Marine intervention tasks for retrieving large and heavy objects from vessels at sea is significantly important for maritime security. However, it remains a challenging task due to the lack of effective retrieval methods. Harsh open-sea conditions, unreliable GNSS due to either interruptions or deliberate spoofing by the vessels and the limitations of single robots in localizing and manipulating these objects pose significant challenges for the operations. To address these challenges, this article proposes an autonomous heterogeneous multi-robot system comprising two UAVs and a 6-DOF robot arm mounted on a USV to perform this complex task in a GNSS-denied marine environment. GNSS limitations for UAV localization are addressed using UWB beacons specially installed on the USV. Our approach involves the robot arm initially estimating the object’s position. Then the UAVs fly over the target vessel and search for the object using this information. Once object is located, a custom-designed tethered bar mechanism attached to the UAVs drags the object towards the workspace of the robot arm mounted in the USV. This work also introduces a decentralized framework to facilitate effective information sharing and collaboration among the robots. Field trials in maritime conditions demonstrate that by combining these elements, our system possesses significant potential for real-world maritime security and rescue applications. Videos for the field trails can be found at https://youtu.be/a_JzZf7QqWM

Kawakawa ( Macropiper excelsum), is an endemic plant of Aotearoa New Zealand. Kawakawa holds cultural significance to Māori as a rākau rongoā (medicinal plant). Kawakawa is traditionally used internally to relieve gastrointestinal and genitourinary problems as well as topically to treat a range of skin conditions and may have anti-diabetic properties. The kawakawa looper/whangawhanga ( Cleora scriptaria) creates characteristic holes in kawakawa leaves and traditional mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) has identified that leaves eaten by the caterpillars have greater healing properties. To substantiate this traditional knowledge, we used Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS), a metabolomics fingerprinting technique that does not require sample preparation and is suitable for spatial analysis, to measure metabolite differences between leaves exposed to different caterpillars. Three species; brindled bell moth ( Epalxiphora axenana), brown headed leafroller ( Ctenopseustis obliquana), and kawakawa looper ( Cleora scriptaria), were fed on kawakawa leaves. Leaves with and without caterpillar damage were harvested from plants, adhering to Māori principles (tikanga), and stored at -80°C. REIMS with a laser interface was used to generate metabolite fingerprints from caterpillar eaten and non-eaten sections from the same leaf and other non-eaten leaves from the same plant, and differences determined using multivariate modelling. There were substantial differences in the metabolomic fingerprint between eaten and non-eaten leaves of the same kawakawa plants, and of uneaten leaves from plants that had no insect herbivory. We found no difference between artificially hole punched leaves and non-eaten leaves, suggesting that metabolic variation in leaves is due to the interaction between caterpillars and leaves. Further, differences were observed between eaten leaves of the three caterpillar species emphasising the specificity of plant responses to herbivore feeding. Our results support the mātauranga that the caterpillar causes a change in plant chemical composition, potentially increasing the plant’s medicinal value.

A document by Chien Chieh Wang. Click on the document to view its contents.

Body colorations have been investigated intensely concerning their adaptive significance from the ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Melanism has gathered growing attention thanks to its marked variability across space, time and taxon and, in ectotherms, it has been hypothesised to be driven by thermal advantages. Among reptiles, vipers show conspicuous inter- and intraspecific patterns of variation, making them excellent models to address evolutionary and adaptive patterns. We investigated the thermal melanism hypothesis across Viperidae by performing a phylogenetic comparative approach to assess whether its occurrence is phylogenetically driven or, alternatively, whether it is influenced by climate. We found no phylogenetic signal of melanism and reconstructed the ”non-melanic” form as the ancestral state at the root of their phylogeny, whereas a climatic effect was found so that melanism is more frequent in colder environments. With this work we provide, for the first time and on a large scale, strong support to the TMH in ectotherms; moreover, we hypothesize that melanism has evolved in multiple events throughout the diversification of vipers, and that it has been maintained only when its role as a response to sub-optimal environments counterbalances and overcomes the trade-off with fitness decrease due to higher predation risk.

