to fabricate electrochemical platforms for antibiotic detection, such as aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers, highlighting their role in enhancing sensor performance and selectivity. This review culminates with an evaluation and summary of commercially available and spin-off sensors for antibiotic detection, emphasizing their versatility and portability. By explaining the landscape, role, and future outlook of electrochemical biosensors in antibiotic detection, this review provides insights into the ongoing efforts to combat the escalating threat of AMR effectively. Full article

Assessing the functional traits and ecological stoichiometric characteristics of dominant species across different life forms within plant communities in karst environments and investigating the inherent connection between them can provide insights into how species adjust their functional attributes in response to habitat heterogeneity. This approach offers a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem processes and functions in contrast to examination of the taxonomic diversity of species. This study examines the relationship between the functional characteristics of dominant species in plant communities of various life forms in karst environments, focusing on deciduous leaf–soil ecological stoichiometry. The investigation relies on community science surveys, as well as the determination and calculation of plant functional traits and ecological stoichiometries, in plant communities of various life forms in Guizhou (a province of China). The findings of our study revealed considerable variability in the functional trait characteristics of dominant species across different plant-community life forms. Specifically, strong positive correlations were observed among plant height (PLH), leaf area (LA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and specific leaf area (SLA) in the dominant species. Additionally, our results indicated no significant differences in leaf ecological stoichiometry among different life forms. However, we did observe significant differences and strong positive correlations between soil N:P, withered material C:N, and apomictic C:P. Furthermore, our study found that plant height (PLH), leaf area (LA), and specific leaf area (SLA) were particularly sensitive to the ecological stoichiometry of soil and apomixis. The results of our study suggest that the functional traits of diverse plant-community life forms in karst regions are capable of adapting to environmental changes through various expressions and survival strategies. The development of various plant-community life forms in karst areas is particularly vulnerable to phosphorus limitation, and the potential for litter decomposition and soil nutrient mineralization is comparatively weaker. The functional traits of various plant-community life forms in karst regions exhibit greater sensitivity to both the soil’s C:N ratio and the C:N ratio of apomictic material. Habitat variations may influence the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of the plant leaf–apomictic soil continuum. Full article

The Yangtze River Delta is one of China’s most economically developed regions and includes parts of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. The economic development of the Yangtze River Delta region is in a stage of rapid growth. As a unique intersection of urban and rural functions, contradictions are prominent. The production, life, and ecological functions of suburban rural landscapes are forming new trade-off and synergistic relationships. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the production–living–ecological function of the suburban rural landscape in the Yangtze River Delta region. Jiashan County is located in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, and is an important part of the Yangtze River Delta region. Jiashan County, which has location advantages and economic development, can be used as a representative area to study the relationship between the production–living–ecological function of the suburban rural landscape in the Yangtze River Delta region. To evaluate the current status of the production–living–ecological functions of suburban rural areas in the Yangtze River Delta region and provide data support for future planning decisions in the Yangtze River Delta region, this study selected the suburban rural landscape of Jiashan as the research object and used temporal rank correlation analysis and spatial bivariate autocorrelation analysis to explore the evolution characteristics of the suburban rural landscape of Jiashan from 2000 to 2020. The results show that (1) the linear increase in the production and life functions of Jiashan rural areas has led to a decline in ecological functions, and life functions has been dominant. (2) There are trade-offs and synergistic relationships between the different functions of the suburban rural landscape of Jiashan, showing a temporal change pattern dominated by trade-offs. (3) The multifunctional trade-offs and synergistic relationships for the suburban rural landscape in Jiashan County exhibited obvious spatial pattern variability, and there were differences in how the streets and towns evolved. The relevant policies for the construction of ecological green comprehensive demonstration areas affect the economic, social, and ecological development of the Yangtze River Delta region, resulting in substantial differences in the types of and trends in the spatiotemporal evolution of the functional trade-off and synergistic relationships of the suburban rural landscape. Targeted measures should be taken according to the local conditions to guide the coordinated development of landscape functions. Full article