In recent years, with the increasing demand for energy storage technology, there is an urgent need for more efficient, lower cost, and more stable Zinc-Air Batteries (ZABs) devices to adapt. Therefore, how to improve the air cathode catalyst is a problem that cannot be bypassed. In order to solve this key problem, the synthesis and application of ZABs air cathode catalysts, especially cobalt phosphide materials (2019 to early 2024), are discussed in this paper. The synthesis scheme and purpose of cobalt phosphide and its derivatives are briefly evaluated in the selected literature. The performance of ZABs devices assembled with air cathode catalyst is also reviewed. Finally, the development in recent years is described, and the future development is prospected. this work may be for the future air cathode catalyst cobalt phosphate and its derivatives ZABs studies provide some guidance.

Introduction. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in Kyrgyzstan. The study aimed at exploring the CVD prevalence depending on various risk factors across diverse ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan Materials and Methods.A cross-sectional study was carried out among six ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan, aged 18 years and above. The sample was stratified for age, education, family status, and income. We used a questionnaire with 47 questions to explore the health status, behaviour and lifestyle determinants and prevalence of CVD. We used Chi-Square Test to investigate differences between groups, and ANCOVA to determine differences between mean scores on analysed variable. Logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Confounding variables were only included if they correlated with both the independent and dependent variables. Interaction analyses were conducted with logistic regression to investigate if there were any differences between the nationalities in the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Results. Our study confirmed that the CVD prevalence across diverse ethnic groups can be significantly different: In Kyrgyzstan, the most disadvantaged group in this context were East European and the least – Western Asian. There was no difference between studied groups found in the ethnicity-stratified prevalence of such CVD risk factors as low fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol intake, smoking, and BMI. There was no statistically significant association between educational attainment and CVD risk markers within the studied ethnic groups. The analysis of ethnicity-stratified prevalence of CVD risk markers resulted in a significant difference in physical activity across ethnicity groups. Conclusion. The study results provided an understanding of the ethnicity-stratified prevalence of CVD risk markers in the population in Kyrgyzstan. They could serve as instrumental in tailoring targeted public health interventions to address the burden of CVDs in specific subpopulations.

Background: In the context of precision diagnosis for various subtypes of melanoma, identifying biomarkers with clinical translational potential from a molecular standpoint is crucial for a more comprehensive characterization of the disease. MUC18 is highly expressed in both tumor cells and tumor vasculature in major melanoma subtypes and is restricted to normal tissues. Methods: A noninvasive imaging approach for MUC18 in melanoma utilizing an immune Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radionuclide-conjugated drug (RDC) with an 89Zr-labeled humanized anti-MUC18 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was developed. A375, Sk-Mel-28, HMVII, and A549 cells and tumor model mice were conducted. Immuno-PET was employed to assess the specificity and targeting of three distinct melanoma cell line-derived xenografts (CDXs) and patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) in immunodeficient mice. Results: The developed RDC, named 89Zr-IP150, demonstrated robust in vitro stability and high binding affinity, ensuring reliable and specific PET imaging of small, medium, and large subcutaneous tumors in human melanoma mouse xenotransplantation models. Notably, for the first time, the clinical translational potential of 89Zr-IP150 was successfully validated using a PDX model. Conclusions: These findings present a noninvasive, real-time method for the early screening of MUC18 (+) melanoma patients and are important for studying the early-stage biological distribution of MUC18-targeted antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs).

Background: Trauma plays an important role in the development and maintenance of psychosis. However, it is still under-examined in daily clinical practice. The current study investigated the rates of recording of trauma-exposure in the clinical histories of a first-episode psychosis (FEP) cohort attending an early intervention psychosis service. Methods: This study used a retrospective chart review methodology in a six-year epidemiologically complete (FEP) first-episode psychosis cohort attending an early intervention psychosis service. The Trauma and Life Events Checklist was used to define the rate and types of trauma exposure reported in clinical histories. The relationships were examined between recorded trauma-exposure and positive and negative symptoms, depression, and duration of untreated psychosis at first assessment. Results: A high rate of recorded trauma exposure was found, indicating that clinicians are recording trauma-exposure in daily practice through clinical histories. Childhood trauma exposure was recorded in 47.4% of the sample. No significant relationships between the recorded trauma-exposure and symptom measures were found. A significant relationship was found between interpersonal stressors and positive symptoms, and work-related stress and negative symptoms, highlighting the important of proximal stressful life events. Discussion: Even though clinicians were not assessing trauma systematically using standardised instruments, this study found that clinicians were recording trauma-exposure in daily practice. The high rates of trauma-exposure highlighted the need for trauma to be systematically diagnosed, assessed and treated in planning services for people with psychosis. This study found no significant relationship between recorded trauma-exposure and symptomology.