The rise of artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the competitive landscape across various sectors, offering visionary enterprises new pathways to innovation development and to get a competitive edge. AI leverages data, analysis, and observations to perform tasks without hard coding, and benefits from self-learning and continuous improvement. We use Systems Thinking to frame how managers may adopt and integrate AI in business activities. We also investigate the motivations driving entrepreneurs to adopt AI solutions, and how they may impact on sustainable business model innovation, by administering a questionnaire to a sample of innovative Italian SMEs to get a comprehensive overview of the dynamics influencing AI adoption in business. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between technology, sustainability, and corporate innovation. It offers both valuable insights for future research and for strategic managerial decisions on AI integration. Furthermore, it helps the development of innovative, sustainable business models in the evolving landscape of the Great Reset. Full article

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common B-cell malignancy worldwide. Molecular classifications have tried to improve cure rates. We prospectively examined and correlated the mutational landscape with the clinical features and outcomes of 185 Mexican patients (median age 59.3 years, 50% women) with newly diagnosed DLBCL. A customized panel of 79 genes was designed, based on previous international series. Most patients had ECOG performance status (PS) < 2 (69.2%), advanced-stage disease (72.4%), germinal-center phenotype (68.1%), and double-hit lymphomas (14.1%). One hundred and ten (59.5%) patients had at least one gene with driver mutations. The most common mutated genes were as follows: TP53, EZH2, CREBBP, NOTCH1, and KMT2D. The median follow-up was 42 months, and the 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 70% and 72%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, both age > 50 years and ECOG PS > 2 were significantly associated with a worse OS. Our investigation did not reveal any discernible correlation between the presence of a specific mutation and survival. In conclusion, using a customized panel, we characterized the mutational landscape of a large cohort of Mexican DLBCL patients. These results need to be confirmed in further studies. Full article

Recognizing the challenges faced by power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the concept of integrated battery systems emerges as a promising avenue. This offers the potential for higher energy densities and assuaging concerns surrounding electric vehicle range anxiety. Moreover, mechanical design optimization, though previously overlooked, is gaining traction among researchers as a viable alternative to achieve enhanced energy and power densities. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent research and progress in this domain, emphasizing the significance of battery architectures in enabling the widespread adoption of electric mobility. Beginning with an exploration of fundamental principles underlying LIB systems, the paper discusses various architectures involving different cell form factors, like pouch cells, cylindrical cells, and prismatic cells, along with their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it reviews recent research trends, highlighting innovations aimed at enhancing battery performance, energy density, and safety through advanced battery system architecture. Through case studies and discussions on challenges and future directions, the paper underscores the critical role of advanced battery system architecture in driving the evolution of e-mobility and shaping the sustainable transportation landscape. Full article

Based on an examination of the outlooks and practices held by past and present Negev desert viticulturists vis-à-vis their environs, the article offers insights into how the wine sector can bolster its response to current climate adversity. The discussion fuses bio-archaeological research on the evolution of ancient grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera) in the Negev with an extensive ethnographic inquiry into the ongoing wine revival in arid southern Israel. Ancient DNA analysis of relic grape material led to the identification of an historical Negev viticulture lineage. The findings provide a temporal framework for contextualizing tphe interrelated anthropological data obtained on contemporary dryland viticulturalists and wine makers in Israel. Since the climate in the Negev has remained relatively stable over the last several millennia, it makes for an apt point of comparison via which to gauge the outlooks held by both historical and modern viticulturalists towards the local landscape. We suggest enacting two evidence-based adjustments to counter ecological instabilities: the holistic revival and applied renewal of historical cultivars, and the attendant agronomic routines that sustained their growth in the past. A more nuanced understanding of the unique terroir arid viticulturalists are operating in, together with the learned incorporation of the hardy genetic traits of age-old cultivars, will benefit wine growers to attune their responses to the array of challenges wrought by climate change on the wine industry. It is therefore our hope that the research methodologies and heritage-oriented horticultural perspectives we present in this paper will prove beneficial to broader wine growing regions (pax-Mediterranean and beyond) who are fortunate to likewise possess their own rich viticultural histories and lineages. Full article