Bat populations are highly diverse, making bat species taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships an important research topic. Mitochondrial DNA, a form of maternal inheritance, has been extensively used in species relationship research. Barbastella caspica has spread widely in the Caspian region, Iran, and Central Asia, however there is no evidence of its occurrence in China. During a field investigation, we obtained a single specimen of the B. caspica species for the first time in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome, presented its genomic structure and features, and examined its evolutionary position in relation to its congenerous. The mitochondrial genome of B. caspica spans 16,933 bp, composing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a displacement loop/control region. Consistent with previous bat mitogenome reports, the majority of mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy chain. With the exception of the DHU arm in tRNA-Ser1, all other tRNAs exhibit a “cloverleaf” secondary structure. Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 protein-coding genes revealed that Rhogeessa, Plecotus, and B. caspica formed one clade within the Vespertilionidae. B. caspica was found to be a sister species to B. beijingensis and B. leucomelas in the phylogenetic trees using the cytochrome b and ND1 gene sequences, respectively. This is the first report of the Barbastella genus’ mitogenome, as well as the first record of a B. caspica species from China.

The design and development of efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries have become increasingly urgent. This study systematically investigated the OER/ORR catalytic activities of NiN4, NiN3, NiN3H2, NiN4X, NiN3X, and NiN3H2X (X denotes axial ligand) through density functional theory (DFT) calulations. This study unveils two distinct reaction pathways for ORR and OER, involving proton-electron pairs adsorbed from both the solution and the catalyst surface. When proton-electron pairs are adsorbed from the solution. The introduction of N defects, two hydrogen atoms, and axial ligands, can significantly reduce the ORR overpotential. Specifically, NiN3, NiN3H2, NiN3X, and NiN3H2X (X = CN, NO2, and NH2) exhibited superior ORR activity compared to Pt. Meanwhile, the introduction of N-defects (NiN3) and two H atoms (NiN3H2) significantly improves their OER overpotential. To sum up, NiN3 and NiN3H2 show promise as pH-universal bifunctional electrocatalysts for both ORR and OER. On the other hand, when proton-electron pairs are adsorbed from the catalyst surface, the reaction energy barrier becomes the crucial metric for assessing catalytic activity. Our investigation reveals that NiN3H2 consistently exhibits optimal ORR activity across a wide pH range, regardless of the source of proton-electron pair (solvent or catalyst surface).

Drought is one of the most devastating causes of yield losses in crops like maize and the anticipated increases in severity and duration of drought spells due to climate change pose an imminent threat to agricultural productivity. To understand the drought response, phenotypic and molecular studies are typically performed at a given time point after drought onset, representing a steady-state adaptation response. Because growth is a dynamic process, we monitored the drought response with high temporal resolution and examined cellular and transcriptomic changes after rehydration at 4 and 6 days after leaf four appearance. These data showed that the division zone activity is a determinant for full organ growth recovery upon rehydration. Moreover, a prolonged maintenance of cell division by the ectopic expression of PLASTOCHRON1 extends the ability to resume growth after rehydration. The transcriptome analysis also indicated that GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORS (GRFs) affected leaf growth by impacting cell division duration, which was confirmed by a prolonged recovery potential of the GRF1-overexpression line after rehydration. Finally, we used a multiplex genome editing approach to evaluate the most promising differentially expressed genes from the transcriptome study and as such narrowed down the gene space from forty to seven genes for future functional characterization.

All-solid-state ion selective electrodes (ASS-ISEs) is easy to miniaturize and array, just meeting the needs of home sensing devices. However, ASS-ISEs still faces challenges in accuracy and stability due to basic potential changes caused by non-specific adsorption of charged background compositions and the complex electrode preparation steps. To this end, our group successfully subtracted the background signal by integrating a self-calibrating channel in the sensing array, and simplified the electrode preparation steps by preparing multi-functional PS-Au nanocomposites. However, the uniformity and gold content of PS-Au nanocomposites are difficult to control, so Au@PS nanocomposites are prepared as sensor materials in this paper to further reduce the differences between batches of electrodes. K+ Au@PS sensing array can be obtained by directly dropping Au@PS nanocomposites on the screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), which shows a near Nernstian behavior in the range of 1.0×10-3 M to 0.3 M and good reproducibility in real sample testing. The detection results by K+ Au@PS sensing array for K+ in human morning urine agreed well with that tested by ICP-AES, which is suitable for home health monitoring.

The European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) is the flagship initiative under the novel eIDAS1 regulation, aiming at enhancing digital identification by providing all EU citizens with a universal and secure digital ID. This ID will facilitate a wide range of activities, including travel, work, cross-border education, access to online services, payments, document signing, and more. Current efforts concentrate on specifications for Person Identification Data (PID) and other attribute attestations via Verifiable Credentials (VC) and the requirements for PID Providers, Qualified and Electronic Attribute Authorities (QAA and EAA), EUDI Wallet Providers, Relying Parties, and other actors within the EUDI Wallet ecosystem. This paper delves into further essential requirements of the eIDAS 2.01 regulation and proposes the FIDO framework as a solution for central aspects such as strong customer authentication, user sole control and device attestation. FIDO is not only an efficient framework for Strong User Authentication (SUA), but has also been recognized by the EU Cybersecurity Agency (ENISA)2 and the ETSI TR 119 460 report3 as compliant with eIDAS eID schemes. In this paper, we first briefly state the requirements of the EUDI Wallet Architecture and Reference Framework (ARF) for online and proximity identification and authentication, and propose leveraging the FIDO framework for authentication in the EUDI Wallet (section 1). Next, we highlight the potential complementarity of the current ARF design effort and the FIDO framework, explaining how the use of FIDO can achieve economies of standardization and accelerate the adoption of the EUDI Wallet by service providers that rely on additional security guarantees for LoA High, such as financial institutions and critical infrastructure operators (section 2). In section 3 we outline the technical details for seamlessly integrating a FIDO authenticator into the EUDI Wallet architecture. Finally, we introduce the need for protected confirmation, as a means to enable EUDI Wallet users to “reliably control what they confirm on their device”, and recommend to also leverage protected confirmation for selective disclosure (section 4).

Network security is experiencing huge challenges as network attacks on traffic data become more frequent and sophisticated. In this paper, we employ hybrid deep learning models and low-rank approximation to present a novel method for multi-label categorization of network assaults on traffic data. Our suggested solution, LR-CNN-MLP, consists of three models While the CNN and MLP models extract features and categorise data, respectively, the low-rank approximation model reduces the input's dimensionality. Overall, by combining hybrid models and low-rank approximation, our proposed LR-CNN-MLP approach provides a promising solution for multi-label categorization of network attacks on traffic data.

Non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) are a known cause of neurological illnesses, and in recent years, respiratory complications have been linked to EV-D68, EV-A71, and human rhinovirus (HRV). Understanding and identifying the molecules responsible for the inflammatory responses associated with NPEVs is vital to targeting current therapeutic compounds effectively. One such molecule is HMGB1, which plays a critical role in inducing inflammation. Disulfide-HMGB1 interaction with TLR-4 leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Infected or dying cells also secrete extracellular HMGB1 and innate immune molecules. The HMGB1-RAGE axis can trigger inflammasome formation by activating caspase-1, resulting in pyroptosis. Recent research has shown that EV-A71 infection induces gasdermin-D, which causes perforations in the plasma membrane and subsequent inflammasome formation and causes pyroptosis. This cascade releases IL-1β and IL-18, leading to cell lysis, inflammatory cell recruitment, and increased cytokine production. However, excessive production of these cells and cytokines can lead to severe complications, including cytokine storms that exacerbate disease symptoms. By focusing on these key molecular targets and pathways, we can move further to mitigate the devastating effects of uncontrolled inflammation during viral infections, including NPEVs. The therapeutic potential of compounds such as HMGB1 inhibitors, P2X7 receptor antagonists, and anti-inflammatory agents like ethyl pyruvate, heparin, glycyrrhizin, and resveratrol offers exciting avenues for future research and clinical application.

Real-time, proportional deployment of an Active Gurney Flap (AGF) located near the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade on the pressure surface is used to modulate aerodynamic performance. Wind tunnel experiments are conducted using an AGF model based on the geometry of a commonly used wind turbine blade over a range of Re numbers from 160 ,000 to 414 ,000, angle of attack (AOA) from - 1 0 ◦ to 1 5 ◦ , and AGF deployment positions from 0 ◦ to 1 3 5 ◦ . The torque required to raise and lower the AGF was measured and found to be approximately C T = 0 . 1 , independent of the deployment rate and the Re number. Aerodynamic force measurements demonstrate that the deployment of the AGF is capable of improving the lift and pitch moment performance with an increased lift-to-drag ratio. Aerodynamic changes are proportional to the AGF deployment angle, with a maximum effect observed at 7 0 ◦ to the chord. The aerodynamic changes occur instantly as the flap is deployed, although sudden changes in aerodynamic loading induce mechanical vibration of the wind tunnel model on the supporting sting.

We report double peak characteristics in the observed photocurrent generation in solar panels composed of GaInP/GaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells (TJSC) aboard a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) spacecraft. Using short-circuit current data from an imaging satellite in a polar Sun-synchronous orbit as our case study, we observe excess current generation—up to approximately 6% —at the beginning and end of each orbit. This phenomenon is most pronounced at polar latitudes and exhibits a strong seasonal dependence, which we attribute to Earth’s albedo. We extract and analyze the albedo’s contribution to the nominal photocurrent generation and qualitatively examine its influence across different seasons and geospatial locations. These findings may be critical inputs for optimizing solar panel design and preemptively protecting imaging sensors from saturation caused by unaccounted illumination in future missions.

Sac7d is a 7 kDa protein belonging to the class of the small chromosomal proteins from archeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Sac7d was discovered in 1974 in Yellowtone National Parks geysers, and studied extensively since then for its remarkable stability at large pH and temperature ranges. Sac7d binds to DNA minor groove, thereby protecting the host genome from extreme conditions by increasing the DNA melting temperature. In this study, we analyzed the Sac7d-DNA complex using 1 µs molecular dynamics simulations. The interaction energy of the interface was decomposed using Molecular Mechanics with Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) to determine the residues that contributed most significantly to DNA binding. Out of twelve amino acids considered essential for DNA binding, three were newly identified in this study and had not been previously reported. One of these new amino acids, R63, may be involved in a dynamic protein-DNA interaction. The simulations performed also revealed a sliding motion of Sac7d over double-stranded DNA, suggesting a minimal sequence dependence interaction. Our analysis thus provides novel insights into how the Sac7d chaperones allow to protect DNA from degradation in extreme conditions.

Acquired resistance to first-line treatments in various cancers both promotes cancer recurrence as well as limits effective treatment. This is true for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, for which secondary EGFR mutations are one of the principal mechanisms conferring resistance to the covalent inhibitor osimertinib. Thus, it is very important to develop a deeper understanding of the secondary mutational resistance mechanisms associated with EGFR mutations arising in tumors treated with osimertinib to expedite the development of innovative therapeutic drugs to overcome acquired resistance. This work uses all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the conformational variation of two reported EGFR mutants (L858R/L718Q and L858R/L792H) that resist osimertinib. The wild-type EGFR kinase domain and the L858R mutant are used as the reference. Our MD simulation results revealed that both the L718Q and L792 secondary mutations induce additional hydrogen bonds between the residues in the active pocket and the residues with the water molecules. These additional hydrogen bonds reduce the exposure area of C797, the covalent binding target of osimertinib. The additional hydrogen bonds also influence the binding affinity of the EGFR kinase domain by altering the secondary structure and flexibility of the amino acid residues in the domain. Our work highlights how the two reported mutations may alter both residue-residue and residue-solvent hydrogen bonds, affecting protein binding properties, which could be helpful for future drug discovery.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of water- and land-based exercise on lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Children with post COVID-19 condition aged 10-12 years were randomly assigned to water-based exercise (AQUA), land-based exercise (LAND), or control group with no exercise (CONTROL). The outcomes were the changes in lung function (Lungtest Handy) from baseline to immediately after the 8-week intervention. Parameters measured included forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and vital capacity (VC). Results: After the intervention, there was a significant difference (p<0.01) between the AQUA and LAND groups compared to the CONTROL group for FEV 1 values (F (2,64) = 6.80; P = 0.91; p<0.01, η2 = 0.18), and significant differences between CONTROL and AQUA groups (p<0.01) and CONTROL and LAND groups (p<0.05) for FEV 1 (F(2,64) = 6.96; P = 0.91; p<0.01, η2 = 0.18). Repetitions-Groups interactions for FEV 1/%FVC (F(2,64) = 0.71, P = 0.162, p>0.05,η2 = 0.030) showed that the changes that occurred varied from group to group and the reason for this was an upward trend in LAND and AQUA and a downward trend in CONTROL. Conclusion: The study found that a supervised twice weekly 8-week exercise training program in water and on land improved lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition.

Contextual teaching and learning (CTL) focuses on the idea that learners construct knowledge rather than receive knowledge. Therefore, CTL is usually considered as a design-based learning method.  Design-based education (DBE) incorporates self-regulated learning stages and concurrent processes, focusing on developing a sustainable approach to teaching and learning. while planning the learning activities, methods, feedback, guidance, and evaluation, the phases of developing a sustainable learning environment, or DBE learning  should be taken into consideration while planning the learning activities, methods, feedback, guidance, and evaluation. This study is an action research that focuses on  quantitative and qualitative analysis. It aims at investigating the use of CTL e-learning activities in teaching a psychology course  in a private college , and how this teaching pedagogy impacts student's academic performance, understanding of abstract and psychological concepts, critical thinking, and creativity. The study also analyzes the effectiveness of an E-book as a reflective tool in the learning process. Specific data is collected from one course of psychology with 12 participants at a private college in Muscat, Oman. The results of both the quantitative and qualitative analysis indicate a positive correlation between the use of E-books and academic performance of the students. The findings also show that applying CTL as a sustainable pedagogy while using DBE ,which is the E-book as a reflective tool, has a significant impact on the learner’s understanding of psychological terms and concepts as well as their critical and creative thinking

This study investigated the efficacy of three newly introduced rotary endodontic systems: Genius ProFlex, TruNatomy, and ZenFlex. Forty-five mandibular molars with root canal curvatures <5° were utilized. Micro-CT scans were performed pre- and post-preparation to assess apical transportation, centralization, dentin thickness, and canal volume alterations. Eight instruments of each diameter underwent cyclic fatigue testing. Dentin thickness on mesial and distal walls showed no significant differences among ZenFlex, TruNatomy, and Genius ProFlex at 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm from the apical foramen and root canal orifice (p>0.05). Centering ability varied in the mesiolingual canal (p<0.05). No notable differences were observed in transportation (p>0.05). Genius ProFlex demonstrated lower volumetric changes (p<0.05). There were significant differences in cyclic fatigue, with higher values for Genius ProFlex and lower values for TruNatomy (p<0.05). The three NiTi rotary instruments are safe and efficient for root canal preparation, with Genius ProFlex exhibiting superior cyclic fatigue resistance.

In view of the increasing difficulty of regional short-term load forecasting and user data protection under the complex environment of energy Internet, a daily load forecasting method based on federated learning and Transformer model is proposed. Firstly, design a dynamic privacy budget to improve the differential privacy algorithm, and introduce it into federated learning for privacy protection of user electricity meter data collection. Then, combining the improved GCN-TCN and Transformer models to analyze the load data, and using it as a local model for federated learning for collaborative training. Finally, establish a daily load forecasting framework based on federated learning, aggregate model parameters through the FedAdam algorithm, and construct a global model to achieve high-precision load forecasting. Based on the selected dataset, experimental analysis is conducted on the proposed method, and the results showed that its predicted results are very close to the actual values. Taking workdays as an example, its MAPE, RMSLE, and MAE are 1.573%, 0.019, and 23.581MW, respectively, and could effectively protect privacy and predictive performance.

Breeding endangered species in captivity for reintroduction into their natural environment does not always yield the desired results. Despite significant financial and human resource input, adult birds and their offspring commonly die due to disease. This research compared the breeding success of capercaillies kept in breeding centre in relatively natural conditions and under strictly controlled, highly sanitary conditions between 1993 and 2020. The results showed that breeding under controlled conditions was more successful, with females laying, on average, more eggs (+3.4 eggs), hatching more chicks (+20.5%) and raising more offspring (+3.1 individuals). In addition, hatching success was higher (+ 13.18%) under capercaillie females than under foster parents (domestic hens). The percentage of chicks lost was higher (+14.82%) when incubated by domestic hens and reared without the involvement of capercaillie females. Controlled maintenance conditions thus led to significantly better breeding results (number of reared birds intended for release or sale to other facilities) and ensured the profitability of the breeding center.